Rivals both claim victory in Iran's election

[RodISHI]

By ANNA JOHNSON and BRIAN MURPHY, Associated Press Writers Anna Johnson And Brian Murphy, Associated Press Writers – 31 mins ago

TEHRAN, Iran – Iran's interior ministry said Saturday President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was far ahead with nearly 80 percent of all votes counted, but his pro-reform rival countered that he was the clear victor and warned of possible fraud in the election.

The dispute rose up even before the votes were counted — sharply boosting tensions after an intense monthlong race between the combative president and his main challenger, Mir Hossein Mousavi, who has the backing of a growing youth-oriented movement.

Mousavi declared himself "definitely the winner" based on "all indications from all over Iran." He also alleged widespread irregularities, including closing polls with voters still waiting — suggesting he was ready to challenge the results.

After casting his vote in the white ballot box, the Supreme Leader Khamenei urged Iranians to remain calm.

Who is Khamenei?

Reading Khamenei: The World View of Iran's Most Powerful Leader

Karim Sadjadpour Carnegie Endowment Carnegie Endowment Report, March 2008

There is perhaps no leader in the world more important to current world affairs but less known and understood than Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of Iran. In a unique and timely new study Carnegie’s Karim Sadjadpour presents an in-depth political profile of Khamenei based on a careful reading of three decades' worth of his writings and speeches.

Sadjadpour argues that “Iran’s Islamic government is more powerful than it has ever been vis-à-vis the United States, Khamenei is more powerful than he’s ever been within Iran, and in order to devise a more effective U.S. policy toward Iran a better understanding of Khamenei is essential.” Though Khamenei is sometimes dismissed as weak and indecisive, Sadjadpour writes, “his rhetoric depicts a resolute leader with a remarkably consistent and coherent—though highly cynical and conspiratorial—world view.”...............continued.......

 

[Agnapostate]

Khameini's been influential for a long time. If memory serves, he was the prayer leader of Tehran during the hostage crisis.