National Security Network

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Iran

September is Decision Time for Iran

Report 28 August 2009
The inauguration of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for a second presidential term earlier this monthhas not dissipated discontent with the regime or ended political turmoil. Political and religious leaders have organized behind the scenes and opposition leaders continue to make explosive allegations against the government.
This coming month, the fractious regime will be pushed back into the international spotlight. A clogged September calendar will see Iran dominate the agenda of international meetings in Frankfurt, Vienna, Pittsburgh, and New York. Despite Iran’s political uncertainty, engagement remains the best way of forcing a decision from the regime – either move in a new direction offered by the Obama administration or face consequences from a united international community. 
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Iran

U.S. Pursues Prudent Course, as Iran Remains in Flux

Report 29 July 2009
A month and a half since Iranians went to the polls, the political situation in Iran remains in flux. Despite a tremendous crackdown by the Iranian regime, the opposition has not gone away. Reports of prison abuse, leading to the deaths of jailed protestors, have led to renewed outrage at the regime. There are also signs of a split amongst regime hardliners. Many have criticized the regime's response to the protests, and some, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, have rebuked President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for his initial choice of vice-president.
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