Iran’s Future Tied to State’s Treatment of Green Movement

Babak

TEHRAN—It appears that the future of the Islamic Republic, even in the short term, is tied to how the government treats those people who are defined as the Green Movement. In the absence of free and independent media, and when political parties cannot operate legally and freely, these protesters pursue their demands on the streets of Iran’s cities. more»

Iran’s Bubble Boys

These are the men who make up Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s inner circle — and will determine if the Iranian president can strengthen his tenuous grip on power.

Geneive Abdo
(This article was published in Foreign Policy.com)

Over the last seven months, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s base of support appears to have steadily shrunk: Countless conservative politicians and clerics, such as former Intelligence Minister Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, have even parted ways with the Iranian president and joined the expanding group of his foes. But though his list of detractors is getting longer, a number of men continue to stand behind the president, ensuring his hold on power. more»

A Unity Plan Could Be Green Movement’s Lifeline

Babak

TEHRAN—After the controversial June 12 presidential election, and the most critical days in the history of the Islamic Republic that followed, elders in various political parties and different factions believe that a unity plan is the only way out of the current crisis. more»

Conservatives Doubt Ahmadinejad Remarks About Iran Accepting Nuclear Deal with West

Arash Aramesh

In the aftermath of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s statements suggesting that he would now accept a demand from Western governments for Iran to ship some of its fuel abroad for enrichment, some conservatives are casting doubt on the veracity of his statements. They are asking him to clarify his position because they doubt that Iran’s decision not to comply with the demand from Western governments has shifted. more»

Khatami Denies His Reported Criticism of Khamenei

Arash Aramesh

Former President Mohammad Khatami said January 31, that he wants the Supreme Leader to be the leader of all Iranians and not just the leader of a certain faction within the Iranian government. His comment was a direct criticism of how Khamenei has sided with the hardliners around President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. more»

Chief Justice Larijani Says Judiciary Must Be Free of Politics

Arash Aramesh

In a surprise move, Chief Justice Ayatollah Sadegh Larijani said he has no intention of enforcing laws, such as the executions of dissents, that are politically motivated and not in accordance with Islamic law. “Expediting the implementation of sentences and verdicts must be in complete accordance with the Sharia and the laws (of Iran),” he said. more»