Iran's Presidential Hopefuls: Strongman, Surgeon, and Pen Pusher
Three candidates have a realistic chance in Iran’s presidential election: strongman Qalibaf, reformist surgeon Pezeshkian, and zealot pen pusher Jalili.
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Presidential Election in Iran: Curb Your Enthusiasm
The Guardian Council has again presented the Iranian public with presidential candidates who lack a political program, a social base, and the ability to mobilize voters.
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Erdogan Politically Wounded But Still Turkey’s Dominant Power
Opposition success in Turkey’s local elections is an unprecedented rebuke to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. While his constitutional power and dominance of the judiciary remain intact, Erdogan is probably in his final term and will find domestic and foreign initiatives somewhat more complicated.
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Iran's 2024 Elections: Vote Without Voters
Does a voter boycott matter in a country that is not a democracy, and is there a correlation between lack of electoral participation and political violence?
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Erdogan Overcomes Opposition – and Economy – to Prevail in Presidential Runoff
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has proved he can win a national election without a successful economy; however, he cannot begin to achieve his vision of Turkish greatness without economic greatness as well.
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Implications of Iraq’s New Election Law
Iraq’s new election law is likely to strengthen the representation of traditional political blocs and weaken smaller parties and independent candidates, however, it is unlikely to notably alter the ethnic and sectarian composition of Parliament.
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Erdogan Closes in on Victory
Should he indeed clinch his third presidential term on May 28, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s detractors at home and in the West will have little choice but to place their hope in his pragmatic side.
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What Turkey’s Elections Mean for the Gulf
Despite the candidates’ contrasting foreign policy approaches, realpolitik considerations and regional developments may prevent a radical shift in Turkish foreign policy regardless of who wins Turkey’s presidential election.
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New Elections and Frustration Within Kuwait's Elite
Amid an ongoing political standoff and governing malaise, some within Kuwait's elite have challenged the Al Sabah family-led government.
A Flurry of Activity in Bahrain-China Relations
Recent developments in Bahrain-China ties reflect less alignment and more coincidence of interests.
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Through its careful examination of the forces shaping the evolution of Gulf societies and the new generation of emerging leaders, AGSIW facilitates a richer understanding of the role the countries in this key geostrategic region can be expected to play in the 21st century.
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