Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei is one of the most important leaders in world affairs and understanding his comprehensive control over politics, economics, and society in Iran is critical to any discussion of the future of the Islamic Republic.
International tension over Iran’s nuclear ambitions has turned the nuclear program into a major domestic political issue and has caused conflict between the regime and conservatives as well as the opposition.
While Turkey and Iran share geography, culture, religion, and a long history of conflict and cooperation, they also symbolize two opposite poles in the Islamic world.
In considering Israel’s response to Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Prime Minister Netanyahu must set aside personal animus and consider the nature of Iranian politics and the character of the regime in Tehran.
Aside from the improbability and imprudence of a U.S. attack on Iran, it would also be a major political misstep for the Obama administration.
Although Iranian scientist Shahram Amiri has told conflicting stories regarding the nature of his time in the United States, his defection represents the growing dissatisfaction of the Iranian people towards the regime.
The private sector has become the main driver of growth in the Middle East and North Africa, but more consistent and equitable regulations are needed to transform the region into a diversified, high-performance economy.
The ideals espoused by the Green Movement in Iran continue to hold a strong appeal to the country’s youthful population, but the movement needs to explain to Iranian workers why it would govern better than the current regime if it wants to change the power dynamic in Iran.
The recent UN sanctions may have been diluted by the strategic interests of members of the UN Security Council, but they could have a stronger impact if they lead to more unilateral sanctions from European countries.
A year after the June 2009 controversial presidential elections in Iran, domestic discontent continues to simmer and the Iranian regime faces a new round of international economic sanctions.