Ahead of the 2005 presidential election, he divides the Islamic Republic's history into three stages: the Republic of Revolution and War under Khomeini, the Republic of Terror under Rafsanjani and Khamenei, and the Republic of Reform under Khatami, which he says has now been defeated. He reviews the candidates, predicts a low turnout, and argues that the election may open a new stage in Iran's politics, with consequences for U.S. policy.