Posted on 07/14/2006 8:03:44 PM PDT by Valin
TEHRAN, Iran - To the West, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is the most visible face of Iran - the bearded firebrand demanding nuclear rights, the end of Israel and a new accounting of the Holocaust.
To many Iranians, however, the president is a tool of the Islamic Republic's ruling clerics and holds little real power. Foreign policy - nuclear strategy, Iraq plans, talks with the United States - is firmly in the hands of the reclusive circle led by Iran's highest-ranking ayatollah, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Now, analysts say, those leaders are moving to curb Ahmadinejad's domestic agenda. They're fearful, many say, that his populist-style social programs will bankrupt Iran's oil-fueled government.
These analysts warn that while the West is preoccupied with Ahmadinejad as Enemy No. 1, the issues that really matter - Iran's proximity to Iraq, its nuclear ambitions and its support of Palestinian and Lebanese guerrillas - are better addressed through Iran's true power brokers, whose recent comments have been more conciliatory than Ahmadinejad's.
(Excerpt) Read more at mercurynews.com ...
and to me, well... he's just a tool.
He's a tool alright!
I would think the mullahs are afraid he will usurp them. He is a rock star around the world. I read a chilling account of his popularity by Robert Ferrigno ("Prayers for the Assasin" ?). I would think he has the chance to be in the same league as Osama or Chavez, in terms of populist appeal.
All the more reason to take him out, IMHO.
Israel is just a diversion from the complete failure of the corrupt theocracy.
These analysts warn that while the West is preoccupied with Ahmadinejad as Enemy No. 1, the issues that really matter - Iran's proximity to Iraq, its nuclear ambitions and its support of Palestinian and Lebanese guerrillas - are better addressed through Iran's true power brokers, whose recent comments have been more conciliatory than Ahmadinejad's.
The Mullahs agree with this nutjob.
That's why they don't shut him up.
L
I don't doubt it- but the article argues the mullahs might be reasoned with........pppfffttt.....
I vote we apply 'reason' in 2,000 lb increments from about 45,000 feet.
L
The mad mullahs are the puppetmasters it seems. It just a week or two ago that old clod-hopper, Ali Khamenei, said Iran would NOT negotiate with the west and during that time, Ahmadinejad was mute.
Conciliatory inner circle, yeah right... they'll be a lot more reasonable once they're just a stain on an old turban.
As the old saying goes....splllllllllllllllat! (Think Wil E. Coyote after he hits the canyon floor.)
Oh really? What exactly did Khamanei say the other day? Didn't sound "conciliatory" to me.
Sounded more like a threat.
What exactly did Khamanei say the other day?
Link?
I think the point of the article is Ahmadinejad is can't go to the bathroom without permission of the Mullahs.
(of course I reserve my God given right to be wrong)
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