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Source: http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3674651,00.html
Chance for Change in Iran
[Ynet News] Guy Bechor - Iran's presidential elections on June 12 will be a clash of two divergent inclinations within the leadership. Former President Mohammad Khatami represents the desire to reach out to the West, while incumbent President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has pushed Iran to adopt a radical policy and face international isolation. The popular Khatami already served as president for eight years, in 1997-2005, and could not return for a consecutive third term in office before taking a break in line with Iran's constitution. Should Khatami regain the presidency, this will not mark the end of the Islamic revolution, but its substance will be softer. Khatami rejects out of hand Ahmadinejad's statements against the U.S., Israel, and the Jews. He claims that these declarations caused great damage to Iran on the diplomatic and economic fronts. It would also not necessarily mean an end to Iran's nuclear project (a decision to be made only by spiritual leader Khamenei). Under Khatami's leadership, Iran's support for Hizbullah and Hamas will be maintained, yet the sums of money involved (as Iran faces an economic crisis with the decline in the price of oil) will become smaller.