Mike Pouraryan
Will Iran's Akbar Shah Finally Make His Move?
Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani (aka Akbar Shah) s a powerful force in Iranian Politics. The nickname "Akbar Shah" is one that many within Iran have given him because of his enormous power and influence. He is a former President, Parliamentary Speaker and current head of the Assembly of Experts and the Expediency Council. He is also one of the richest men in the country. His children control key levels of the economy and are powers onto themselves.
Throughout the past 8 months, I have always wondered what would Rafsanjani do to insure that the Islamic Republic survives the worst political crisis. I have written about it as I have continued to assess the past, the present and the future of Iran. HIs daughter Fawza was imprisoned. His son, Mehdi, has been outsider the country and may be arrested if he returns. There has been a concerted campaign in state media to discredit him in a major way.
What is clear is that Iran has profound challenges. The economy is a mess. It faces increased international isolation as the Revolutionary Guards continue their domination of the country. Yet, Rafsanjani has stepped back in with the speech he made a the meeting of the Assembly of Experts (Khobregan). I found the speech to be a stark reminder to all current players within the regime that they better get their act together for the sake of the regime. It is key to note that all key establishment players have not called for the abolition of the Islamic Republic. They have called for a return to the original ideals that led to the founding of the Republic. In essence, they have been emphasizing the Republican aspect of the regime and not be focused on the Islamic side.
Will Akbar Shah be able to bring the stability needed for the regime? Will there be a transformation? Time will only tell.
Throughout the past 8 months, I have always wondered what would Rafsanjani do to insure that the Islamic Republic survives the worst political crisis. I have written about it as I have continued to assess the past, the present and the future of Iran. HIs daughter Fawza was imprisoned. His son, Mehdi, has been outsider the country and may be arrested if he returns. There has been a concerted campaign in state media to discredit him in a major way.
What is clear is that Iran has profound challenges. The economy is a mess. It faces increased international isolation as the Revolutionary Guards continue their domination of the country. Yet, Rafsanjani has stepped back in with the speech he made a the meeting of the Assembly of Experts (Khobregan). I found the speech to be a stark reminder to all current players within the regime that they better get their act together for the sake of the regime. It is key to note that all key establishment players have not called for the abolition of the Islamic Republic. They have called for a return to the original ideals that led to the founding of the Republic. In essence, they have been emphasizing the Republican aspect of the regime and not be focused on the Islamic side.
Will Akbar Shah be able to bring the stability needed for the regime? Will there be a transformation? Time will only tell.
