Publication

Conservative opponents of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad won an overwhelming majority of parliamentary seats in the March 2 elections, further weakening the institution of the presidency and boosting the power of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Because of his apparent consolidation of power, however, Khamenei must take responsibility for Iran’s growing diplomatic isolation and economic crisis. This report argues that responsibility for altering the system should and must remain with the Iranian people. The United States can help by improving Internet access for Iranians, by accepting more Iranian students, and by restraining Israel from attacking Iran.