The Accountability of Para-governmental Organizations (bonyads): The Case of Iranian Foundations

Abstract

This paper attempts to explain the emergence and development of para-governmental organizations (bonyads) in Iran and demonstrate their contradictory position in the Iranian political economy. These organizations represent the dual power structure in Iran which reinforces the financial authority of religious leaders without accountability. By analyzing the functions of these organizations, the paper sets out to probe their economic policies in line with the government's populist macroeconomic policies. The paper demonstrates the adverse effects of these organizations on political development and economic reforms in the post-Khomeini era when the struggle for accountability soared.

Religion and Social Policy in the Middle East: The (Re)Constitution of an Old-New Partnership

“…These institutions have various relationships with the state; in Lebanon, for instance, two‐thirds of the budget of the Ministry of Social Affairs goes towards financing non‐governmental organizations in directly providing services to poor and vulnerable groups especially in the areas of social care (Jawad 2009b). In Iran, a theocratic, oil‐producing state, religious welfare organizations such as Emdad or Behzisty , which are discussed below, act as para‐state organizations providing services to the poor, and benefit from public funds (Saeidi 2004). The rentier state concept misses the existence of social security legislation in Middle Eastern countries and the role of taxation in funding social protection or health insurance schemes.…”

Drugs and Revolution in Iran: Islamic Devotion, Revolutionary Zeal and Republican Means

“…6 State-led modernization had transformed social policies, and after the victory of the revolution, the ruling establishment "inherited a fairly well developed administrative and physical infrastructure as well as substantial inequalities." 7 When the shah lost grip on power and the regime started to crumble in face of massive popular uprisings, the technocratic entourage at the head of state institutions fled the country or was arrested by the revolutionaries, 8 or, for all practical purposes, adopted a "quietist" tactic, retiring from the public sphere. The technical expertise developed over decades of drug control policies, especially treatment and rehabilitation programs, was de facto annihilated and expert personnel became reluctant to serve in the new political environment.…”

Ordres contradictoires et coordination destructive: le malaise iranien

“…Les Bonyads (fondations religieuses) sont considérés comme paragouvernementaux (Saeidi, 2004) ou comme des 'fondations paraétatiques' (Maloney, 2000). Il existe une grande variété de Bonyads parmi lesquels Bonyad-e Mostazafan va Janbazan (BMJ, la fondation des déshérités) et Bonyad-e Chahid (la fondation des martyres) 24 sont les plus importants.…”