Flash Analysis: Prominent Iranian Candidates Disqualified
Iran's powerful Guardians Council has disqualified two prominent candidates -- former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani and Esfandiar Rahim Mashaie, a close aide to outgoing President Mahmud Ahmadinejad -- from running in next month's presidential election. Mardo Soghom, RFE/RL's regional director for Iran and Iraq, says the decision indicates the insecurity of Iran's religious establishment.