A selection of the latest news stories and editorials published in Iranian news outlets, compiled by Ali Alfoneh and Ahmad Majidyar. To receive this daily newsletter, please subscribe online.
(E) = Article in English
Politics
- Speculations about the 2013 presidential elections:
- Policy analyst Sadeq Zibakalam: "The future president of Iran will be a traditional, principled one, meaning someone like [Gholam-Ali] Haddad Adel, Ali Larijani, Ali-Akbar Velayati or Said Jalili... with whom Ahmadinejad is currently in sharper conflict than with Hashemi [Rafsanjani] and the reformists. The conflict between the traditional principled ones and Ahmadinejad has increased to the degree that Ahmadinejad would certainly prefer Hashemi [Rafsanjani and the reformists to Ali Larijani or Ali-Akbar Velayati. Among the fellows of Ahmadineajd, it is only Esfandiar Rahim-Mashaei, who carries relatively considerable weight to reach presidency. It means he has a potential to win votes. I think it’s likely that Mashaei, just like Moeen in 2005, will first be disqualified by the Guardian Council, after which [the Guardian Council reconsiders] he would be allowed to run. It is very likely that Mashaei would gain vote. But of course, if [Mohammad] Khatami runs, Mashaei would not have a chance. On the other hand, if Mashaei's rivals are composed of traditional principled ones, their rivalry... would be like the Manchester United playing Kerman's Sarcheshmeh [soccer team]! If Mashaei's counterpart is [Mohammad-Baqer] Qalibaf, it would be like Manchester United vs. Liverpool; and if Mashaei faces Khatami, Mashaei would be like the Iranian national team vs. [FC] Barcelona!"
- E'temad speculates that Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi, former judiciary chief, will run for president. The newspaper also speculates that in case the Guardian Council disqualifies Esfandiar Rahim-Mashaei, the Ahmadinejad government would support Ayatollah Shahroudi's candidacy.
Economy
- As Tehran Stock Exchange celebrates 35% growth rate, the highest growth rate in its forty-six-year existence, Donya-ye Eqtesad argues that the growth only was possible because of increased liquidity.
- Ali Saleh-Abadi, Stock Exchange Organization director, assures the public that the capital market "is not a bubble, the prices are real and the level of trade is very high."
Military and Security
- According to Hossein Azad, regular Navy First Operational Zone commander, Russian destroyer Marshal Shaposhnikov is in Bandar Abbas in order to "strengthen military relations between Iran and Russia."
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