Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani vs Mohammed Daoud Khan

Rafsanjani served as Speaker of the Parliament during the Iran-Iraq War, playing a key role in managing the war effort. He later became President in 1989, overseeing the reconstruction of Iran's economy and infrastructure after the war.

As President, Rafsanjani implemented a series of economic reforms aimed at rebuilding Iran's war-torn economy. He promoted privatization, reduced state control, and sought foreign investment, though his policies faced opposition from hardliners.

Rafsanjani supported opposition candidate Mir-Hossein Mousavi in the disputed 2009 presidential election. He criticized the government's crackdown on protesters, leading to a rift with Supreme Leader Khamenei and his marginalization from power.

As Prime Minister (1953-1963), Daoud aggressively pursued the Pashtunistan policy, demanding the merger of Pakistan's Pashtun-majority areas into Afghanistan. This led to severe tensions with Pakistan, including border closures and diplomatic breaks, damaging Afghanistan's economy.

Mohammed Daoud Khan led a bloodless coup on July 17, 1973, while King Zahir Shah was abroad. He abolished the monarchy and declared Afghanistan a republic, becoming its first President. This ended the 226-year rule of the Barakzai dynasty.

Daoud was overthrown and killed on April 28, 1978, in the Saur Revolution, a coup led by the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan. His death marked the end of his republic and the beginning of communist rule, which led to decades of war.