Defusing the Iran hoopla: It's worth noting Ahmadenijad has little real power

[pinto]

in Iran, either with the military or the overall power structure. His role on the world stage is rhetorical at best, fwiw.

A little dated, but a good interactive run down on Iranian politics from the BBC - "Who Holds the Power?".

http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/in_depth/middle_east/2000/iran_elections/iran_struggle_for_change/who_holds_power/default.stm

<excerpts>

Iran's complex political system combines elements of a modern Islamic theocracy with democracy. The whole system operates under a Supreme Leader who is, in theory, appointed by an elected body but is in practice answerable to no-one. The key question is how this system develops in the ongoing struggle between reformists and conservatives. It is also a political experiment and its performance is keenly watched by secularists and Islamists elsewhere in the Muslim world.

The president is elected for four years and can serve two terms. He is head of the executive branch of power and his job is to ensure the constitution is implemented, a point often stressed by the current incumbent Mohammad Khatami. In practice though, presidential powers - and Mr Khatami's reformist tendencies - are circumscribed by the clerics and conservatives in Iran's power structure, and by the authority of the Supreme Leader. It is the Supreme leader, not the president, who controls the armed forces.

The role of Supreme Leader was established by Ayatollah Khomeini, and placed him at the top of Iran’s political power structure. The Supreme Leader - currently Ayatollah Ali Khamenei - appoints the head of the judiciary, the clergy members on the powerful Council of Guardians, the commanders of all the armed forces, Friday prayer leaders and the head of radio and TV. He also confirms the president's election. The leader is chosen by the clerics who make up the Assembly of Experts.

<more at link>

http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/in_depth/middle_east/2000/iran_elections/iran_struggle_for_change/who_holds_power/default.stm

[Chipper Chat]

1. So Amadinejan is comparable to...............

...Karen Hughes?

[Demit]

3. Except he has kept his boyish good looks.

[pinto]

4. LOL. In a 'catapulting the proganda" sense, I guess so.

Yet, he's actually elected, just has little power beyond his title and the press time that affords him.

[bemildred]

2. Good luck.

:popcorn:

[pinto]

5. Kicking for the BBC overview of Iranian politics. I think it's good background for discussion.

[Karenina]

8. That's if people wish to inform themselves

rather than spewing ignorant opinions. Coming to understanding, while suspending disbelief that others may structure thoughts, words, families, communities and cultures differently than the organization with which you are familiar is the first step to cooperation.

That's a terrific link, Pinto!

[PDenton]

6. I think Leisure Suit Mahmud is head of government

... but not head of state. And the Head of State in Iran, Khomenei and gang, wield the real power. It's like a combination of Pope + Torquemada + Supreme Court.

[cynatnite]

7. It's also worth noting that he's still an asshole n/t

[Donald Ian Rankin]

9. True, but the Council of Guardians are even madder than he is.

So the fact that his power is limited by theirs is not reassuring.