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Heya. Sorry to distract from the whole GSL / Naniwa drama ... but I figure there are enough people on TL that: a) there are probably some who have an interest in Iran, and b) there are people who like IR / Political Science stuff.
I wanted to share two papers that I wrote (each is 20-25 pages), both about Iran (really focusing on Khamenei). "omg why are all your papers about Iran!" Several reasons: I'm Iranian, I'm interested, and I have a scholarship that actually requires me to focus and do research on Iran.
So... here goes~~
Iran: Foreign Policy & Khamenei’s Power
Abstract:
This paper tests the theory that there is a direct link between Iran’s foreign policy and Ayatollah Khamenei’s domestic power using an analysis of both foreign and domestic politics during the three post-Khomeini presidents: Rafsanjani, Khatami, and Ahmadinejad. This analysis shows that there is a direct link between the two variables, when Khamenei is weak Iran’s foreign policy has been more pragmatic, and during times of strength and consolidation, Iran’s foreign policy has been more aggressive. The question of causation however, remains unanswered. The paper closes with a discussion of potential U.S. policy options and suggestions for further research into the problem.
Click >>HERE<< to download!
History, Deception, and Repression: Khamenei’s Grand Strategy
Abstract:
This paper seeks to explain the three primary strategies used by the Islamic Republic of Iran to
consolidate power and silence opposition: (1) using a religio-historical narrative to defame
opposition leaders, (2) promoting a revisionist history to create external threats to the regime,
and (3) censorship and repression of dissenting views. An analysis of these strategies shows that
Ayatollah Khamenei has become the most powerful figure in Iran and is the key decision maker.
Understanding these strategies and the importance of Khamenei can help to formulate better
policymaking. I suggest a change in U.S. policy towards Iran that focuses on fighting censorship
and raising international awareness of the domestic situation rather than focusing on the nuclear
issue.
Click >>HERE<< to download!
Blehh, if anyone actually reads it/cares, hope you enjoy!
 
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ill definitely read these once my final is done later today, took a few courses that have looked at the region and Iran. Can't wait to see what your suggestions on US policy towards Iran should focus on 
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Really cool read Xeris. I know a little about a lot, and I love adding more info to the pile, thanks for this
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Are these papers academic? refereed? Published? personal?
Also, I love Iran for Kabab and Keema and OXbrain
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I'm curious to get your opinion on the possibility of the ayatollah getting rid of Ahmadinejad's executive power and the basic deconstruction of election processes in Iran, as the religious authority of Iran looks to solidify its control even further.
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looking forward to the US/iran part. Are you from iran and went to UCSD for school?
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I'm an international relations major! :o Might read these if I have time, but as I just got done with finals I need some time for my brain to relax.
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Pretty interesting stuff... FOR A TERRORIST! No, I'm kidding Xeris. =) I'll download them and read them later, it's amazing how little the US is talking about Iran now that we lost the drone.
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Can't go anyway... i'm in the military, I would never be granted the right xD
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Thank you for the reading (on tommorow's exam topic for me, fuck yeah). I just wonder what scholarship are you doing which required to do that (if it doesn't bother you I'm just curious)
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i think one of the biggest roadblocks in creating an effective policy towards Iran is the domestic political situation in the US. Currently it is too volatile for any attempts at lessening sanctions which are ineffective due to as you mentioned China and Russia's interests in Iran. Targeted sanctions would work quite well as opposed to broad sanctions that are more likely to alienate the local population in Iran and put them even more in Khamenei's camp. I know you touched on this briefly in your paper History, Deception, and Repression, but i think the US involvement in bringing Mossadegh to power and the resulting authoritarian and corrupt regime that the US helped support plays a huge role in why Khamenei is able to retain broad support. And recently the decision by the UK to back sanctions on the central bank of Iran i believe will most likely help Khamenei tap into relatively recent colonial history and strengthen his position. It will be interesting to see if Khamenei lets Ahmadinejad finish his term as president seeing as to the rift between the two has seemed to just continue growing deeper, the power of the president while nowhere near as great of that of Khamenei has helped Khamenei stay more in the shadows when it comes to Iran's dealings abroad and from the eye of the Western World.
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On December 15 2011 02:04 HackBenjamin wrote:Really cool read Xeris. I know a little about a lot, and I love adding more info to the pile, thanks for this
You'll suit so well my uni, it's hilarious, it should be the slogan :D
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On December 15 2011 02:47 sAsImre wrote:
Thank you for the reading (on tommorow's exam topic for me, fuck yeah). I just wonder what scholarship are you doing which required to do that (if it doesn't bother you I'm just curious)
I forgot the name of it (lol), but it's basically a scholarship they give to 5 students per year who are interested in Iran / study and do research on Iran. I don't THINK it is exclusive to Iranians.
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On December 15 2011 02:16 farvacola wrote:
I'm curious to get your opinion on the possibility of the ayatollah getting rid of Ahmadinejad's executive power and the basic deconstruction of election processes in Iran, as the religious authority of Iran looks to solidify its control even further.
It's a real possibility, I think Ahmadinejad will finish his term... and there might even be another president after that. That announcement was basically a warning against reformists, and a message to Ahmadinejad that his power-grab won't be effective
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On December 15 2011 02:13 Keyboard Warrior wrote:
Are these papers academic? refereed? Published? personal?
Also, I love Iran for Kabab and Keema and OXbrain
Academic, yes. I might try to get them published. Will keep TL updated on that OO~
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I study political science in vienna, austria and my main focus is devided between iran (a lot of NGOs regarding iran in austria) and china (well its china), I will defenitely read them when I am home again, although "The question of causation however, remains unanswered" does not sound too promising 
And if I read too much stuff I did not already know .. then I would be sad. That would mean that I did not study properly
Looking forward to it.
EDIT : Did you talk to/work with Afrasiabi ? A professor of mine always talks about him and as I have no idea where you study, there possibility exists.
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On December 15 2011 03:10 Tufas wrote: "The question of causation however, remains unanswered" does not sound too promising And if I read too much stuff I did not already know .. then I would be sad. That would mean that I did not study properly EDIT : Did you talk to/work with Afrasiabi ? A professor of mine always talks about him and as I have no idea where you study, there possibility exists.
Why does it not sound promising? Tons of papers get published that basically say "this is a cool problem. I don't know the answer, but other people should study it and figure it out." In fact, 3-4 of my assigned readings for different classes this semester were LITERALLY 30 pages of why the author didn't know the answers, and why other people should study it.
It's pretty common in political science... when you test a hypothesis, after your research to say, "i still don't know the answer, but through my research... this is a good way to figure it out, and if I had more time I'd do it"
Also, don't know that prof.
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Oh of course but so far I can only doubt the quality of a paper in PS about iran posted on TL - although it will most likely only mean that you are enthusiastic and proud of what you wrote, and who isnt, it could also mean that it is bad. Well I will know in 2 hours
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EPT
