Ebrahim Raisi, Iran's current president, has had a long career in the country's judiciary and politics. Here are some key points about him:
Early Life and Education: Ebrahim Raisi was born on December 14, 1960, in Mashhad, Iran. He studied Islamic law at the seminary in Qom, one of the most important centers of Shia Islamic scholarship in Iran.
Judicial Career: Raisi began his career in the Iranian judiciary in the 1980s, serving in various positions over the years. He held roles such as prosecutor, deputy chief justice, and chief prosecutor of Tehran. He gained a reputation for his conservative stance on legal and social issues.
1988 Mass Executions: Raisi's involvement in the mass executions of political prisoners in 1988 has been a source of controversy and criticism. He served on a committee that reportedly sentenced thousands of prisoners, mostly affiliated with leftist or opposition groups, to death following summary trials.
Presidential Campaigns: Raisi ran for president twice before winning the election in 2021. He first ran in 2017 but lost to the incumbent, Hassan Rouhani. In the 2021 election, he secured a landslide victory, receiving over 60% of the vote in a low-turnout election.
Conservative and Hardline Stances: Raisi is closely aligned with Iran's conservative and hardline factions, including the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He is known for his staunch opposition to Western influence and his support for conservative social policies.
Economic Priorities: As president, Raisi has focused on addressing Iran's economic challenges, including high inflation, unemployment, and economic sanctions. He has emphasized self-sufficiency and economic resilience in the face of external pressures.
Foreign Policy: Raisi's foreign policy priorities include strengthening Iran's regional influence and opposing perceived adversaries such as Israel and the United States. He has expressed support for Iran's nuclear program and its regional allies, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Assad regime in Syria.
Human Rights Record: Raisi's human rights record has been a subject of scrutiny, particularly regarding his role in the 1988 executions and his tenure as chief justice, during which human rights organizations documented cases of arbitrary detention, unfair trials, and executions.
Religious Credentials: Raisi is a prominent figure in Iran's Shia Muslim clerical establishment. He holds the title of Hujjat al-Islam, indicating his status as a mid-ranking cleric. His religious background has influenced both his career path and his political positions.
Charitable Work: In addition to his judicial and political roles, Raisi has been involved in charitable and philanthropic activities. He has served as the head of the Imam Reza Shrine Foundation, one of the largest charitable organizations in Iran, which manages religious and social projects.
Sanctions Designations: Prior to becoming president, Raisi faced international scrutiny and sanctions for his alleged involvement in human rights abuses, including his role in the 1988 executions. In 2019, the United States imposed sanctions on him, citing his human rights record.
Domestic Policies: Raisi has emphasized the importance of social justice and addressing the needs of Iran's marginalized populations. He has pledged to tackle corruption, improve access to basic services, and create jobs, particularly for young people and those living in rural areas.
Corruption Crackdown: As part of his anti-corruption efforts, Raisi has initiated campaigns targeting corrupt officials and economic elites. He has called for greater transparency and accountability in government institutions and has vowed to root out corruption at all levels.
COVID-19 Response: Raisi's presidency has coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, presenting significant challenges for Iran's healthcare system and economy. He has faced criticism for his handling of the pandemic, including the rollout of vaccination campaigns and economic support measures.
Supreme Leader Succession: Raisi's presidency has raised speculation about his potential role as a future Supreme Leader of Iran. As a trusted ally of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and a prominent figure in Iran's conservative establishment, Raisi is seen as a potential successor.
Public Image: Raisi's public image is characterized by his conservative values, religious piety, and commitment to serving the interests of Iran's ruling elite. He enjoys significant support among Iran's conservative and religiously devout population but faces criticism from reformist and moderate factions.
Political Affiliations: Raisi is closely aligned with Iran's conservative establishment, particularly with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its associated paramilitary forces. His political career has been shaped by his connections within Iran's power structure, including his close ties to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Youth and Family: Despite his conservative image, Raisi has sought to appeal to Iran's younger population. During his presidential campaign, he emphasized issues such as youth unemployment and access to affordable housing. He is married and has two daughters.
Educational Background: Raisi holds a degree in judicial law from Shahid Motahhari University in Tehran. He also pursued advanced religious studies at the seminary in Qom, where he obtained the title of Hujjat al-Islam.
Role in the Judiciary: Before becoming president, Raisi served as the Chief Justice of Iran from 2019 to 2021. During his tenure, he implemented conservative policies within the judiciary, including crackdowns on dissent and civil society organizations.
Political Ambitions: Raisi's presidency is widely seen as a stepping stone to higher political office, including a potential future bid for Supreme Leader. His ascension to the presidency has bolstered his political stature and increased speculation about his long-term ambitions within Iran's political hierarchy.
Foreign Policy Priorities: In the realm of foreign policy, Raisi has signaled a commitment to Iran's regional interests and security. He has expressed support for Iran's allies in the Middle East, including the Assad regime in Syria and the Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Economic Challenges: Raisi inherited a challenging economic situation upon assuming office, including high inflation, unemployment, and a struggling currency. He has pledged to address these issues through populist economic policies and increased government intervention in the economy.
Social Policies: Raisi has advocated for conservative social policies aligned with Iran's Islamic principles. He has emphasized the importance of traditional family values and has expressed support for measures to promote morality and social cohesion.
Previous Government Roles: Before becoming president, Raisi held various government positions, including serving as Deputy Chief Justice of Iran from 2004 to 2014. He was also the Attorney General of Iran from 2014 to 2016.
Islamic Scholar: In addition to his legal and political career, Raisi is recognized as an Islamic scholar and has delivered lectures on Islamic jurisprudence and theology. His religious background has played a significant role in shaping his worldview and political beliefs.
Role in the 2009 Election Protests: Raisi was reportedly involved in suppressing the 2009 protests in Iran following the disputed presidential election. He was a member of the "death commission" that allegedly ordered the execution of political prisoners in the aftermath of the protests.
Social Welfare Programs: As president, Raisi has emphasized the importance of social welfare programs and has pledged to expand government support for low-income families, retirees, and vulnerable groups. He has advocated for policies to reduce poverty and address income inequality.
Healthcare Reform: Raisi has called for reforms to Iran's healthcare system to improve access to medical services and reduce healthcare costs for ordinary Iranians. He has pledged to increase government investment in healthcare infrastructure and expand health insurance coverage.
Regional Diplomacy: Raisi has sought to strengthen Iran's relations with neighboring countries and enhance its role in regional diplomacy. He has emphasized the importance of dialogue and cooperation to address regional conflicts and promote stability in the Middle East.
Nuclear Negotiations: Raisi has expressed willingness to engage in negotiations to revive the Iran nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). However, he has also insisted on Iran's right to pursue its nuclear program for peaceful purposes.
Public Image: Raisi's public image is characterized by his reputation as a conservative hardliner and his close association with Iran's religious and political establishment. He enjoys support from conservative voters but faces criticism from reformist and moderate factions within Iran.
Role in the Iranian Economy: Raisi has emphasized the importance of improving Iran's economy during his presidency. He has called for measures to stimulate economic growth, attract foreign investment, and reduce unemployment, particularly among Iran's youth population.
Support for Domestic Manufacturing: Raisi has advocated for policies to promote domestic manufacturing and reduce Iran's dependence on imported goods. He has called for investment in key industries and the development of indigenous technologies to enhance Iran's economic self-sufficiency.
Response to COVID-19 Pandemic: Raisi's administration has faced challenges in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran. He has implemented measures to contain the spread of the virus, including lockdowns, travel restrictions, and vaccination campaigns. However, Iran has faced criticism for its handling of the pandemic and its impact on public health and the economy.
Support for the Revolutionary Guard: Raisi has expressed strong support for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a powerful paramilitary organization tasked with defending the Islamic Republic's ideology and interests. He has praised the IRGC for its role in protecting Iran's national security and sovereignty.
Women's Rights: Raisi's presidency has raised concerns among women's rights activists in Iran. While he has expressed support for women's participation in education and the workforce, he holds conservative views on gender roles and has not prioritized reforms to address gender inequality or discrimination.
Freedom of Expression: Under Raisi's presidency, Iran has faced criticism for its restrictions on freedom of expression and the media. Journalists, activists, and dissidents have been targeted for their criticism of the government, leading to arrests, censorship, and intimidation.
Legacy and Future Outlook: Ebrahim Raisi's presidency is still in its early stages, and its long-term impact on Iran's domestic and foreign policies remains to be seen. His leadership style, policy decisions, and handling of key issues will shape his legacy and influence Iran's trajectory in the years to come.
Overall, Ebrahim Raisi's presidency represents a continuation of Iran's conservative political establishment, with a focus on economic stability, regional influence, and resistance to external pressure. His leadership style and policies have significant implications for Iran's domestic politics and its relations with the international community.
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