Word: reformer
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...Many Hong Kong people seem to have forgotten the fact that they are Chinese ... 'one country, two systems' is not 'one country, two hearts.'" AN MIN, Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce, elaborating on the meaning of "patriotism," a topic that has sparked fierce debate and slowed efforts at constitutional reform in Hong Kong...
...their supporters out to dry long ago. They made their pact with the devil to stay in office no matter what the cost. Principles were the first casualty. Democrats should stop their charade and join the Republicans. After all, enough Dems sided with the G.O.P. to pass tax cuts, reform Medicare and approve the invasion of Iraq. At least we know what the G.O.P. represents: borrowing and spending, massive deficits, militarism and Big Brother. The Democrats lack the moral fortitude to stand up for their ideals and constituencies. One can only hope that a defeat of the Democrats...
Besides the Guardian Council, Khamenei appoints other key bodies like the Expediency Council, a sort of Iranian House of Lords, and the Iranian judiciary. In the past four years, together they have shut down reformist newspapers, jailed outspoken journalists and overturned every major reform bill approved by the Majlis. Student demonstrations protesting the actions have been suppressed by the security forces, leaving among young people a trail of disillusionment with Khamenei--and with Khatami for not speaking out or resigning in protest...
...Khamenei is also a pragmatist. Although he has allowed pro-democracy politicians to be crushed, he has shied away from stifling reform urges altogether. Satellite TV, Internet access, expanded political debate, looser restrictions on women's dress and mixing of the sexes are reform-movement achievements that Khamenei has allowed to stand. He has presided over the most significant opening to the outside world since the revolution. In December, with Khamenei's approval, the government signed a protocol with the International Atomic Energy Agency allowing inspections of Iran's nuclear facilities--a sea change from the republic's long standoff...
Many reformists conclude that changing the system from within isn't possible. Some advocate pushing for a constitutional change to curb or even abolish Khamenei's powers. That appeals to militant students, who have chanted "Death to Khamenei!" in street protests. Reform strategists say they may turn next year's presidential election into a referendum on the Supreme Leader's powers by asking voters to cast blank votes to signify dissatisfaction. Former Khomeini aide Mohsen Sazegara was imprisoned for 114 days this year after penning an essay that challenged Khomeini's doctrine stipulating the right of an Islamic jurist--currently...