George Soros was quoted by Reuters as saying, “I personally have confidence that he’s going to fail.”
For Soros, Trump will have “a very far-reaching effect in Europe and other parts of the world.”
Considered as an actor behind the colour revolutions, Soros also predicted that Theresa May, the British Prime Minister, won’t last long in her post, as the English people will notice the effects of leaving the European Union.
Iran’s achievements in its oil industry came as, prior to the lifting of the embargoes, the country’s oil exports amounted to less than 1 million bpd, according to a Farsi report by ISNA.
After the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), signed between Iran and P5+1, went into effect, the number of foreign customers of Iran’s oil has also witnessed a gradual rise.
At the time of sanctions, importers of Iranian oil constituted a very short list. Only a small number of Asian states were among the customers of Iran’s hydrocarbon resources. This is while, 15 European companies have joined the list in the post-JCPOA era, particularly, in the first month of 2017.
Iran’s European customers purchase a total of 700,000 barrels of Iranian oil per day.
They include France’s Total, Italian oil refiner Saras, Greece’s Hellenic Petroleum, Russia’s Lukoil, Spain’s CEPSA, Italy’s Eni and Turkey’s Tüpraş, which have signed long-term contracts with the National Iranian Oil Company.
In addition to these firms, a number of other large European companies have also imported single shipments of oil from Iran. They include Austria’s OMV Group, Poland’s Grupa Lotos and PKN Orlen, Britain’s Shell and BP Global, Vitol of Switzerland and Spain’s Repsol.
Currently, Iran’s monthly oil revenues stand at $3.3 billion. The figure was not more than $1 billion before the lifting of anti-Iran sanctions.
In the aftermath of Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani’s death, what would happen to Iran’s political boundaries? What would be the short-term impact of the tragic incident on the country’s reformists? What changes would take place in Iranian conservatives’ political orientation? What would happen in the country’s upcoming presidential elections? And finally, from a conservative point of view, what measures are required to be taken, in the short-term and long-term, by the political party opposing reformism?
In a recent Farsi report, Alef news website has tried to answer some of these questions.
Apparently, reformists will face a number of serious problems in the absence of Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani.
Connection with the Establishment
Following the demise of Ayatollah Rafsanjani, reformists have lost the most important channel that connected them to Iran’s Establishment. Clearly, from now on, for such a link, they will have to count on people with whom they do not have a close rapport including Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani and the member of the country’s Expediency Council Ali Akbar Nateq Noori. Reformists have lost their bargaining power in Iran’s ruling system.
A Trustee for Traditional Society
Iranian reformists have also lost the most important factor securing their votes in the traditional stratum and body of the society. Individuals such as Iran’s former president Mohammad Khatami do not possess such a trait. Such a role, formerly played by Ayatollah Rafsanjani, can hardly be taken on by anybody else.
A Prudent Mediator
Ayatollah Rafsanjani was an effective factor in managing the reformist trend. Following what happened after 2009 presidential election in Iran, the reformist faction faced an internal chaos as well as threats to its identity. The presence of such individuals as Ayatollah Rafsanjani did not let the consequences of the chaos impact the society. His role gains increased importance in view of the fact that he was the main link between the countries’ political parties.
Given the abovementioned facts, Ayatollah Rafsanjani used to legitimize Iran’s reformist party, and, thus, reduced its political and social costs. The reformist camp’s legitimacy would now be subject to problems. In the absence of Ayatollah Rafsanjani, the reformist faction is expected to be less conformist, politically speaking, and become more straightforward.
What Would Reformists Do?
The reformists would, most probably, continue holding their political funeral ceremonies, commemorating Ayatollah Rafsanjani, up until Iran’s presidential elections in May to foster their solidarity.
What about Conservatives?
Apparently, the death of Ayatollah Rafsanjani will cost dearly for conservatives, for they have also lost a symbolic asset they could make use of in their interest in competitive debates, by merely showing their opposition with. Apart from his own performance, Ayatollah Rafsanjani was a symbolic asset for the liberal-patriotic circle in the country from political, economic, social and cultural points of view.
Thus, expressing opposition with Ayatollah Rafsanjani as a symbol, could guarantee the conservatives’ success in debates. However, they will most probably face social misunderstanding in their competitive debates in the absence of such a symbol.
No one would be able to replace Ayatollah Rafsanjani in this regard. President Hassan Rouhani is the only alternative with such a potential. Yet, he will not risk being extremely straightforward due to his position which requires taking political precautions.
Conservatives’ Do’s and Don’ts
In the short-term, it would be costly and unnecessary for conservatives to continue criticizing Ayatollah Rafsanjani in the way it was done in the past. Currently, voicing criticism against him would be, in fact, criticizing the conservatism.
In addition, any form of criticism used by the conservatives would help reformists be successful in the project of demonstrating their innocence and that of Ayatollah Rafsanjani and, thus, complete their electoral game.
At present, criticizing Ayatollah Rafsanjani needs to be aimed at reviewing the history, revealing historical facts about him and his political behaviour and learning lessons from the past, not passing on competition messages.
The conservatives currently need to focus more on the country’s main issues and let go of criticizing Ayatollah Hashemi. They should also break up Ayatollah Rafsanjani’s symbol into smaller and more meaningful units and distribute them among other available political symbols. Real symbols, such as aristocracy, Westernization, capitalism and Western culture, are required for a real competitive debate.
Rouhani’s administration, all over, is a collection of liberal dialogue symbols in the society.
Greater Unity
Following Ayatollah Rafsanjani’s death, Ayatollah Seyyed Hossein Mousavi-Tabrizi, the secretary-general of the Assembly of Qom Seminary Scholars and Researchers, said the gap would not widen between the members of Iran’s conservative and moderate parties.
He added they would even become more united.
Mousavi-Tabrizi said, “Ayatollah Rafsanjani’s burial ceremony had a common message for everybody, particularly radicals and those who intend to create chaos in the country. A certain group of people plan to gain monopoly over the Iranian society and control it. This is not going to work for them. Running a country requires incorporation of all different ways of thinking and styles and respecting them.”
“Iran is a unique territory with excellent cultural heritage and abundant places of interest; a country that embodies all the four seasons, where tourists can go to the seaside in one part and ski in another,” noted Yonathan Betkolia, an Assyrian member of Iranian Parliament.
“These qualities can attract many tourists who go to different parts of the world. Many countries rely on tourism to increase their incomes.”
According to a Farsi report by ICANA, he went on to say that Iran should show the tourists how safe the country is.
“All Iranian regions are safe and calm,” he mentioned. “We can make good moves. The better is our air, railway, sea, and ground transportation, the more tourists are attracted to Iran. We all should join hands to ensure safe tourism in Iran.”
“So the Parliament should make regulations on the security and safety of tourists’ arrival in Iran,” he noted.
Regarding the Airbus plane recently imported to Iran, Betkolia said, “This airplane is announced to be used for domestic flights.”
“Meanwhile, one hundred Airbus planes have been bought and will be imported to Iran. They can be employed for domestic and international tourism.”
He then referred to the strong presence of Airbus chief and managers and European ambassadors in Iran on this occasion. “This demonstrates the legitimacy of our demands.”
“By importing the Airbus, we showed the world that we can uphold our rights.”
Newspapers today highlighted the latest updates on the Thursday collapse of Plasco Building, including President Hassan Rouhani’s visit to the site and his orders.
They also covered Iranian people’s spontaneous moves to commemorate the firefighters killed in the tragic incident.
US President Donald Trump’s inauguration and the massive anti-Trump rallies across the world also received great coverage.
The above issues, as well as many more, are highlighted in the following headlines:
19 Dey:
1- Rouhani: Plasco Building Collapse Was a Warning for Everyone
2- Parliament Speaker: Municipalities Should Improve Safety Conditions of Commercial Buildings
3- Prosecutor General: They Shouldn’t Have Confined Themselves to Giving Warning; Municipalities Responsible for Immunization of Buildings
4- Deputy Labour Minister: 500,000 New Jobs to Be Created
Abrar:
1- City Council Champions! And Firefighting Heroes
2- Richard Murphy: Middle East Is Not Trump’s Priority
3- Taiwan’s Representative Attends Trump’s Inauguration Ceremony despite China’s Criticism
4- Debris Removal Operation to Take over a Week to Complete: Official
Afarinesh:
1- President: We Should Bow before Sacrifices of Rescuers and Firefighters
2- Iranian Scientist’s Invention Receives US Patent
Aftab-e Yazd:
1- Debris Removal Still Goes on and No Sign of Firefighters’ Bodies Yet
2- Rouhani Visits Plasco Collapse Site to Alleviate Firefighters’ Pains
3- Health Minister: Iraq Spending Three Times More than Iran on Health!
Arman-e Emrooz:
1- Mr. Expediency’s Seat: Coldest Meeting of Expediency Council after Ayatollah Rafsanjani’s Demise
2- Deputy FM Jaberi Ansari: We’ll Attend Astana Talks with Full Preparation
3- US Shadow on Syria Peace Talks in Kazakhstan
4- Iran’s Ambassador to Kuwait: Iran’s Stances Are Clear, We Don’t Hide Anything
Emtiaz:
1- Intelligence Minister: Those Spreading Rumours Will Be Prosecuted; Plasco Building Collapse Is Not Suspicious
2- 59% Increase in Iran’s Export of Handicrafts
3- Labour Minister Says Production Units Destroyed in Plasco Building Collapse Can Receive Low-Interest Loans
Etemad:
1- Man to Man War with Mountain of Rubble: 80 Hours after Beginning of Difficult Debris Removal Operation, People Are Worried and Waiting to Know about Fate of Firefighters and Other Missing Ones
2- Analyst: Obama Was Popular among Europeans and Disgraced among Middle Eastern People
Ettela’at:
1- President: Plasco Tragedy Should Be a Lesson for Future
2- Iran: No Foreign Player Can Decide for Syrian People
3- Senior Conservative Politician Haddad Adel: Islam Is Basis of Iran’s Ties with Arab World
4- Moscow-Damascus Deal for Russia’s 49-Year Presence in Syria
Ghanoon:
1- Rescuers without Shelters: A Report on Inadequate Attention Paid to Firefighters in Iran
2- We’re Not Legally Obliged to Consider Firefighters as Martyrs: Martyrs Foundation; In Spite of All Difficulties, Firefighting Is Not a Hard and Harmful Job
3- Cheques Are Alive under the Rubble: A Report on Documents Found in Plasco Debris
Haft-e Sobh:
1- These People Are Fantastic: Those Who Raise Accusations against People Should Be Ashamed
2- Strange Case of Obama’s TV: Former US President Uses an Economic TV Set in His New Home Which Is Also Found in Iran
Hemayat:
1- Prosecutor General: Special Court to Be Formed in Plasco Collapse Site
2- Mayor of Tehran: Temporary Place to Be Established for All Shop Owners of Plasco Building to Run Their Business
Iran:
1- National Assistance for Plasco Shop Owners: People, Government, and Syndicates Joining Hands to Help Those Who Incurred Damages in Plasco Collapse
2- Islamic Revolution Is Today Threatened by Ignorant and Radical People: Culture Minister
Jame Jam:
1- Central Bank Governor: $78,000 Loans to Be Given to Shop Owners of Plasco
2- No to Trump: Increasing Protests after Inauguration of Trump
Javan:
1- Trump Started Work with Iranophobia; 60 Cities in the World Start Riots against Trump
2- Iran Removes US from Astana Talks
Jomhouri Eslami:
1- President: We Need More Comprehensive Plan for Old Buildings
2- We’ll Rebuild Plasco Building in Two Years: Building Owner
3- Export of Pharmaceuticals Tripled after JCPOA: Health Official
4- MP: Foreign Ministry’s Fourth JCPOA Report Is Full of Moves Forward
5- Al-Aqsa Mosque Preacher: US Embassy Move to Quds Is Declaration of War against Muslims
6- Health Minister: Unfortunately We Are Gripped by Corruption in Iran
7- Anti-Trump Demonstrations in 635 Parts of the World
Kayhan:
1- A Nation Praying for Selfless Firefighters: Fear and Hope in Heart of Tehran, Fight against Fire and Rubble Continues
2- Months after Controversial Election: Unrest and Chaos Not Leaving US Alone
Khorasan:
1- Plasco Shop Owners to Be Exempted from Paying Taxes
2- Fresh CIA Document Shows Details of US Support for Saddam Hussein in His War against Iran
Rah-e Mardom:
1- Human Factor Was Cause of Fire and Destruction of Plasco Building: Number of Injured People in Plasco Increases to 145
2- Identity of Victims Not Announced Yet
Resalat:
1- Hard Days of State-Sponsors of Terrorism: US Does Not Deserve to Take Part in Astana Talks
2- Russia: Iran Does Not Welcome US Presence in Astana Meeting
Shahrvand:
1- Rouhani’s Order:
2- Culture Minister: Government Doesn’t Want Prescription-Based Medium
Shargh:
1- Firefighters Say How Disaster Happened
2- Guardian Council Secretary Not Hospitalised: Ayatollah Jannati Is Fine
Vatan-e Emrooz:
1- Wreaths Laid for Selfless Firefighters: People Visited Fire Stations and Laid Wreaths to Commemorate Plasco Building Victims
The value of Iran’s handicraft exports in the past 10 months shows roughly ten percent rise in comparison to the same period in the previous year, Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Organization (ICHTO) Deputy Director Bahman Namvar-Motlaq said.
Exports of handicrafts have been on the increase over the past three years, witnessing an overall 59 percent hike, the official explained, as reported by Tehran Times.
ICHTO had earlier announced that highly sought-after handicrafts such as traditional glassware, potteries, ceramics, and kilims (flat tapestry-woven carpets) constitute the lion’s share of exports.
Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, and Germany are the main importers of Iranian handicrafts.
Some $28.9 billion worth of non-oil goods were exported from Iran during the first nine months of the current Iranian calendar year, according to the Iran Customs Administration.
“We can very easily snap back and go back … not only to where we were, but a much higher position, technologically speaking,” Ali Akbar Salehi, the Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) told Canada’s CBC News on Saturday.
He added, “I don’t want to see that day. I don’t want to make a decision in that course, but we are prepared.”
Elsewhere in his comments, Salehi played down another threat by Trump, right before his inauguration, that he would order the construction of a missile system against Iran and North Korea.
The White House made the announcement in a policy position posted on its website on Friday.
“The United States — it’s more than 10,000 miles (16,000 kilometers) away from Iran, and we have never intended to manufacture missiles that would go that far,” Salehi said.
The Iranian atomic chief, however, called it a “positive” sign that the US commander-in-chief had made no mention of either Iran or the deal in his inaugural address.
Four airstrikes hit the Guards School north of the capital city according to Yemen’s Saba news agency.
The casualties have not been reported yet.
The airstrikes came as two citizens were killed and many others injured in 45 airstrikes by the Saudi-led coalition’s warplanes that hit several Yemeni provinces over the past 24 hour, officials told Saba on Sunday.
In Taiz, a woman was killed and others were wounded in two air raids that targeted their homes in Mocha district and a citizen was killed in an airstrike that targeted Mageber area in Moza district. This attack also caused loss to a number of livestock.
In Sana’a governorate, three residents, including a women, were injured in a cluster bomb dropped by the Saudi warplanes on Nehm district. Further airstrikes hit the house of a citizen in Al-Majawaha area of Nehm. Two air raids hit Attan area in the capital Sana’a.
In Hodeida city port, the aggression launched five airstrikes on Al-Jabana and Ras Aesa areas in Al-Saleef district, and waged two airstrikes on the Naval base, as well as two other raids that targeted the airport and Moshej area in A-Khokha district.
In Lahaj governorate, one airstrike hit Kahbob district.
In Mareb province, Saudi warplanes launched three airstrikes on Al-Shabwan area in Abeida Valley, and eight air raids on Serwah district.
In Sa’ada governorate, Saudi airstrikes targeted Telecommunication network in Al-Khmes area in Sakeen district and two others strikes hit Al-Maghrm area in Baqem district.
In Hajja province, two airstrikes hit Mthalth Ahem and three raids struck Al-Mazrak area in Harath district.
In Dhamar province, four airstrikes hit the Police School.
In Jawf province, airstrikes hit Al-Matoon district and other raids struck Al-Raboah area near the border.
Here are Mehr’s photos of the artists appreciating the firefighters’ efforts and praying for the rescue of trapped ones:
“The latest inspections of 17,000 buildings in Tehran found that almost 3,000 are highly unsafe and insecure,” said Masoumeh Abad, head of the Health and Safety Committee of Tehran City Council.
“Almost 40% of the buildings on Jomhouri Street (where Plasco was located) alone are in such a state,” said Mohsen Pirhadi, member of the presiding board of the council, on Friday.
Most buildings in central Tehran are part of the old urban texture housing the most important commercial activities in the capital city.
These building have rarely been retrofitted as per modern standards, and a majority lack adequate safety measures.
Plasco, a 17-storey commercial building in downtown Tehran collapsed on Thursday after a huge fire broke out on its upper floors.
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