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Six Days Adrift: Tragedy Strikes Migrant Boat off Greek Coast

  Twenty-two migrants lost their lives off the coast of Greece after spending six harrowing days at sea in a rubber boat that had departed from Tobruk, Libya. According to survivor accounts and Greek coastguard reports, the passengers became disoriented during the journey and were left without food or water, leading to fatal exhaustion.  Rescue teams recovered 26 survivors, including a woman and a minor, near the island of Crete. Several survivors reported that the bodies of those who died were thrown overboard on the orders of smugglers accompanying the group. Greek authorities have since arrested two South Sudanese men, aged 19 and 22, suspected of human trafficking and negligent homicide.  The tragedy highlights the ongoing dangers faced by migrants attempting to reach Europe via the Mediterranean, a route that continues to claim lives despite increased border controls and international attention. Poor weather, overcrowded vessels, and lack of supplies remain persis...
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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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