Hashemi Rafsanjani: Still the best barometer of Iranian politics
By blogger Shariatiparast: Predicting the future of Iran's power struggle is an impossible task unless one intimately knows the intricate nature of Iran's domestic politics. And there is no better barometer for behind-the-scenes developments in Iran's power struggle than Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani.
Hashemi has shown a constant presence in the core of Iran's politics. He was a founding father of 1979 Islamic Revolution, a mastermind behind formation of Lebanese Hezbollah, the defense strategist against Iraqi invasion of Iran, the initiator of a brazen clandestine effort to normalize relations with U.S. by hosting Reagan's secret envoy in Tehran, the main promoter of Khamenei as Iran's leader after death of Ayatollah Khomeini, the implicit creator of death squads and militia (basij) destroying regime's opponents, and the genius behind Iran's private University system (Azad University). In some ways, in recent street clashes in Tehran, you can blame Hashemi (or credit him) for both sides. He had helped formation of the militant vigilante squads suppressing demonstrators, but at the same time founded universities that trained today's reform-minded university students supporting "green" movement. Ahmadinejad also blames Hashemi as the one who encouraged his opponent Mir Hussein Mousavi in last elections.
In recent months, Hashemi's daughter, and sons have been harassed, arrested, indicted and beaten by pro-Ahmadinejad and pro-leader forces. Also, prodded by Iranian leader, Hashemi was forced to resign from his Chair as Head of Experts Council, the body of elderly clerics responsible for appointing the leader. Many of Hashemi's critics call his days over and reformists are upset at his conservatism and acceptance of Iranian leader. But Hashemi knows secrets other may not know. For example, there ere rumors that Khamenei is terminally ill. Currently there are no hopeful alternatives to Khamenei other than Hashemi. Most senior clerics are too old or too inexperienced in politics to assume country's leadership if Khamenei dies.
Hashemi perhaps knows enough other secrets not to quit the scene yet despite pressures on his family. He knows Iranian politics, despite its brutal, tribal and feudal nature, is a long term game of survival. Ayatolah Khamenei, the leader of 1979 Islamic Revolution had said: "Hashemi will survive as long as the revolution is alive." So unless Hashemi quits, it is perhaps safe to predict that the Islamic regime in Iran is evolving and self-correcting. He will jump the ship he engineered only when he knows it will sink! He picked the captain (leader) after all. The captain (leader) may have the upper hand now, but nobody knows the system better than Hashemi.
Related:
Rafsanjani's son to Iranian Judiciary: Form a fair and public tribunal if you want me to return
Attackers use vulgar profanity against Rafsanjani's daughter (Video)
Faezeh Hashemi, Rafsanjani's daughter arrested in reformist rally
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