Iranian elections

They're coming up fast, and we need to keep an eye on them. Bush is already denouncing them as unfair, however, Michael Theodoulou of the Scotsman says there may still be hope for reform in Iran.

Mostafa Moin, the leading reformist candidate, has emerged as [conservative] Mr Rafsanjani's main rival. The 54-year-old former education minister has radicalised his campaign and crossed red lines in an effort to persuade a jaded electorate to vote. He has promised to free all political prisoners, signed a pact with a banned liberal group, promised to bring women into government and even questioned the power of the Supreme Leader.

Most observers believe the election will go to a second round as no-one will get the necessary 50 per cent to secure victory on Friday. If so, Mr Moin is regarded as having a good chance of winning as he can identify himself as a sharp critic of the regime while Mr Rafsanjani is seen as too close to the system to do the same.

Let's hope he's right. The future of Middle East stability may depend on it.