Raaid al-Taheri
Raaid al-Taheri | |
|---|---|
 Al-Taheri in 2013 | |
| President of Emmiria | |
| In office 13 February 1995 – 13 February 2003 | |
| Preceded by | Lutfi al-Selim |
| Succeeded by | Abolhassan Neeshaan |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 27 October 1960 Ahvahz, Emmiria |
| Nationality | Emmirian |
| Political party | Conservative Party |
| Alma mater | University of Rhaga University of Kuye |
| Occupation | Academic |
| Profession | Electrical engineering |
Raaid al-Taheri (born 27 October 1960) is an Emmirian academic and politician who served as the 27th President of Emmiria from 1995-2003. Prior to his presidency, he was a professor and later the president of the University of Rhaga, a job which he subsequently returned to after his administration. A member of the Conservative Party, al-Taheri is credited with boosting Emmiria's economic and military power in the transition to the 21st century. His administration sought to increase foreign standings by the policy "Open Emmiria", which attracted foreign investment and allowed for diversification of Emmiria's economy, especially in regard to oil field extraction. Al-Taheri maintained close relations with Zamastan and Quetana, and bought billions of dollars worth of defense equipment from both nations. He also was an avid critic of authoritarian governments, often publicly condemning Ossinia, West Chanchajilla, and Sateroc during his administration.
Al-Taheri's socially conservative adherence to Islam was controversial, and he is considered one of the most divisive politicians in Emmirian history with supporters and critics alike being deeply divided opinions on his legacy. Al-Taheri continued and strengthened constitutional restrictions of women's rights and upheld strict Islamic practices such as hudud punishments and endorsements of child marraige. Shortly after his administration, massive anti-government and student-led demonstrations engulfed Emmiria calling for social reform, and his immediate successors, Abolhassan Neeshaan and Ali al-Jabara, had their administrations defined by similar movements. Khayahad al-Azari, a Moderate Reformist who took office in 2011, attributed much of the social movement to the widespread youth opposition to al-Taheri and his legacy.