Define a moderate in Iranian politics
Two reports on the reelection of Tehran's mayor provide hints about the political environment. I'd like my students to define "political moderate" in the Iranian context and compare it to political moderates in the UK, China, Nigeria, Mexico, or Russia.This election might be related to the arrest of Haleh Esfandiari (see previous blog entry). Can your students make the connections?
From the Guardian (UK)
Moderate's re-election a warning for Ahmadinejad
"The mayor of Tehran has been re-elected in a vote seen as a victory for moderate conservatives in Iran and a sign of waning support for the country's hardline president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
"Mayor Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf is considered a likely rival to Mr Ahmadinejad in the 2009 presidential election.
"'This is an important event. It shows that conservatives are distancing themselves from radicals headed by Ahmadinejad,' said Saeed Laylaz, an Iranian political analyst and columnist, yesterday..."
From the Peninsula (Qatar)
Ahmadinejad’s rival re-elected Tehran mayor
"A political rival of Iran's president was yesterday re-elected mayor of Tehran, a position which Mahmoud Ahmadinejad used as a springboard for his successful presidential bid in 2005.
"Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, who analysts say may still be eyeing the presidency after his defeat two years ago...
"Qalibaf is considered to represent a traditional conservative camp whose members have increasingly voiced concern at what they see as Ahmadinejad's confrontational policies and anti-Western speeches, which they blame for isolating Iran...
"Qalibaf, who like Ahmadinejad is a former Revolutionary Guards commander..."
posted by Ken Wedding @ 8:04 AM
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