Iran Chief Eclipses Clerics as He Consolidates Power

The New York Times ^ | 5/28/2006 | MICHAEL SLACKMAN

[Dark Skies]

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is trying to consolidate power in the office of the presidency in a way never before seen in the 27-year history of the Islamic Republic, apparently with the tacit approval of Iran's supreme leader, according to government officials and political analysts here.

That rare unity of elected and religious leadership at the highest levels offers the United States an opportunity to talk to a government, however combative, that has often spoken with multiple voices. But if Washington, which severed relations with Iran after the 1979 revolution, opened such a dialogue, it could lift the prestige of the Iranian president, who has pushed toward confrontation with the West.

Political analysts and people close to the government here say Mr. Ahmadinejad and his allies are trying to buttress a system of conservative clerical rule that has lost credibility with the public. Their strategy hinges on trying to win concessions from the West on Iran's nuclear program and opening direct, high-level talks with the United States, while easing social restrictions, cracking down on political dissent and building a new political class from outside the clergy.

Mr. Ahmadinejad is pressing far beyond the boundaries set by other presidents. For the first time since the revolution, a president has overshadowed the nation's chief cleric, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on both domestic and international affairs.

[goldstategop]

That is exactly why we must not fall into the trap of talking to Iran...

(Denny Crane: "Every one should carry a gun strapped to their waist. We need more - not less guns.")

[Dark Skies]

D@mn right!

[Fred Nerks]

he's the ugly face of islam personified...

[golfisnr1]

Looks like pro-magnuum man.

[vetvetdoug]

Hitler did the same thing before he started WWII..

[sheik yerbouty]

More like Baboonus Jihadicus..

[xJones]

I agree with everyone that Iran is ran by absolute maniacs. But if anyone else needs a humor break during all the grim news from Iran, try this March, 2005 video I just found, Iranian Policewomen :)

[samadams2000]

Why doesnt one of those "good people" of Iran weve hearing about for the last 30 years take action? Yes..I am calling for him to be waterballooned.

[patriciaruth]

Is that the face of the "Anti-Christ" who will rule in Jerusalem for 5 years before the return of Christ?

Any numerologists who want to see if 666 fits his name?

[Fred Nerks]

He won't be ruling anywhere, IMO. He belongs in a cage!

[Enchante]

I don't claim to know what's going on with those nutballs, but I have seen other articles that made it sound like this dipstick President is just the obedient lackey and butt-boy for Khameini and the Guardians' Council. I would not assume any changes are more than cosmetic without a lot more info than the NY Times provides.

[PzLdr]

And they said Neanderthals were extinct!

[Grampa Dave]

Thanks for pinging me to this incredible and so funny site.

I just sent it to my 50 friends and relatives with the slightly sick sense of humor.

http://www.fugly.com/videos/5316/iranian_policewomen.html