The story today, which many of you have probably already seen, is the crash of an Iranian helicopter that killed all on board. The passenger list included Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian along with some other top officials. The deaths are not likely to affect Iranian policy. The Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameini is still the absolute ruler. Raisi was just one of his most faithful followers.
There were 9 people killed in the crash. Others included Ayatollah Mohammed Ali Ale-Hashem, The supreme leader’s representative in East Azerbaijan Province, and the provincial Governor, Malek Rahmati, and some bodyguards. The entourage had been on a show trip to dedicate a new dam. Following the ceremonies everyone embarked in 3 helicopters for the return to Tehran. The aircraft was a Bell 212 commercial version developed from the famous Huey. Bad weather and poor visibility have been cited as reasons for the crash. The other 2 aircraft did not crash.
The theocratic regime inside Iran will be working overtime to find replacements for the deceased top leaders. It’s a difficult task. Raisi was “elected” by the smallest turnout of voters in Iranian history. Only 8% of the population of Tehran bothered to go to the polls. Despite the immense amount of dissatisfaction evident in the public, no one seems to expect this to trigger a real uprising. New elections are supposed to take place within 50 days. There is a slim possibility of some changes, despite the statement by The Supreme Leader that everything will continue as before.
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