More pragmatic politicians, such as Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, would prefer to re-open negotiations with the West to avoid open confrontation.

更多务实的政客，比如阿亚图拉•阿克巴尔•哈什米•拉夫桑贾尼(Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani)更主张与西方各国重开和谈大门，避免公开冲突。

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In a sharp attack on Iranian leaders last Friday, former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani warned those in power to "abide by the will of the people" and heal the wounds of the recent crisis.

VOA: standard.2009.07.20

Mr.Bani Sadr says he thinks the Iranian regime is "sharply divided" and its fate depends on whether opposition reformists, including Mr.Moussavi,Ayatollah Karroubi and former President Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani decide to oppose Ayatollah Khamenei.

VOA: standard.2009.06.14

Ahmadinejad foe Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, a former president, appears unlikely to make one last presidential run, despite speculation to the contrary.

NPR: Next Iran President Likely To Have Gentler Touch

Another prominent figure Hassan Rowhani, Iran's former nuclear negotiator and confidant to ex-President Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, also put forward his name.

BBC: Middle East

But other big names are in the mix, including Ahmadinejad's top aide Esfandiar Rahim Mashaei and former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani.

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