![\"\"](\"https:\/\/arabiangcis.org\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2016\/06\/Prominent-Editorials-3.png\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u00bb<\/span> Where will Qabilaf\u2019s voices go?<\/strong><\/span> \u00bb\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span>“Boycott of Elections” <\/span><\/strong> \u00bb\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span>Radio and Television should not Claim Neutrality<\/span><\/strong> \u00bb\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span>President of the Republic must not be Counterfeit<\/span><\/strong> \u2666\u00a0<\/span>Iran\u2019s imprisoned Green Movement leaders vote for Rouhani<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u2666\u00a0<\/span>Continuation of Rouhani\u2019s government worsens economic conditions<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u2666\u00a0<\/span>Iran official: UENESCO 2030 Document is nonbinding <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u2666\u00a0<\/span>Raisi gets closer to victory, says NBC news<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u2666\u00a0<\/span>Hadi Khamenei: Comparing Raisi with Beheshti is exaggeration<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u2666\u00a0<\/span>Raisi\u2019s election headquarter in Shiraz attacked<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u2666\u00a0<\/span>Iranian activists, former political prisoners endorse Rouhani<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u2666\u00a0<\/span>Government\u2019s rivals acted unethically in presidential debates, says politician<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u2666\u00a0<\/span>Association of Combatant Clerics backs Rouhani<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u2666\u00a0<\/span>Makarem Shirazi: Thugs and hooligans are after agitating election<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u2666\u00a0<\/span>Khatami\u2019s video message supporting Rouhani removed by prosecutor\u2019s order<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u2666\u00a0<\/span>Detained leader of Iran\u2019s Green Movement endorses Hassan Rouhani<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u2666\u00a0<\/span>Judiciary spokesperson criticizes Rouhani\u2019s remarks about \u201cexecutions\u201d in Iran<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u2666\u00a0<\/span>Iranian people\u2019s hopelessness regarding JCPOA endangers Rouhani\u2019s destiny<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u2666\u00a0<\/span>Rafsanjani\u2019s daughter: Rouhani\u2019s successful government must be repeated<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u2666\u00a0<\/span>Jahangiri backed Rouhani among Tehran\u2019s Sunnis<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u2666\u00a0<\/span>Russian pundits: Rouhani\u2019s victory in presidential election necessary<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u2666\u00a0<\/span>Raisi: They charge us of \u2018building walls\u2019<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u2666<\/span>\u00a0Motahari backs Rouhani for presidency<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u2666<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>IRGC Navy Commander: Impossible to compare Iran\u2019s preemptive power with past<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" \u00bb Where will Qabilaf\u2019s voices go? An editorial in Wednesday\u2019s “Sharq” newspaper concerns the recent withdrawal of the candidacy of former hardline presidential candidate Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf from Iran\u2019s presidential race, with the election set to take place on Friday. The writer questions the fate of those votes which would otherwise have gone to Qalibaf, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":2360,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[30],"tags":[1764,1761,1755,1593,1762,860,1757,12,355,667,430,136,339,1760,239,455,1759,1754,1758,1763,38,44,356,1756,79],"class_list":["post-2948","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-iran-in-a-week","tag-ali-fadavi","tag-combatant-clerics","tag-economic-conditions","tag-fatemeh-hashemi","tag-gholam-hossein-mohseni-ejei","tag-green-movement","tag-hadi-khamenei","tag-iran","tag-irgc","tag-jahangiri","tag-jcpoa","tag-judiciary","tag-khatami","tag-makarem-shirazi","tag-motahari","tag-mousavi","tag-presidential-debates","tag-rahnavrd","tag-raisi","tag-revolutionary-guards-navy","tag-rouhani","tag-russia","tag-shiraz","tag-uenesco","tag-unemployment"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rasanah-iiis.org\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2948","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rasanah-iiis.org\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rasanah-iiis.org\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rasanah-iiis.org\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rasanah-iiis.org\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2948"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/rasanah-iiis.org\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2948\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2969,"href":"https:\/\/rasanah-iiis.org\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2948\/revisions\/2969"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rasanah-iiis.org\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2360"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rasanah-iiis.org\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2948"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rasanah-iiis.org\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2948"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rasanah-iiis.org\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2948"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\nAn editorial in Wednesday\u2019s “Sharq” newspaper concerns the recent withdrawal of the candidacy of former hardline presidential candidate Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf from Iran\u2019s presidential race, with the election set to take place on Friday. The writer questions the fate of those votes which would otherwise have gone to Qalibaf, suggesting that he may have killed two birds with one stone through his withdrawal and asserting that the election is supposed to be going to a second round after his unexpected move. The news of Qalibaf\u2019s withdrawal was the most important political news on Monday, with the candidate, currently the mayor of Tehran, failing once again to reach the presidency on this, his third attempt.
\nEbrahem Raisi, another fundamentalist candidate, has promised to take advantage of Qalibaf’s capabilities in his government. The editorialist states that there are two possible analyses of this withdrawal. The first possible reading is that the fundamentalists will try to explain this withdrawal offer as an attempt to preserve the unity of the fundamentalist ranks and to win the first round. The second possibility is that Qalibaf chose to kill two birds with one stone, being aware of the declining number of votes he was likely to get according to opinion polls, and withdrawing in order to avoid the humiliation of publicly facing a third failed campaign in the face of an expected defeat for the fundamentalists. The writer adds that concerning Qabilaf\u2019s fate, there\u2019s likely to be a repeat of the events in the 2013 elections when reformist candidate Mohamed Reza Aref withdrew in order to strengthen the support for fellow reformist and current president Hassan Rouhani, this time with the similar tactical maneuvering concerning the fundamentalist candidates. The writer poses the question of whether the conservative Qalibaf’s votes will now go to his fellow fundamentalist Ebrahem Raisi, before dismissing this suggestion, saying, \u201cThe supporters of Qalibaf are different from the supporters of Ebrahem Raisi as they are a diverse mix of different sections of society. They are not rooted in fundamentalism like Ebrahem Raisi. The reason that the result of the 2013 elections went in favor of Rouhani was the cohesion of the reformist body between the grassroots and the senior hierarchy of leaders.” The writer suggests, therefore, that a significant number of the votes that would have gone to Qalibaf will now instead be cast for Rouhani.
\nAn Editorial in Sharq Newspaper on Tuesday, May 16, 2017<\/span><\/p>\n
\n
\nAn editorial in Wednesday\u2019s Hamdali newspaper concerns the calls by some groups in Iran for a boycott of Friday\u2019s presidential election, arguing that any such boycott would be in the interest of fundamentalists.
\n“In every election, there are a number of people talking about boycotting the elections, but the result of such thinking [led to] a loss to society after the 2005 elections when some did not vote for Rafsanjani, and the result was eight years of tragic [Ahmadinejad] government for Iran,” the editorial states.
\nThe writer suggests that the experience of events after the 2005 election should be sufficient to prevent any repetition or return of those like Ahmadinejad and his supporters who consider any critics to be evil, and who employ slogans such as “Death to my opponents.” The editorialist asserts that public participation in elections is necessary to \u201cstrengthen the reformist front”
\nThe writer further states: “The emergence of the reformist movement supported by the community shows that in order to prevent the gradual death of this trend, voting for the candidate of the reformist movement with insight and wisdom can work to stabilize the foundations of reformist thought in society gradually, and ensure that it appears on the political scene as a force, and free society from the scourge of “one-opinion”.
\nThe editorialist insists that any boycott of elections acts in favour of fundamentalists who believe that the voice of the people should not be involved in determining the fate of the state since the opinion of the people is contrary to their opinion. He cites another example to support his argument, stating, “The boycott of municipal elections in 2003 paved the way for Mehdi Chamran to take over the municipal leadership, which in turn paved the way for Ahmadinejad’s arrival as mayor of Tehran. Two years later [in 2005], the boycotters abandoned Mustafa Maeen and Hashemi Rafsanjani, leading to Ahmadinejad’s victory in the presidential elections. ”
\nAn Editorial in Hamdali Newspaper on Tuesday, May 16, 2017<\/span><\/p>\n
\n
\nJihan Sanaat handled the bias of the national Radio and Television in favor of the hardliner candidate Ebrahem Raisi, while this national organization has to be impartial and fair with all candidates. The editorial sees that this policy has been adopted by the organization a long time ago such as the elections of 2005 that resulted in the winning of Ahmadinejad. The editorial says, \u201cAfter the withdrawal of Qalibaf in favor of Ebrahem Raisi, the job of Radio and Television has become easier. This organization claims itself national, but its critics believe it is biased and state that there is no need for experts to analyze the news programs and the reports of the many channels in order to promote for Ebrahem Raisi. Even ordinary people notice that Raisi is being propagated more than the other candidates through meetings and promoting the positive characteristics and goals of him on more than one channel.\u201d
\nThe editorial believes that this organization is trying to mobilize the public opinion for Raisi openly. On the other hand, what is being broadcasted about Rouhani is sometimes against him and deterring for electors to vote for the current president. The editorial also refers to similar cases such as the elections of 2005 when this organization broadcasted statements of some interlocutors that publically announced the unwillingness of people to elect the Reform candidate at that time Hashemi Rafsanjani. \u201cThis organization that is financed from “Bait Almal” (the budget) showed that it favors certain candidates over the others,\u201d the editorial added. \u201cNo wonder that a governmental media organization like Radio and Television be under the control of the senior regime officials and propagate a candidate it believes he has connections with these officials. Neutrality in Radio and Television is a joke and no one can believe it, so it cannot be biased and at the same time claims the opposite.\u201d
\nAn Editorial in “Jihan Sanaat” on Wednesday, May 17, 2017<\/span><\/p>\n
\n
\nThis editorial handled president Rouhani\u2019s breaking of laws. It mentioned several cases at which Rouhani broke the law such as plagiarism of his Ph.D. theses and covering up the other fake Ph.D. qualifications of some ministers in his cabinet and others. The editorial says, \u201cBreaking the law is prevalent in all aspects in Iran; political, economic, and cultural. However, it is practiced more by those in power. In the developed societies senior officials\u2019 defiance of laws is being taken seriously in order not to become a model for the lower class of the regime\u2019s officials. So, we ask you to allocate little time and read the educational profile of President Hassan Rouhani before you vote.\u201d
\nThe editorial also says that Rouhani has plagiarized his Ph.D. theses. Some media means handled this issue before the elections of 2013. However, this issue was ignored by the Ministry of Higher Education officials and sealed Rouhani\u2019s file with the National Security seal after his inauguration. The editorial also refers to the counterfeit certificates of some Reformer officials from the University of Hawaii such as Murtaza Hajji who was appointed Minister of Education at Mohammed Khatami\u2019s cabinet and now heading Rouhani\u2019s campaign in Tehran.
\nThe editorial also sees that Rouhani minister\u2019s membership in private companies cannot be let go, which means that Rouhani\u2019s statements about fighting corruption are incredible. It concluded, \u201cIn summary, Iran\u2019s president must not be a crook and supporter of racism and economic corruption.\u201d
\nAn Editorial in “Watan Emroz” on Wednesday, May 17, 2017<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/arabiangcis.org\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2016\/06\/Prominent-News-1.png\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/arabiangcis.org\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/05\/mousavi2.jpg\")
\nMir Hossein Mousavi and Zahrah Rahnavrd, leaders of Iran\u2019s 2009 protest movement, have said they would vote for Rouhani, according to Kaleme Website, which is affiliated with Mousavi. Rahnavard and Mousavi, under house arrest since 2011, have requested a moving ballot box to participate in May 19 presidential election. Mousavi has also said that Iran state TV propaganda \u201cmade it clear\u201d that one should definitely vote for Rouhani, says Kaleme Website.
\nBBC Persian<\/span><\/p>\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/arabiangcis.org\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/05\/153108337.jpg\")
\nEconomic pundits and lawmakers expressed their worries over undesirable economic conditions in Iran, warning that reelection of Rouhani\u2019s government will worsen the conditions. Abdulmajid Sheikhi, economist and author of Economy and Planning, said that even from the beginning Rouhani did not have any plans for solving the country\u2019s problems. Sheikhi added that increasing cash flow in Iran\u2019s economy and unprecedented rise in unemployment are outcomes of the 11th government wrong policies. According to this economist, IMF has announced in its recent report that debts of Rouhani\u2019s government has increased 5 times, while its spending has doubled.
\nMashregh news<\/span><\/p>\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/arabiangcis.org\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/05\/unesco_conference_room.jpg\")
\nMohammad Bagher Nobakht, Iranian government\u2019s spokesperson, has pointed out that UNESCO 2030 Education Document has no binding force for any country. Following Iran\u2019s supreme leader Khamenei\u2019s remarks, this document up was put on hold until further clarification of details, added Nobakht. Government\u2019s spokesperson also said some are trying to \u201cmisuse\u201d this issue to advance their own goals, while appropriating supreme leader\u2019s policies for themselves.
\nUNESCO 2030 document is a part of United Nations\u2019 project for \u201csustainable development\u201d of member countries until 2030. While supporters of this document in Iran see this as using international experience for development and modernization of education in the country, fundamentalist media call it a \u201cconspiracy\u201d document. Recently, Khamenei criticized the \u201csilent\u201d implementation of this document, saying, \u201cIslamic Republic will not surrender to UNESCO 2030 Document.\u201d
\nShahrvand<\/span><\/p>\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/arabiangcis.org\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/05\/95647227_raisi.jpg\")
\nNBC news reports of favorable conditions for Ebrahim Raisi to win Iran\u2019s upcoming presidential vote. This American media wrote it is fair to say that Raisi will gain the majority of Ghalibaf\u2019s votes. NBC added that with Ghalibaf\u2019s dropping out of presidential race, Raisi\u2019s supporters are now more hopeful for defeating Hassan Rouhani in the election held this Friday. In the meantime, many Iranians are frustrated with unfulfilled economic promises of the current president, and unemployment and recession have put many families under pressure.
\nJam News<\/span><\/p>\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/arabiangcis.org\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/05\/DFA9BDDD-E38B-44E4-A605-4432DA17FF5E_w1023_r1_s.jpg\")
\nHadi Khamenei, brother of Iran\u2019s supreme leader and a political reformist activist, said with anyone other than the current president [Hassan Rouhani], there will be no guarantee about future. He emphasized that gray votes will naturally move towards the reformists, because in debates, \u201creformists had the upper hand and their explanations were more transparent.\u201d
\nAs for fundamentalists comparing Ebrahem Raisi with Mohammad Beheshti, considered as the primary architect of Iran\u2019s post-revolution constitution, Hadi Khamenei said \u201cMr. Beheshti was a great human being and jurist, who could have been one of the highest religious authorities, had he not been martyred.\u201d He added comparing Raisi with Beheshti is just \u201cexaggeration.\u201d
\nKhabar Online<\/span><\/p>\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/arabiangcis.org\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/05\/0514raisiiran01.jpg\")
\nSeyyed Mohiuddin Taheri, head of Ebrahim Raisi\u2019s election campaign in Fars Province, said there has been an attack against this candidate\u2019s election headquarter in Shiraz, in which some of the campaign staffs were injured. He added that police forced did not fulfill their duties in confronting those who disrupted public order and security.
\nMashregh news<\/span><\/p>\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/arabiangcis.org\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/05\/Daily-sun_iranian-president-hassan_picture.jpg\")
\nA number of activists and former political prisoners in Iran have issued a statement, calling on people to vote for Hassan Rouhani in Iran\u2019s presidential election on May 19. Signed by 26, the statement says a landslide victory for Rouhani would \u201cconsolidate the country\u2019s comprehensive, balanced, and permanent development.\u201d The statement also focuses on Iran\u2019s City and Village Council elections which will be held on May 19 as well, endorsing reformists whose names are on \u201cList of Omid [Hope]\u201d, regardless of the fact that this is \u201cneither the perfect, nor the best list.\u201d
\nZeitoon<\/span><\/p>\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/arabiangcis.org\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/05\/maxresdefault.jpg\")
\nMostafa Moin, a reformist political activist, pointed out to presidential debates, particularly the third one, saying that this debate was for people to know about the candidates\u2019 plans, because without plans, promises will be \u201cempty and false\u201d. However, Moin emphasized, no plans were presented in debates and speeches of the government\u2019s rivals. He added that Rouhani\u2019s rivals acted unethically and aggressively, making accusations, slanders, and threats to put the government on defensive in the debates.
\nArman daily<\/span><\/p>\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/arabiangcis.org\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/05\/20170509_2_23574464_21904057.jpg\")
\nThe Central Council of Association of Combatant Clerics held a meeting on presidential election as well as City and Village Council election, asking Iranian people to vote decisively for Hassan Rouhani, and prepare the ground for more \u201cgrowth and prosperity\u201d in the country. They announced that \u201cgiven the critical situation in the region and Iran\u2019s significant place, many internal and external problems can be solved by relying on moderation and rationality.\u201d
\nISNA<\/span><\/p>\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/arabiangcis.org\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/05\/360775_Ayatollah-Makarem-Shirazi.jpg\")
<\/span><\/strong>
\nNasser Makarem Shirazi, a Shi\u2019a marja, has named \u201ccounter-revolutionaries and enemy\u2019s agents\u201d as two groups that are after disrupting the election. The religious authority added that these groups try to use \u201cthugs and hooligans to agitate the election atmosphere,\u201d asking the \u201cIranian Muslim youths\u201d not to allow the \u201cenemy\u201d to do so.
\nMakarem Shirazi emphasized that election in Iran has been always \u201csafe and peaceful\u201d, hoping that people can still find the chance to take part in it without any difficulties.
\nMashregh news<\/span><\/p>\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/arabiangcis.org\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/05\/Khatami.jpg\")
\nA few hours after former President Mohammad Khatami published a video in support of Hassan Rouhani for May 19 election, Tehran Prosecutor ordered its removal. In his video message, published on Telegram channels, Khatami had asked people to vote for Rouhani again in Iran\u2019s upcoming presidential election. Tehran Prosecutor, however, issued an order in which he pointed to prohibition of publishing Khatami\u2019s messages or images in Iran media, demanding its removal. Khatami\u2019s video has had more than 2 million views in less than 12 hours.
\nRadio Farda<\/span><\/p>\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/arabiangcis.org\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/05\/Rouhani-Karoubi.jpg\")
\nMehdi Karroubi, one of the leaders of Iran\u2019s Green Movement, who has been under house arrest since 2011, announced his support for Hassan Rouhani in Iran\u2019s May 19 presidential vote. Karroubi, in a meeting with his family, said that he would \u201cdefinitely\u201d vote for Rouhani. He also referred to fraud in Iran\u2019s 2009 presidential election, saying \u201cwe all saw the outcome of not recognizing people\u2019s rights.\u201d
\nSaham News<\/span><\/p>\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/arabiangcis.org\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/05\/mohseni.jpg\")
\nGholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, Iranian first deputy of Chief of Justice and judiciary spokesperson reacted to Hassan Rouhani\u2019s remarks about issuing execution and imprisonment sentences during the past 38 years. Mohseni-Ejei, without naming Rouhani, said that \u201csome who are trying to gain people\u2019s votes forget their own past with regard to executing people in the public.\u201d
\nJudiciary spokesperson was pointing out to Rouhani\u2019s remarks in 1980 about \u201cNojeh coup plot\u201d in which, according to Fars news agency, Hassan Rouhani had called for execution of those related to the coup in public.
\nRadio Farda<\/span><\/p>\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/arabiangcis.org\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/05\/Tehran-bazaar.jpg\")
\nEU Foreign Relations Council\u2019s website in an analysis urged that election competitions in Iran are very much focused on economic policies, and fighting existing unemployment and injustice. Hassan Rouhani\u2019s rivals have criticized his government for failing in improving economic-political conditions, despite reaching the nuclear agreement and lifting of sanctions.
\nUnemployment rate in Iran has increased to 12.7%, while the youths\u2019 unemployment rate has risen from 24% to 30%. It has become clear that international companies are in doubt about extensive investment in Iran, because of which the nuclear deal did not end up in the expected investment flow and creating jobs in Iran.
\nKayhan<\/span><\/p>\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/arabiangcis.org\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/05\/RTR254VM-570.jpg\")
\nFatemeh Hashemi, daughter of late Rafsanjani, said that \u201cin presidential election campaigns, we are witnessing many lies from Dr. Rouhani\u2019s opponents, which is why it is our duty to stand against these lies and illuminate people\u2019s minds.\u201d She added that in the last election, people elected Rouhani who \u201ccould drive away the shadow of war from Iran.\u201d
\nFatemeh Hashemi emphasized that \u201csince Rouhani\u2019s government had a successful performance, it must be an 8-year government to complete its projects and bring them to fruition at the end of the second term.\u201d
\nEntekhab<\/span><\/p>\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/arabiangcis.org\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/05\/730531d3-708e-405f-8999-a08cbecb3426.jpg\")
\nEshaq Jahangiri, presidential candidate and first vice president of Hassan Rouhani, attended the gathering of Tehran\u2019s Sunnis to support Hassan Rouhani. In this gathering, Jahangiri said Iranian ethnicities are in safe places, and no one should have a security outlook towards these regions.
\nPointing out to Sunnis\u2019 presence in government positions, Rouhani\u2019s vice president said: \u201cWe have opened the door for Sunnis to enter diplomacy, and have appointed the first Sunni ambassador.\u201d Eshaq Jahangiri added that for the first time, a Sunni governor, a Sunni female governor and a deputy governor were assigned to these positions by the government, urging that \u201cI am sure the government will insist on implementing the Charter of Citizens\u2019 Rights.\u201d
\nJahangiri added as Kurdish and Azeri languages began to be used at schools and universities, the same will happen to Baluchi language in near future, stressing that no Iranian ethnic group is superior to others.
\nAnatoli Agency<\/span><\/p>\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/arabiangcis.org\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/05\/en-news-05081578-0f252e2a88b5255ae9da7dfdb610de5f.jpg\")
\nIn an event entitled \u201cIran on verge of presidential election\u201d held in Moscow, Russian scholars stressed that Hassan Rouhani\u2019s second term would strengthen Iran-Russia relations, reported ISNA. Vladimir Sazhin, senior research fellow of the Department of Near and Middle East at the Institute for Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, said Iran\u2019s political stability is very significant for Moscow. Iran and Russia have friendly relations and any Iranian president will try to consolidate it, he said. However, a Russian professor of political sciences maintained that Rouhani\u2019s second term would be necessary for Iran\u2019s \u201cstrategic partnership\u201d with Russia.
\nEntekhab daily<\/span><\/p>\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/arabiangcis.org\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/05\/Ebrahim-Raisi-iran.jpg\")
\nIranian presidential candidate Ebrahim Raisi has criticized Rouhani\u2019s government of \u201cunderestimating people\u2019s intelligence.\u201d Raisi said the authorities have accused him of building walls in order to project their problems on others. He then advised the government to clarify about imports and exports, loans received and different contracts, \u201cbecause our people do not want a private government.\u201d
\nDuring a campaign speech to his supporters last week, Hassan Rouhani said \u201cif you stay at home [on election day], know that they will build walls in our sidewalks.\u201d He added \u201conce in a meeting they decided to build walls in Tehran sidewalks to segregate women and men, just the way they issued orders for gender segregation at workplaces.\u201d
\nDonya-e eqtesad<\/span><\/p>\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/arabiangcis.org\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/05\/ali_motahari_rattling_the_regime__580x300_q85_box-030650364_crop_detail_subsampling-2.jpg\")
<\/strong><\/span>
\nAli Motahari, deputy speaker of Iran\u2019s parliament, said Hassan Rouhani is the competent candidate in the 12th presidential election. In his Telegram channel, he wrote that giving the country\u2019s administrative affairs to someone who has never had any experience in ministry or the parliament is a risk: \u201cwith electing Mr. Rouhani, our country will not become as good as Switzerland in terms of material wellfare, but with not electing him, it is possible for the country to become like Venezuela.\u201d
\nMotahari held that given the JCPOA, new developments in Middle East, and new U.S. administration, it is in the interest of the country if Rouhani\u2019s presidency continue, adding that \u201csome do not care if JCPOA fails, so that they drag the country to an unwanted war for maintaining a revolutionary pose.\u201d
\nKhabar onlie<\/span><\/p>\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/arabiangcis.org\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/05\/IRGCnavy-e1473904890617.jpg\")
\nRevolutionary Guards Navy Commander Ali Fadavi said during years after the victory of Iranian revolution, Iran\u2019s defense capability has been constantly increasing, and its preventive power today cannot be compared with the past.
\nHe emphasized that U.S.-Iran conflict is over truth and falsehood, urging that in so far as one persists on its rightful ideals and goals and the other keeps following its own wrong path, this confrontation will not come to an end.
\nJomhouri Eslami<\/span><\/p>\n