16 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY MAY 23-29, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com Crash Landing Iran enters a new phase of uncertainty after President Raisi is killed in a helicopter crash. By The Arab Weekly FORUM The death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, a hardliner long seen as a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, ushers in a new era of uncertainties amid growing tensions for Iran, both at home and abroad. The charred wreckage of the helicopter which crashed on Sunday, May 19 carrying Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian was found after an overnight search in blizzard conditions near the mountainous Azerbaijan border. State TV reported that images from the site showed the aircraft slammed into a mountain peak. Raisi had been traveling to inaugurate the QizQalasi Dam, a joint project. The 10-hour search showed Iran’s limited ability to manage a major national security emergency. Tehran sought Turkish and Russian help in locating the missing plane. Mystery still envelopes some of the circumstances of the crash, as two other helicopters carrying other officials landed safely despite the weather. Amir-Abdollahian, who was also killed, was seen as a hardliner close to the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard. He confronted the West while also overseeing indirect talks with the U.S. over the country’s nuclear program and rapprochement with Arab Gulf nations. Raisi, 63, was elected president in 2021, and since taking office has ordered the tightening of repressive morality laws, overseen a bloody crackdown on anti-government protests and pushed hard in nuclear talks with world powers. Khamenei, who holds ultimate power with a final say on foreign policy and Iran’s nuclear program, had earlier sought to reassure Iranians, saying there would be no disruption to state affairs. Mohammad Mokhber, Iran’s first vice-president, became interim president. Like Raisi, he is seen as close to Khamenei. (Mokhber had previously been head of Setad, an investment fund linked to the supreme leader.) A special election will be set within 50 days. The deaths come at a time of growing dissent within Iran over an array of political, social and economic crises. Iran has faced years of mass protests against its Shia theocracy over its ailing economy, lack of freedoms and women’s rights, making the moment that much more sensitive for Tehran and the future of the country. Iran’s clerical rulers also face international pressure over Tehran’s disputed nuclear program and its deepening military ties with Russia during the war in Ukraine. Iran has been involved in proxy-attacks aimed at supporting Hamas in its war against Israel. Tehran spent decades supporting armed groups in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen and the Palestinian territories that allow it to project power in the region. Since Iran’s ally Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, conflagrations involving Iran-aligned groups have erupted throughout the Middle East. Raisi’s victory in a closely managed election in 2021 brought all branches of power under the control of hardliners, after eight years when the presidency had been held by pragmatist Hassan Rouhani. This story first appeared in The Arab Weekly. OPINION The deaths come at a time of growing dissent within Iran. Monterey One Water • ReGen Monterey • Southern Monterey Bay Dischargers Group GREEN CART Food scraps without a bag TRASH Cooking oil and grease ClogBusters.org Good kitchen habits protect the environment & public health from sewer overflows! www.ClogBusters.org Try Us First. We Pay The Highest! MONTEREY COIN SHOPPE Since 1970 same street for 40 years Open Mon-Thur 11am-4pm and Friday by appointment only. Call for an appointment: 831.646.9030 449 Alvarado St., Monterey www.montereycoinshoppe.com WE BUY GOLD AND SILVER, JEWELRY, COINS, DIAMONDS, WATCHES, ART & RARE ANTIQUES new arrivals suits, soft jackets, sport coats, dress shirts sports shirts, trousers & more… 831-625-8106 • carmel plaza • shop at khakisofcarmel.com
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