Banisadr's big mandate
Elected with an impressive 76% of the popular vote, a French-educated economist and political moderate last week became Iran's President-elect. Although Abolhassan Banisadr, 47, will not be sworn in until a national assembly is chosen next month, he is the first government official in the yearlong aftermath ot Iran's revolution to emerge with a decisive mandate for policymaking.
Two months ago, Banisadr, then acting Foreign Minister, stepped aside when his proposal for a compromise on the release of the American hostages was turned down by the Revolutionary Council. Thus his landslide victory over eight other candidates raised hopes...