Iran Politicians Burn US Flag and Chant 'Death to America' After Trump Withdraws From Deal

[StevieM]

21. I do get that, and I referred to the Assembly of Experts and Guardian Council in my post.

There is a limited amount of pluralism in Iran. The regime usually feels the need to allow one or two less extremem candidates on the ballot. They are not as reform-minded as the people would like and if they win they are not allowed the right to govern in any way they like.

But it isn't totally insignificant. It means that Iran is not always represented, at home or abroad, by someone like Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. It means that you can get a deal like the Iran deal that Obama negotiated. It means that you have some type of competitive campaigns, complete with debates, mudslinging and western-style advertising.

That isn't the same thing as democracy, but it is part of a process in which electoral traditions and political debate are taking root. That can have a positive effect on their ability to establish democracy--and maintain it--in the future.