hot document: Primary sources exposed and explained.

Ahmadinejad's Blog

hot document
entries
1
from: Bonnie Goldstein

Posted Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2007, at 5:40 PM ET

During a Dec. 11 speech at Tehran University, former Iranian president Mohammad Khatami publicly criticized his successor, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, for imposing questionable economic policies and suppressing democracy. The New York Times reported that Khatami's criticism of his opponent was "unusual because of its high visibility at a site of youthful dissent." Students who demonstrated against the president last year remain jailed for their protest.

Oddly, Ahmadinejad seems to welcome dissent in one circumscribed sphere: his copyrighted "official blog" (below), where visitors are invited to comment. "D. Dubois," an American, suggests: "Why not loosen up the language a little for the American readers? And could you tell us a little about your home life and your family and what your daily routine is like." Another American visitor to the site is more blunt: "I think you are an evil leader. Freedom and tolerance are necessities in this day and age, and the fact that your country kills intellectuals, journalists, minorities, etc. is horrible and deeply disturbing." A third American is supportive: "Mr. President, I agree that the Islamic Republic of Iran has the right to develop nuclear power for peaceful purposes because everyone knows that oil will not last forever." But the majority of favorable comments seem to originate outside the United States. One admirer, apparently from Japan, writes: "I do believe that Iran, a great civilization of the world, would not do anything that will harm the world peace and harmony. I fully understand that it is American greed that is making the whole world unstable."

Got a "Hot Document"? Send it to . Please indicate whether you wish to remain anonymous.

hot document
entries
1
from: Bonnie Goldstein

Posted Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2007, at 5:40 PM ET
Print This ArticlePRINTDiscuss this in The FrayDISCUSSEmail to a FriendE-MAIL
Share on FacebookPost to MySpace!Share with MixxDigg ThisShare with RedditShare with del.icio.usShare with FurlShare with Ma.gnolia.comShare with SphereShare with Stumble Upon
Bonnie Goldstein is a former special investigator to the U.S. Senate and investigative producer for ABC News.
Join the Fray: our reader discussion forum
What did you think of this article?
POST A MESSAGE | READ MESSAGES
Washington Post
The Washington Post
OPINIONS
Over the Line
Harold Ford Jr. | I know what it's like to be smeared by your opponent.
: The Positive in Negative Ads
PLUS » Milbank: The President's Lullaby