What does Hashemi Rafsanjani’s Death Mean for Rouhani?

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Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, Iran’s president from 1989 to 1997 and a key figure in Iranian politics, died today from a heart attack. He was 82. Rafsanjani was a key reformist figure in Iranian politics. His death destabilizes the balance of power between reformists and hardliners and leaves his protege President Hassan Rouhani dangerously exposed to hardliners loyal to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. It remains to be seen if Rouhani can claim Rafsanjani’s leadership of the reformists – and avoid the opposition of the hardliners...