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The article explores the political evolution of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. When he served as the Friday Prayer leader, he challenged the concept of the role, placing Islamic law and the Constitution above the authority of a central figure. However, as supreme leader, he gradually centralized power and, according to analysts and Western diplomats, moved away from a system of theocracy and toward one of an autocracy.

The article looks at how Iran as become the newest member of the international space club. According to the author, government analysts and other experts are worried about Iran's space debut. Comments on the issue from Dr. John B. Sheldon, an analyst at the Center for Defense and International Security Study, are included.

Iran agreed to a cease-fire with Iraq five months ago. Now, however, Iranian leaders are struggling to build a stable and prosperous society, no longer unified by the patriotic spirit of war. Pragmatists are competing with purists for control over both economic and social policy. The strict traditions of Moslem fanaticism remain, but liberalizing influences are beginning to appear.

Reports that Iraq held its first parliamentary elections since 1989 on March 24, 1996. Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein's pre-approval of the candidates.

Reports that Iran's President Mohammed Khatami appointed Masoumeh Ebtekar to his Cabinet, the first woman to be appointed to the Cabinet since the 1979 Islamic revolution. Organization to which Ebtekar was appointed as vice president; Information on Khatami.