Call it Round 2. On June 8th Mohammad Katami was re-elected as president of Iran.
Not only winning the match with more than 75% of the country’s votes, but showing the world that reform is part of the country’s lexicon. But he’s beginning this term cautiously. Although his last presidential stint inspired a surge of cultural freedoms, they were ultimately squelched by the country’s clerics, who stand in their conservative corner ready to pounce again. But freedom’s been tasted by the youth of Iran, and they are on the sidelines rooting for Khatami to bring it back. Also in the audience is the USA, placing their bets on the renewal of economic sanctions for a country they see as Satan’s playground. Even if it’s image is starting to represent Democracy.
Also in the audience is the USA, placing their bets on the renewal of economic sanctions for a country they see as Satan’s playground. Even if it’s image is starting to represent Democracy.
(Hosted by Jacki Lyden)
Guests:
Farideh Farhi, political scientist and Adjunct Scholar at the Middle East Institute
Professor Ali Banuazizi, teacher of Iranian History at Boston College, former editor of The Journal of Iranian Studies. Ambassador Robert Pelletreau, former Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, and chairman of the American Iranian Council.