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In 2009, the reformists again do not seem to have promising prospects, with two candidates, Mehdi Karrubi and Mir-Hossein Moussavi. Mr. Karrubi, a former speaker of the Majlis, is viewed by both camps as a spoiler, as his refusal to step down in 2005 proved damaging to the reformists. This time, he has attracted prominent reformist support, for example from former Tehran mayor Karbaschi. Mr. Moussavi was prime minister from 1981 to 1989 and is best remembered for preventing a total economic collapse during the war with Iraq. He has historically been associated with the left, including with some factions who eventually became reformists. In 1997, some reformists had attempted to nominate him but he declined in order to let Mr. Khatami run. He serves on the influential Expediency Council but has been mostly absent from the political limelight since 1989. This has produced a pressing need for him to clarify his agenda he has yet to articulate specific policy positions beyond criticising President Ahmedinejad. In general, his views seem to resemble those of Mr. Khatami but, unlike the latter, he is not associated with being ineffective, and some analysts say that he could mobilise reformists more efficiently. Through his membership of the Expediency Council, he has built inroads to the centre, and has reportedly received the support of the Supreme Leader’s brother. Several new factors are important for the 2009 elections: new developments amongst hard-line circles, economic difficulties, and relations with the U.S. The Ahmedinejad presidency has witnessed, first, new changes within hard-line factions, with a consolidation of conservative power, including in the
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