282. Starmer’s first week, Le Pen’s loss in France, and Iran’s new president
Jul 9, 2024
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Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell discuss France's recent election, Keir Starmer's actions in the UK, and Iran's new president, Masoud Pezeshkian. They cover the transition in France, Starmer's first week, and the implications of Iran's new leadership. The podcast also explores Tony Blair's criticisms, the use of ChatGPT for research, and potential future Conservative leaders.
Iran's new president faces complex power dynamics and challenges from influential institutions within the country.
Significant voter absenteeism in Iran's election raises doubts about the president's mandate and authority.
Pezesh -Kiaten's focus on improving US relations, addressing sanctions, and managing regional conflicts highlights the intricacies of governing Iran.
Deep dives
Newly Elected Iranian President's Background and Policies
The newly elected Iranian President, Massoud Pezesh -Kiaten, has a diverse background, being half Azeri and half Kurdish, and has faced personal tragedies, raising his children as a single parent. As a heart surgeon and a cardiologist, he brings a unique perspective to Iranian politics. He aims to improve Iran's relations with the US to lift sanctions damaging Iran's economy, focusing on a strategy to ease tensions and sanctions.
Iran's Complex Political Landscape
Despite Pezesh -Kiaten's election, he faces a challenging political landscape in Iran with a complex power structure. The President's position is limited by institutions like the Supreme Leader, the Guardian Council, and the Revolutionary Guards. Pezesh -Kiaten must navigate relationships with proxies in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon (Hezbollah), and Yemen, adding layers to Iran's regional influence strategies.
Implications of Low Voter Turnout and President's Authority
The significant voter absenteeism during the Iranian election, with turnout below 50%, raises questions about the President's genuine mandate. Pezesh -Kiaten's authority is constrained by powerful institutions and conflicting political factions within Iran, indicating that his ability to enact substantial change may be limited despite his election.
Challenges Ahead for Iran's New Leadership
As Iran grapples with economic sanctions, nuclear enrichment issues, and regional proxy group involvements, Pezesh -Kiaten must navigate a delicate balance between global expectations, internal dynamics, and regional conflicts. His policy choices on foreign relations, nuclear diplomacy, and internal dissent will shape Iran's future trajectory.
Importance of Pezesh-Kiaten's Personal Background and Political Vision
Pezesh -Kiaten's personal story as a bereaved single parent and his pragmatic approach to Iran's foreign policy challenges offer a unique perspective on leadership. His emphasis on improving US relations, addressing sanctions, and managing regional tensions underscore the complexities of governing Iran amid internal and external pressures.
What has Keir Starmer’s new cabinet promised so far? What’s next for France after voters mobilised to stop Marine Le Pen’s far-right party from gaining power? Who is Iran’s new President, Masoud Pezeshkian?
Join Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell for the latest episode of The Rest Is Politics, where they answer all these questions and more.
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