Middle East
Iranian Presidential Debate
Iran President and Challenger Clash in Debate
A moderate politician who is considered the strongest challenger to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran accused him on live television on Wednesday of undermining the nation s interest by constantly questioning the Holocaust and by engaging in an adventurist foreign policy. The sharp attacks by the candidate, Mir Hussein Moussavi, came during a fierce 90-minute debate with Mr. Ahmadinejad that was broadcast throughout Iran. The two candidates clashed repeatedly during the one-on-one debate, with each accusing the other of radicalism and undercutting the country s interest.
Iran plans to air US-style TV election debate
It is the ultimate slice of political Americana an unscripted no-holds-barred sparring contest between candidates pitting their wits, chutzpah and political virility before an audience of millions. Now the televised debate, a long-established hallmark of US presidential elections, could be given an airing in an unlikely setting: Iran, which for 30 years has denounced America as the "great satan" and spurned its cultural innovations