The Ayatollahs have ridden out the storm

I'm no big fan of the Iranian regime, however, there's no reason to think there's a preferable alternative to the Ayatollahs. The current regime has survived for almost half a century, largely because it is at least semi-democratic, the elected officials do have some influence, and the Ayatollahs do try to meet the needs of the people, up to a point anyway. This is probably preferable to the rule of the Shah, which was a totally undemocratic monarchy. The current regime is a cross between a parliamentary democracy and a theocratic meritocracy, in which the toughest, smartest cleric rises to the top of the heap. There are worse ways of running a government, after all, however brutal they may be at times. The current failings of the regime are essentially economic, and that's what the rioting has been about. However, the regime has powerful friends like China and Russia, and, these nations can assist the regime economically to stabilize the economic difficulties, to some extent. No doubt, currently they are working hard to do just that. Of course, Iran's direct competitors, particularly Israel and the US, would very much like to see the collapse of the Iranians regime, and are undoudtedly doing everything in their power to do just that. The CIA and Mossad are instigating these riots in Iran, at least to some extent, unquestionably. However, they are failing. Why are they failing? Obviously the Iranian regime is far from perfect. However, how exactly can and should it be improved? Does anyone really know? Sure, everyone would have some ideas. Less religion, a more open economy, more democracy etc. But, how well would these work to improve the economy? The Russians tried to "lighten up" after communism, and, it was a total disaster. They've had to move somewhat back the other way, to stabilize their government and economy. So, I'm really doubtful that anything useful will come from US and Israeli efforts to destabilize the Iranian regime. Why bother, with no real altnerative plan, at all.