WI: Mousavi wins 2009 Iranian Elections

It does not matter who votes on whom, but who counts the votes.

Besides, even if Mousavi won, it wouldn't mean that Iran would become pro-western or sth.
 
It does not matter who votes on whom, but who counts the votes.

Besides, even if Mousavi won, it wouldn't mean that Iran would become pro-western or sth.

Indeed, Iran already had attempted moderation under Khatami, and it didn't work out too well.
 
Indeed, Iran already had attempted moderation under Khatami, and it didn't work out too well.

Right. He might present a more moderate image to the world, but the true person in charge would still be the ultra-conservative Supreme Leader. The only true way to bring reform to Iran is through there and not the presidency.

Though, his moderate rhetoric on the international stage could ease tensions overall with the U.S. and Israel - since a bulk of the problem comes from Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's often inflammatory rhetoric.
 
Even if he did win (although it is pretty certain that the Iranian elections were rigged, to what extent and how it changed the outcome still isn't entirely clear), chances are that it would be a pretty close election. He wouldn't appear to command quite enough popular support to present a challenge to the Supreme Leader, who would feel quite comfortable running roughshod over the wishes of the president.

As has been pointed out in the thread, moderation on the part of the Iranian president doesn't always end well. It takes two to tango in terms of detente, and the Bush administration was not in the mood for any kind of understanding with Iran.
 
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