Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, Iranian politician (b. 1934)

Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani (born Akbar Hashemi Bahramani on 25 August 1934, passed away 8 January 2017) was a towering figure in modern Iranian history, an influential politician, prolific writer, and undeniably one of the pivotal founding fathers of the Islamic Republic of Iran. His career spanned over four decades, marked by immense power and influence across various key institutions.

Known for his pragmatic approach and strategic acumen, Rafsanjani served as the fourth President of Iran from 3 August 1989 to 3 August 1997, overseeing a critical period of post-war reconstruction and economic reform. Beyond his presidency, his significant roles included heading the Assembly of Experts, the deliberative body empowered to appoint and oversee the Supreme Leader, from 2007 until 2011. He opted not to seek re-election for this post, a decision that highlighted his evolving political standing. He also served as the long-standing Chairman of the Expediency Discernment Council, an advisory body to the Supreme Leader designed to resolve legislative disputes between the Parliament and the Guardian Council, thereby playing a crucial role in shaping national policy.

A Legacy of Power: From Parliamentary Speaker to "Akbar Shah"

During his extensive 40-year tenure within the Islamic Republic, Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani strategically amassed a considerable amount of power, earning him the moniker "Akbar Shah" – a title that underscored his perceived king-like influence and control over Iranian politics. This informal title reflected his dominant presence and strategic maneuvering within the country's complex political landscape, often drawing parallels to historical monarchs due to his widespread authority.

His journey through the echelons of Iranian power included several critical positions:

• Speaker of Parliament (Majlis): As the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament for many years (1980-1989), Rafsanjani wielded significant legislative influence, shaping laws and directing parliamentary proceedings during the crucial formative years of the Islamic Republic and throughout the Iran-Iraq War.
• Commander-in-Chief during the Iran-Iraq War: Towards the latter stages of the devastating Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), Rafsanjani assumed the role of acting Commander-in-Chief, a testament to his trusted position and strategic capabilities. This put him directly at the helm of military affairs during a period of intense national crisis.
• President of Iran: His two consecutive terms as president (1989-1997) solidified his executive authority and allowed him to implement his vision for the country's economic and political future.
• Key Role in Supreme Leader Selection: Following the passing of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989, Rafsanjani played a pivotal, widely acknowledged role in the selection of Ali Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader. This decision, made by the Assembly of Experts, was a defining moment for the future trajectory of the Islamic Republic, and Rafsanjani's endorsement was crucial.

Presidential Tenures and Political Shifts

Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani's political journey was marked by both significant electoral victories and notable setbacks, reflecting the dynamic and often tumultuous nature of Iranian politics.

Electoral Successes and Reconstruction Era (1989-1997)

Rafsanjani first ascended to the presidency after convincingly winning the 1989 election, which followed the death of Ayatollah Khomeini. His platform primarily focused on pragmatic economic reconstruction after the devastating eight-year war with Iraq, advocating for policies that would rebuild the nation's infrastructure and stimulate growth. He secured a second term by winning the 1993 election, continuing his agenda of economic liberalization and development.

The 2005 Election and the Rise of a Rival

After a hiatus from the presidency, Rafsanjani sought a third term in the 2005 election. Despite placing first in the initial round, he ultimately suffered a surprising defeat in the run-off to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. This outcome marked a significant shift in Iranian political dynamics, signaling a move away from Rafsanjani's more pragmatic and moderate approach towards a more populist and conservative stance.

Political Isolation and Resilience (2009-2013)

Rafsanjani and his family faced considerable political isolation following their outspoken support for the opposition during the contentious 2009 presidential election and the subsequent Green Movement protests. His critical stance against the official election results and the violent crackdown on dissent put him at odds with hardline factions within the establishment, leading to a period of diminished public influence and familial scrutiny.

In 2013, despite his enduring political stature, Rafsanjani's attempt to re-enter the presidential race was thwarted when he was disqualified by the Guardian Council, the powerful body responsible for vetting electoral candidates. This controversial decision, citing his age and lack of qualifications by some interpretations, was widely seen as a move by conservative elements to prevent a moderate resurgence.

Return to Prominence and Rouhani's Election

However, Rafsanjani demonstrated remarkable political resilience. He openly supported Hassan Rouhani in the 2013 presidential election, a decision that proved instrumental in Rouhani's victory and subsequently led to a gradual recovery of the Rafsanjani family's political reputation. This alliance highlighted Rafsanjani's continued influence as a "kingmaker" and his commitment to a more moderate political trajectory for Iran.

Death and Lingering Questions

Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani passed away on 8 January 2017, at the age of 82, in a hospital in Tehran. Official government reports attributed his death to a sudden heart attack, with state media widely reporting cardiac arrest as the cause.

However, his sudden demise, particularly given his enduring political influence and the turbulent nature of Iranian politics, immediately prompted widespread speculation of foul play and assassination among segments of the public and international observers. His family, most notably his daughter Faezeh Hashemi, strongly asserted their belief that he had been murdered, adding fuel to the already intense rumors. Further investigations initiated by his family reportedly revealed findings, including statements from his daughter, suggesting that his body contained unusually high levels of radioactivity, intensifying the calls for a transparent inquiry and solidifying the public's lingering questions about the true circumstances of his death.

Ideology, Economic Vision, and Enduring Legacy

Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani's political philosophy can be best characterized as that of a pragmatic Islamic conservative. This designation highlights his commitment to the principles of the Islamic Revolution while demonstrating a practical, often flexible, approach to governance and international relations. His pragmatism allowed him to adapt to changing political landscapes and prioritize national interests, often in contrast to more ideological hardliners.

Internationally, Rafsanjani consistently advocated for a moderate foreign policy stance, actively seeking to avoid conflict and foster engagement with the United States and the Western world. This position often placed him at odds with more confrontational elements within the Iranian establishment, yet it reflected his long-term vision for Iran's place in the global community.

Domestically, he was a strong proponent of a capitalist free-market economy. During his presidency, he championed policies favoring the privatization of state-owned industries, believing this approach would stimulate economic growth, improve efficiency, and attract foreign investment necessary for post-war reconstruction and modernization. He viewed economic development as crucial for the stability and prosperity of the Islamic Republic.

Beyond his political and economic roles, Rafsanjani was also a visionary in the field of education. He was the founder of, and a key member of the Board of Trustees for, Azad University. Established in 1982, Azad University quickly grew into one of the world's largest private university systems, playing a significant role in expanding access to higher education across Iran and becoming a major academic and cultural institution.

Rafsanjani's influence also extended to his personal wealth, which, while never fully transparent, was subject to considerable public discussion and international scrutiny. In 2003, Forbes magazine estimated his personal wealth to be in excess of US$1 billion, a figure that sparked both criticism and debate regarding the accumulation of wealth by political figures in Iran.

He was frequently described by observers, including The Economist, as a "veteran kingmaker," a title that aptly summarizes his profound and lasting impact on the selection of leaders and the shaping of political alliances within the Islamic Republic throughout its formative decades.

Frequently Asked Questions About Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani

Who was Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani?

Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani was a highly influential Iranian politician, writer, and one of the core founding figures of the Islamic Republic of Iran. He served as the country's fourth President from 1989 to 1997 and held numerous other powerful positions, including Chairman of the Expediency Discernment Council and head of the Assembly of Experts.

What were Rafsanjani's key roles during his career?

His key roles included Speaker of Parliament (Majlis), acting Commander-in-Chief during the latter part of the Iran-Iraq War, President of Iran for two terms, head of the Assembly of Experts, and Chairman of the Expediency Discernment Council. He also played a critical role in the selection of Ali Khamenei as Supreme Leader in 1989.

Why was he known as "Akbar Shah"?

He earned the nickname "Akbar Shah" due to his immense accumulation of power, his perceived control over various aspects of Iranian politics, and his strategic influence that, to many, resembled that of a monarch.

What was Rafsanjani's economic philosophy?

Rafsanjani was a strong advocate for a capitalist free-market economy. His policies during his presidency focused on economic liberalization, including the privatization of state-owned industries, to encourage growth and reconstruction after the Iran-Iraq War.

What was the significance of Azad University in his legacy?

Rafsanjani was the founder and a key trustee of Azad University, which grew into one of the world's largest private university systems. This institution significantly expanded access to higher education across Iran, marking a major educational achievement.

What were the circumstances surrounding Rafsanjani's death?

Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani officially died on 8 January 2017, due to cardiac arrest. However, his sudden death, combined with claims from his family (including reports of high radioactivity levels in his body), has led to ongoing speculation and assertions that he was assassinated.