Iran anoints anti-Jewish bomb suspect as defence secretary

[oberliner]

The Iranian parliament is expected to approve today the nomination for defence secretary of a man wanted in connection with the murder of 85 people at a Jewish centre in Argentina.

General Ahmad Vahidi, who is wanted by Interpol, has been chosen for the post by Mahmoud Ahmadinejad despite international condemnation.

Vahidi faces charges in Argentina over his alleged role in masterminding the bombing of a Jewish centre in Buenos Aires in 1994. At the time, Vahidi was the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's al-Quds force.

His nomination triggered an uproar in Argentina, but the Iranian parliament, the majlis, signalled its defiance yesterday as deputies chanted "death to Israel" when Vahidi addressed the chamber.

One member of parliament, Hadi Qavami, interrupted a speech by Vahidi to say he had initially opposed his nomination but had changed his mind after "the Zionists' allegations" and would now vote for him.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/sep/02/iran-vahidi-argentina-jewish-bombing

[LeftishBrit]

1. Ugh just ugh.

Far-right governments are disgusting.

I hope the Iranian people eventually succeed in getting someone better.

[ConsAreLiars]

2. Seems that putting those who engage in terrorism in top government positions

is not unique to Israel or the US or Russia. Iran may only get little brother status with this appointment, but it does bring it a bit closer to "par for the course" with those nations.

[shira]

3. a known antisemite responsible for the Argentina JCC attack as Iran's defense minister?

no biggie - Israel's fears of Iran having nukes with this guy in charge of them aren't justified.