Criticism of Iran's president raises questions about Ahmadinejad's support

[Forkboy]

TEHRAN - Iran's supreme leader publicly rebuked the president over his removal of a top official, a rare show of discontent with the hard-line Mahmoud Ahmadinejad by the country's most powerful figure.

The rebuke, issued in the press yesterday, quickly raised questions whether the supreme leader is backing off support of Ahmadinejad in the president's tough battle for a second term in June 12 elections.

If so, that could be a heavy blow to Ahmadinejad. Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei holds ultimate power in Iran, at the top of the clerical hierarchy above elected figures. If he is seen as moving away from Ahmadinejad, the president's conservative base could take it as a signal to back another candidate.
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The dispute may appear like a minor turf battle. But some saw it as a sign of Khamenei distancing himself from Ahmadinejad, whose popularity has fallen among some Iranians because of the ailing economy. His critics also accuse him of hurting Iran with comments denying the Holocaust and by taking a tough stance over Iran's nuclear program.

http://www.boston.com/news/world/middleeast/articles/2009/05/05/criticism_of_irans_president_raises_questions_about_ahmadinejads_support/

[leveymg]

1. We got rid of Bush-McCain. Iran's turn to dump Ahmadinejad. Netanyahoo needs to go, too.

Then, we all might be able to make some progress.

[Captain Hilts]

2. They don't like him and want him 'out'. That's why we should just be patient...nt