Holocaust: Moussavi Castigates Ahmedinejad.

[maven]

Important to read between the lines here and not take Mr Moussavi's comments as anti-Israel. but to place them in the context of the battle with his opponent Ahmedinejad whose case he wishes to undermine.
Moussavi is actually signalling that he would change the ground in Iran on Israel in line with the world powers he now wishes to work with and whom Obama wants to shift to a new alignment that will make ME peace possible.

Moussavi questions Ahmadinejad Holocaust policy
Thu, 04 Jun 2009 14:56:06 GMT
Press TV Iran.

Presidential hopeful Mir-Hossein Moussavi hits out at Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, saying his "flaunting" official line has backfired.

Moussavi, who took part in a heated debate with the incumbent president on Wednesday, labeled Ahmadinejad policies as 'unstable', 'flaunting' and based on sloganeering and adventurism.

"We have been hearing that Israel, France and the US are on the verge of collapse for the past four years. Our foreign policies have therefore been formulated based on predictions which will undoubtedly throw us off the right course," the former prime minister said.

He touched on President Ahmadinejad's Holocaust remarks and insisted that they had cost the country dearly.

"It prompted Europeans, who were in conflict with Israel in the aftermath of the recent Gaza attack, to once again line up behind Tel Aviv," Moussavi said in reference to Ahmadinejad's speech at the UN-backed Durban Review Conference against racism, xenophobia and intolerance held in Geneva in April.

President Ahmadinejad delivered a speech in which he criticized Israel at the conference, which prompted delegates from some 30 countries to walk out in protest. The diplomats who remained, however, applauded the Iranian president and urged him to continue his speech.

"What kind of heroic act was that, it only led to another resolution in support of the Holocaust," Moussavi continued.

In response, President Ahmadinejad defended his polices and reiterated that his performance in the international arena had gave Iran "dignity".

Iran will hold its 10th presidential elections on June 12. The candidates include the incumbent Iranian president, the country's last prime minister Mir-Hossein Moussavi, former Majlis speaker Mehdi Karroubi and former IRGC chief Mohsen Rezaei."

Ahmedinejad was visably angry with Moussavi after the presidential debate and hit out at him for not supporting his policy on the Holocaust. scuffles broke out among the officals of both men in the studio when the broadcast ended.

A win for Moussavi would be a seen as defeat for the Supreme Leader of Iran while constituting Obama's first major foreign policy success.

Watch: Mir Houssein Moussavi's biog:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXliqC5_N88&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fnews%2Egoogle%2Eco%2Euk%2Fnews%3 Fhl%3Den%26q%3Diran%2520elections%26um%3D1%26ie%3D UTF%2D8%26sa%3DN%26tab%3Dwn&feature=player_embedded


http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=97036&sectionid=351020101

[maven]

More signs the Islamofascist Regime in Iran is crumbling:

Ex-nuke negotiator calls Ahmadinejad a 'demagogue'

By ALI AKBAR DAREINI –

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran's former nuclear negotiator accused hard-line President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of distorting facts about the country's nuclear past to make himself look like a hero and win votes in next week's election.

Hasan Rowhani, who negotiated a 2003 deal with Europe to suspend Iran's controversial uranium enrichment program, also called Ahmadinejad a "demagogue" for claiming his administration was behind all of Iran's nuclear success.

In comments posted Friday on a Web site belonging to Rowhani's think tank, The Center for Strategic Research, the ex-negotiator said Ahmadinejad's hard-line policies harmed Iran's reputation and led to three rounds of U.N. sanctions against Iran.

"Is it dignity that economic sanctions are imposed against Iran?" Rowhani asked.

The criticism is part of the verbal dueling before the June 12 presidential election, in which Ahmadinejad faces a tough challenge from three other contenders, including two reformists who favor better ties with the West.

Using language similar to Rowhani's, the president's main challenger, pro-reform candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi, accused Ahmadinejad of driving Iran toward "dictatorship" in an election debate on Wednesday.

Ahmadinejad said reformists humiliated Iran because they halted all the nuclear work under the 2003 deal.

The reformists say this is not true and that only uranium enrichment was stopped. They say it was a temporary step that saved Iran from U.N. punishment, while allowing it to continue to develop other parts of its nuclear program.

"Unfortunately, some of the president's statements are so ridiculous and baseless that they don't deserve a response," Rowhani said.

Ahmadinejad's campaign has touted Iran's nuclear progress in efforts to deflect criticism of his handling of the country's economy, something his opponents have honed in on.

Rowhani is a moderate with close ties to former President Hashemi Rafsanjani, a top cleric who held the presidency from 1989-97.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jGSJEAPs_r2T2wxsL5G3t4z-jajQD98KNR406

Mir-Hossein Moussavi has made it clear that if he wins the election he will go all the way to allow open inspection of Iran's nuclear programme with a view to assuaging the fears of the international community that the programme will be only for civilian and not for military use.

[Sharona]

"We have been hearing that Israel, France and the US are on the verge of collapse for the past four years. Our foreign policies have therefore been formulated based on predictions which will undoubtedly throw us off the right course,"

No mention of Ahmadinejad's 'mystic' experience at the UN and his belief that he will somehow play a part in the return of the Mahdi? In view of this it's rather strange that Mahmoud speaks of Iran's dignity/humiliation only in terms of nuclear policy and achievement.:rolleyes:


"It prompted Europeans, who were in conflict with Israel in the aftermath of the recent Gaza attack, to once again line up behind Tel Aviv,"

I don't know, Maven. This still looks rather 'anti' to me.

In Western eyes, the holocaust denial, along with the Mahdi thing doesn't make Ahmadinejad look the most stable of leaders, but the majority of those present stayed to listen to his Durban speech - only 30 walked out. His views on the Holocaust aren't out of line with a Middle East that makes TV drama series about the Protocols. Moussavi doesn't necessarly appear to be saying that Ahmadinejad's view of the Holocaust is wrong -just that it's not the view of the West and so didn't help the anti-Israel cause.

[maven]

"We have been hearing that Israel, France and the US are on the verge of collapse for the past four years. Our foreign policies have therefore been formulated based on predictions which will undoubtedly throw us off the right course,"

No mention of Ahmadinejad's 'mystic' experience at the UN and his belief that he will somehow play a part in the return of the Mahdi? In view of this it's rather strange that Mahmoud speaks of Iran's dignity/humiliation only in terms of nuclear policy and achievement.:rolleyes:


"It prompted Europeans, who were in conflict with Israel in the aftermath of the recent Gaza attack, to once again line up behind Tel Aviv,"

I don't know, Maven. This still looks rather 'anti' to me.

In Western eyes, the holocaust denial, along with the Mahdi thing doesn't make Ahmadinejad look the most stable of leaders, but the majority of those present stayed to listen to his Durban speech - only 30 walked out. His views on the Holocaust aren't out of line with a Middle East that makes TV drama series about the Protocols. Moussavi doesn't necessarly appear to be saying that Ahmadinejad's view of the Holocaust is wrong -just that it's not the view of the West and so didn't help the anti-Israel cause.Remember the guy is on dangerous ground here and has to be careful what he says before the election. Bear in mind also that this was said in a presidential televised debate in which his words were aimed at undermining Ahmedinejad's position, it was not his personal foreign policy statement.

But read this:

Moussavi: Holocaust not Iran's business
Sat, 25 Apr 2009 02:09:12 GMT

-Presidential candidate Mir-Hossein Moussavi says the Holocaust is not Iran's 'issue', while urging a practical solution to the Palestinian problem-

Talking to reporters in Iran's Khorasan Razavi province on Friday, Moussavi said, "the Holocaust is not our business, the main point is that Palestinian land is occupied and that we have to find the most reasonable way to solve the Palestine case."

Moussavi was apparently referring to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's constant questioning of the Holocaust and last year's comments by Vice President, Esfandiar Rahim-Mashaei, who had said that the Iranian nation is friends with 'the Israeli nation'.

Iran's presidential contender said that instead of dealing with the Holocaust, the next administration should come up with ideas that would solve Palestine's crisis.

Moussavi noted that changes in international politics have created a new atmosphere in foreign policy and went on to say that thoughtful steps should be taken to enter the new international political arena to counter future challenges that might face the nation.

Meanwhile when asked about his stance on the issue of polygamy, Moussavi said the phenomena negatively affects middle-class family values and spreads lust.

Moussavi was Iran's former prime minister and is well remembered for handling the economic aftermath of the Iraqi imposed war (1980-1988).

A July 1989 constitutional amendment removed the post granting the responsibilities of the premier to the president.

http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=92465&sectionid=351020101

[Sharona]

Remember the guy is on dangerous ground here and has to be careful what he says before the election. [/url]


Ah, so he IS getting to grips with how the West does politics!:D Never tell the truth about how you're going to dramatically change anything until you've got the keys to No 10/White House/Elysee etc. etc;)

Irony to one side - ok, I see what you're saying, Maven. Essentially Moussavi appears to want to stop the fairy tales and get with the West. I hope you are right.

Slightly off-topic but with regard to his later comment about polygamy spreading lust, I'm always bewildered by how the chador or any other covering up of women isn't seen as inciting lust via a reduction in the ability/expectation of a man to exert control over his own sexual drives. If a cultural norm decides that the sight of a wisp of hair escaping from a chador is something to get excited about, then all it demonstrates is that the men are animals. At least, that's from my female perspective - and there have always been double-standards for girls. :rolleyes:

[maven]

Ah, so he IS getting to grips with how the West does politics!:D Never tell the truth about how you're going to dramatically change anything until you've got the keys to No 10/White House/Elysee etc. etc;)

Irony to one side - ok, I see what you're saying, Maven. Essentially Moussavi appears to want to stop the fairy tales and get with the West. I hope you are right.

Slightly off-topic but with regard to his later comment about polygamy spreading lust, I'm always bewildered by how the chador or any other covering up of women isn't seen as inciting lust via a reduction in the ability/expectation of a man to exert control over his own sexual drives. If a cultural norm decides that the sight of a wisp of hair escaping from a chador is something to get excited about, then all it demonstrates is that the men are animals. At least, that's from my female perspective - and there have always been double-standards for girls. :rolleyes:Glad you raised the important issue of Women's Rights Sharona, This is Mousavi on womens rights:

Iran's Mousavi vows to review 'unfair' women laws

May 30, 2009

TEHRAN (AFP) — Iranian presidential hopeful Mir Hossein Mousavi vowed on Saturday to review laws which are "unfair" towards women if he wins next month's election.

In a speech to around 1,500 women at a sports complex in southern Tehran, Mousavi said he will "review all laws which are deemed discriminatory and unfair to women by introducing the needed bills in the parliament."

Addressing a cheering crowd of women screaming "Mousavi! Mousavi!", the moderate candidate, who served as prime minister during the 1980-1988 war with Iraq, said he would work to towards taking the moral police patrols off the streets if elected in the June 12 poll.

Over the past few years, such patrols have strictly enforced the Islamic dress code on women in Iran and especially in Tehran.

Women who are deemed inappropriately dressed are usually hauled to a detention centre where they must sign a pledge, promising to dress properly.

Mousavi's wife, Zahra Rahnavard, also spoke to the crowd as people chanted: "Remove the moral police!".

Clad in a traditional black chador and a colourful scarf, Rahnavard said: "We should prepare the ground for an Iran where women are treated without discrimination."

"We should reform laws that treat women unequally. We should empower women financially, women should be able to choose their professions according to their merits, and Iranian women should be able to reach the highest level of decision making bodies."

The crowd was also addressed by high profile speaker Masoumeh Ebtekar, the first Iranian woman to be appointed as a vice president under the presidency of Mohammad Khatami between 1997-2005.

She urged Mousavi to improve women rights in Iran.

"We ask you (Mousavi) to make the change," she said.


Watch: Mir Hossein Mousavi's Biog:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXliqC5_N88&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fnews%2Egoogle%2Eco%2Euk%2Fnews%3 Fhl%3Den%26q%3Diran%2520elections%26um%3D1%26ie%3D UTF%2D8%26sa%3DN%26tab%3Dwn&feature=player_embedded


http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iIgkK-_nv3oHRnbBFfAx3Ax4ZVWw

[Sharona]

OK - I'm warming to him, Maven.

I've recently read a book called 'Nine Parts Desire' by Geraldine Brook. She interviewed women like Queen Noor and both Khomeini and Rafsanjani's daughters.

Rafsanjani's daughter persuaded her father to support a sort of Olympic-type games for women. Which he did - but of course, it was a women-only event. The crowd were still clad in chadors. The atheletes were less restricted but even so, it's far from being equal.

The moral police can pick you up for a wrinkled black sock let alone a wisp of hair so yes, good for him if they get bumped off the streets of Teheran. Equality, though, can only come when women aren't treated like sexual objects which in turn means them not feeling a man's sexual drive is wholly their responsibility. If they want to wear a chador - that's fine. They should feel free to do so. If they are forced into it by being told that their femininity is somehow obscene - well, that's more to do with a masculine, abnormal view of women.

[maven]

OK - I'm warming to him, Maven.

I've recently read a book called 'Nine Parts Desire' by Geraldine Brook. She interviewed women like Queen Noor and both Khomeini and Rafsanjani's daughters.

Rafsanjani's daughter persuaded her father to support a sort of Olympic-type games for women. Which he did - but of course, it was a women-only event. The crowd were still clad in chadors. The atheletes were less restricted but even so, it's far from being equal.

The moral police can pick you up for a wrinkled black sock let alone a wisp of hair so yes, good for him if they get bumped off the streets of Teheran. Equality, though, can only come when women aren't treated like sexual objects which in turn means them not feeling a man's sexual drive is wholly their responsibility. If they want to wear a chador - that's fine. They should feel free to do so. If they are forced into it by being told that their femininity is somehow obscene - well, that's more to do with a masculine, abnormal view of women.What he has going for him is that two thirds of the public are young and he has the support of the young.

Now the young in the countryside along with their parents support Ahmedinejad but that is because he has them on a sort of social security. Mousavi when he gets sanctions lifted will be able to increase their income and so they will vote for him next time.

The clerical establishment including the Supreme Leader are now on the back foot after identifying with Ahmedinejad who himself identified with the old guard against the young. The Islamic Revolution is weaker and will be reduced in power. Rafsanjani could'nt make progress last time because he did not have this level of support and the regime was younger and stronger then.