, Columnist
Iran’s Supreme Leader Faces Some Supreme Problems
Low turnout in the parliamentary elections are the latest sign of public anger and mistrust over the Islamic Republic’s failures.
A shrinking fan club.
Photographer: Atta Kenare/AFP via Getty Images
This article is for subscribers only.
Not quite two months in, 2020 is already proving to be Ali Khamenei’s annus horribilis. In word, deed and vote, Iranians are demonstrating a profound loss of faith in the Islamic Republic, and a deep contempt for its Supreme Leader. Trust in Iran is also dwindling in its neighborhood, and in the international community.
If he were capable of self-reflection, Khamenei would recognize that he bears most of the blame. Instead, the ageing theocrat continues to rail against the U.S., and more generally the West, for all that ails Iran.