Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

Media ID: 55306655
Caption:

In this Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009, file photo, Iran’s former reformist President Mohammad Khatami, attends a ceremony organized by his party, a group of pro-reform clerics, in Tehran, Iran, to announce he’ll challenge hard-line President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in the country’s June 12, 2009, presidential elections. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi, File)

Iran: Khatami calls on reformists to be patient with Rouhani

by Ali M. Pedram | Jun 21, 2013 | Middle East

London, Asharq Al-Awsat—Former Iranian president Mohammad Khatami has advised reformists to be cautious and rational in making demands on president-elect Hassan Rouhani. During a meeting with a group of student activists in Tehran, Khatami called on the reformists to...

Media ID: 55306203
Caption:

Iranian president-elect Hassan Rouhani speaks during a press conference in Tehran on June 17, 2013 (AFP PHOTO/BEHROUZ MEHRI)

Opinion: President-elect Rouhani faces inflated expectations

by Amir Taheri | Jun 21, 2013 | Opinion

He is the “moderate reformist” that many have dreamt of. No, he is an apparatchik with little desire to seek significant change. Over the past week, these two contradictory analyses have dominated the debate regarding the election of Hassan Rouhani as the new...

Media ID: 55306028
Caption:

Taken on June 14, 2013, Iranian moderate presidential candidate, Hassan Rowhani (C) flashes the sign of victory as he leaves a polling station after voting in Tehran. (AFP/Atta Kenare)

Moderate Hassan Rouhani elected as Iran’s next president

by Ali M. Pedram | Jun 15, 2013 | Middle East

London, Asharq Al-Awsat—Hassan Rouhani has been announced as Iran’s president-elect in a surprising victory over the principalist/conservative faction. More than 36 million Iranians went to the polls on Friday, representing a voter turnout of 72.7%. Iran’s interior...

Media ID: 55305904
Caption:

Iranian voter gestures outside Iran consulate in London after voting. (AAA/James Hanna)

Iran presidential elections held amid tense atmosphere

by Asharq Al-Awsat | Jun 14, 2013 | Middle East

London, Asharq Al-Awsat—Iran’s 11th presidential election was held on Friday amid concerns expressed from various sides, including the Interior Ministry and the candidates’ own campaigns, about potential irregularities in the vote. The Iranian supreme guide,...

Media ID: 55305721
Caption:

An Iranian woman walks past election posters of Iranian presidential candidate Ali-Akbar Velayati in a street of Tehran, , Iran, 13 June 2013. (EPA/Abedin Taherkenareh)

Opinion: Fantasy and reality clash in Iran’s elections

by Amir Taheri | Jun 14, 2013 | Opinion

Almost a month ago, Supreme Guide Ali Khamenei described today’s presidential election as “a celebration.” Although not a candidate, Khamenei has remained firmly in the limelight thanks to a series of speeches hammering home that theme. However, a study of the...