How Khomeini lost the battle, but is winning the war
Seyyed Hassan Khomeini, who only entered the fray two months ago, appears set to become an influential and effective figure in Iranian politics.
TEHRAN, Iran — The past weeks have been pleasant for Seyyed Hassan Khomeini, in contrast to the bitter days that followed his disqualification from the Assembly of Experts elections.
Khomeini is a grandson of the founder of the Islamic Republic, and according to some, quite similar to late Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. The initial announcement of his candidacy found a warm response by moderates and Reformists, even as few expected Khomeini to step forward. It was the first time since the demise of Ayatollah Khomeini that his family would participate in politics.
Prior to his candidacy, Hassan Khomeini had always avoided running in elections and rarely discussed politics in public. He spent most of his time in the holy city of Qom doing research and teaching at the seminary.
The Guardian Council, headed by conservative Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati, barred Khomeini from competing in the Feb. 26 election. When Khomeini objected and asked that the decision be reviewed, he was disqualified once again. Khomeini appeared unsurprised. “I strongly believe that there is no unclear point about me, as I’m not an unknown person to the Guardian Council members, [in which case] they would need to investigate my identity. My perception is that my complaint won’t lead anywhere,” he said before appealing the Guardian Council’s initial disqualification.
