Tehran's Daily Newspaper Review

One hundred political prisoners –called “security prisoners” by Tehran's Prosecutor General and “regretful offenders of the ’88 Fetneh” by Kayhan- were released from prison on Sunday with the Supreme Leader’s pardon. In his meeting with the cabinet, Ayatollah Khamenei called for the government’s adherence to values and principles.

Iran chose its top headline from Ayatollah Khamenei’s meeting with Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's cabinet: “people have tied hope to the government’s promises, stay committed to them.” Iran also reported that the Eid-e Fetr holidays, when Muslims celebrate the end of Ramadan, has been increased to two days with the parliament’s approval. “This Is Iran” was the title of Iran's pungent editorial in which the author elaborated on how Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has been unrightfully the subject of attack by power loci since his candidacy for presidency in 2005.

Jomhouri-ye Eslami chose a different phrase from Ayatollah Khamenei’s remarks, one which sounded less sympathetic with Ahmadinejad's administration: “the government’s adherence to principles and values is necessary.” The newspaper also reported of the Libyan revolutionaries’ preparation to attack Qaddafi’s birthplace Sirte. Jomhouri-ye Eslami’s editorial was a eulogy of Iran's second president Mohammad-Ali Rajaei and his prime minister Mohammad-Javad Bahonar, both killed in a terrorist attack in the early 1980s. The editorial did not miss the chance to make a cloaked criticism of Ahmadinejad –who during his 2005 presidential campaign and first administration tried to emulate Rajaei- that mere claims do not turn one into Rajaei.

Kayhan’s top headline, a quotation from the Supreme Leader’s speech read: “Remaining revolutionary has been the key to the government’s success and popularity.” Damascus’ objection to Arab League’s statement, pardon for political prisoners and Eid-e Fetr holidays were Kayhan’s other headlines. “Lessons from the Libyan Experience” was the title of the newspaper’s editorial. The author argued that Middle East is showing its true face to the West, one which is not represented by “scarecrows” like Bin Ali, Mubarak or Qaddafi and Western countries have to acknowledge the new Middle East order.

“People’s living is absolutely important for the Islamic Nezam” Resalat quoted Ayatollah Khamenei. Ayatollah Khamenei also referred to frail relation with the academia and seminary elite as one of the defects of the government. Ayatollah Mahdavi Kani was also quoted saying that “demarcation” with the Astray Current and Fetneh is the key feature of Principlists’ electoral slate. The assassin who murdered Iranian physicist Dr. Ali-Mohammadi was also sentenced to death Resalat cited the Judiciary speaker.

Political figures welcomed the release of political prisoners in their interview with Shargh. The newspaper also reported of the launch of the first authorized private Iranian satellite channel which is supposed to serve as a rival to the so-called “Los Angelesi” Persian channels broadcast from the US and at odds with the Islamic Republic’s moral standards. The newspaper also quoted Ayatollah Khamenei who called for “serious revision” of import policies.

Tehran-e Emrooz reported about the largest case of embezzlement in Iranian banks; one worth of 3 billion dollars. Tehran-e Emrooz’ front page also covered Iran's “firm response” to the Qatari Sheikh about the solution to the Syrian crisis. Iran has proposed its own package of political reform to Syria according to the newspaper, and Iranian officials are serious in protecting Syria against foreign conspiracies. Tehran-e Emrooz’ editorial also concerned the rampant cases of embezzlement which could come quite costly for the political and social structure according to the author.

“New York Conquered by Irene” Vatan-e Emrooz reported. The downward trend of brain drain according to the president’s science and technology deputy, death sentence for the “Mossad agent” who assassinated Dr. Ali-Mohammadi and major reforms made to the labor law were other headlines of the newspaper. Vatan-e Emrooz’ editorial elaborated on social and psychological effects of fasting in Ramadan.

* Note: Vatan-e Emrooz does not publish on Thursdays.

Trouble with understanding some terms? Check our Glossary of Iranian Political Terms.

Briefing

Hamshahri (Citizen) is the official daily newspaper of Tehran's Municipality. Its general directions in politics, culture and economy are determined by the mayor of Tehran, currently Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf.

Iran is the official organ of the administration.

Jomhouri-ye Eslami (The Islamic Republic) was known as the official organ of the Party of the Islamic Republic, founded in 1979 and disbanded in 1987. Currently, it is an open critique of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's policies and is known to be a mouthpiece of Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani.

Kayhan (Universe) is a hard-line conservative newspaper. Its editor-in-chief –currently Hossein Shari’atmadari- is appointed by Iran's Supreme Leader. Shari’atmadari’s editorials often spark off controversy and debate inside Iranian political circles.

Khabar (News) is a principlist daily newspaper which adopts a critical stance towards Ahmadinejad's policies.

Resalat (Mission) belongs to the moderate wing of the principlist camp. Resalat’s best known analyst is Amir Mohebbian, its political editor.

Shargh (East) is a moderate reformist newspaper. It was the most popular and influential reformist newspaper in its first period of publication which lasted from August 2003 until September 2006.

Tehran-e Emrooz (Tehran Today) is a ‘principlist reformist’ newspaper, connected to Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf.