Intimidation by Ahmadinejad's regime succeeded in keeping opposition protesters off the streets on the first anniversary of Iran's rigged election. To regain its momentum, the Green Movement must tackle five key challenges.
One year after Iran was shaken by massive street demonstrations to protest the results of the presidential elections, the political, social, and economic malaise that led to those demonstrations remains strong.
Three days before the anniversary of Iran’s controversial election, the United Nations Security Council imposed its fourth round of sanctions against the country’s nuclear program. These sanctions could end up strengthening the opposition’s argument that the country is in need of new leadership.
While, for the most part, Iran’s traditional classes did not take part in the post-election tumult of June 2009, many of them have grown disaffected and lost their faith in not only the regime, but also the Islamic Republic.
A year after Iran’s contested presidential elections, the domestic political situation remains chaotic and Tehran’s nuclear program continues to put Iran at odds with the international community.
Last year’s highly controversial presidential election spurred Iran’s largest uprisings since the 1979 revolution. While the government gradually succeeded in violently quashing the opposition momentum, the country’s deep internal rifts remain visible.
This month marks the one-year anniversary of the contested re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. While the regime succeeded in quelling the momentum of the Green Movement, the country’s deep internal rifts are far from reconciled.
As the number of countries with the ambition to play a role in world affairs increases, Washington must decide whether to deal with them as legitimate global players or treat them as meddlers to be dismissed.
Despite Iran's vast energy reserves, widespread economic malaise has been the greatest source of popular discontent and the chief Achilles heel of the Islamic Republic.
Last March, Barack Obama extended a hand to the Iranian government on the occasion of Nowruz, the country's New Year. This year, he should speak straight to the people.