Iran Driven by Newfound Unity

[bemildred]

Iran's emergence as the predominant indigenous power in the Middle East is often attributed to recent geopolitical changes in the region, in particular the downfall of the Taliban and Saddam Hussein. The importance of external events notwithstanding, new internal dynamics are an equally important dimension to Iran's growing geopolitical weight.

The sudden rise of Mahmud Ahmadinejad and the emergence of a more homogenous political elite in Tehran are unprecedented in the 27-year history of the post-revolutionary Iranian state. In little over a year Ahmadinejad has consolidated his power at home and is fast emerging as an important player on the global stage, as evidenced by his trip to Venezuela and the deepening relationship with that country's president, Hugo Chavez.

While internal unity is clearly reinforcing Iran's growing clout in the region and beyond, the long-term impact of this growing homogeneity on the country's political development is not so clear. It is more than likely that the changes of the past 12 months and the emergence of a more "presidential" system will have a lasting effect on the fundamental features of Iran's unusual political system. Often presented as a lackey of the clerical establishment, Ahmadinejad may yet end up being the bane of the same establishment.

Revolutionary Iran: Fragmented from the outset
Understanding the rise of Ahmadinejad and the political unity he has engendered requires a deep understanding of the intricate factional politics of the Islamic Republic.

Asia Times