A new “Perestroika”: Escalating controversy over another Gorbachev in Iran
The Supreme Iranian Leadership is concerned about the transformation of Iranian President Rouhani into another Gorbachev, allowing for western cultural penetration into Iranian society. This notion may seem exaggerated due to Rouhani’s restricted authority, in addition to his keenness on concurring with the instructions of the Supreme Leader, as well as the vigilance of the security and military institutions for any attempts to diminish their political and economic influence. Still, the repetition of a similar model in the medium and long term is probable, even without an Iranian Gorbachev.
