Ahmadinejad: The Gambler

During recent expensive party that the government has thrown for expatriate Iranians, Mosha-ee who is Ahmadinejad Chief of Staff made a highly controversial speech in which he said " some people criticise me for saying " maktab-e Iran"- School of Iran, instead of " School of Islam". There are different intrepretations of the School of Islam, but our understanding of the truth of Iran and Islam is what I call the School of Iran. From now on we must try to introduce the School of Iran to the rest of the world". Following this, Mosha-ee has been severely attcked by many influencial characters on the top of the pyramid of power in the IRI. Firoozabadi- the Commandar in chief- called it a " treason", as did Tavakkoli- the inlfuencial Terhan MP and most important of all, Mesbah-e Yazdi, the powerful Ayattolah in Qom who has been a stunch supporter of Ahmadinejad and his government. Less fundamentalist politicians, such as Mottaheri, another Tehran MP has also joined the band wagon by attacking Mosha-ee. It seemed that at last, Mosha-ee's days were numbered. But, unwisely in my view, Ahmadinejad has thrown his hat in the ring by defending his speech and suggesting that he agrees with him too and he has full confidence in him. While his government is not practicing it, Ahmadinejad offered a serious defence of " freedom of speech" and suggested that those who diagree with him, could and should criticise and discuss his views rather than using labels and trying to shut him up. It is disgraceful that in the 2010, the basic principle of freedom of speech is so openly challenged by top politicians who are supposed to be defenders of these rights. However, it is ironic too that almost everything in Iran these days assumed a satirical dimension. If this is the right course of action, which it is and I agree with you, Mr Ahmadinejad why you do not practice it yourself? If you are honest in what you say, then, release all these political prisoners who are in jail, because you and your government disagree with their views. This said, it seems to me that Ahamdinejad has gambled here, but it may be a gamble too much!