According to Reuter's news service:
"Iranian President Hassan Rouhani won a strong vote of confidence and reformist partners secured surprise gains in parliament . . . . [T]he sheer scale of the advances there suggests a legislature more friendly to the pragmatist Rouhani has emerged as a distinct possibility. . . .
"A loosening of control by the anti-Western hardliners who currently dominate the 290-seat parliament could strengthen his hand to open Iran further to foreign trade and investment following last year's breakthrough nuclear deal. . . .
"The polls were seen by analysts as a potential turning point for Iran, where nearly 60 percent of its 80 million population is under 30 and eager to engage with the world following the lifting of most sanctions. . . .
"Supporters of Rouhani, who promoted the nuclear deal, were pitted against hardliners close to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who are wary of detente with Western countries."
* * *
The latter, of course, is the crucial question. The Ayatollah Khamenei still has ultimate veto power, short of an overthrow of the theocracy; he also controls the Royal Guard and the military. This is encouraging, but much depends on Khamenei and whether he is willing to let Iran become more modernized or whether he will crack down and stifle this strengthening of the will toward democracy -- as he did the popular uprising several years ago.
Ralph
No comments:
Post a Comment