Can the faction known as the “principalists” in Iran, loyal to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, engineer the upcoming presidential elections‘ outcome in a manner similar to 2005 and 2009? Back then, this group resorted to fraud and vote-rigging to have their desired candidate selected. Is the … [Read more...] about What Does the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Want Out of Iran’s Upcoming Elections?
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
Iran’s presidential election: Nothing new after 38 years
We were recently witness to the first debate of Iran's 2017 presidential election, which can be evaluated from a variety of perspectives. One simple conclusion is that all candidates failed to provide any hope for a better future. Remembering how the 2009 debates paved the way for nationwide … [Read more...] about Iran’s presidential election: Nothing new after 38 years
ANALYSIS: Is there anything Iran’s presidential election can change?
The US is said to be weighing a variety of different approaches on the regime ruling Iran after the upcoming May 19 presidential election. This line of thought argues any punishing measure by the US now would support “hardliners” against “moderates”. The problem is that any such distinction of … [Read more...] about ANALYSIS: Is there anything Iran’s presidential election can change?
Understanding Iran’s presidential elections crisis
It appears Iran’s presidential elections, scheduled for May 19th, are becoming ever more complicated. The question of who might face the incumbent President Hassan Rouhani was a trending topic recently, including the significant news of Ebrahim Raisi‘s entry into the race (Raisi is a mullah very … [Read more...] about Understanding Iran’s presidential elections crisis
Iran’s 2017 Election: Ahmadinejad’s Candidacy Signals the Regime’s Weakening
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s entrance into Iran’s electoral race is deeply dangerous. At a time when public hatred in Iran nears a high point for Iranian President Hassan Rouhani due to his report card of deception and influential cleric Ebrahim Raisi for his role in massive killings and massacres, … [Read more...] about Iran’s 2017 Election: Ahmadinejad’s Candidacy Signals the Regime’s Weakening
Ebrahim Raisi, the new candidate in Iran’s presidential election
The candidacy of a cleric well known for his role in the atrocious crimes by the regime ruling Iran over the past three decades was announced. Ebrahim Raisi, currently head of the massive Astan Quds Razavi entity in control of a sacred Shiite Muslim shrine, will be running for president in the May … [Read more...] about Ebrahim Raisi, the new candidate in Iran’s presidential election
Iran’s Elections: A Breaking Crisis?
The 12th presidential election in Iran will be held on May 19th. These polls are taking place at a time when the regime in Tehran, and especially Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, are facing three distinct crises. a) Khamenei, suffering from prostate cancer, sees his days as numbered and must designate … [Read more...] about Iran’s Elections: A Breaking Crisis?
The Iran opportunity before Donald Trump
By Heshmat Alavi Friday, 20 January 2017 After eight years of US President Barack Obama teaching seemingly unending lessons of Iran Appeasement 101, a new administration in Washington has the opportunity to right the many wrongs of this failed policy. Obama’s doctrine has allowed Iran to launch … [Read more...] about The Iran opportunity before Donald Trump
Iran: Why “moderate” Rouhani can’t tolerate 2 motorcycling women
By Heshmat Alavi Two young women were arrested last week in Dezful, southwest Iran, for riding a motorcycle, according to a report wired by state-run IRNA news agency. As images went viral a social-media backlash was sparked against the ultra-conservative establishment ruling the country. But … [Read more...] about Iran: Why “moderate” Rouhani can’t tolerate 2 motorcycling women
Iran after Rafsanjani
By Amir Basiri Dying at the age of 82 from a heart attack on Sunday, former Iranian president Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani had a long record of guiding the regime’s lethal measures domestically and abroad, including suicide bombings and eliminating exiled dissidents. Such an image is far from the … [Read more...] about Iran after Rafsanjani