Iranian Elections

**Vladimir** · 06-10-2009, 17:10

Originally Posted by article

Mousavi says Ahmadinejad has isolated Iran with his vitriolic attacks on the United States, his combative line on Iran's nuclear policy and his questioning of the Holocaust.

Interesting. I thought this policy was supported by his grand robeness (as opposed to his hatness) as evidenced by

The relatively unknown Ahmadinejad surprised everyone with his victory four years ago, and he has enjoyed the support of Khamenei throughout his presidency.

How much influence does the president of Iran have? Could the country transform from a state controlled by religion to a state who utilizes religious methods? Could the president of Iran go from the anti-bush to a more traditional realpolitik opponent?

Maybe that's wishful thinking on my part; Iran transforming to a more traditional adversary. After all, it's only been ~30 years. I'm so excited!

Originally Posted by article

He advocates easing nuclear tensions, while rejecting demands that Tehran halt nuclear work which the West fears could be used to make bombs.

OK. I can understand this and would probably do so myself. This new guy needs to get elected. I don't mind so much if they have the ability as long as they lack the will. The current nutjob is ready and willing.

Originally Posted by article

Another group said on Wednesday that Rafsanjani would be responsible if the tension escalated into violence.

The ILNA news agency said cars decked out in Mousavi's green campaign colors were attacked in central Tehran on Wednesday, but gave no details of the damage.

This sounds like modern Venezuela. Also very Godwin-esque.

I know Reuters has grown a few warts on its nose recently but the picture they paint makes me hopeful.

**Hosakawa Tito** · 06-10-2009, 19:27

All politics is local.

Like most other people, Iranians will vote with their pocketbook.

Broken promises, hard economic times and the old "familiarity breeds contempt" syndrome that most politicians eventually have to deal with seems to be working against Ahmadinejad, not to mention his confrontational style.

**CountArach** · 06-11-2009, 06:06

Good run down of the election here. I didn't realise Another-Dinner-Jacket was under pressure from his side of politics as well.

**Prodigal** · 06-11-2009, 08:22

Watched a liveleak debate from Iranian tv yesterday, what was worrying was that it was unclear as to whether the candidate in the debate was more right wing than Ahmadinejad.

At one point he seemed to be saying that the British sailors should have been executed, & letting them go was a terrible policy mistake. I thought that Ahmadinejad was on the far right already.

**rory_20_uk** · 06-12-2009, 20:30

Sounds like good old fashioned tub thumping after the event to gain votes from the masses.

**FactionHeir** · 06-13-2009, 05:16

According to news of the count at 72%, Ahmadinejad leads with 65.7% over Moussavi's 31.4%.
As is usual, the challenger claims the count has been manipulated.

**Lemur** · 06-13-2009, 05:27

In case you were wondering:

**rasoforos** · 06-13-2009, 05:27

I am not surprised.

Where the liberal Iranian administration failed (to initiate talks with the west), Ahmadinejad succeeded. He the 'child' of decisions made by western administrations.