Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 03/2010

Khamenei and the Politics of Indecision

Mehdi Khalaji

February 2010

The Washington Institute for Near East Policy

Abstract

February 11, the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, is the most important official holiday in Iran. The public faces of the opposition Green Movement, Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karrubi, have called for street demonstrations to mark the occasion. Meanwhile, government officials at every level have warned against such protests, threatening tough action against any participants. In this tense atmosphere, what are the prospects that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei will agree to political compromise?