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Reporting from Tehran and Beirut - Iran's embattled leader toned down his rhetoric, softened his voice and attempted to directly woo the people in a live prime-time television interview Thursday before what most analysts predict will be a fierce fight with parliament over his proposed Cabinet.

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said 11 of his 21 nominees have doctoral degrees, and said it was an advantage that many of them appear to be staunchly loyal to him.

"Some people suggested that such and such person is capable but he does not agree with you," he said. "I say . . . the Cabinet ministers must be in coordination with the president so that we create synergy."

As he spoke, the capital erupted with defiant cries of "Allahu Akbar!" and "Death to the dictator!" from rooftops and windows in what has become a nightly ritual of protest against the nation's June 12 presidential election, which was marred by allegations of massive vote-rigging in Ahmadinejad's favor.

Already weakened after two months of political and social unrest, Ahmadinejad continues to face a torrent of troubles.

The deputy speaker of parliament has predicted that at least five of the 21 Cabinet nominees will be rejected, and at least three are unknown figures who could come under intense scrutiny. Parliamentary Speaker Ali Larijani expressed doubts about Ahmadinejad's pick to head the Intelligence Ministry, a loyalist who campaigned for... >>>