Rafsanjani’s Legacy

by Farideh Farhi Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, the man known as the “order’s pillar” (sotun-e nezam), died from a sudden heart attack on Sunday. He leaves behind a legacy as complicated and multifaceted as the order (and associated institutions) that he more… Continue Reading

Trump Presidency and Iran’s Domestic Politics

by Farideh Farhi Ever since the 2009 Iranian elections, when I suggested in my writings and interviews that fraud was involved, a supporter of former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad takes delight in sending me emails regarding events and information that… Continue Reading

Is Rouhani in Trouble?

by Farideh Farhi While the United States is moving towards wrapping its rather unusual election, Iran is about to begin its electoral cycle. The date for the combined presidential and municipal elections was set for May 19, prior to the… Continue Reading

The Profound Meaning of Iran’s Elections

by Farideh Farhi The countrywide official results of the parliamentary and Assembly of Experts elections are not yet finalized, and in any case a detailed analysis of the numbers requires more time. The Guardian has a good round-up of approximate… Continue Reading

Iran Elections Update

by Farideh Farhi Less than four weeks away from the February 26 elections for Iran’s parliament, the details of how many registrants will be allowed to run is not yet clear. This was not unexpected. As I suggested in my previous… Continue Reading