Gertz:
Congress has determined that Iran’s new president who has been widely labeled a “moderate” in news reports, has kept hardliners in key positions, including defense and internal security.
The research arm of Congress has concluded that President Hassan Rowhani, who took office in August 2013, maintained the influence of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in defense and internal security. The Congressional Research Service cited Rowhani’s choice for defense minister and justice minister.
Iran Defense Minister Hosein Dehgan, left, and Justice Minister Mostafa Pour-Mohammadi.
"His nominees appeared to reflect an intent to implement his platform, and the Majles, even though dominated by hardliners, approved all but three of his choices," the report said.
Author Kenneth Katzman concluded that Rowhani’s most important appointments included that of defense minister and justice minister. Hosein Dehgan, the new defense minister, was described as an IRGC “stalwart” and organizer of the Hizbullah militia.
"He later was IRGC air force commander and deputy defense minister," the report said.
Rowhani’s choice of justice minister was also said to have been significant. Mostafa Pour-Mohammadi was linked to the torture of Iranian dissidents during his term as interior minister from 2005 through 2008.
"Perhaps Rowhani’s most controversial choice because of Pour-Mohammadi’s alleged abuses of political dissidents in previous positions, including as interior minister," the report said.
Rowhani also appointed former Defense Minister Ali Shamkhani as head of the Supreme National Security Council. Shamkhani, a former IRGC commander and head of Iran’s missile development program, was said to have “adopted relatively moderate positions relative to his IRGC peers.”
Other significant appointments by Rowhani included Mohammed Javad Zarif as foreign minister, who spent years lobbying Congress and the White House. CRS said Zarif, a former ambassador to the United Nations, forged a “wide range of contacts with U.S. policymakers.”
"During his tour, Zarif periodically visited Washington, DC, to meet with members of Congress and congressional staff, including the author," the report said.
DOG BITES MAN, RIGHT?
Congress has determined that Iran’s new president who has been widely labeled a “moderate” in news reports, has kept hardliners in key positions, including defense and internal security.
The research arm of Congress has concluded that President Hassan Rowhani, who took office in August 2013, maintained the influence of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in defense and internal security. The Congressional Research Service cited Rowhani’s choice for defense minister and justice minister.
Iran Defense Minister Hosein Dehgan, left, and Justice Minister Mostafa Pour-Mohammadi.
"His nominees appeared to reflect an intent to implement his platform, and the Majles, even though dominated by hardliners, approved all but three of his choices," the report said.
Author Kenneth Katzman concluded that Rowhani’s most important appointments included that of defense minister and justice minister. Hosein Dehgan, the new defense minister, was described as an IRGC “stalwart” and organizer of the Hizbullah militia.
"He later was IRGC air force commander and deputy defense minister," the report said.
Rowhani’s choice of justice minister was also said to have been significant. Mostafa Pour-Mohammadi was linked to the torture of Iranian dissidents during his term as interior minister from 2005 through 2008.
"Perhaps Rowhani’s most controversial choice because of Pour-Mohammadi’s alleged abuses of political dissidents in previous positions, including as interior minister," the report said.
Rowhani also appointed former Defense Minister Ali Shamkhani as head of the Supreme National Security Council. Shamkhani, a former IRGC commander and head of Iran’s missile development program, was said to have “adopted relatively moderate positions relative to his IRGC peers.”
Other significant appointments by Rowhani included Mohammed Javad Zarif as foreign minister, who spent years lobbying Congress and the White House. CRS said Zarif, a former ambassador to the United Nations, forged a “wide range of contacts with U.S. policymakers.”
"During his tour, Zarif periodically visited Washington, DC, to meet with members of Congress and congressional staff, including the author," the report said.
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