Raeesi 2017, Or Ahmadinejad Redux?

by Reza HaghighatNejad In 2005, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was elected as president of the Islamic Republic of Iran, a surprise victory that shocked Iran and the rest of the world. A former teacher, engineer and mayor of Tehran, he rapidly rose in… Continue Reading

Iran’s Elections: What You Need to Know

by Ellie Geranmayeh On May 19, the Islamic Republic of Iran holds presidential elections, the first following the landmark 2015 nuclear agreement. Incumbent President Hassan Rouhani is running against five other candidates, approved by Iran’s Guardian Council to compete in… Continue Reading

Iran Presidential Elections: No Easy Victory for Rouhani

by Ali Reza Eshraghi Iran’s presidential elections have never been without drama. This year, the Guardian Council—a group tasked to approve candidates—set a new record for the number of disqualifications. Of the 1,636 individuals who registered, it approved only six.… Continue Reading