Iranian Leader
I. Individual Characteristics of Khamenei
1. Khamenei’s father was religious scholar/ he followed his father’s footsteps and became religious scholar
-Khamenei had contact with many secular intellectuals during youth/ thus he possesses a well-rounded education
– He became more radicalized after US deposed Mosaddeq in 1953
-Influenced by teachings of Qutb on using Islam as a form of government
-Although he was originally against taking the US embassy hostage, he came out in support after the event.
-He was appointed a member of the Council of the Islamic Revolution by the Supreme leader Khomeini.
– Khamenei served as deputy defense minister and acting chair of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, thus he is knowledgably about military and has their support.
-Became president of the republic in 1981 and knows the limitations of that office. Khamenei served as president throughout the Iran/Iraq War.
2. Became Supreme leader in 1989 even after opposition by several senior clerics. He has been able to increase his influence over the course of his rule which demonstrates his desire for more power.
– He consolidated his power through a vast network of “clerical commissars” who are able to intervene in major public institutions to enforce his authority
-He was aided in consolidating his power by a weak parliament dominated by conservatives
-Often lets presidents overshadow him on the public stage but his policies always prevail showing his power and political mastery.
3. Known to be thin skinned
President of the United States
I. Individual characteristics of President Obama.
1. Grew up without his real Father
– attended Columbia University and Harvard Law School
– Community organizer and civil rights attorney.
-Political experience as a senator in the Illinois Senate and one term in the United States Senate.
-Liberal Democrat
-Considered an excellent public speaker
2. Elected President in 2008, currently in his second term of office.
-Passed a stimulus law claiming it would aid the economy recover from the Great Recession
-Signed a major Healthcare law which caused a great divide among America’s citizens. The total effect of the law is yet to be determined.
-First sitting US President to publically support same sex “marriage”.
-Withdrew American troops in Iraq.
– Gave the authorization for the raid that killed Osama bin Laden.
-During his time as president, Obama has seen Foreign opinion of the US decline due to his handling of the Benghazi scandal and the Syrian crisis.
-Publically declared opposition to Iranian nuclear program.
-Publically expressed his support of the 2009 Green movement in Iran and condemned the repressions of the Iranian government.
II. Powers/ Authority
Supreme leader
1. The Supreme leader is the dominant figure in Iranian politics
– Khamenei has tremendous authority over all major state institutions.
-Formally or informally, the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government all operate under Khamenei’s control.
– The Supreme Leader has authority over the regular armed forces and Revolutionary Guard
-The Supreme leader has authority over state controlled media.
2. Khamenei has effective control over 2nd most powerful institution, the 12 member Guardian Council
-Supreme leader appoints half the Guardian Council’s members, and also appoints the judicial chief who appoints the other half of the Guardian Council.
-Guardian Council has authority to evaluate election candidates and reject parliamentary decisions
-The Supreme leader also confirms newly elected presidents
– The Supreme leader also has influence in deciding who is able to run for president
3. The Supreme Leader has access to large amounts of money. The economy is state controlled and the Supreme leader has access to the large oil revenues.
II. Powers/ Authority
United States President
1. The President is the head of the executive branch of government and figurehead for the United States.
-Limited control over the judiciary, in that the president nominates members to the United States Supreme Court, however these must be confirmed by the senate.
– The president has the power to veto laws passed by congress, however this veto can be overridden by a two-thirds majority vote by congress
2. The president appoints members of his cabinet to oversee aspects of the government such as Health, Education etc.
-The president can suggest congress pass certain legislation.
-The president can convene special sessions of congress
-The president receives foreign dignitaries and diplomats
-The president prepares the budget for the United States government which congress approves.
-Civilian leader of the military and has authority to commit troops to a conflict for a limited time, but only Congress has power to officially declare war.