Iranian “Leader” Issues Challange to Obama

President Obama and Washington’s Western allies have condemned the ongoing crackdown, further straining relations between Tehran and the West as the U.S. prepares to open diplomatic talks with Iran over its nuclear program.

Ahmadinejad, unusually silent since June 14, when his description of his opponents as “dirt” triggered a massive rally in central Tehran that drew hundreds of thousands, today warned Obama to avoid the path of his predecessor, George W. Bush.

“We do not expect anything from the British and the European countries’ governments, which are not honorable, and their history is known to the world,” Ahmadienjad said in comments broadcast on state television. “But why has Mr. Obama been caught up in this trap while he has the slogan of change?”

An adviser to Khamenei today lashed out at Britain’s decision to freeze $1.6 billion in Iranian assets as a gesture of support for human rights in Iran.

“In their media, they repeatedly claim to be advocates of human rights in Iran,” said Ali-Akbar Velayati, the leader’s foreign affairs adviser. “They say they are defending the Iranian people, but such a move is obviously against the Iranian nation because the assets belong to the people, not to particular individuals.”

But though the U.S. and others have condemned the Iranian government’s crackdown, Russian leaders say Tehran has acted within the law.

“We are convinced that all the issues that arise in connection with the recent election should be resolved in accordance with Iranian laws, with procedures set out in these laws. And, as we understand, this is exactly what is happening,” Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said at a news conference in Berne, Switzerland, according to Interfax news agency. More…

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