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| Axis of Evil |
| Khatami up, Khamenei down? Maybe... |
| 2002-06-30 |
| Iran Press is not the most reliable source, but for what it's worth... Iranian embattled President Mohammad Khatami is actively preparing himself to assume the role of the leader and all his latest moves, including his rapprochement with Ayatollah Khameneh'i, the present lamed ruler, is turned towards this aim, according to Dr Mehdi Mozaffari, a professor of international politics at Aahrus University, Denmark. In an interview with Iran Press Service, Dr. Mozaffari, a veteran analyst of Iranian affairs said if Mr. Khatami succeeds in his bid to replace Mr. Khameneh'i as leader, the present theocracy, which is battered by rivalries and feuds between the ruling conservatives and the classic reformers in the one hand and plagued by economic hardship could be saved from collapsing. On the other hand, if the theocrats aren't in charge anymore, it's not a theocracy, is it? I don't get the feeling the theocrats are ready to step aside yet... "With reforms being almost shelved and Mr. Khatami not being able to implement any of his electoral promises, the Islamic Republic is approaching fast the end of its road. But if the conservatives accept Khatami replacing Mr. Khameneh'i, then the situation might reverse", Mr. Mozaffari said. In his view, the appointment of Mr. Khatami as leader not only is compatible with the regime's interests, but it would also preserve the system. "We had to dismantle the system to save it"? Cheeze, I love pure logic... "The idea is being worked among the conservatives, particularly at the Assembly of Experts", he said, adding that in such an eventuality, the present leader, Mr. Khameneh'i, would be promoted grand ayatollah and becomes the regime’s "supreme guide", watching out that the government does not deviate from the path of Islam, without intervening in the running of the nation’s affairs, as he does now. So Khamenei would become pope, and Iran the papal states, with Khatami playing the part of Mazzini. Interesting idea. I'm not sure I buy it, but it would represent a step toward a bit more normal structure... |
| Posted by:Fred Pruitt |