Habib's first concert in Tehran after moving back from Los Angeles
Due to strict limitations on pop music after the Islamic revolution, few Los Angeles based Iranian pop singers have returned to Iran since they left. But Habib Mohebbian is an exception. A few months ago, it was rumored that the Los Angeles -based pop singer, and father to Mohammad, another popular Iranian singer, was visiting Iran. The news was later confirmed. It was then reported that Habib plans to release a new album and stage concerts in Iran, thanks to Esfandiar Rahim Moshayee, first Deputy to Ahmadinejad and a controversial figure who is known for his less restrictive interpretations of religious laws. Conservative religious leaders, and allies to Iranian leader, Seyed Ali Khamenei, who are often at odds with Moshayee, indicated "Iran has no room for Los Angeles type artists!" Despite this objection, Habib is now said to perform his first concert in a "Citizens" Festival in Tehran this week.
While in Los Angeles, Habib had reflected his distaste for the Iranian revolution in some of his songs. Some Iranian publications claim Habib's return to Iran was prompted by his terminal illness. Reformists believe that Ahmadinejad and the Moshayee are gradually distancing themselves from old-fashioned conservative Islamists to appeal to the young population in Iran for future elections. In last year's contested Presidential elections in Iran, most young voters in urban areas voted for Ahmadinejad's reformist opponents Mousavi and Karrubi.
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