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Italy Advances Tougher Measures on Migrant Arrivals

ILE PHOTO: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni attends a bilateral meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance (not pictured), during his visit to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, February 6, 2026.  Italy’s government has approved a new migration bill that would grant authorities the power to impose temporary naval blockades during periods of intense pressure on the country’s borders. The proposal, backed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, is designed to curb irregular sea crossings by restricting access to Italian territorial waters. The draft law would allow officials to bar vessels from entering for up to 30 days, with the option to extend the measure to six months if national security or public order is deemed at risk. The plan also strengthens border surveillance, increases penalties for human smuggling, and expands the list of offenses that can lead to deportation. Supporters argue the move is necessary to manage migration flows more effectively, whi...
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Ebrahim Raisi: From Cleric to President

                                     Ebrahim Raisi

Ebrahim Raisi, born on December 14, 1960, in Mashhad, Iran, is a prominent Iranian cleric, prosecutor, and politician. His journey from religious studies to the highest office in the country has been marked by significant events and ideological shifts.

Early Life and Education

Raisi grew up in Mashhad, a crucial religious center for Twelver Shiʿah Muslims due to its association with the burial place of the eighth imam, ʿAlī al-Riḍā. Born during a period of land reform (1960–63) and the White Revolution development program (1963–79), Raisi witnessed Iran’s transformation in power distribution and wealth. Despite rapid modernization, the clerical establishment, including Mashhad’s influential clerics, felt disenfranchised by the reforms of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi.

Raisi received a religious education and studied under prominent clerics in Qom, the intellectual hub of Shiʿi Islam. During this time, Iranians were dissatisfied with the Shah’s regime, and many seminarians, including Raisi, embraced the revolutionary ideals of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Khomeini’s vision of “velāyat-e faqīh” (guardianship of the jurist) emphasized clerical oversight of government policy and administration.

Rise to Power

Raisi actively participated in the events of 1978–79 that led to the shah’s exile and the establishment of an Islamic Republic based on Khomeini’s principles. His commitment to Khomeini’s vision shaped his political trajectory.

  • Head of the Judiciary (2019–21): Raisi held this position, consolidating his influence within the Iranian legal system.
  • President (2021– ): In June 2021, Raisi was elected as Iran’s president. He positioned himself as a staunch anti-corruption advocate and promised solutions to the country’s economic challenges. His victory came after conservative and moderate rivals were disqualified, solidifying hardline control over all branches of power.

Key Policies and Challenges

  1. Nuclear Deal Negotiations: Raisi took a tough stance in negotiations to revive the 2015 nuclear deal. He sought broad relief from US sanctions while offering modest curbs on Iran’s nuclear program.
  2. Domestic Policies: Raisi ordered stricter enforcement of Iran’s “hijab and chastity law,” leading to protests. His hardline approach tested the clerical rulers’ authority.
  3. Supreme Leader Succession: Raisi’s rise positions him as a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, whose final say shapes major policies in Iran.

As Ebrahim Raisi assumes the presidency, his journey from a seminarian in Qom to the highest office reflects the complex interplay of religion, politics, and power in Iran. His leadership will undoubtedly shape the nation’s trajectory in the years to come. 

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