Shalom, Mr Ahmadinejad

**Aemilius Paulus** · 10-06-2009, 22:17

Originally Posted by Hax

He's not anti-Semitic, he's anti-Zionist.

Technically, you are correct. So most of his speeches indicate. He himself declared himself to be an admirer, not hater of Jews, merely disagreeing with their polciies.

But one never knows - his zeal is intimidating - with so much hate towards the state of Israel, who knows if some of that hate cannot sip through and drip down on the Jews as a whole. His statements are quite radical for a simple anti-Zionist. Send all the Jews to Alaska? Hmmm...

I am neither agreeing nor disagreeing with yo, Hax. I am not completely certain myself.

**Hax** · 10-06-2009, 23:05

Well you know...I think it's hard for people generally not to generalize at a certain point. There are quite some Jews living in Iran, though, and they haven't had it too tought (as far as I know). I'm pretty sure some high-ranking figures have visited Jewish communities.

EDIT: A short visit to Wikipedia:

The Constitution of Iran says that Jews are equal to Muslims. Imam Khomeini visited with members of the Jewish community and issued a decree ordering the adherents of Judaism and other revealed religions to be protected. Jews are entitled to self-administration and one member of the 290-seat Majlis is elected by only Jews. Jewish burial rites and divorce laws are accepted by Islamic courts. Tehran has over 20 synagogues. Iran has one of only four Jewish charity hospitals in the world. The hospital has received donations from top Iranian officials, including President Ahmadinejad.

Jews are conscripted into the Army like all Iranian citizens. Many Iranian Jews fought during the Iran-Iraq war (1980-1988) as drafted soldiers. About 15 were killed.[59] It has been reported that Jews in Iran are proud of their heritage. Thus, they have not settled in Israel despite being encouraged by some groups.[58]

**Azathoth** · 10-06-2009, 23:07

Put Mousavi, and you will have chaos. For one, the youth. Half of them, if not more, were just looking for an excuse to riot. This happens all the time. Nor does the youth have any understanding of real politics, or of what is possible in Iran, and what is not. Iran is a theocracy. You can slowly decrease the clerical influence, but this process is best executed slowly (unless for some reason you gain overwhelming popular support). My bet was that with Mousavi, little would change. If he tried to do any real reforms, that would be his end.

Too much instability. Iran is not ready for Mousavi. Try something centre-right - that by itself will be a miracle.

Does the position of President hold more power than that of Prime Minister in Iran?

**Aemilius Paulus** · 10-06-2009, 23:16

Originally Posted by Azathoth

Does the position of President hold more power than that of Prime Minister in Iran?

Yes, the President is more powerful, but no if by PM you mean the Supreme Leader. In theory, the Supreme Leader is more powerful. In practise, it is difficult to tell. Supreme Leader has the final say in many matters, but of course, the President carries out the majority of the executive responsibilities.