Ayatollah Khamenei Warns Ahmadinejad: We May Eliminate Presidential Position
- Posted on October 19, 2011 at 7:27am by
Jonathon M. Seidl
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Iran supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei. (Photo: AP)
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — In the ongoing political skirmishes among Iran’s leadership, it was the equivalent of bringing out the heavy ammunition: The country’s most powerful figure warning that the post of elected president could someday be scrapped.
Although no overhauls appear on the immediate horizon after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s comment – he spoke only vaguely about possibilities in the “distant future” – the mere mention of eliminating Iran’s highest elected office shows the severity and scope of the power struggle between Khamenei and President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
For months, the ruling theocracy has been piling pressure on Ahmadinejad and arresting his allies for attempts to challenge the near-absolute authority of the cleric-ruled system that has controlled Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The blunt words by Khamenei on Sunday suggest a twofold agenda: Further tightening the lid on Ahmadinejad and showing others in the wings that Iran‘s rulers are ready to take drastic measures to protect what’s theirs.
“There is bad blood,” said Mehrzad Boroujerdi, who follows Iranian affairs at Syracuse University. “Khamenei is trying to make it very clear that the system can only handle so much discord and that he holds the stronger cards.”
It also marks one of the first clear hints of the ruling clerics’ hardball strategies for parliamentary elections in March. Khamenei and his allies are expected to use their many tools, including the ability to vet and block candidates, to try to steamroll Ahmadinejad’s backers and push the president – once Khamenei’s protege – farther into the political margins.
The ruling power structure in Iran, which includes not only hard-line clerics but also the hugely influential Revolutionary Guard, appears increasingly eager to snuff out the internal bickering. It’s seen as an unwelcome distraction as the country confronts critical issues such as whether to restart nuclear negotiations with the West, complaints about its human rights record and U.S. allegations that a special unit of the Guard was linked to a plot to assassinate the Saudi ambassador in Washington.
“This is not a time when Iran wants anything that will rock the boat,” said Boroujerdi.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. (Photo: AP)
But it’s unlikely that the political friction will cool off soon.
Hardliners still want more punishment against Ahmadinejad for actions viewed as political hubris – including a startling 10-day boycott of Cabinet meetings this spring to protest Khamenei’s choice for intelligence minister.
Dozens of Ahmadinejad’s supporters have been arrested in the backlash. So far, the crackdown has spared Ahmadinejad’s chief of staff – and in-law relation – Esfandiar Rahim Mashaei, who has been denounced as the head of a “deviant current” that is perceived as questioning the system of clerical rule. Some have even claimed Mashaei employed black magic “spells” to fog Ahmadinejad’s mind.
In June, Ahmadinejad railed against his opponents – and Khamenei by extension – for launching a “politically motivated” campaign and vowed to stand by Mashaei, whose daughter is married to the president’s son.
There is nothing at the moment to suggest Khamenei would attempt to drop the presidency in favor of a prime minister picked by parliament – which would require a change of Iran’s constitution.
But it could reflect the frustrations among the ruling clerics after clashing with presidents for more than a decade: First the reformist efforts of Mohammad Khatami from 1997-2005 and then the growing ambitions of Ahmadinejad, who helped crush the reform movement but has also tried to carve out his own power base at the expense of the supreme leader. Ahmadinejad finishes his second and final term in June 2013.
Under Iran’s Islamic republic system, the president and parliament are elected. But the system is overseen by the unelected clerical hierarchy, which controls council that vet legislation and candidates for office, is in charge of the powerful judiciary and is tightly linked to the Revolutionary Guard.
“The president is elected by direct vote of the people, which is a good and effective method,” Khamenei told a gathering in the western city of Kermanshah. “But if someday, probably in the distant future, it is felt that a parliamentary system is better … there will be no problem to change the current structure.”
In theory, cutting out the elected president post would streamline the ruling clerics’ control by allowing them to weed out all but allied candidates for parliament. The lawmakers, in turn, would then presumably pick a non-confrontational prime minister.
In fact, Iran has been there before and it did not work out so smoothly.
After the Islamic Revolution, Iran’s system included a prime minister as head of government and a president – which was then seen as mostly a ceremonial position.
But the prime minister’s post was dropped in 1989 by the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini after internal bickering much like today. At that time, it was Khamenei in the presidential role quarreling over government policies with then Prime Minister Mir Hossein Mousavi – now Iran‘s main opposition leader after losing to Ahmadinejad in 2009 in disputed elections that touched off Iran’s worst domestic unrest in decades.
Khamenei made no mention in his speech about the unraveling of the former system. Instead, he described the option of going back as possibly “refreshing” the political order.
“It means changing policies …. which can prevent stagnation,” he said.
Khamenei also raised no inherent objections to forming political parties in Iran, which already has dozens of factions and blocs that effectively serve as parties. His comment, however, could be a nod toward more aggressive party-style campaigning in the upcoming parliamentary races.
They include a pro-Khamenei group known as the Resistance Front that was formed over the summer. Its founder, Ruhollah Hosseinian, said its goal was to “declare war” of anyone not fully backing the supreme leader – an obvious reference to Ahmadinejad and his supporters.
“The supreme leader has fired a clear warning shot,” said William O. Beeman, a University of Minnesota professor who has written on Iranian affairs. “He is telling anyone trying to challenge the system, `Look, we are tired of this and we are willing to turn the clock back if needed.’”
—
Murphy reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
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Comments (89)
TwoLazy
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 8:55amhummmm .. do away with the presidential position …. hummmm?
Perhaps they’ve had enough of President Tom.
Report Post »South Philly Boy
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 9:01amCrossed my mind too
Report Post »demint.disciple
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 9:48amAyatollah Khamenei Warns Ahmadinejad: We May Eliminate Presidential Position.. <<< How can the U.S do that ? Ahhh, the lovely countries of dictatorship, today we've decided we aren't going to have a president anymore.. Good bye..
Report Post »motonutt
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 11:03amIsn’t this a wonderful thing…..The Lord works in wonderes way’s…..this little pig is toast and we aren’t even going to have to be the ones that off him. I’d bet he will die in the near future in some type of feak accident, like his plane blowing up and falling out of the sky.
Report Post »HKS
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 11:35amCould be worth exploring.
Report Post »Eblaze44
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 6:25pmWe have a demented one we‘ll give them to replace the one they’ve got – this one will be so compliant with the Muslim clerics – not only bowing five times a day to Mecca but three or four times a day to them.
Report Post »The_Almighty_Creestof
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 8:54amI’m helping him out of his position a little faster –and hopefully in front of a stoning squad– by securing for him, a lifetime subscription to “Nude Goat Herders” magazine for men who like other men…and goats. His first copy should be arriving any day now. Hopefully Iran’s secret police scan his incoming mail.
Report Post »BehindBlueEyes
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 1:57pmIs it me or does Ahmadinejad look like a some kind of rodent?
Report Post »Tickdog
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 8:48amoh whatever.. dont believe that BS…
Report Post »db321
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 10:32amAhma Dina ******* is just trying to fundamental transform his country. All he needs to do is campaign on Hope and Change and the masses will support him.
Report Post »Barricade
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 8:46amI wonder if he will qualify for two years of unemployment?
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 8:52amNo, the retirement that happens when a faith-motivated power struggle, or even a civil war that can easily arise out of this usually means old Abe will meet Allah a lot sooner, and permanently.
We may very well be seeing the beginning, open moves for a civil war, between multiple players that will tear Iran apart and leave a big power vaccuum for someone to fill if it does happen.
Report Post »RichNGadsden
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 8:59amSnow, you are making some great points. I’m sure that the Iranian government has it different factions who support different people. While many follow the Ayatollah, their have to be many who support I’manutjob too. A break down of government may work with some unintended outcomes resulting in that civil war you mentioned. We might see an Iranian Winter in the near future.
Report Post »Chillamundo
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 8:40amI’m sure Obama will have a spot for him
Report Post »RichNGadsden
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 8:40amOnce we get a president and a congress with some balls, we should help Iran become a navigational aid for UFOs.
Report Post »MakeTheMiddleEastAGlassFactory
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 6:52pmBOOM. you know astronauts do need to be able to pick their teeth in space. On a more serious note when are people going to realize your dealing with a 12th century mentality. They cannot be bribed, persuaded, or delt with. They respect only strength of arms. That’s it. You show compassion and they see weakness to be exploited.
Report Post »DBKnights
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 8:39amAmendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Our Fore Fathers had it right in the beginning. Keep the religious practices out of governing the government, like Saria Law. We the People should and always govern the government by the Constitution of the United States.
Report Post »RichNGadsden
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 8:48amYeah, but too many left wing loons have taken that to the extreme with the assistance of activist judges to mean that persons holding government offices or employees of the government cannot practice their religion, wear religious items, or even have a bible on their desk. That is the prohibition of their religion. For so many to scream separation of church and state, there is an awful lot of state diving into religion.
Report Post »You really have to look back at history regarding this conundrum and ask if the founding fathers intended today’s results of the First Amendment then why did they set out to break the law then? Naturally, they did not violate the Constitution, they lived by it. In my opinion the same applies to the Second Amendment.
BigFoot
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 8:37amAfter looking at the layout……Iran would make a nice parking lot.
Report Post »Magnum1
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 8:36amWhen you sleep with the devil, you eventually get the horns. In the middle east, when they “retire” you, you really get retired. Hope those 72 virgins are all they’re cracked up to be.
Report Post »psst
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 8:32amMADjob is only the front guy,ya know, like the marxist Soetero is the front guy for Soros and the NWO Cabal, the Crazytollahs has always been the real power behind the throne since the Crazytollah Kakameme overthrew the Shah (w/ the help of Jimma Caata).
Report Post »The Crazytollahs pulls the strings and MADjobs the marionette lips move.
It’s as simple as that.
copatriots
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 9:19amHey PSST, that was the funniest, accurate, brief Iranian history lesson I’ve ever read. Well done!
Report Post »psst
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 9:32am@Co.
Report Post »Thanks, I try to do my part w/ the “histry” thingy.
Many folks don’t realize Jimma brought pressure on the Shah to brung Kakameme back from exile in France and to let the communists troublemakers out of jail.
All in the name of some kind of human rights. And as they say, The rest is history.
We turned an ally country into an enemy that sponsors terrorism around the Globe.
It’s amazing that one wrong move can alter the course of history.W/O inept Jimma, Eyeran would still be an ally and we would not be having this trouble.
Like Ol’ Doris sang .Que Serra, Serra
copatriots
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 12:53pmWasn’t “Catta” just a peach? Oops I meant a “nut” (pun intended). He also founded the housing collapse which stemmed the economic disaster we are currently in. Great guy, that Jimma!
Thankfully, God is in control and somehow His plan is unfolding. Epoch times we’re living in…..that’s fo sure!
Report Post »BehindBlueEyes
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 2:09pmHere’s another Jimmy Caata tidbit. He started the department of education and now our education system is the biggest producer of useful idiots. Good ole Jimmy has no shame and still thinks he can make the world a better place.
Report Post »lodgerat
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 8:20amI wonder if little man planned the US bombing plot without the Ayatollahs knowing about it…the little show off. He’s an ugly son of a gun.
Report Post »chazman
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 8:30am… eliminate his position? Better to eliminate Ahmadinejad altogether … with extreme prejudice, as well as any muslim loving communist’s that get in the way …
Report Post »BigFoot
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 8:35amChazman,
I agree.
Report Post »Welcome Black Carter
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 9:39amI hope Khamenei’s security force is loyal. Looks like the perfect place for the little man , Imanutjob to replace him as supreme leader…
End of power struggle.
Report Post »Bill Rowland
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 8:20amKhamenei eliminates the front man takes over and joins the Muslim Brotherhood in establishing the caliphate. Their first mission will be the elimination of Israel. The Iraeli solution will be nuke up till they glow an shoot them in the dark.
Obumbler and Hilrod are big fans of the Muslim Brotherhood and their aims.
It’s almost as if they want the Caliphate established and a war in the mid east that wil result in some of the land being uninhabitable for years.
OMG
Report Post »markthespark
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 8:14amLive by the dictatorship, die by the dictatorship. The goon willing to slice throats first wins this contest. Such a nice form of government and to think the OWS crowd wants to bring mob-rule dictatorship to this country, it’s just so random. Ha!
Report Post »Lumbar Spine
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 8:14amOMG…! Does this mean the Caliphate is finally arriving at our doorstep? I knew Glenn Beck would be right…eventually.
Report Post »kickagrandma
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 8:08amJust thought: Doesn’t this theme sound familiar? We don’t need you, we are going to eliminate you / your position!
“Useful idiots” to be disposed of, cast aside when used up.
PRAY ON, AMERICA! GOD IS OUR ONLY TRUE HOPE.
Report Post »wakeup1
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 8:05amsorry for the double post…thought i was being censored ..prob am but proceeded anyway lol
Report Post »wakeup1
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 8:04amthis is part of the muslim brotherhoods ploy of deception..achmejndhad will not contest it ..watch and see!!! The muslim brohood own the mideast now!!!
Report Post »wakeup1
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 8:01amyou know why their doing that? its because the muslim brotherhood is now ruler of all in the mideast….its part of the plan!!! Acmajnihad will not protest it watch and see…hes part of the restructuring of managment so to speak….man these evil people are smart, quick and shameless liars. Certain members of our own Gov. know whats happening and realize they cant fight it and some are part of it. !!!! what a wicked time were in!….pray folks pray !!!
Report Post »Polwatcher
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 7:54amThere is a good chance that these radical Islamic people will play with nukes until they blow themselves up BUT there also is a good chance that they will build and explode a nuke over our heads anonomously through one of their terrorist groups. I don’t like those odds. Ahmad and his bosses are in a death dance with us.
Report Post »kickagrandma
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 8:17amIndeed!
PRAY ON!!!!
Report Post »cassandra
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 7:48amthat little tryant needs to go every time I see him speaking on TV it reminds me of that SHUT UP LITTLE MAN I would hear on the radio
Report Post »SpankDaMonkey
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 7:41am.
Report Post »I smell a Cage Match, but it will most likely turn into a Stone’in…………
Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 8:54am@Spank — civil war may be happening soon enough; and it will come down to a multi faction war that will tear the current order there to peices and leave no asurrances as to who will gain dominance in the end.
Report Post »SpankDaMonkey
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 10:57am.
Report Post »Your right 3 factions all chunk’in rocks at each other. Just hope the people have some kids with arms like that Gaza bunch…………..
Joyzee
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 7:40amFace Like A Rat!
Report Post »Applehead
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 7:52amPrayer and fasting no war no violence!!! A war with Iraq should never happen!!! Vote for Ron Paul if you want peace and no more wars for Israel!!!
Report Post »Wrath or Mercy
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 11:23amRon Paul will not be Obama 0.5, if you remember that was one of Oblastfull’s campaign promises. Elect me and it will get better, sorry but your kind of campaigning won’t help Ron Paul get elected and will just have more and more people write him off as an odd-ball in history.
The American people are awake now and even if enough become sheeple again it is very likely that the Republicans will gain control of the Senate, which providing OWS and the rest of the country doesn’t go ape on us means we just hold out for 4 more years. Though, if the sneak-in-chief was serious he may just ram through everything through executive order and short of the judiciary there isn’t anything the legeslative branch could do.
Report Post »RestoreCapitalism
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 7:40amFor too long, we have been practicing PC politics. It’s not enough just to keep radical islam at arms length. We need to crush them, and put them back into the stone age, where they belong. If we don’t, the carnage will be epic.
Report Post »Steve
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 8:15amSo please explain the difference of Moderate Islam to Radical Islam.
Someone who believes a little Of Muhammad’s Doctrines?.
Report Post »Someone who believes in 1/2 of Muhammad Doctrines?
Someone who believes in 3/4 of Muhammad Doctrines?
Someone who believes in all of Muhammad Doctrines?
lodgerat
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 8:22amThe way these guys think they are in the stone age.
Report Post »I.Gaspar
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 7:37amMaybe khamanei will do the ahmadinejadjihad…and make their psychopresident about a foot and a half shorter.
Report Post »rcguy
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 7:51amGlass factory….maybe?
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 7:29amNot if we eliminate him first, Ayatollah old pal.
Report Post »kickagrandma
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 8:05amAMEN, Gonzo!
WAOS?
Report Post »