The recent tensions and threats of war between the USA and Iran have roots to the origins of the Islamic Republic following the 1979 Revolution that overthrew the despotic dictatorship of the Shah.Since then, Iran has continued to remain a regional power, especially after surviving the 10 year long war with Iraq. The current tensions are different front the past in that they come after years of popular uprisings in the region and have seen new players emerge, with alliances becoming much more fluid.APC interviewed Joseph Daher, an academic and socialist activist. He is also the author of the recent book 'Syria after the Uprisings , the political economy of state resilience'.Asia Pacific Currents provides updates of labour struggles and campaigns from the Asia Pacific region. It is produced by Australia Asia Worker Links, in the studio of 3CR Radio in Melbourne, Australia