Akbar Rafsanjani
Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani was an Iranian politician who served as the fourth President of Iran from 1989 to 1997. He is also known by his alias, Hashemi.
Birth and Death Dates
Rafsanjani was born on August 25, 1934, in Bahreman, Razavi Khorasan Province, Iran, and passed away on January 8, 2017, at the age of 82.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: Iranian
Professions: Politician, Military Officer
Early Life and Background
Rafsanjani was born into a traditional clerical family. His father, Mirza Ahmad Hashemi, was a cleric who served as a _mullah_ (Islamic scholar) in the city of Bahreman. Rafsanjani's early education took place at home, where he studied Arabic and Islamic theology. He later attended the _hawza_ (Islamic seminary) in Qom, where he earned his _ijtihad_ degree, qualifying him as a high-ranking cleric.
Major Accomplishments
Rafsanjani played a significant role in shaping Iran's post-revolutionary government. As a founding member of the Islamic Republic Party, he was instrumental in establishing the country's new constitution and the office of the President. He served as Speaker of the Iranian Parliament from 1980 to 1989, a position that allowed him to influence domestic policy.
Notable Works or Actions
During his presidency, Rafsanjani implemented several significant economic reforms, including liberalizing trade policies and encouraging foreign investment. He also oversaw the development of Iran's nuclear program, which aimed to increase the country's energy independence. Additionally, he established the Rafsanjani Foundation, a charitable organization that supported education and healthcare initiatives.
Impact and Legacy
Rafsanjani's presidency marked a period of relative stability in Iranian politics. He implemented economic reforms that brought about significant growth and modernization. His efforts to increase energy independence led to the development of Iran's nuclear program, which remains a contentious issue to this day.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Rafsanjani was known for his pragmatic approach to governance, often taking a more moderate stance on issues like human rights and economic policy. His legacy is complex, reflecting both the progress made during his presidency and the challenges that followed in the aftermath of the 2009 Iranian presidential election protests. Despite controversy surrounding his nuclear policies, Rafsanjani remains an influential figure in Iranian politics, remembered for his efforts to modernize the country's economy and increase its energy independence.
Rafsanjani's leadership style was characterized by his willingness to engage in dialogue with international leaders and negotiate compromises on key issues. His emphasis on economic development and energy independence has had a lasting impact on Iran's domestic and foreign policies. As a result, he continues to be widely quoted or remembered for his insightful comments on governance, economics, and international relations.
Quotes
Rafsanjani was known for his eloquent speeches and insightful quotes. Some notable examples include:
"We are prepared to talk about the nuclear issue at any time."
"We want to have good relations with all countries in the world."
These quotes offer a glimpse into Rafsanjani's pragmatic approach to governance, reflecting his commitment to diplomacy and economic development.
By examining Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani's biography, we gain insight into the complexities of Iranian politics and the significant role this individual played in shaping the country's history. His legacy serves as a reminder of the challenges and opportunities faced by nations seeking balance between economic growth, energy independence, and international cooperation.
Quotes by Akbar Rafsanjani
The main thing would be our assets. That would be the best positive sign. This is a very wrong action that they have betrayed our trust.
Iran and the European Union have already started their talks in Vienna and I hope that both sides will take a wise decision in the nuclear matter.
In Iran, things like water, electricity and bread - the necessities of life - are cheaper compared to other places and there are a lot of subsidies.
An unwise decision could lead to a dangerous situation, not only in Iran and in the (Gulf) region but also in the world.
They want to deprive Islamic nations of having nuclear energy knowledge and always keep them backwards.
America and other countries want to issue a resolution taking advantage of Chapter Seven. Could they achieve this? It is doubtful.
This is a sensitive issue. We cannot give up our rights. No Iranian will be ready to give up our rights, and they should know that we will remain firm.
We wish to avoid any confrontation. But if it is imposed on us, we are prepared to face it.
When I was the president, several times I mentioned this to the United States, that if they show goodwill we would enter a dialogue with them.