The Twilight of Ali Khamenei

Despotic regimes have their own way of holding rulers accountable. Show trials and trumped-up corruption charges can bring down leaders who have stumbled. Predatory regimes can also offer some grace to failed icons. The latter is the current predicament of Iran’s 86-year-old supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, The 12-Day War in June neutered the mullah who had dominated much of the Middle East. With this devastating reversal, his minions are now effectively taking over.

- By Reuel Marc Gerecht And Ray Takeyh

Ali Khamenei in Tehran, Nov. 3.