1. Post Khomeini (1989-Present) Mariah Donnelly Natasha Kieval

2. Ali Khameniei - Founded Combatant Clerics Association (aka Islamic Revolutionary Party) - After assassination of President Muhammad Ali Rajai in 1981, Khamenei was elected with 95% of the vote to replace him - Very conservative president (1981- 1989), denounced West - Named ayatollah in 1989 - Named Supreme Leader by the Assembly of Experts after Khomeini's death by the Assembly of Experts.

3. Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani - Fourth President of Iran (1989-1997) - Now he is the Chairman of the Assembly of Experts (Consists of Clerics who serve 8 year terms- determines who can run for political positions, they also choose the supreme leader) - Conservative leader- but he is more open to the West unlike the other leaders, promoted jobs for women, tried to move Iran to a market-based economy, against nuclear weapons (BBC News) - Considered to be the richest man in Iran (BBC News)

4. Mohammad Khatami - Created enthusiasm around his election- women and young people came out and voted for him (BBC) - Won the election in 1997- with 70% of the vote (BBC) - He ran on the platform of reform- a break from Iran's earlier leaders- but he failed to implement his reforms- faced tough opposition from the conservative leaders - Believes in gradual change - Many of his supporters were jailed

5. Bibliography "Assembly of Experts." Global Security. Web. 08 Dec. 2010.. Hauss, Charles. Comparative Politics. 5th ed. Print. "Historic Personalities of Iran: Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei." Iran Chamber Society. Web. 08 Dec. 2010.. "Islamic Leadership in an Islamic Goverment." Hugul Al--Nakhl. 5 Apr. 2009. Web. 8 Dec. 2010.. "Profile: Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani." BBC News. 19 June 2009. Web. 08 Dec. 2010.. "Profile: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei." BBC News - Home. 17 June 2009. Web. 08 Dec. 2010.. "Profile: Mohammad Khatami." BBC News. 6 June 2001. Web. 08 Dec. 2010..