Well, actually it's a Republic (so is America). Here is a quick definition for those who use democracy in place of republic often.
Democracy: Democracy is a system of government by which political sovereignty is retained by the people and exercised directly by citizens.
Republic: A republic is a state or country that is not led by a hereditary monarch, but in which the people (or at least a part of its people)[3] have impact on its government. The word originates from the Latin term res publica, which translates as "public thing" or "public matter".
Summation of the Iranian Governmental structure:
The political system of the Islamic Republic is based on the 1979 Constitution. The system comprises several intricately connected governing bodies. The Supreme Leader of Iran is responsible for delineation and supervision of the general policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Supreme Leader is Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, controls the military intelligence and security operations; and has sole power to declare war or peace. The heads of the judiciary, state radio and television networks, the commanders of the police and military forces and six of the twelve members of the Council of Guardians are appointed by the Supreme Leader.The Assembly of Experts elects and dismisses the Supreme Leader on the basis of qualifications and popular esteem. The Assembly of Experts is responsible for supervising the Supreme Leader in the performance of legal duties.
After the Supreme Leader, the Constitution defines the President of Iran as the highest state authority. The President is elected by universal suffrage for a term of four years and can only be re-elected for one term. Presidential candidates must be approved by the Council of Guardians prior to running in order to ensure their allegiance to the ideals of the Islamic revolution. The President is responsible for the implementation of the Constitution and for the exercise of executive powers, except for matters directly related to the Supreme Leader, who has the final say in all matters. The President appoints and supervises the Council of Ministers, coordinates government decisions, and selects government policies to be placed before the legislature.[74] Eight Vice-Presidents serve under the President, as well as a cabinet of twenty two ministers, who must all be approved by the legislature.[75] Unlike many other states, the executive branch in Iran does not control the armed forces. Although the President appoints the Ministers of Intelligence and Defense, it is customary for the President to obtain explicit approval from the Supreme Leader for these two ministers before presenting them to the legislature for a vote of confidence.
I am writing this diary because I read over and over on this site, from television pundits and personalities, even from members of our government declaring they wish to see democracy in Iran. It exists already, insofar as the word "democracy" means our form of republican government.
Of course it is not perfect. Some would say our "democracy" is not perfect. However, compared to the state of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Pakistan (to name a few) whom the United States has good relationships with, Iran is much more democratic. The Persians, gasp, actually vote for the people they wish to lead them. What a radical policy in the Middle East!
Some would say, "but they don't have a secular government the religious zealots are in charge".
Did any of you watch the Saddleback forum? Have you all watched these last 8 years as the evangelicals have gained plenty of power in American politics? Have we ever elected a President that did not believe in God (well at least openly claim devotion to Christianity...I mean can Bush believe in god and then murder 1 million plus people? think not).
So I'm writing this diary just to get this off my chest. Stop with the whole Iran isn't a democracy thing. First know what the term means and use it more appropriately, or, failing that, at least say, "We need regime change in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, UAE...."