Q&A
Aaron David Miller, Karim Sadjadpour, Robin Wright
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Source: Getty
In The Media
Understanding Iran's Turmoil
In the aftermath of Iran's disputed election the opposition has grown bolder, seeking to fundamentally change the system of government by abolishing or seriously weakening unelected leadership positions, including that of the Supreme Leader, whose authority has never been challenged before.
Published on Jun 23, 2009
Source: NPR's Fresh Air
Having expelled most foreign reporters, the Iranian regime is using overwhelming force in an attempt to crush the opposition and maintain their grip on power. But the rank-and-file of the Revolutionary Guards may resist orders to crack down harder on demonstrators, potentially fracturing an important pillar of Khamenei and Ahmadinejad’s authority.
In the aftermath of the elections the opposition has grown bolder, seeking to fundamentally change the system of government by abolishing or seriously weakening unelected leadership positions, including that of the Supreme Leader, whose authority has never been challenged before. Before the June 12 elections, opposition supporters hoped for change within the confines of the Islamic Republic’s current system.
Mousavi himself has evolved since the elections, from an uncharismatic Revolution elder to a defiant opposition leader who enjoys a symbiotic relationship with the protesters. The size of the crowds in the street enable his defiance; his willingness to stand up to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei energizes the crowd and has earned him tremendous respect.
About the Author
Karim Sadjadpour
Senior Fellow, Middle East Program
Karim Sadjadpour is a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, where he focuses on Iran and U.S. foreign policy toward the Middle East.
- What’s Keeping the Iranian Regime in Power—for Now
- How Washington and Tehran Are Assessing Their Next StepsQ&A
Aaron David Miller, David Petraeus, Karim Sadjadpour
Recent Work
Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.
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