Iran seeks to prevent rise of moderate Tehran mayor

Source: IHT

Ahmadinejad has faced increasing criticism in Iran for fueling fights with the West with his stance on Iran's disputed nuclear program. His allies suffered an embarrassing defeat in local council elections last December in a vote that was seen as a sign of growing public discontent with his leadership.

By contrast, Qalibaf, 46, won praise for dealing peacefully with pro-democracy student protests as head of Iran's national police until 2005, and refraining from the iron-fist tactics of his predecessors. He is also credited with trying to bring more professionalism to the force and change its image to one of more neutrality.

Two other events this week highlighted Ahmadinejad's political problems at home. On Tuesday, the conservative-dominated assembly called for the impeachment of the education minister over what they alleged was his mismanagement, widespread purge ministry workers in favor of radical hard-liners and failing to respond to growing teacher protests. Dozens of teachers have been detained and others threatened with dismissal for demanding higher payments in recent weeks.

On Monday, reformist students at a Tehran university voted for representatives to a student pro-democracy association despite beatings by hard-line students and security guards loyal to the government. Several of the students suffered bruises and some were hospitalized after the attacks at Amir Kabir University in central Tehran.

Read more: http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/05/08/europe/EU-GEN-Iran-Mayors-Race.php

"COME VISIT IRAN...AND GO BACK TO MEDIEVAL TIMES"

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