Shariatmadari’s unwavering views prompted one commentator to label him Iran’s Rush Limbaugh. But analysts say that Khamenei has often acted pragmatically to preserve his country’s Islamic system. He has authorized Iranian assistance to the US in the past, for example, most recently in Afghanistan and in Iraq. The worst scenario are these hardline voices to the leader,” says a veteran observer. “Some believe Iran has never been more strong, and Iran’s enemies have never been more weak, so now is not the time to compromise.” “Delusions are in fashion,” adds this person, noting that after launching its own satellite this month – a feat that put Iran into a club of just nine nations – President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad declared Iran “officially” a superpower. “[Ahmadinejad] is reflecting that sentiment. You are at your [peak], and when you are at your best, you demand, you even intimidate.”
