Ebrahim Raisi

 

Ebrahim Raisi, born on December 14, 1960, in Mashhad, Iran, is a prominent Iranian cleric and politician who currently serves as the President of Iran. His political career and influence in Iran have been significant, particularly within the conservative and hardline factions of the country's political landscape.

### Early Life and Education

Raisi was born into a religious family in the holy city of Mashhad. He began his religious studies at an early age and continued his education at the Qom Seminary, one of the most prestigious centers for Shia scholarship. There, he studied under notable clerics, including Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who would later become Iran's Supreme Leader. Raisi's education and early career were deeply rooted in Islamic jurisprudence and theology, which significantly shaped his political and judicial perspectives.

### Judicial Career

Raisi's judicial career began in the early years of the Islamic Republic. He held various positions in the judiciary, starting as a prosecutor in Karaj and Hamedan in the 1980s. He rose through the ranks to become the Deputy Prosecutor General of Tehran. During this period, he was involved in some of the most controversial and significant events in Iran's post-revolutionary history, including the mass execution of political prisoners in 1988, for which he has faced severe criticism and accusations of human rights violations from international organizations.

In 2014, Raisi was appointed as the Prosecutor General of Iran, and in 2016, he became the head of the powerful Astan Quds Razavi, a charitable foundation and business conglomerate based in Mashhad. His leadership of this organization bolstered his influence and provided him with substantial financial resources.

### Political Career

Raisi's political ambitions have become more pronounced in recent years. He ran unsuccessfully for president in 2017, losing to the incumbent, Hassan Rouhani. Despite this defeat, he remained a significant figure in Iranian politics, particularly as a representative of the hardline faction opposed to Rouhani's relatively moderate policies.

In 2021, Raisi ran again for the presidency and won with a significant majority, amid widespread disqualification of other candidates by the Guardian Council, which ensured a predominantly conservative slate. His election was marked by low voter turnout and widespread public discontent, reflecting a complex and often strained relationship between the government and the populace.

### Presidency

Since taking office, President Raisi has focused on several key issues. Domestically, he has emphasized combating corruption, improving the economy, and addressing issues related to poverty and unemployment. His administration has also been marked by a more conservative stance on social and cultural issues, aligning with the hardline principles he has long championed.

In foreign policy, Raisi has sought to strengthen ties with Iran's regional allies and major powers like China and Russia, while maintaining a critical stance towards Western countries, particularly the United States. This approach is consistent with the broader strategic goals of the Iranian government under the guidance of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.

### Human Rights and Controversies

Raisi's tenure has not been without controversy. His past, particularly his role in the 1988 executions, continues to draw criticism from human rights groups. Additionally, his presidency has seen crackdowns on dissent and protests, which have been met with significant domestic and international condemnation.

### Conclusion

Ebrahim Raisi is a complex and polarizing figure in Iranian politics. His rise to the presidency marks a consolidation of hardline power within the Iranian political system, reflecting broader trends and tensions within the country. As president, Raisi faces the daunting task of addressing Iran's economic challenges, managing its foreign relations, and navigating the ongoing demands for greater political and social freedoms from the Iranian people.