Iranian conservative attacks president on economy
The Associated Press / Ali Akbar Dareini
31-Aug-2008 (3 comments)

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — A top conservative cleric close to Iran's supreme leader criticized the economic policies of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, saying they threaten to keep Iran from its goal of becoming a regional superpower by 2025.

The remarks by Ali Akbar Nateq Nouri, published Sunday, came just a week after supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei strongly backed Ahmadinejad, praising him for "standing up" to the West and urging him to plan for a second four-year term.

But Nateq Nouri, a confidant of Khamenei, said the strong support didn't mean the president was immune from criticism. And, according to his comments at a banking conference, Iran's economy is faltering.

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News Goffer

Yeah, right!

by News Goffer on

...and everyone will believe Nateq Nouri, right?!


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News Goffer

Dear Hashem

by News Goffer on

Thank you for asking me. I'm usually not known to jump on any bandwagon. I follow the news and draw my own conclusions. Here's what I meant:

Last week Mr. Khamenei all but handed Mr. Ahmadinejad his next term of presidency by praising him and telling everyone what he is asking him to do during his next term. This was a very bold action, surprising everyone.

Technically, the Supreme Leader is supposed to stay away from such public endorsements during elections, actions which have the potential to sway votes. There was detailed political analysis of this action on the part of Mr. Khamenei, which surprised everyone (not really, but you know what I mean.)

This week (the subject of this news piece), Mr. Nateq Nouri, who is a devoted member of Mr. Khamenei's staff, attacks Mr. Ahmadinejad's performance on the economy. My sarcasm is directed at how disingenuine such a criticism is on the part of "beit-e-rahbari."

I believe that faced with implied criticism for his public support for Mr. Ahmadinejad's second-term presidency, the Supreme Leader has directed Mr. Nateq Nouri to appear critical of Ahmadinejad. Neither Natequ Nouri, nor anyone else in the circle of close friends and confidants of Mr. Khamenei would dare do or say anything against his wishes.

In my opinion this criticism is for public consumption only. Though true, it is not serious. That's what I meant.


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News Goffer, I am not sure

by Hashem (not verified) on

News Goffer, I am not sure what you mean.

Do you mean Nouri is lying about the effect of Ahmadinejad's policies.

or he is lying that the he sees Ahmadinejad's policies as a threat,

or he is lying that Iran has a goal to become a regional superpower.

Or are you just jumping on the bandwagon of Iranians who take joy in slamming everything and everyone related to the regime, just for the sake of it.