As a unitary Islamic republic, the Iranian government is dominated by the clergy. After the revolution, political leadership is no longer inherited but is instead bestowed by an assembly of ulama or Muslim scholars. Decisions regarding who should be Supreme Leader are made based on a candidate’s personal piety, expertise in Islamic law, and political acumen. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has held the position since Khomeini’s death in 1989. A constitutional amendment in 1989 abolished the post of prime minister and gave greater authority to the president, which until then is only a ceremonial post. The president is elected by the people. The president answers to the Supreme Leader and must be a native-born Iranian Shīʿite. The judiciary follows Islamic law. The capital Tehran, however, has been described as Iran’s “most secular and liberal city”. Oliver Wainwright, writing for The Guardian, describes youthful rebellion in Tehran in the form of flirtations in traffic jams and hip-hop music blaring in a skatepark, and likens the city to “Los Angeles with minarets”. (Tehran was indeed designed by an Austrian immigrant to the United States, architect Victor Gruen, who pioneered the design of American shopping malls.)