The Intelligence from The Economist Change of heart surgeon: Iran’s reformist president
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Jul 10, 2024 Nicholas Pelham, Middle East correspondent for The Economist, provides keen insights into the implications of Masoud Pezeshkian's election as Iran's reformist president. He explores the challenges Pezeshkian faces amidst public demand for change and the balancing act between hardliners and reformists. The discussion also includes Ukraine's impending debt crisis as a wartime financial reckoning, and why Dubai is increasingly attracting wealthy expatriates with its favorable tax policies and vibrant lifestyle.
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Pazeshkian's Uncertain Reform Path
- Iranians voted for reformer Masoud Pazeshkian, but his power to enact change is uncertain.
- He promises social and economic reforms, including women's dress code freedom and renewed negotiations with the West.
Supreme Leader's Calculated Move
- The Supreme Leader likely allowed Pazeshkian's win due to hardliners' failure to address Iran's economic problems.
- Popular dissatisfaction and the need for regime legitimacy might have influenced the decision.
Hardliner Opposition to Reforms
- Hardliners, who built Iran's restrictive system, will likely oppose Pazeshkian's reforms.
- The Supreme Leader's balancing act will determine the extent of Pazeshkian's success.