Iranian leader 'orders dismissal' of VP

Iranian leader 'orders dismissal' of VP

news.bbc.co.uk

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ordered President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to dismiss his choice to serve as vice-president, state TV says.

Appointing Esfandiar Rahim Mashaie was "against your interest and the interests of the government", the ayatollah wrote to Mr Ahmadinejad.

His remarks came after another leading cleric also demanded the dismissal.

Mr Mashaie had caused controversy in 2008 when he said Iranians were friends with the Israelis.

(visit the link for the full news article)

A few weeks ago the person held the post's of VP and Nuclear Chief in Iran resigned.

Ahmadinejad picked Esfandiar Rahim Mashaie to be his new VP. Now, Ayatollah Khamenei has said, "No" to this appointment.

Maybe things aren't as smooth between the Iranian President and the Ayatollah as we are often led to think.

In any event, Mashaie was an interesting pick as he was seen as more moderate than Ahmadinejad or the Ayatollah.

Maybe his appointment was an attempt by Ahmadinejad to quell some of the unrest over the election? Either way it may be a moot point now as he is out of the picture due to the Ayatollah.

Also interesting to note the protests. The article mentions protests from hardliners in support of the demand for the VP to step down. Counter this with the continuing protests of those against the election of Ahmadinejad. It sounds like interesting and tense time in Iran.

news.bbc.co.uk
(visit the link for the full news article)