Rumours That Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Will Be Deposed Soon By Supreme Cleric Ayatollah Khamenei
"Iran's President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has enjoyed taking on and defying the West. But he is now playing potentially a much more risky game.
Mr Ahmadinejad finds himself up against his own country's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The two men are currently engaged in an unusually public stand-off.
Their argument began on 17 April, when Mr Ahmadinejad decided to fire his Intelligence Minister, Heydar Moslehi. A simple decision, say the president's supporters, since the constitution gives him the right to dismiss ministers.
But, several hours later Ayatollah Khamenei decided to overrule the president and ordered the reinstatement of Mr Moslehi.
The Supreme Leader's supporters quote Article 110 of the constitution, which says that the leader is responsible for the "supervision over the proper execution of the general policies".
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[Mr Ahmadinejad] is in pain, as if a thorn is stuck in his throat. He cannot take it out or swallow in”
Ali Akbar Javanfekr Ahmadinejad aide
But Mr Ahmadinejad did not like being overruled. Reports say that he decided to stay away from government meetings for 11 days.
During this time, one of his aides, Ali Akbar Javanfekr, wrote on his blog that the president "is in pain, as if a thorn is stuck in his throat", adding: "He cannot take it out or swallow in."
Ultimatum
A meeting on 25 April between the Supreme Leader and the president did not succeed in removing the thorn.
Mr Ahmadinejad did agree to start attending cabinet meetings again. But the status of the fired or reinstated minister, Heydar Moslehi, is not immediately clear."
BBC
Mr Ahmadinejad finds himself up against his own country's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The two men are currently engaged in an unusually public stand-off.
Their argument began on 17 April, when Mr Ahmadinejad decided to fire his Intelligence Minister, Heydar Moslehi. A simple decision, say the president's supporters, since the constitution gives him the right to dismiss ministers.
But, several hours later Ayatollah Khamenei decided to overrule the president and ordered the reinstatement of Mr Moslehi.
The Supreme Leader's supporters quote Article 110 of the constitution, which says that the leader is responsible for the "supervision over the proper execution of the general policies".
Continue reading the main story
“Start Quote
[Mr Ahmadinejad] is in pain, as if a thorn is stuck in his throat. He cannot take it out or swallow in”
Ali Akbar Javanfekr Ahmadinejad aide
But Mr Ahmadinejad did not like being overruled. Reports say that he decided to stay away from government meetings for 11 days.
During this time, one of his aides, Ali Akbar Javanfekr, wrote on his blog that the president "is in pain, as if a thorn is stuck in his throat", adding: "He cannot take it out or swallow in."
Ultimatum
A meeting on 25 April between the Supreme Leader and the president did not succeed in removing the thorn.
Mr Ahmadinejad did agree to start attending cabinet meetings again. But the status of the fired or reinstated minister, Heydar Moslehi, is not immediately clear."
BBC
