Tag: iran

Washington Maintains Cautious Response to Election Crisis

As protests over Friday’s disputed election continue to rage in Iran, the U.S. has thus far reacted cautiously, reflecting the high degree of uncertainty in Washington both about how much support to give the demonstrators and about the implications of the escalating crisis for President Barack Obama’s hopes of engaging Tehran in serious negotiations. Although … Continue reading “Washington Maintains Cautious Response to Election Crisis”

Outlasting the Ayatollahs

The Obama policy of extending an open hand to Iran is working and ought not be abandoned because of the grim events in Tehran. For the Iranian theocracy has just administered a body blow to its legitimacy in the eyes of the Iranian people and the world. Before Saturday, the regime could credibly posture as … Continue reading “Outlasting the Ayatollahs”

Iranian Elections Could Shape US Engagement

Washington is waiting anxiously on the outcome of Friday’s Iranian presidential elections, as incumbent President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad attempts to fend off challenger Mir Hossein Mousavi in a contest with significant implications for the diplomatic atmosphere between Iran and the U.S. Experts caution that the concrete policy impact of the elections may be particularly great from … Continue reading “Iranian Elections Could Shape US Engagement”

Iran: Reformist Candidates Complain of Too Many Ballots

Fears that the state apparatus controlled by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is laying the groundwork for possible fraud in Friday’s presidential election appear to be growing among his two reformist challengers and their supporters. While an incumbent has never lost a reelection bid since the creation of the Islamic Republic in 1979, many analysts believe … Continue reading “Iran: Reformist Candidates Complain of Too Many Ballots”