The election of Hassan Rouhani has confirmed the vibrancy and necessity of the electoral process in Iran. But if the new president-elect is to now embark on a course correction of Iranian politics, he will have to contend with formidable and complicated elements within the state structure: the security establishment, a parliament dominated by various conservative factions, and the supreme leader himself.
This brief explores the presidential campaign underway in Iran, examining the chosen candidates and the internal power struggles of a divided country and highlighting how the tight control of the electoral process is posing a serious challenge the regime’s own commitment to the notion of popular sovereignty.
Rouzbeh Parsi quoted in an article entitled 'In Iran, opponents use age to attack Rafsanjani campaign' The Washington Post
Following the release of the film 'Argo', Rouzbeh Parsi was interviewed by Swedish Radio about US-Iran relations. Sveriges Radio [in Swedish]
Rouzbeh Parsi offered his views on the continued military clashes in Syria and possible solutions to end the violence. (In Swedish)
Sveriges Radio
Rouzbeh Parsi took part in a live debate about the ongoing war of words between the US and Israel over the Iranian nuclear programme.
France 24 debate - Part 1
France 24 debate - Part 2
Rouzbeh Parsi took part in a radio discussion about the potential use of chemical weapons by the Syrian regime as the country descends into civil war.
Sveriges Radio
Rouzbeh Parsi was quoted in an article about allegations that Israel has been behind deadly attacks on Iranian nuclear scientists.
Pravda.sk
Rouzbeh Parsi was quoted in an article about the Iranian nuclear ambitions: 'Given that the P5+1 includes the very same five permanent members of the UN Security Council, a "more imaginative, less rigid handling" of its resolutions would be "helpful."'
EUISS Research Fellow Rouzbeh Parsi was interviewed by Deutsche Welle about the implications of the rise of sectarian violence in Lebanon.
Deutsche Welle