The Iran Chronicles: Struggle Within the Ruling Elite
Things seem to be quiet for the moment in Iran. But, the struggle is going on behind the scenes in a concerted way. The number of arrests is continuing nonstop. But, another subtle effort is going on that is even more interesting. There is a subtle campaign to debase the power of Rafsanjani, who is considered the second most powerful man in the country and one of the key backers of the opposition leader, Mir Hossein Mousavi. He currently holds the chairmanship of two key bodies, the Expediency Council and the Assembly of Experts. There was a law passed that held that membership in the Assembly of Experts did not count as an "official" position based on the determinations held by the Guardian Council. Now, the debate is starting yet again. This is another interesting development to watch especially in light of what is at hand with the on-going struggle. Another interesting development will be the upcoming Friday prayers and what will Rafsanjani say at those prayers.
There is one thing that is certain: The drama in Iran is yet to play itself out.
Mike Pouraryan
