Iran expert available for comment on election

ALLENDALE, Mich.. — Grand Valley State University history professor and Iran expert James  Goode says the election results in Iran are highly suspicious because there has been a lot of unhappiness in Iran with President Ahmedinejhad's government, but that has not been reflected in the election results. 

“Even if he had been reelected, it is unlikely that he would have been returned to office with such a staggering majority,” Goode said.

Goode is an internationally known expert who has written books on Iran. He has a long history with Iran, serving there as a Peace Corps volunteer from 1968-71. From 1971-1973 he taught at the University of Mashhad in eastern Iran, and he has returned frequently for study.

Goode is a past coordinator of Grand Valley’s Middle East Studies program. His most recent book, “Negotiating the Past: Archeology, Nationalism, and Diplomacy in the Middle East, 1919-1941,”  won the Robert H. Ferrell Book Prize from the Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations. He is also the author of “The United States and Iran: In the Shadow of Musaddiq.” 

AUDIO CLIPS:
Goode says results are suspicious because people were unhappy with President Ahmedinejhad leading up to the election (audio clip ). 

He says there is division among top leadership in Iran over the election results (audio clip ). 

Goode says the voting process in Iran is similar to that of the U.S. (audio clip ).

Goode says if there is proof of fraud in the election, it is particularly sad for the Iranian people (audio clip ).

Goode also said if the results stand, it doesn't effect U.S./Iranian relations because Ahmedinejhad doesn't have much power compared to the other leaders.

MEDIA NOTE: Goode is available for interviews. Contact Brian J. Bowe at (616) 331-2221 or [email protected] to arange an interview.