Epstein Secrets

dential candidacy of Ali Akbar Hashem Rafsanjani, a former President and co-founder of the Iranian Revolution and Esfandiar Rahim Mashaei, President Ahmadinejad's chief of staff and key ally, was blocked by the Guardian Council on May 21g. The presidential race has — for now - been narrowed to a select few w

ardian Council on May 21g. The presidential race has — for now - been narrowed to a select few which include the country's chief nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili, former nuclear negotiator Hassan Rohani, former foreign minister Ali Akbar Velayati and the mayor of Tehran, Mohammad Baler Qalibaf, making it incr

Rouhani, with his benign demeanor, seductive tone and more "moderate" message, will be more focused, serious and skillful in negotiations than Mr. Ahmadinejad, but still unyielding in Iran's core demand to retain significant nuclear capability. Even so, there are strong forces propelling both sides towar

he two countries. Mr. Zarif is also being considered to lead a new round of nuclear negotiations with the major powers, replacing the conservative Saeed Jalili, who made things worse when he was in that job. At his first news conference, President Rouhani parried questions about possible direct talks with

ffice is a conservative of one type or the other, since they have to be vetted by the regime. Is there really a difference between forces loyal to Ahmadinejad's group and those close to the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's leadership? It is not really true that reformist candidates or candidates who identi

st likely pragmatic conservative presidential candidate. Much less clear at this point is who will be the favorite hardline candidate. The name of Saeed Jalili, Iran's current nuclear negotiator, has been mentioned, but generally there are few hardliners with national exposure. Other names mentioned have

ous conservative forces which collectively identify themselves as "Principlists." The elections are also significant because as President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad reaches the end of his constitutionally permitted two terms in 2013, these elections will likely provide some indication about the course of the pr

st likely pragmatic conservative presidential candidate. Much less clear at this point is who will be the favorite hardline candidate. The name of Saeed Jalili, Iran's current nuclear negotiator, has been EFTA00686812 mentioned, but generally there are few hardliners with national exposure. Other names m