Khatami Takes the Reins

Iranian president-elect Mohammad Khatami is not due to take office until 3 August but he is already actively engaged in taking over the reins of power. His first task has been to ensure he has in place a team with whom he can work but this is apparently proving harder than expected. Busy with this task, Khatami has had little opportunity to formulate his policy preferences. Nonetheless, it is already evident that he will toe the establishment line in public while insisting on freedom to pursue his new approach in reality.