The Middle East in the News
Zoe Weinberg October 2, 2008
Article: Who Runs It? The puzzling relationship between supreme leader and president
The Economist July 24 2008 (Economist print edition)
http://www.economist.com/world/mideast-africa/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11792348
Time
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Place
Iran
Key People
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (Supreme Leader of Iran)
President of Iran Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
Vocabulary
Supreme Leader
Article Summary/Main Ideas
Under Iranian law, the ultimate religious and political authority in the country is the Supreme Leader. Though the president has executive power, and is generally responsible for day-to-day activities, the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei must give his consent for all important decisions. As states in the article, he is “plainly the most powerful man in the Islamic Republic.” He effectively appoints the heads of the Revolutionary Guard, the Guardian Council, the presidency (he must vet candidates) and the parliament.
Khamenei has stayed away from all journalists and is thought to have not left Iran since 1989. He has been largely overshadowed by Ahmadinejad – to the point where McCain claimed that Ahmadinejad had ultimate authority.
This articles analyzes how Ali Khamenei views the Ahmadinejad – whether he finds him an “out of control maverick with grander ambitions or a trusted lieutenant.”
During the summer Ahmadinejad threatened to give our names of corrupt clergy members, almost a direct challenge to Khamenei. But as soon as Khamenei made clear his firm disapproval, Ahmadinejad quickly retreated. When one of Khamenei’s confidants wrote an editorial critiquing Ahmadinejad in a French newspaper, Ahmadinejad stayed silent.
The article concludes that it is unclear how they feel about one another. Khamenei might want to stay together for the sake of the country’s unity. But if Ahmadinejad seeks reelection next summer, perhaps they may split.
Your Response
I came across this article while I was researching for the most recent paper and I think it should be required reading for anyone interested in American foreign policy in the Middle East. Though Khamenei’s name was familiar to me, I had zero idea who he was –proving how little attention is focused on the most powerful man in Iran. I wonder whether or not Khamenei will emerge in the forefront of middle eastern politics as Ahmadinejad angers the US increasingly often. Though other research has informed me that Khamenei is very religiously conservative and anti-American, how much will he stand for? Why is he so reluctant to speak to the media? And would a foreign leader (namely, our next president) ever seek him out as an alternative to speaking with Ahmadinejad?
How often do Khamenei and Ahmadinejad meet? How do the Iranian people feel about the two men – who is more important/beloved in their eyes? Is Khamenei supreme leader until his death? When and how does the Guardian Council elect a new Supreme Leader?
I know I have many more questions than answer, but that is essentially my response to the article. More questions! This is a facet of Iranian politics that is so new to me. . . and I am curious how the power struggle may play out in the future.
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