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Source: http://washingtoninstitute.org/templateC05.php?CID=3061
Ayatollah Khamenei: The Real Power in Iran
[Washington Institute for Near East Policy] Mehdi Khalaji - On June 3, Iran will mark the twentieth anniversary of Ali Khamenei's appointment as the leader of Iran. While international attention is focused on the June 12 presidential elections, the winner of that contest will remain subordinate to Khamenei in power and importance. Khamenei has attained his powerful position by taking control of key government agencies and building a robust bureaucracy under his direction. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has been converted into an economic-political-military-intelligence conglomeration responsible only to Khamenei. He is also head of all three branches of the government, the state media, and is the commander-in-chief of all armed forces, including the police. Khamenei has the final say on foreign policy issues.