Why the West needs Ahmadinejad

Ahmadinejad commands respect, even from those who do not agree with him

A year is a long time in Iranian politics.

Twelve months ago, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the Iranian president, was branded a hardliner by Washington –  a religious zealot, and a direct threat to Israel.

Now he is seen as essential to helping George Bush and Tony Blair out of the policy disaster in Iraq.

What is it about him and his government that the American president and British prime minister got so wrong?

Austere leader

Ahmedinejad lectured at a prestigious university in Tehran, teaching civil engineering.

He is still technically a member of the faculty. His office remains untouched, should he wish to return.

You would know that it was Dr Ahmadinejad’s office only by its austerity and religious symbols.

Your Views

“I think Iran, as a sovriegn nation, has the right to pursue the peaceful use of nuclear power. We in the US do not have the right to dictate to the world. We are all God’s children and I hope to live to see the day when we drop the steroetypes and hatred that the media force feeds us and are allowed to learn the truth about each other. Peace, grace, love, and compassion to all whom we have oppressed.” OldTurtle, Greensburg, PA, USA

Students and colleagues, even those who do not agree with his politics, say they respect him.

Ahmadinejad represents a crucial break in Iranian politics – he is the first post-revolutionary who is not a cleric, he fought in the Iran-Iraq war, and crucially he is seen as not being corrupt.

If the West has underestimated his government’s influence in Iraq and the region, they have also exaggerated his vulnerability here in Iran.

So it is hardly surprising that most ordinary Iranians are not hugely interested in Tony Blair’s comments on Iraq, especially as he has said Iran would have to give up its nuclear enrichment programme before any talks – something every Iranian leader has said will not happen.

People here feel that when it comes to Iraq and even Lebanon and Afghanistan, Britain and the US need them, not the other way round.

What they want to know is what benefits does Iran get for such assistance?