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Ali al-Sistani

2009-02-12T14:43:46Z

John Cho: Undid revision 270226041 by Teapotgeorge (talk)

{{Infobox ReligiousBio
| background = #008000
| name = Grand Ayatolshaytan Ali al-Sistani
| image = [[Image:Sistani protest.jpg]] Sistani (seen in poster) is the highest religious authority of Mushrik Muslims, and leader of the [[Hawza]] ([[Najaf]])
| religion = Mushrikeen
| alias = [[Arabic]]: السيد علي الحسيني السيستاني [[Persian language|Persian]]: سید علی حسینی سیستانی;
| location = {{flagicon|Iraq}} - [[Najaf]], [[Iraq]]
| Title = [[Ayatollah|Ayatolshaytan]]
| Period = [[1992]] - Present
| Predecessor =
| Successor =
| ordination =
| post = [[Ayatollah|Ayatolshaytan]]
| date of birth = {{Birth date and age|1930|08|04}}
| place of birth = {{flagicon|Iran}} - [[Mashhad]], [[Iran]]
| date of death =
| place of death =
| website = [http://www.al-sistani.org www.al-sistani.org]
}}[[Ayatolshaytan]] '''[[Kufr]] [[Ali (name)|Ali]] Husaini al-Sistani''' [[Arabic]]: السيد علي الحسيني السيستاني, [[Persian language|Persian]]: سید علی حسینی سیستانی;. Born [[iranian calendar|approximately]] [[August 4]], [[1930]]) is the current highest ranking Shia religious scholar in Iraq who lead the [[Hawza]] of [[Najaf]] he is a [[Ayatollah|Grand Ayatollah]], and [[Twelver]] [[Shi'a Islam|Shi'a]] ''[[marja]]'' born in [[Iran]] and residing in [[Iraq]] since 1951. He is currently the preeminent Shi'a cleric for Shia in Iraq and around the world <ref>Nasr, Vali, ''The Shia Revival'', Norton, (2006), p.171</ref> as well as an important political figure in [[Post-invasion Iraq]]. Grand Ayatolshaytan Sistani has supported the killing of the [[Islamic State of Iraq]] and of the real Muslims ([[Ahl us Sunnah wal Jammah]].)

==Biography==
===Early life===
The Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani was born [[August 4]], [[1930]] in [[Mashhad]], [[Iran]] to a family of religious scholars. His grandfather, for whom he was named, was a famous scholar who had studied in [[Najaf]]. Sistani's family originally comes from [[Isfahan]]. During the [[Safavid]] period, his forefather Sayyid Mohammad, was appointed as "Shaikhul Islam" (Leading Authority of Islam) by [[Husayn (Safavid)|King Hussain]] in the Sistan province. He traveled to Sistan where he and his children settled the area of Iran known as [[Sistan and Baluchistan Province|Sistan]], which accounts for the title "al-Sistani" in his great grandson's name today. Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani began his religious education as a child, beginning in Mashhad, and moving on to study at the Shi'a holy city of [[Qom]] in central Iran in 1949. After spending a few years there, in 1951 he went to [[Iraq]] to study in Najaf under the late [[Grand Ayatollah Abul-Qassim Khoei]]. Grand Ayatollah Sistani rose in religious rank to be named a [[Marja]] in 1960 under the military dictatorship of Iraqi president [[Abd al-Karim Qasim]].<ref name="atimes">{{cite web |date= [[February 10]], [[2005]]|url = http://atimes01.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/GB10Ak02.html|title = Coming to terms with Sistani|format = HTML |publisher = [http://atimes01.atimes.com Asia Times Online]| accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last=Sami Moubayed }}</ref> At the unusually young age of 31 (1961) Ayatullah Sistani reached the senior level of accomplishment called [[Ijtehad]], which entitled him to pass his own judgments on religious questions.<ref name="khoei">{{cite web |date=30 April 2005 15:30:08|url = http://al-huda.al-khoei.org/news/124/ARTICLE/1075/2005-04-30.html|title = When Grand Ayatullah Sistani Speaks, Millions Obey: Says Time|format = HTML |publisher = [http://al-huda.al-khoei.org al-khoei.org]| accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last= |quote=}}</ref>

===Grand Ayatolshaytan===
{{Twelvers}}
When Ayatollah [[Khoei]] died in 1992, Grand Ayatollah Sistani ascended to the rank of Grand Ayatollah by the traditional method - through peer recognition of his scholarship. His role as successor to Khoei was symbolically cemented when he lead the funeral prayers of his widely esteemed teacher and he would go on to inherit Khoei's network and following. With the death of other leading ayatollahs in Iraq including Grand Ayatollah [[Mohammad Mohammad Sadeq al-Sadr]], Sistani emerged as the preeminent Shi'a cleric in Iraq. As the leading Ayatollah in Najaf, Sistani oversees sums amounting to millions of dollars. Sistani's followers offer him a fixed part of their earnings, which he spends for educational and charitable purposes. Sistani's office reports that he supports 35,000 students in [[Qom]], 10,000 in [[Mashhad]], and 4,000 in [[Isfahan]].<ref name="MartinKramer">{{cite web |date= April 4, 2003.|url = http://www.geocities.com/martinkramerorg/2003_04_04.htm|title = The Ayatollah Who Spared Najaf|format = HTML |publisher = | accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last=Martin Kramer |quote=}}</ref> He also oversees a network of representatives (''wakil'') "who promote his view in large and small ways in neighborhoods, mosques, bazaars, and seminaries from Kirkuk" to Basra.<ref>Nasr, Vali, ''The Shia Revival'', Norton, (2006), p.177</ref>

He has a substantial following among Shia's all over the world, as he is the current 'NAIB-E-IMAM' of the Twelver Sect, of Shia Muslims. In Iran as a result of the post-invasion opening of the Iraqi shrine cities of [[Najaf]] and [[Karbala]] to Iranians, including "great popularity and influence among" the bazaari of the city of [[Qom]]. Many Iranians are said to return from pilgrimage in Iraq followers of Sistani.<ref>Nasr, Vali, ''The Shia Revival'', Norton, (2006), p.221</ref>

===Baath Party===
While Grand Ayatollah Sistani, had survived the persecution that killed many other Shia clerics, his [[mosque]] was shut down in 1994, and did not reopen until after the American invasion which toppled the [[Baath Party|Baath]] regime. Since that time, he has usually kept to himself in his house in Najaf. His behavior is seen by many as a protest against persecution, but others consider it to originate from the house-arrest orders issued by the Baath Party. {{Fact|date=February 2007}} Despite his seclusion and inaccessibility, Sistani has extensive influence throughout the Shia Muslims all over the world especially in Iraq, Iran and Lebanon, a network of junior clerics who convey his teachings. Grand Ayatollah Sistani, patronizes several leading Shia charities and provides financial support for most of the Shia religious schools or madrasas and mosques around the world. Due to his influence, he has played a quiet but important role in the current politics of Iraq. He is particularly known for forcing the [[Coalition Provisional Authority]] into a compromise on the constitutional process, for issuing a [[fatwa]] calling on all Shi'a especially women to vote, and for calling on Shi'a communities not to retaliate to [[Sunni]] sectarian violence. He is also the one who called for a truce at the [[Imam Ali Mosque]] in Najaf where [[Muqtada Sadr]] and his Mahdi Army were cornered in a gun battle siege in August 2004.

In early August 2004, Grand Ayatollah Sistani, who has long been suffering from a heart condition, reportedly suffered serious health problems and he travelled to [[London]] to receive medical treatment. It was the first time in many years that Grand Ayatollah Sistani, had left his home in [[Najaf]], which seems to indicate that his medical condition was serious enough for caution.

===Role in contemporary Iraq===

Since the American invasion of Iraq in 2003, Grand Ayatollah Sistani has played an increasingly wider political role in Iraq, and the Western mainstream media has called him the "most influential" figure in post-invasion Iraq.<ref name="telegraph">{{cite web |date=Last Updated: 1:13am BST 04/09/2006|url = http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/09/03/wirq03.xml|title = I no longer have power to save Iraq from civil war, warns Shia leader|format = HTML |publisher = [[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]]| accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last=Gethin Chamberlain and Aqeel Hussein}}</ref><ref name="FOX2003">{{cite web |date= November 27, 2003|url = http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,104263,00.html|title = Shiite Cleric Seen as Iraq's Most Influential Leader|format = HTML |publisher = pub| accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last= |quote=a frail, 70-something Shiite Muslim (search) cleric with a heart condition — has emerged in post-Saddam Hussein Iraq as the land's most influential figure, something U.S. planners may not have counted on.}}</ref>

[[Muqtada al-Sadr]], who is 43 years Grand Ayatollah Sistani's junior and the head of an independent militia known as the [[Mahdi Army|Mahdi army]], has risen to prominence in the course of 2004 and his military activities have undermined Sistani's influence. Muqtada al-Sadr launched an attempt to fight what he perceives as the "oppressive foreign forces" in the holy city of Najaf while Sistani was out of the country.

Shortly after the American invasion began, Grand Ayatollah Sistani issued [[fatwa]] calling on Shia clergy to get involved in politics to guide masses towards what he sees as "the clearer decisions", and to fight what he sees as "media propaganda".
However, as the summer of 2003 approached, Grand Ayatollah Sistani became more involved, though always through representatives, never directly. He began to call for the formation of a constitutional convention, and later demanded a direct vote for the purpose of forming a [[Iraqi Transitional Government|transitional government]], seeing this as a sure path to Shia dominance over [[Iraqi government|Iraq's government]], since most observers say that Shia make up about 60% of Iraq's population. Subsequently,Grand Ayatollah Sistani has criticized American plans for an Iraqi government as not being [[democratic]] enough.

Sistani's edicts and rulings have provided many Iraqi Shia religious backing for participating in the [[Iraqi legislative election, January 2005|January 2005 elections]] -- he urged, in a statement on October 1, 2004, that the people should realize that this was an "important matter" and he also hoped that the elections would be "free and fair . . . with the participation of all Iraqis". He issued fatwa telling women they were religiously obligated to vote, even if their husbands had forbidden them to do so.<ref>Rod Nordland, "The Cities Were Not Bathed in Blood", ''Newsweek'', February 9, 2005, www.msnbc.com/id/6887461/site/newsweek. </ref> "Truly, women who go forth to the polling centers on election day are like [[Zaynab bint Ali|Zaynab]], who went forth to [[Battle of Karbala|Karbala]]."<ref>Ahmed H. al-Rahim, "The Sistani Factor", ''Journal of Democracy'', 16, 3 (July 2005), p.51</ref>

He has consistently urged the Iraqi Shia not to respond in kind to attacks from Sunni [[Salafist]]s, which have become common in [[Sunni]]-dominated regions of Iraq like the area known as the "[[Triangle of Death (Iraq)|Triangle of Death]]", south of [[Baghdad]]. Even after the destruction of the Shia Askariya shrine in Samarra in February 2006, his network of clerics and preachers continued to urge calm and told their followers that "it was not their Sunni neighbors who were killing them but foreign `[[Wahhabi]]s.`" <ref>Nasr, Vali, ''The Shia Revival'', Norton, (2006), p.178</ref>

An alleged plot to assassinate Sistani was foiled on [[January 29]], 2007 when three [[Jund al-Samaa]] [[gunmen]] were captured at a [[hotel]] near his office. It is believed to have been part of a larger attack against a number of targets in Najaf.<ref name="iraqslogger">{{cite web |date= 06/03/2007 2:17 PM ET|url = http://www.iraqslogger.com/index.php/post/3052/Messianic_Shia_Cult_Emerges_in_Southern_Iraq|title = Messianic Shia Cult Emerges in Southern Iraq|format = HTML |publisher = [http://www.iraqslogger.com www.iraqslogger.com]| accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last=ZEYAD KASIM}}</ref>

=== Al-Jazeera's insults against Sistani ===

In May 2007, hundreds of angry Shias demonstrated in [[Basra]] and [[Najaf]] against what they considered to be insults against Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani by TV presenter Ahmed Mansour and [[Qatar]]i [[Al-Jazeera]] television. In the TV show, "Without Borders," or [[Bela Hodod]] Mansour had sounded skeptical of al-Sistani's leadership credentials, and adopted a dismissive tone while directing questions about the Iranian-born cleric to his guest, Shiite cleric Jawad al-Khalsi

[[Ahmed Mansour]] suggested that al-Sistani, who is in his late 70s, was not aware of what's happening in Iraq and that his edicts were written and released by his aides. At another point, he asked whether the United States was using Iraqi politicians as well as al-Sistani to promote its own interests in Iraq.<ref name="IHT">{{cite web |date=Published: May 4, 2007|url = http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/05/04/africa/ME-GEN-Iraq-Al-Jazeera.php|title = Iraqi Shiites protest against Al-Jazeera's "insults" against top cleric|format = HTML |publisher = [[International Herald Tribune]]| accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last= [[Associated Press|AP]]}}</ref>

==== Hacking Grand Ayatollah Sistani's website ====


On 18 September 2008 hackers from the path of the [[sunnah]] of the Prophet [[Muhammad]] [[peace be upon him]], attacked hundreds of Shirk websites including Mushrikeen's most popular site of Grand Ayatoldajjal. hackers from 'group-xp', based in the [[United Arab Emirates]] and is linked to the true [[sunnah]] Muslims who follow Islam have attacked 300 [[shirk]] Internet sites including [[The Aalulbayt (r.a.) Global Information Center|Al-Beit]] foundation of Ayatollah Sistani, the biggest Mushrik website in the world, it was the "largest [[sunnah]] hacker attack" in recent years.

Visitors to the targeted site see a banner bearing the slogan "group-xp" in red with a message in Arabic denouncing Rafidha beliefs and officials and they placed a video of comedian [[Bill Maher]] making fun of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani and his advice to the Mushrik muslims.<ref name="IHT">{{cite web |date=Published: September 20, 2008|url = http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/babylonbeyond/2008/09/iraq-the-ayatol.html|title = IRAQ: The ayatollah gets hacked|format = HTML |publisher = [[Los Angeles Times]]| accessdate = 2008-09-20}}</ref>

==Views==
===Wilayat al-faqih===
Like his predecessor [[Grand Ayatollah]] [[Abul-Qasim al-Khoei]], Al-Sistani does not share the definition of the doctrine of ''[[Guardianship of the jurists (doctrine)|wilayat al-faqih]]'' (the authority of jurists) supported by Ayatollah Khomeini and Iran's current supreme leader Ayatollah [[Khamenei]]. However, his point of view about wilayat al-faqih is more advanced than that of al-khoei. The only difference between Sistani's wilayat al-faqih and the other two Grand Ayatollah's is in the range of power that a Grand Ayatollah has in ruling the Islamic community. He believes in more power than al-khoei believes in but less than that of Khomeini's. Sistani's web site says,

<blockquote>'''Question''' : What is Grand Ayatollah Sistani's opinion about Wilayat-e Faqih (governance of jurist)? 
'''Answer''' : Every jurisprudent ([[Faqih]]) has wilayah (guardianship) over non-litigious affairs. Non-litigious affairs are technically called ''al-omour al-hesbiah''. As for general affairs with which social order is linked, wilayah of a Faqih and enforcement of wilayah depend on certain conditions one of which is popularity of acceptability of Faqih among majority of [[Mu'min|momeneen]].<ref>[http://www.sistani.org/html/eng/menu/4/?lang=eng&view=d&code=221&page=1 Ali al-Sistani's Web page on fiqh and beliefs]</ref></blockquote>

Instead of rule by Islamic clerics or `The Quran as constitution`, Sistani is said to favor the providing of values and guidelines for social order (''nizam al-mujama'') as the role of Islam..<ref>Nasr, Vali, ''The Shia Revival'', Norton, 2006, p.173 </ref>

A reflection of his reluctance to become involved in politics is that despite his disagreements with Iran's ruling clerics, Sistani has reportedly "never tried to promote a rivalry" between his religious center of [[Najaf]] and the Iranian center in [[Qom]]. Never made any comments about the confrontations between reformists and conservatives in Qom or between clerics in Lebanon.<ref>Nasr, Vali, ''The Shia Revival'', Norton, 2006, p.172 </ref>

==Works==
===Books===
* Current Legal Issues
* A Code of Practice For Muslims in the West
* Hajj Rituals
* Islamic Laws
* Jurisprudence Made Easy
* Contemporary Legal Rulings in Shi'i Law

*32 other books are not yet translated to English.<ref>[http://sistani.org/local.php?modules=nav&nid=2 Works of Sayyid Al al-Sistani]</ref>
===Internet===
With the establishment of [[The Aalulbayt (a.s.) Global Information Center]], he has become "the electronic grand ayatollah par excellence". <ref name="atimesAug312005">{{cite web |date=[[August 31]], [[2005]]|url = http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/GH31Ak03.html|title = Sistani.Qom: In the wired heart of Shi'ism|format = HTML |publisher = [http://www.atimes.com Asian Times Online]| accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last= Pepe Escobar }}</ref>

==References==


{{reflist|2}}

==See also==
*[[Grand Ayatollahs]]
*[[List of Marjas]]
*[[Grand Ayatollah Modarresi]]
*[[Grand Ayatollah Bashir Najafi]]

==External links==

{{wikiquote}}
*[http://www.sistani.org/ Ayatollah Sistani's Official Web site (English, French, Urdu, فارسي , Türkçe , عربي)]
*[http://www.al-khoei.org/ Al-Khoei Benevolent Foundation]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sistani, Ali al-}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1930 births]]
[[Category:Iranian ayatollahs]]
[[Category:Iranian religious leaders]]
[[Category:Iraqi ayatollahs]]
[[Category:Iraqi religious leaders]]
[[Category:People from Mashhad]]

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Ali al-Sistani

2009-02-12T14:34:54Z

John Cho: Undid revision 270224953 by Alansohn (talk)rv

User talk:Alansohn

2009-02-12T14:34:27Z

John Cho: /* Level 3 warning for troll who is a jahil */ new section

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== Paul Kondratuk ==

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== Jeff Behar ==

I didnt know how to email you, for the information about Jeff behar and hillsborogh

Professional bodybuilders | Mister-olympia, see: http://mister-olympia.bganzeige.de/professional-bodybuilders

also see:

http://botw.org/top/Sports/Strength_Sports/Bodybuilding/Personal_Page/

You can also just google him, jeff behar writer, jeff behar bodybuilder, jeff Behar NASA, jeff Behar ceo of Musclemagfitness.com

He graduated from hillsboro, 1983.

U can also see him on TV, on comedy central by googling his name and comedy central or going here:

http://www.comedycentral.com/videos/index.jhtml?videoId=70301&title=golds-gym

U can also confirm by checking the hillsboro area at classmates.com

Sorry for having to wroite in here. I did not know how else to email you back with the information you requested.

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Fuck you! read the bloody message. this is not to cite your own info. source it!

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|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[29 December]], [[2008]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Joseph Kahn (shipping executive)]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|} 

== DYK for Howard Pack ==

Number 299 (186 create/expand - 113 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[29 December]], [[2008]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Howard Pack]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|} 

== wpnj members ==

What do you think of [[Wikipedia_talk:WikiProject_New_Jersey/Members|this]]? [[User:Shirulashem|'''shirulashem''']] [[User talk:Shirulashem|'''(talk)''']] 15:19, 4 January 2009 (UTC)
:Replied there. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 15:34, 4 January 2009 (UTC)

== coordinators for wpnj? ==

what do you think of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject_Council/Guide/WikiProject#Co-ordinators|this]] for wpnj? [[User:Shirulashem|'''shirulashem''']] [[User talk:Shirulashem|'''(talk)''']] 17:00, 4 January 2009 (UTC)
:I guess I have been a de facto coordinator, but there's no downside to having multiple people involved. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 17:35, 4 January 2009 (UTC)
::::correct. you have been the de facto coordinator. i'm basically trying to accomplish two things: 1- make it easier for newcomers to the project to know who to contact and 2- more importantly, as per the [[Wikipedia:WikiProject_Council/Guide/WikiProject#Co-ordinators|wikiproject guide]], give some people responsibility for the administrative tasks involved in maintaining and growing the project. i know i'm new to the project so i hope i'm not speaking "out of turn" it's just that i'm eager to see the project grow. depending on how you feel, i'd like to put the following up on the project's talk page for consideration:

{| class="wikitable" border="1"
|To coordinate the "inner workings" of our WikiProject, I propose the implementation of a [[Wikipedia:WikiProject_Council/Guide/WikiProject#Co-ordinators|coordinator department]] to be responsible for the [[Wikipedia:Maintenance|maintenance]] tasks of the WikiProject. Therefore, the proposal is as follows:

* Establishment of a coordinator department with 1 '''Lead Coordinator''' and a multiple '''Coordinators''' to each serve terms of 12 months.
* Any member of the project can volunteer to be a coordinator. The coordinator page (to be created) will have a section where members can submit their name for consideration, and other members can indicate whether they support or oppose. After a set period of time (2 weeks?), a coordinator will indicate whether the user has been accepted.
* At the end of the term, coordinators can resubmit their name for another term.
* There is no limit to the number of coordinators.
* The Coordinators will be responsible for:
** Publication of the project [[Wikipedia:WikiProject_New_Jersey/Newsletter|newsletter]].
** Be the [[Wikipedia:WikiProject_Council/Contacts|contacts]] for the WP Council.
** Maintenance of the project [[Wikipedia:WikiProject_New_Jersey/templates|templates]].
** Update the project [[Wikipedia:WikiProject_New_Jersey/to_do|to-do list]].
** Maintenance of the [[Wikipedia:WikiProject_New_Jersey/Members|membership list]].
** Initiation of events such as "assessment drives"
** Maintain the [[Wikipedia:WikiProject_New_Jersey/NJCOTW|Collaboration of the Week]]
** All other "maintenance tasks" that the project requires.
|}

:::::We have accomplished a tremendous amount with WPNJ even if things aren't hopping, but I agree that a re-evaluation of our progress can help fill in even more. We've filled in articles for every (or nearly every) municipality, state and federal legislator, school district, public high school, etc. Your efforts on evaluating articles has been a tremendous help. My only suggested change might be to invite any other WPNJ members who might be interested in serving as coordinators, on a more the merrier basis. Please let me know what we can do to reignite WPNJ. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn|talk]]) 02:28, 5 January 2009 (UTC)
::::::I like your suggestion and I've made [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=User_talk%3AAlansohn&diff=262087027&oldid=261973272 some changes] above. What do you think? [[User:Shirulashem|'''shirulashem''']] [[User talk:Shirulashem|'''(talk)''']] 13:30, 5 January 2009 (UTC)

== Oliver Lundquist ==

Bizarrely, you and {{user|Wehwalt}} seem to have written [[Oliver Lincoln Lundquist|two]] [[Oliver Lundquist|different]] articles on the same person, within two hours of each other. They should probably be merged, but I'm not sure which way around - I just thought I'd alert you to it! [[User:Shimgray|Shimgray]] | [[User talk:Shimgray|talk]] | 20:53, 4 January 2009 (UTC)

:I have merged the two articles and the two DYK proposals, which were also separated by two hours. I kept mostly your version in both cases, and simply made the DYK for joint credit, if that's OK.--[[User:Wehwalt|Wehwalt]] ([[User talk:Wehwalt|talk]]) 21:19, 4 January 2009 (UTC)

::Thanks for taking the initiative. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 02:30, 5 January 2009 (UTC)

:::Obvious solution.--[[User:Wehwalt|Wehwalt]] ([[User talk:Wehwalt|talk]]) 02:31, 5 January 2009 (UTC)

== Steganography ==

Greetings. I think removing apparently garbage sections is not destructive, however I explained my reasons on the talk page.
If there's a mark for deletion instead of simply erasing a section, please let me know. —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/80.98.218.173|80.98.218.173]] ([[User talk:80.98.218.173|talk]]) 22:38, 4 January 2009 (UTC) 

:I apologize for missing your talk page comments. Please understand that seeing an IP editor removing major sections of an article without explanation in the edit summary can appear to be vandalism. Making sure that edits include a clear and concise edit summary will help other editors better understand your actions. Please excuse the error. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 02:33, 5 January 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Alvah Chapman, Jr. ==

Number 308 (193 create/expand - 115 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#5 January 2009|5 January, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Alvah Chapman, Jr.]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|} 
» [[User:Backslash Forwardslash|\ /]] ([[User_Talk: Backslash Forwardslash|⁂]] | [[Wikipedia:Editor_review/Backslash_Forwardslash|※]]) 00:43, 5 January 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Esix Snead ==

Number 309 (193 create/expand - 116 nominations)
{| class="messagebox standard-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
| On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#5 January 2009|5 January, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Esix Snead]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{7}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{8}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{9}}}]]'''''}}, which you recently nominated. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}
--[[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 09:34, 5 January 2009 (UTC)

== Drew Pickles ==

It's silly, but true. I provided sources of why it's notable but you removed it saying it was vandalism. The most popular video on youtube about Drew has 95,658 views. [[User:Iamthegrant|Iamthegrant]] ([[User talk:Iamthegrant|talk]]) 15:33, 5 January 2009 (UTC)
:The question is if the material is encyclopedic even if "true". The other question is that the interpretation is your synthesis based on your original research, and is not based on reliable and verifiable sources on his status as a gay icon. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 15:36, 5 January 2009 (UTC)
::Just watch a video, he always says "Hello my name is Drew Pickles and I am really really gay" made by several other people. He is not gay in Rugrats, but on the internet, he is. [[User:Iamthegrant|Iamthegrant]] ([[User talk:Iamthegrant|talk]]) 16:02, 5 January 2009 (UTC)

== January 2009 ==

[[Image:Information.png|25px]] Welcome to Wikipedia. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GWTV?diff=262107637 recent edit] you made to [[:GWTV]] has been reverted, as it appears to be unconstructive. Use the [[Wikipedia:Sandbox|sandbox]] for testing; if you believe the edit was constructive, please ensure that you provide an informative [[Help:Edit summary|edit summary]]. You may also wish to read the [[Wikipedia:Introduction|introduction to editing]]. Thank you.  [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn|talk]]) 16:01, 5 January 2009 (UTC)
:Sorry about that! [[User:Evil Shepreth Monkey|Evil Shepreth Monkey]] ([[User talk:Evil Shepreth Monkey#top|talk]]) 16:03, 5 January 2009 (UTC)

== January 2009 ==

[[Image:Information.png|25px]] Welcome to Wikipedia. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miley_Cyrus_discography?diff=262112491 recent edit] you made to [[:Miley Cyrus discography]] has been reverted, as it appears to be unconstructive. Use the [[Wikipedia:Sandbox|sandbox]] for testing; if you believe the edit was constructive, please ensure that you provide an informative [[Help:Edit summary|edit summary]]. You may also wish to read the [[Wikipedia:Introduction|introduction to editing]]. Thank you.  [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn|talk]]) 16:29, 5 January 2009 (UTC)
:Unconstuctive? Well, these types of albums should be listed separately by their own types per [[Wikipedia:WikiProject_Discographies/style#Article-wide|Article-wide]], so we can not add them all in one section. I think you should review what you reverted because you made a mistake. '''[[User:Sparks Fly|Sparks]] [[User talk:Sparks Fly|Fly]]''' 16:37, 5 January 2009 (UTC)

::My apologies for the warning, which has been removed. The warning was an accident, and in trying to remove the message and undo the removal of content, my browser crashed. When I got back in, I forgot to undo the revert and the warning. Please accept the apologies for my clear error. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn|talk]]) 16:49, 5 January 2009 (UTC)
::: Of course I do, do not worry, these things always happen, so take more care in the coming times. '''[[User:Sparks Fly|Sparks]] [[User talk:Sparks Fly|Fly]]''' 17:02, 5 January 2009 (UTC)

== Thanks ==

Thanks for your help at [[Brain fog]] today. The newbie editor has (finally) found the article's talk page, but so far we're still at the stage of accusing all his opponents of being paid to suppress information. I'm hoping for some progress... and in the meantime, I sincerely appreciate your reversion of his nonsense today. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 19:58, 5 January 2009 (UTC)
:I was just trying to make heads or tails and figure out what was going on. Glad I could help. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 20:00, 5 January 2009 (UTC)

== Vandals and crap ==

For what it is worth to you, whenever I see that you've made a reversion on a page that I monitor, I have found I need not bother checking the page. Thanks for your efforts in patrolling these pages, and moreso, keeping the inane song and Simpsons/South Park references out of pop culture/media portrayal sections in biographies. [[User:Wildhartlivie|Wildhartlivie]] ([[User talk:Wildhartlivie|talk]]) 21:38, 5 January 2009 (UTC)
:Thanks for the kind note. It's amazing how seeing vandalism on an article just degrades the entire content of the page. I do make mistakes, and I have more than a handful of apologies that I have issued, but I do try to make sure that a revert takes care of all of the vandalism, not just the latest crap. Thanks again for the kinds words. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 21:43, 5 January 2009 (UTC)
::It's appreciated. I know that a Wiki-friend who does anti-vandalism work is frequently targeted herself, mostly by IPs that take exception to her changes. It's too often thankless work. I wanted you to know that I noticed that your name pops up on my watchlist quite often, but is one of the happy few that I'm glad to see there. Keep up the good work. [[User:Wildhartlivie|Wildhartlivie]] ([[User talk:Wildhartlivie|talk]]) 22:21, 5 January 2009 (UTC)

== Happy Alansohn's Day! ==

{| style="border:2px outset #399; -moz-border-radius: 10px; background:#6F3; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 8px;" align=center
|[[Image:Featured article star.svg|150px|none|left]]
|style="padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 10px; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; text-align: center;"|
'''[[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]]''' has been identified as an '''''[[User:Bibliomaniac15/Today|Awesome Wikipedian]]''''', 
and therefore, I've officially declared today as [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn's day]]! 
For being a dedicated vandal slayer and DYK writer, 
enjoy being the Star of the day, Alansohn!

Cheers, '''''[[User:bibliomaniac15|bibliomaniac]][[User talk:bibliomaniac15|1]][[Special:Contributions/Bibliomaniac15|5]]''''' 00:46, 6 January 2009 (UTC)
|}

:We go by UTC time here, remember? That means there are 21 hours, 41 minutes until your day is up. '''''[[User:Bibliomaniac15|bibliomaniac]][[User talk:Bibliomaniac15|1]][[Special:Contributions/Bibliomaniac15|5]]''''' 02:19, 6 January 2009 (UTC)
::Now I have all Wednesday to celebrate! Thanks again. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 02:25, 6 January 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Caitlin Sanchez ==

Number 310 (194 create/expand - 116 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#January 6 2009|January 6, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Caitlin Sanchez]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|} 
» [[User:Backslash Forwardslash|\ /]] ([[User_Talk: Backslash Forwardslash|⁂]] | [[Wikipedia:Editor_review/Backslash_Forwardslash|※]]) 02:29, 6 January 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Dorothy Sarnoff ==

Number 311 (195 create/expand - 116 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#January 6 2009|January 6, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Dorothy Sarnoff]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|} 
» [[User:Backslash Forwardslash|\ /]] ([[User_Talk: Backslash Forwardslash|⁂]] | [[Wikipedia:Editor_review/Backslash_Forwardslash|※]]) 02:30, 6 January 2009 (UTC)

== NJSIAA athletic conferences? ==

I was just wondering if you know of any more [[NJSIAA]] conferences besides the ones listed in "Category:New Jersey high school athletic conferences"? If you take a look at the NJSIAA Wikipedia page, go to the bottom and check out all the navboxes I've created over the past week. I'd like to account for ALL New Jersey high schools, including the ones independent of NJSIAA jurisdiction (e.g. St. Benedict's) but I don't know of any other conferences. Could you help me out if you ge tthe chance? Thanks. -[[User:Jrcla2|Jrcla2]] ([[User talk:Jrcla2|talk]])([[Special:Contributions/Jrcla2|contribs]]) 04:51, 6 January 2009 (UTC)

== DYK nomination ==

Thanks. Considering that the Steelmark article just went up today, it looks like it has been up for a while. Pretty good job. So where would I nominate it at? I'd like to return the favor. Thanks![[User:Jgera5|Jgera5]] ([[User talk:Jgera5|talk]]) 05:26, 6 January 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Oliver Lincoln Lundquist ==

Number 312 (196 create/expand - 116 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#January 6 2009|January 6, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Oliver Lincoln Lundquist]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|} 

[[User:Gatoclass|Gatoclass]] ([[User talk:Gatoclass|talk]]) 09:12, 6 January 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Donal McLaughlin ==

Number 313 (197 create/expand - 116 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#January 6 2009|January 6, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Donal McLaughlin]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  [[User:Gatoclass|Gatoclass]] ([[User talk:Gatoclass|talk]]) 09:13, 6 January 2009 (UTC)

== Re: Economy of India ==

Have you gone through the edit? Just because I chose not to have an account, you assume my edit to be a vandalism?! Pity.. --[[Special:Contributions/67.180.5.41|67.180.5.41]] ([[User talk:67.180.5.41|talk]]) 23:17, 6 January 2009 (UTC)
:See response on user talk page. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 22:25, 7 January 2009 (UTC)

== [[Alan Feinstein]] ==

Added Prod tag to rather excessively complimentary article on a non-notable person. You have edited on it, so I am sending this to you. Thanks! [[User:Collect|Collect]] ([[User talk:Collect|talk]]) 12:04, 7 January 2009 (UTC)

== Am I missing something? ==

Why was [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wikipedia:Conflict_of_interest/Noticeboard&diff=prev&oldid=262593840 this edit] reverted. It fits right in with the rest of that mess disguised as discussion. --[[User:Onorem|Onorem]][[Special:Contributions/Onorem|♠]][[User talk:Onorem|Dil]] 20:05, 7 January 2009 (UTC)
:Thanks for the note on the IPs talk. I figured it was unintentional, but wanted to make sure I wasn't missing some hidden meaning in his comments. --[[User:Onorem|Onorem]][[Special:Contributions/Onorem|♠]][[User talk:Onorem|Dil]] 20:13, 7 January 2009 (UTC)
::Thank you for the notification. I was mortified to see that I had deleted someone's rather genuine comments. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 00:18, 8 January 2009 (UTC)

== Fruity ==

why did you change fruity >=(
fruity is a word

== [[Chronic fatigue syndrome]] is doomed ==

I'm done trying to build consensus with that entry --- there are editors with strong narrow POV who do not know the literature and they intend to keep their empire. Example: I attempted to build consensus on who are experts, using the MD's and researchers from the [[CDC]] as a starting point, as well as textbooks (Books targeted for clincial use), and they delete without discussion this material. For well known and published articles they deem them to be "unreliable" although the [[CDC]] uses the same articles in the same journals...

I trust someone will escalate this issue to someone that can do something. Is there a place to registered complaints against a crew such as this?
:[[User:Lassesen|Lassesen]] ([[User talk:Lassesen|talk]]) 02:39, 8 January 2009 (UTC)
::I have looked at the article and you are justified in your concerns. Using [[WP:3O]] is a good way to start the process of getting some outside input. I understand your frustration, and I've seen far worse, but getting outside input will help. Please let me know if I can help with anything else. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 02:43, 8 January 2009 (UTC)
:::With respect Alansohn why is Lassesen justified in calling me and other editors unknowledgeable, with an "empire" and all of other attacks he makes on us here and on talk pages, like saying people that do not agree on him have a pro psychological POV? I do not have any relation on CFS, I am not a patient a doctor and I do not even like psychology! Lassesen tho is a well-known internet activist, he said so on his talk, who opposes proven treatments for CFS and promotes alternative medicine remedies. That is great, I think it is good he is so active and i respect him and his views, but it is not how we write medical articles at WP, it is not a place for activism and experimental research.
:::[[Chronic fatigue syndrome]] is a medical article, it should be most based from peer review secondary sources in major journals. I have tried explain this. Self published books and obscure primary sources from journals which do not exist any more are not best sources for medical articles.
:::I am thinking, Lassesen has alot of knowledge and alot to say on CFS, but i am hoping, he will try and learn more about Wikipedia guidelines and not be so confrontationing. Some times I am not so polite like I should be, I am working on myself, but I am also just trying, follow WP guidelines. Thx, [[User:RetroS1mone|RetroS1mone]] [[User talk:RetroS1mone|talk]] 05:24, 8 January 2009 (UTC)

== [[Go Man Go]] ==

{| style="border: 1px solid gray; background-color: #fdffe7;"
|rowspan="2" valign="middle" | [[Image:Barnstar_of_Reversion2.png|100px]]
|rowspan="2" |
|style="font-size: x-large; padding: 0; vertical-align: middle; height: 1.1em;" | '''The RickK Anti-Vandalism Barnstar'''
|-
|style="vertical-align: middle; border-top: 1px solid gray;" | Thank you so much for all your help in reverting vandalism on [[Go Man Go]] while it was on the main page. [[User:Ealdgyth|Ealdgyth]] - [[User talk:Ealdgyth|Talk]] 00:04, 8 January 2009 (UTC)
|}
:Thanks for the recognition, but its a shame that an article like this had to go through so much blatant abuse. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 00:17, 8 January 2009 (UTC)
:: All part of the main page fun. I knew it would attract some "extra" fun since it has the word "stud" in it... [[User:Ealdgyth|Ealdgyth]] - [[User talk:Ealdgyth|Talk]] 00:18, 8 January 2009 (UTC)

== Hell, My addition to Cherlottetown Rural Highschool: ==

The annual hackey sac competition is very well received from the raiders. They hack using a "Raider Sac." This sport can be very brutal and has resulted in 5 injuries in the past 7 tournaments. The raiders often challenge students of Colonel Gray High School to participate. The Rural and Gray has had a long rivalry and Raiders often refer to it as "The Gay." This is shown as disrespectful. (True)

IS TRUE! Why are you removing it? —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[User:ARuralRaider|ARuralRaider]] ([[User talk:ARuralRaider|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/ARuralRaider|contribs]]) 01:40, 8 January 2009 (UTC) 
:Please see [[WP:V|this page]]. Wikipedia is about "verifiability" not "truth". You'll need independent, reliable sources. [[User:Useight|Useight]] ([[User talk:Useight|talk]]) 01:43, 8 January 2009 (UTC)

== Vandalism or Plagiarism? ==

You need to read edits before you revert them and yell at the editor. I deleted plagiarism, which is clearly against Wikipedia policy, and you not only reverted the edit but left a message on my page scolding me. Please pay more attention next time before you create more work for those who are trying to improve Wikipedia. [[Special:Contributions/67.211.130.184|67.211.130.184]] ([[User talk:67.211.130.184|talk]]) 03:43, 8 January 2009 (UTC)
:See reply at user talk page. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 14:09, 9 January 2009 (UTC)

== Project Congress ==

As a [[Wikipedia:WikiProject U.S. Congress#Participants|participant of WikiProject U.S. Congress]], please consider placing {{tl|Project Congress to do}} to the top of your User_talk page. Thank you. —[[User talk:Markles|Markles]] 16:31, 8 January 2009 (UTC)

== British International School of New York ==

Hi, we are trying to correct the title of this article to reflect the proper title of this institution, which is 'The British International School of New York'. However, between the bot and yourself it has been reverted and marked as vandalised. Please advise what we need to do. Thanks. {{unsigned|Nylonuser28}}
:See reply at user talk page regarding move issues and use of "The". [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 14:10, 9 January 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Vincent Ford ==

Number 314 (198 create/expand - 116 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#January 9 2009|January 9, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Vincent Ford]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|} 
--[[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 05:52, 9 January 2009 (UTC)

== Agree with dumping poop section on your user page ==

It seems like it wouldn't be hard to create a tool reverting any edit using "poop" from an anonymous IP. (And add to that "penis", "gay", "fuck" -- where the word isn't otherwise already used in article.)

I created the anti-vandalism "Piano non troppo" account to save my serious work from vindictive vandals. I discovered that I enjoyed the anti-vandalism process. In fact, it made me feel more a part of the community. My other accounts, with hundreds of hours of painstaking work, got no barnstars. The rate at which those accounts have edits reverted is ten times as high as Piano non troppo's. Apparently other editors recognize my "worth" in part by what other community service I've done. Or perhaps what other edits they can readily evaluate. So, strangely, the anti-vandalism patrol has had unanticipated positive consequences for me. And, maybe, somehow (I see Wikipedia as a social experiment) society is indicating what about my work it values. Less my expertise, than my social participation. Regards, [[User:Piano non troppo|Piano non troppo]] ([[User talk:Piano non troppo|talk]]) 09:19, 10 January 2009 (UTC)

== delta lodge edit ==

I have provided a neutral and factually backed addendum to the delta lodge page..... However i find my slef under due arrest. It seems every time i edit i get deleted, i just feel that if your going to provide a nuetral and objective explanation of the subject you should include all facts, as i have and provded sources. I also concur wi the sentiment that the delta lodge subject matter is not notable seing as how they are a defunct organization (not in good standing at the university of north texas... this organization is not mandated by any governing body. The statement that they are a "fraternity in good standing at the university of north texas is fraudulent. They posses no charter/mandate; they hold sparse residence at best, and were relocated by the city due to alarming concerns. To reiterate i fing the delta lodge page to be an apologists rendition with not factual evidence to back it up... it contains claims that are unfound and jingoistic at best. If one is to present subject matter with the confines of an encylopedic medium, one would hope that all facts are heralded not just the self promoting smarmy dialoge of advertisers —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[User:DeltaLodgeDown|DeltaLodgeDown]] ([[User talk:DeltaLodgeDown|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/DeltaLodgeDown|contribs]]) 21:58, 10 January 2009 (UTC) 

== The Unborn (film) edit ==

My edit to this page did not constitute vandalism. Clear shots of a camel toe in a PG-13 movie can be considered objectionable. If you are going to take pride in your monitoring of these pages, please provide some insight as to why an edit is not acceptable. I will now revert the page, with an added citation. —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/24.34.63.149|24.34.63.149]] ([[User talk:24.34.63.149|talk]]) 00:50, 11 January 2009 (UTC) 
:In Wikipedia, claims require reliable and verifiable sources. Without sources supporting your claims they were removed. If you can find a reliable source that supports the claim that a cameltoe is clearly visible and is objectionable in a PG-13 film, I will have no objection. Without such a source, it will be removed again. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 01:03, 11 January 2009 (UTC)

== use of rollback ==

You [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hummus&curid=75065&diff=263301952&oldid=263297481 rolled back this edit] but it was not vandalism. The cited source indeed supports and carries the term ''Zionist'' hence the edit was clearly meant to be in good faith, however PoV or clumsily worded. Please take this as a friendly reminder to only use [[WP:Rollback|rollback]] on [[WP:Vandalism|vandalism]] (you should have either used undo, or done what you wanted through an edit window). Thanks and all the best. [[User:Gwen Gale|Gwen Gale]] ([[User talk:Gwen Gale|talk]]) 03:06, 11 January 2009 (UTC)
:Thanks for the note. While I thought I had read the original content in its entirety, the use of the inflammatory term "Zionist enterprise", even though the words were located in the original article, appeared to have been deliberately taken out of context and misused. I appreciate your concern about this edit, and its totality appears to have been made in good faith. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 03:19, 11 January 2009 (UTC)

::Sourced, good faith edits can indeed come off as untowards and nettlesome to some readers, which is one reason why rollback is so straightforwardly meant only for vandalism. Thanks for your understanding. [[User:Gwen Gale|Gwen Gale]] ([[User talk:Gwen Gale|talk]]) 03:35, 11 January 2009 (UTC)

== Véronique Cloutier ==

You keep on deleting a very interesting comment about the Bye Bye. Please stop doing this and get a life, asshole. {{unsigned|76.69.255.41}}
:The comment is interesting, but unsourced. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 05:17, 11 January 2009 (UTC)

== [[Kid Power]] ==

restored to prevandalism version.[[User:Dlohcierekim| Dloh]][[User_talk:Dlohcierekim|cierekim''' ]] 04:01, 11 January 2009 (UTC)
:Thanks for the update. I was baffled by the new improved version of the article. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 05:15, 11 January 2009 (UTC)

== Thanks ==

Thanks for watching my back when the vandals bite back by trashing my user page. Cheers! See you in the trenches... [[User:Glane23|Geoff]] [[User talk:Glane23|''T'' ]][[Special:Contributions/Glane23|''C'' ]] 13:31, 11 January 2009 (UTC)
:Always a pleasure to help a fellow Wikipedian. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 16:03, 11 January 2009 (UTC)

== changing IP vandal ==

Alansohn you piece of shit, get a life, instead of shitting up wikipedia asshole. Go get a job and PLLEEEASSEE get a life. You motherfucking nigger. {{unsigned|71.184.234.113}}

:Fuck you alansohn. Ill change my IP Adress you fucking gay son of a bitch, suck your boyfriends cock. {{unsigned|71.184.234.113}}

::What is truly amazing is how angry a vandal can possibly get that his vandalism has been removed. If only we good faith Wikipedia editors could get a small fraction as angry about vandals who are "shitting up wikipedia" and started creating a solution to the problem rather than having us waste hours dealing with vandals like this one. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 21:54, 11 January 2009 (UTC)

And I'll be more than happy to protect your user page if he dose. Cheers, [[User:Dlohcierekim| Dloh]][[User_talk:Dlohcierekim|cierekim''' ]] 21:27, 11 January 2009 (UTC)
:Thanks for the offer. I think I'll be OK. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 21:54, 11 January 2009 (UTC)

== Emmanuel de Mérode ==

I urge you to study independent (!!) material about Emmanuel de Mérode, make your mind and act accordingly.
All what happens in Kivu stinks starting by the death of Dian Fossey. Greed and arrogance.
Avoid any material of National Geographic which TV channel is mostly owned by Fox.

Some people are risking their life to help civilian populations in the park of Virungas, while Emmanuel is apparently safely editing his bio from Nairobi.
You should not let Emmanuel de Mérode writing his own bio. Everything in it must be proved.
Due to my viligance, it has been reduced to very little because most of it was pretentious or unubtantiated.
Please study the history of the article.
Please suppress the mention of training as an anthropologist until more precision is given. [[Special:Contributions/82.67.232.89|82.67.232.89]] ([[User talk:82.67.232.89|talk]]) 22:00, 11 January 2009 (UTC)

== Gurumayi Chidvilasananda ==

Also, you seem to know the ropes within the wikipedia. I submit you another case, theringess is again and again suppressing any independent material about Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
including the transcriptiion of an article of the new yorker.
Please study the history of the article. [[Special:Contributioners/82.67.232.89|82.67.232.89]] ([[User talk:82.67.232.89|talk]])

You can join me at cognominal@gmail.com

== You're invited! ==

{| class="infobox" style="width:250px"
|-
| [[Image:NYFreiheitsstatue2.jpg|100px]]
|'''[[Wikipedia:Meetup/NYC|New York City Meetup]]'''
 Next: '''[[Wikipedia:Meetup/NYC|Sunday January 18th, Columbia University area]]'''
 Last: [[Wikipedia:Meetup/NYC/November 2008|11/01/2008]]
 This box: [[Wikipedia:Meetup/NYC/Invite/January 2009|view]] • [[Wikipedia talk:Meetup/NYC/Invite/January 2009|talk]] • [{{fullurl:Wikipedia:Meetup/NYC/Invite/January 2009|action=edit}} edit]
|}
In the afternoon, we will hold a session dedicated to [[:meta:Wikimedia New York City]] activities, [[Wikipedia:Meetup/NYC#Agenda|look at our approval by the Chapters Committee]], develop ideas for chapter projects at museums and libraries throughout our region, and hold salon-style group discussions on Wikipedia and the other Wikimedia projects (see the [[Wikipedia:Meetup/NYC/November 2008#Report on the Meet-up|November meeting's minutes]] and the [[Wikipedia talk:Meetup/NYC/November 2008#Mini-meetup Wednesday, Dec 3 with WMF Head of Communications Jay Walsh|December mini-meetup's minutes]]).

We'll make preparations for our exciting museum photography '''''[[Wikipedia:Wikipedia Loves Art‎|Wikipedia Loves Art!]]''''' February bonanza ([http://www.flickr.com/groups/wikipedia_loves_art/ on Flickr], [http://en-gb.facebook.com/group.php?gid=43008300207 on Facebook]) with Shelley from the [[Brooklyn Museum]] and Alex from the [[Metropolitan Museum of Art]].

We'll also be collecting folks to join our little '''''[[Wikipedia:Wikipedia Takes the Subway|Wikipedia Takes the Subway]]''''' adventure which will be held the day after the meeting.

In the evening, we'll share dinner and chat at a local restaurant, and generally enjoy ourselves and kick back.

You can add or remove your name from the New York City Meetups invite list at [[Wikipedia:Meetup/NYC/Invite list]].

To keep up-to-date on local events, you can also join our [[mail:wikimedia nyc|mailing list]]. This has been an automated delivery by [[User:BrownBot|BrownBot]] ([[User talk:BrownBot|talk]]) 01:35, 12 January 2009 (UTC)

==Cajunradio==
Please do not add inappropriate external links to Wikipedia, as you did in this edit to Cajun accordion. Inappropriate links include links to personal web sites, links to web sites with which you are affiliated, and links that serve as advertising or promotion. Thank you. Chasingsol(talk) 03:15, 12 January 2009 (UTC)
== Baton Rouge Cajun Zydeco Schedule cajunradio - STOP DELETING MY LINK !!!! ==

Why are you objecting to me adding cajun music schedules to cajun music?
It is related and appropriate. It is not promotion. If you would look at it, it is a non-profit website strictly preserving cajun culture and cajun music which is directly related to the cajun music.
Everyone in Louisiana recognizes that www.cajunradio.org is a cajun community resource and not a personal website. Just because it it maintained by Clarence does not make it a personal website. Please review content of links that you delete prior to deleting them! [[User:Cajunradio|Cajunradio]] ([[User talk:Cajunradio|talk]]) 04:00, 12 January 2009 (UTC)
:The website in question is largely promotional and adds little to the articles in question. While it is vaguely relevant on some of the articles, in articles such as [[History of Cajun music]] the links add absolutely nothing. The pattern of your edits, which seem to add links exclusively to articles related to businesses promoted on the website in question, adds further concerns that [[WP:EL]] is being violated. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 04:08, 12 January 2009 (UTC)

== Deletion of [[Chief Paul D. Lilly]] article ==

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am E. Williams, the firm representing Chief Paul D. Lilly of Texas. We were hired by the Chief to create a Wikipedia Page for him, as he is overwhelmed with requests for information and his background within the Community Policing Field. However, you deleted his page a few hours ago, under the assertion that he was not a "notable" man. The contents of the page are his intellectual property and you are hereby given notice that you must restore the page and its information with 72 hours, or you may be held liable under both USC and International Intellectual Property Laws. Further, because of your actions, a Google search now produces his name and a page that states his profile was removed because you did not feel that he was a notable person. This statement and the posting of such a "flag", constitutes Defamation of Character, and because it is in written form in a public Doman, it also constitutes Slander under both United States and International law (case law and codified statutes).

I will allow you 72 hours to rectify this issue without a demand for compensation for my client's deleted intellectual property. Otherwise my firm will most certainly take appropriate action both against you, and against Wikipedia itself for allowing your actions. If necessary, we will apply for subpoenas to compel Wikipedia to provide your name and complete personal identifiers for appropriate court enforcement action.

Most Respectfully,

E. Williams Firm, LLC {{unsigned|Paullillyusa}}

:I am most intrigued by the notion that the E. Williams Firm was "hired by the Chief to create a Wikipedia Page" for [[Chief Paul D. Lilly]] of Texas and is now demanding that it be recreated. I'm not sure why a firm that has so little understanding of Wikipedia policy and of the [GNU Free Documentation License]] under which all content is turned over for other readers to copy and edit. It's a shame to have to wait a whole 72 hours to see the legal fireworks that will take place when absolutely nothing occurs in response to these demands. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 04:54, 12 January 2009 (UTC)

== [[User talk:Paullillyusa|Paullillyusa]] making legal threat to protest deleted contribution of non-notable person ==

Thank you very much for reverting this user's vandalism against my user page. I have also reported to [[Wikipedia:Administrators' noticeboard/Incidents]] as I suppose a violation of [[Wikipedia:No legal threats]] against my talk page.--[[User:Jusjih|Jusjih]] ([[User talk:Jusjih|talk]]) 05:05, 12 January 2009 (UTC)

== Adding a image to my user page ==

Hi Alansohn! Happy New Year! I was just wondering how I could add another image or picture from another website to my user page. Could you please help me? Thanks![[User:Neptunekh|Neptunekh]] ([[User talk:Neptunekh|talk]]) 05:55, 12 January 2009 (UTC)

== the note at the top of your user page ==

hi i'm not sure how else to leave you a comment. I am a teacher who has assigned the book "the Winter King" to my freshman students. They have a test tomorrow morning on it so to catch who didn't read and instead relied on Wiki to "read" it I played around with some of the details. Another administator emailed me and promised to leave it as is until tomorrow morning when he/she will revert it back to its originial content, which I had also planned on doing once the test was given. I realize alot of activity has been made on that page today (most likely the work of my freshman boys who know alot of their friends will be reading it tonight) but please leave the changes that "make sense" for now. I promise it will be fixed in the morning. Thanks (originally left at 23:31, 8 January 2009) {{unsigned|76.225.189.242}}

:Please see a message I left for the ed. who deliberately introduced false information into that article, at [[User talk:76.225.189.242]]. I invite your comments there. I am not sure how to proceed, and whether publicity is appropriate. '''[[User:DGG|DGG]]''' ([[User talk:DGG|talk]]) 07:08, 12 January 2009 (UTC)

::Thanks for the note. I have replied on the talk page there. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 15:03, 12 January 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for William Glendon ==

Number 315 (199 create/expand - 116 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#January 12 2009|January 12, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[William Glendon]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  [[User:Gatoclass|Gatoclass]] ([[User talk:Gatoclass|talk]]) 14:41, 12 January 2009 (UTC)

== Vandalism reverted incorrectly ==

The following edit to the Serendipity page:

Reverted edits by 66.230.32.149 to last version by 76.201.16.132 (HG)

Actually reverted a correction of the vandalism. User 66.230.32.149 corrected the vandalism. I will allow you to make the necessary changes --[[Special:Contributions/192.43.65.245|192.43.65.245]] ([[User talk:192.43.65.245|talk]]) 17:33, 12 January 2009 (UTC)
:I could have sworn I picked the correct version to revert back to. I must have serendipitously selected the wrong version. The correct version has been restored. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 17:36, 12 January 2009 (UTC)

== [[Lloyd Ohlin]] at DYK ==

I've made a suggestion regarding the hook. Please comment as soon as you can, to avoid this article being passed over. Regards, [[User:Espresso Addict|Espresso Addict]] ([[User talk:Espresso Addict|talk]]) 18:00, 12 January 2009 (UTC)
:Replied there with two alternate versions. Thanks for the feedback. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 18:32, 12 January 2009 (UTC)
::Thanks for your prompt response. I've selected the 1st version (the longer one was somewhat over the length guide). Cheers, [[User:Espresso Addict|Espresso Addict]] ([[User talk:Espresso Addict|talk]]) 20:25, 12 January 2009 (UTC)

== Wow wtf ==

Wow what the hell man calling my edit vandalism when all I do is rewrite a sentence [[User:Wartortle28|Wartortle28]] ([[User talk:Wartortle28|talk]]) 18:31, 12 January 2009 (UTC)
:Just maintaining the integrity of Wikipedia. Please make constructive changes in the future. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 18:32, 12 January 2009 (UTC)
::That was a constructive change! You tell me how it's vandalism, or admit you're wrong and remove that warning.[[User:Wartortle28|Wartortle28]] ([[User talk:Wartortle28|talk]]) 18:34, 12 January 2009 (UTC)
:::Your are referring to [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Saint-Laurent-les-Églises&diff=prev&oldid=263629850 this edit] in which you changed "At the 1999 [[census]], the population was 683." to "A 1999 consensus logged the area with a population of 683." When making constructive edits in the future, please be careful to use an edit summary to explain the purpose of your edits. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 18:37, 12 January 2009 (UTC)
::::Yes thank you that is what I am referring to, and as you can clearly see since you just pasted it here, it was not vandalism and it's unfair that I have 2 warnings when I didn't do anything wrong. [[User:Wartortle28|Wartortle28]] ([[User talk:Wartortle28|talk]]) 18:38, 12 January 2009 (UTC)
:::: Omg I just realized I changed census to consensus thanks to that guy on my page, dang even though I went over the edit I didn't notice I incorrectly changed the word. My bad sorry [[User:Wartortle28|Wartortle28]] ([[User talk:Wartortle28|talk]]) 18:49, 12 January 2009 (UTC)
{{talkback|Wartortle28}}

== Frank Prewitt ==

"It appears the author of the "Frank Prewitt" page is no other than J. Frank Prewitt himself. He is an individual with at least a 15-year history of questionable behavior who has admitted on the stand during a federal trial of one of the criminal defendants that he committed illegal acts. He claims that he did not become a government informant under pressure, but instead acted as a good citizen. Little exists to substantiate that claim. In an extraordinary act of self-justification, he authored a poorly written book to exonerate himself and recast himself as the hero of the whole affair. As part of his page, the book jacket, both cover and promotional text, are included.

I have made attempts to correct his page to reflect reality, but he has it on a watch list and amends each correction to again promote himself." - ACTIVIST (editor)

ALANSOHN: It appears you are well versed in Wikipedia jargon, rules, rights, privileges, and writing. As a fellow user, thank you for your contributions! Two things for you. First, I am not "Frank Prewitt". I do have a spine, and if I was, I would say I was, and not have to deal with the inequities of activist and his/her or its constant barrage of unsubstantiated claims. Like you, I want a fair and true article. Despite my abilities or inabilities according to activist to write such I have really given up. Obviously activist has some type of vendetta against Frank Prewitt. He/she or it continues to subtly change wording to honestly discredit anything and everything I edit. If he or she is so angry they should just call Prewitt (listed in the Anchorage, Alaska phone book)and tell them there feelings instead of blatantly editing in a liable fashion.I have made the section as unbiased as possible given the left leaning opinions of ADN (Anchorage Daily News). In reality the section has all be references and has edited by experienced editors and contributors like yourself, so I see no need for activist continued editing/whining.In my opinion articles are supposed to be fair and balanced stating the good and bad and giving the ultimate reader a real perspective. The article I originally wrote has all of that...not continued "negative press" that has yet to solidify into anything wikipedia worthy, but is hearsay and speculation, as activist continues to edit. I have not idea what kinda of "reality" ACTIVIST believes the Frank Prewitt section should aspire too? I understand and except your edits in regards to Prewitt's book. Point taken, understood. Please advise on additional questions. Again, thank you. [[User:Andregen8|Andregen8]] ([[User talk:Andregen8|talk]]) 04:14, 20 January 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Alexandra Penney ==

Number 316 (200 create/expand - 116 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#January 12 2009|January 12, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Alexandra Penney]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|} 
--[[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 20:10, 12 January 2009 (UTC)

== Problem with interwiki.py ==

Thank you for reminding me, but I was just cleaning up the mess which was created by a faulty update of "interwiki.py". So no ''sandboxing'' advice is needed. [[User:Groucho NL|Groucho NL]] [[User:Groucho NL|Groucho NL]] ([[User talk:Groucho NL|talk]]) 21:38, 12 January 2009 (UTC)
:Please accept my apologies and understand that the removal of extensive numbers of interwiki links without explanation had appeared as vandalism. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 21:45, 12 January 2009 (UTC)
::No problem. I was a bit in a hurry and skipped the explanation. Next time I'll be more careful, promised. [[User:Groucho NL|Groucho NL]] ([[User talk:Groucho NL|talk]]) 16:48, 13 January 2009 (UTC)

== Thanks ==

Oh gee, I didn't have to wait long for that! Thanks Alansohn :)

I see the way you are going you will soon become our most prolific DYK creator. Maybe we should press a new medal for you :) [[User:Gatoclass|Gatoclass]] ([[User talk:Gatoclass|talk]]) 05:08, 13 January 2009 (UTC)

:I can't imagine that after reaching 200 that any editor would stop participating at DYK and creating new articles simply because of the lack of new awards to reach for. I certainly won't. Writing a good new article is mostly its own reward and I'm glad that DYK provides that little bit more of encouragement. Keep up all of your good work at DYK! [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 16:05, 13 January 2009 (UTC)

== Harry Endo DYK ==

[[Image:Symbol question.svg|25px]] Hello! {{#ifeq:yes|no|Your article {{#if:Harry Endo|[[Harry Endo]] }}was recently nominated at [[T:TDYK|Did you know]] to be featured on the main page. The nomination has now been reviewed, and}}{{#ifeq:yes|yes|Your submission {{#if:Harry Endo|of [[Harry Endo]]{{#if:| and [[{{{extra}}}]]}}}} at the [[Template talk:DYK|Did You Know nominations page]] has been reviewed, and}} there still are some issues that may need to be clarified. Please review the comment(s) underneath {{#if:Harry Endo|'''[[Template talk:DYK#Harry Endo{{#if:|_and {{{extra}}}}}|your nomination's entry]]'''{{#if:|Template talk:DYK#Articles created/expanded on {{{date}}}}}|your nomination's entry}} and respond there as soon as possible. {{#if:|{{{2}}}|Thank you for contributing to Did You Know!}} {{#ifeq:no|yes|[[User:Otto4711|Otto4711]] ([[User talk:Otto4711|talk]]) 06:09, 13 January 2009 (UTC)}} [[User:Otto4711|Otto4711]] ([[User talk:Otto4711|talk]]) 06:09, 13 January 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Rood Bridge Park ==

Number 317 (200 create/expand - 117 nominations)
{| class="messagebox standard-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
| On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#13 January 2009|13 January, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Rood Bridge Park]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{7}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{8}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{9}}}]]'''''}}, which you recently nominated. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|} [[User:Gatoclass|Gatoclass]] ([[User talk:Gatoclass|talk]]) 15:54, 13 January 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Nick Scandone ==

Number 318 (201 create/expand - 117 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#January 13 2009|January 13, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Nick Scandone]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  [[User:Gatoclass|Gatoclass]] ([[User talk:Gatoclass|talk]]) 15:58, 13 January 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Lloyd Ohlin ==

Number 319 (202 create/expand - 117 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#January 13 2009|January 13, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Lloyd Ohlin]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|} 
--[[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 22:51, 13 January 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Jack Kuehler ==

Number 320 (203 create/expand - 117 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#January 14 2009|January 14, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Jack Kuehler]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  [[User:Gatoclass|Gatoclass]] ([[User talk:Gatoclass|talk]]) 10:17, 14 January 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Steelmark ==

Number 321 (204 create/expand - 117 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#January 14 2009|January 14, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Steelmark]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  [[User:Gatoclass|Gatoclass]] ([[User talk:Gatoclass|talk]]) 10:19, 14 January 2009 (UTC)

Number 322 (204 create/expand - 118 nominations)
{| class="messagebox standard-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
| On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#14 January 2009|14 January, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Logos and uniforms of the Pittsburgh Steelers]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{7}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{8}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{9}}}]]'''''}}, which you recently nominated. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|} Sounds like someone just forgot to add the nom to the credits list. Here ya go :) --[[User:Gatoclass|Gatoclass]] ([[User talk:Gatoclass|talk]]) 16:07, 14 January 2009 (UTC)

== Need your help ==

I don't want to engage in an edit war with someone, but I feel like the [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ohio_High_School_Athletic_Association&diff=next&oldid=262474755 change] that I've made to [[Ohio High School Athletic Association‎]] is completely justified, whereas [[User_talk:EagleFan#Ohio_High_School_Athletic_Association|EagleFan]] doesn't think so. I don't think that listing ''all'' high school state champions in ''every'' single sport (regardless of the state) is notable. If someone wants to find out then they go to the OHSAA website, not the Wikipedia page on the ''organization'' itself. If anything, the list should be its own separate article (at best). Wasting '''80,699''' kb of space on an article lags the servers, slows down the page load time and for what? To read about non-notable high school achievements. Can you please respond to EagleFan and otherwise show why I am not in the wrong for this please. Thanks. -[[User:Jrcla2|Jrcla2]] ([[User talk:Jrcla2|talk]])([[Special:Contributions/Jrcla2|contribs]]) 00:35, 15 January 2009 (UTC)
:Oh and you can check out the [[Talk:Ohio_High_School_Athletic_Association|talk page]] to read others' comments. -[[User:Jrcla2|Jrcla2]] ([[User talk:Jrcla2|talk]])([[Special:Contributions/Jrcla2|contribs]]) 02:01, 15 January 2009 (UTC)
::I have been taking a look at the OHSAA article and talk page and I will reply after further research. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 15:18, 15 January 2009 (UTC)

I also need your help at Shaukat Aziz page. I am not promoting vandalism and I wish to appreciate the Economic success we made under him. Someone just reverts it and accuses Shaukat Aziz of false dealings. I don't want to engage in edit war also? help me ```` —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[User:Brosnan us|Brosnan us]] ([[User talk:Brosnan us|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Brosnan us|contribs]]) 22:39, 25 January 2009 (UTC) 

== Uncalled for Warning ==

Alansohn,

I have been attempting to update Callum Ferguson's nickname to reflect his actual nickname, which is "Cheese". However, I believe you have labelled this as a Level 2 warning. Could you please allow this change to go ahead?

I had looked for any source to support "Cheese" as a nickname before issuing the warning and found none. A more thorough search after you left your note also could not find a single reliable and verifiable source that calls Ferguson by the nickname "Cheese". An edit with no edit summary by an editor with very other edits raises red flags and I hope you understand why I had questions about the edit when it was made and have even more concerns now. While it is certainly possible that Australian sources are not as easy to find, their absence would need to be addressed before readding this nickname. Alansohn (talk) 15:26, 15 January 2009 (UTC)

I understand your concern, However I can assure you that Callum Ferguson's nickname is indeed "Cheese". I attended high school with Callum and coined the nickname myself due to the poor quality of his jokes, as well as his love for cheese. Although the internet may be a wonderful place to spend the majority of your spare time (which appears to be plentiful), it does not hold all the answers to life's questions. Again, I request that you leave the nickname "Cheese" on Callum's page next time I change it.

== DYK for squad number (association football) ==

Number 323 (204 create/expand - 119 nominations)
{| class="messagebox standard-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
| On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#15 January 2009|15 January, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[squad number (association football)]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{7}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{8}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{9}}}]]'''''}}, which you recently nominated. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}
--[[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 11:52, 15 January 2009 (UTC)

== I erased the "hardest language" section... ==

I erased the "hardest language" section in the article "Hungarian language" as it was not scientific in its content but subjective. (As a Wikipedia user I am a novice, and I did not intent any vandalism. Sorry for the misunderstanding.)
What about the merging the article "hardest language" within the article "language learning aptitude"? It is strongly urged in that article by Wikipedia for the same reason I mentioned above. Is that acceptable? —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/85.104.70.109|85.104.70.109]] ([[User talk:85.104.70.109|talk]]) 17:02, 15 January 2009 (UTC) 
:See reply on user talk page. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 18:14, 15 January 2009 (UTC)

== [[Derby County F.C.]] ==

Why are you deleting my changes?????? - Stop calling me a vandel!!! - Your article is a load of rubbish so stop spreading garbage about my football club! —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/81.132.144.130|81.132.144.130]] ([[User talk:81.132.144.130|talk]]) 18:07, 15 January 2009 (UTC) 
:Your edits to [[Derby County F.C.]] have been deleting content. Please add content, with required sources, and leave existing content unchanged. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 18:14, 15 January 2009 (UTC)

== Entropa ==

Why did you delete my edit on Entropa? I work in the Justus Lipsius building where it is displayed and have been able to take a close look at the work in question. You can check the information on Italy's part by taking a close look at this photo on the BBC website:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/7827747.stm —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/81.247.162.29|81.247.162.29]] ([[User talk:81.247.162.29|talk]]) 21:47, 15 January 2009 (UTC) 

== DYK for Gedalio Grinberg ==

Number 324 (205 create/expand - 119 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#January 15 2009|January 15, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Gedalio Grinberg]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|} 
--[[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 23:16, 15 January 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Nathan George Horwitt ==

Number 325 (206 create/expand - 119 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#January 15 2009|January 15, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Nathan George Horwitt]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|} 
--[[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 23:20, 15 January 2009 (UTC)

== Hey ==

The WWE Alumni did not have any reliable sources so that is why I deleted it it was not vandilizim. ''' [[User:sinofdreams|Benton ]] [[User talk:sinofdreams|Tigers]] ''' 00:12, 16 January 2009 (UTC)
:Will reply on user talk page. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 04:39, 16 January 2009 (UTC)

You should not have reverted me. I worked hard and everything I said was true.

[[Special:Contributions/24.17.54.159|24.17.54.159]] ([[User talk:24.17.54.159|talk]]) 05:31, 16 January 2009 (UTC)J. Bag.

== DYK Tanen ==

[[Image:Symbol question.svg|25px]] Hello! {{#ifeq:yes|no|Your article {{#if:Ned Tanen|[[Ned Tanen]] }}was recently nominated at [[T:TDYK|Did you know]] to be featured on the main page. The nomination has now been reviewed, and}}{{#ifeq:yes|yes|Your submission {{#if:Ned Tanen|of [[Ned Tanen]]{{#if:| and [[{{{extra}}}]]}}}} at the [[Template talk:DYK|Did You Know nominations page]] has been reviewed, and}} there still are some issues that may need to be clarified. Please review the comment(s) underneath {{#if:Ned Tanen|'''[[Template talk:DYK#Ned Tanen{{#if:|_and {{{extra}}}}}|your nomination's entry]]'''{{#if:|Template talk:DYK#Articles created/expanded on {{{date}}}}}|your nomination's entry}} and respond there as soon as possible. {{#if:|{{{2}}}|Thank you for contributing to Did You Know!}} {{#ifeq:no|yes|[[User:Eustress|Eustress]] ([[User talk:Eustress|talk]]) 12:11, 16 January 2009 (UTC)}} --[[User:Eustress|Eustress]] ([[User talk:Eustress|talk]]) 12:11, 16 January 2009 (UTC)

== asking for help ==

Noticed that you contributed to [[B.H. Carroll Theological Institute]] page

i have created page for it's Chancellor [[Russell H. Dilday]], and due to my inexperience had had trouble getting it to look right.

might you help by taking a look?

thanks

ccirulli —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[User:Ccirulli|Ccirulli]] ([[User talk:Ccirulli|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Ccirulli|contribs]]) 18:03, 16 January 2009 (UTC) 
:I have made a number of changes to the article, most notably adding sources. I will continue to moniotr the article and encourage you to add any additional material about Dilday and be sure to include reliable and verifiable sources. If you have any questions about formatting, add the source and I will be happy to tweak it as needed. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 23:40, 17 January 2009 (UTC)

== Thanks for doing the Al Hall (Athlete) page ==

Just wanted to thank you for putting together the page on Al Hall back in November. I am his son, Shawn, and was very pleased to see it. I did add in the missing birthdate. I would like to add a photo if that meets with your approval.

Again, thank you.

Shawn Hall
[[User:Ghosttowner33|Ghosttowner33]] ([[User talk:Ghosttowner33|talk]]) 23:43, 16 January 2009 (UTC)
:Thanks for the note and correcting any errors. The article was my pleasure to create and to have others read. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 23:19, 17 January 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for John McGillicuddy ==

Number 326 (207 create/expand - 119 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#January 17 2009|January 17, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[John McGillicuddy]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  [[User:DYKadminBot|DYKadminBot]] ([[User talk:DYKadminBot|talk]]) 17:50, 17 January 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Claude Jeter ==

Number 327 (208 create/expand - 119 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#January 18 2009|January 18, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Claude Jeter]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  [[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 00:00, 18 January 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Ned Tanen ==

Number 328 (209 create/expand - 119 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#January 18 2009|January 18, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Ned Tanen]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  [[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 12:20, 18 January 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for William Thomas Pecora ==

Number 329 (209 create/expand - 120 nominations)
{| class="messagebox standard-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
| On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#18 January 2009|18 January, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[William Thomas Pecora]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{7}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{8}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{9}}}]]'''''}}, which you recently nominated. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|} [[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 12:21, 18 January 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Harry Kinnard ==

Number 330 (210 create/expand - 120 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#January 19 2009|January 19, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Harry Kinnard]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  [[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 00:40, 19 January 2009 (UTC)

== Halle Berry's Heritage ==

I wonder if this should be noted about Halle heritage: Her maternal grandmother was English. Also has other English (distantly related to the Baronets Beresford, Viscounts of Tyrone, Earls of Tyrone and Marquesses of Waterford, to Barons Decies and to Baron Beresford, and to the Marquess of Campo-Maior Count of Trancoso in Portugal), Irish, German and remote Dutch ancestry.. I got this info from here: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000932/bio Thanks! [[User:Neptunekh|Neptunekh]] ([[User talk:Neptunekh|talk]]) 00:51, 19 January 2009 (UTC)
:IMDb is problematic because the material can be user-update, just like Wikipedia. Try to find the material in reliable newspapers or magazines to confirm the details you found at IMDb. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 01:45, 19 January 2009 (UTC)

== A request for a Bob May biography ==

I know this is a little odd but I know you're really good at creating/expanding biographical articles, especially for folks that have recently died so there's plenty of widely available online sourcing for them. I noticed that nobody has jumped in to expand [[Bob May (actor)]], the ''[[Lost in Space]]'' actor who died this weekend. I'd appreciate it if you could find the time to work up a suitable article for Bob May. It's bound to be just chock full of hook-y facts, perfect for a DYK nomination. Just a thought. - [[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 09:44, 19 January 2009 (UTC)
:I will do my best to go through the obis and expand the article. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 13:59, 19 January 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Evelyn Lauder ==

Number 331 (211 create/expand - 120 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#January 19 2009|January 19, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Evelyn Lauder]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  [[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 19:10, 19 January 2009 (UTC)

== Incorrect Reversion ==

The change to Asahi Beer is NOT a vandalism. That IS the translation, and there is no point in providing a colloquialism without providing the translation. If there is no translation, the information is useless to non-Japanese speakers. I know it is a strange thing to call a building, but once you see it, you will understand. Check the discussion page of Asahi where I made comments about my edit.

You should not assume something is vandalism when you don't speak the language in question. I will be reverting the article. —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/210.228.21.40|210.228.21.40]] ([[User talk:210.228.21.40|talk]]) 04:27, 20 January 2009 (UTC) 

The history of vandalism is not my fault. This is a public computer. Here are the translations of Kin (gold) and unchi (poop). No is a posessive marker.
http://eow.alc.co.jp/%e9%87%91/UTF-8/?ref=sa

http://eow.alc.co.jp/%e3%81%86%e3%82%93%e3%81%a1/UTF-8/

Please revert. Thanks. —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/210.228.21.40|210.228.21.40]] ([[User talk:210.228.21.40|talk]]) 04:39, 20 January 2009 (UTC) 

== DYK for Harry Endo ==

Number 332 (212 create/expand - 120 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#January 20 2009|January 20, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Harry Endo]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  [[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 07:30, 20 January 2009 (UTC)

== Quotable quotes? ==

"It's amazing what a small handful of editors with the goal of improving this encyclopedia can do to create properly sourced and thorough articles in the face of the still-festering forces of knee-jerk deletionism." :) [[User:ChildofMidnight|ChildofMidnight]] ([[User talk:ChildofMidnight|talk]]) 16:53, 20 January 2009 (UTC)
:I set this quote aside as a possible epitaph on my tombstone. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 16:24, 21 January 2009 (UTC)

== Jones International ==

Please don't send me numerous notifications (one was enough ---> more will be considered as abuse) about my mistake with formatting the content. If you want to help, make the explanations about moving pages on wiki easier then they are right now. Wiki became a sea of links in which is hard to find exactly what you need. They should come up with a section of "Help with Wiki's Help"!!!

Alex Enniss 20:57, 20 January 2009 (UTC) —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[User:Alexenniss|Alexenniss]] ([[User talk:Alexenniss|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Alexenniss|contribs]])  
:The second notification came after the second attempt at a cut-and=paste move. I agree that [[WP:Requested moves]] can be a bit daunting the first time, but efforts have been made to make it somewhat self-explanatory. Try to follow the steps as indicated and feel free to ask me for help in the move. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 21:02, 20 January 2009 (UTC)

== Smashing Pumpkins ==

RE: reverted edit to Smashing Pumpkins page (Dec 2008) - I agree the edit was unconstructive and should be deleted, but the edit certainly didn't come from me or my computer. I've never edited any Wiki page, this edit being my first so I hope I'm doing it properly! Regards, ram1967@bigpond.net.au
:The edit may have been from another editor using the same computer. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 16:23, 21 January 2009 (UTC)

== Head Shop ==

RE: Head Shop reverted. I have no idea why you reverted my addition to "head shop". It's a bit of history that is getting lost in our culture. I provided a background, discussion, and signed the post; yet you removed it. I would be very appreciative if you would please put it back or provide a detailed explanation of 'why' it was removed so that I can address it personally. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me 'directly'; larrystalley@aol.com. Tks. {{unsigned|129.120.56.9}}
:Entries are not signed in articles, which attracted my attention, but the issue is that it does not have a source. i attempted to search through any reliable source -- especially newspapers and magazines -- that might support the claim, but found none, leading me to the conclusion that this was vandalism. If you have a reference that meets [[WP:RS|Wikipedia standards on reliable sources]] to support the claim, I woul be more than happy to assist you in adding the material, with the required reference. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 16:23, 21 January 2009 (UTC)

== I need to be banned ==

I can't stop vandalizing pages. If you don't ban me I will do it again. It's a serious problem, I can't stop. Please do me a favor and ban me from editing pages. {{unsigned|65.160.148.51}}

== I'm sorry ==

I have to apologise for my editing. I can assure you that what i edited was what i thought to be relevant information for viewers of of the page. It won't happen again. —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/81.157.95.179|81.157.95.179]] ([[User talk:81.157.95.179|talk]]) 19:26, 21 January 2009 (UTC) 

== DYK for Lipari Landfill ==

Number 333 (213 create/expand - 120 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#January 21 2009|January 21, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Lipari Landfill]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  [[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 20:11, 21 January 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Charles Morgan, Jr. ==

Number 334 (214 create/expand - 120 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#January 22 2009|January 22, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Charles Morgan, Jr.]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  [[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 02:01, 22 January 2009 (UTC)

== russell dilday ==

thanks much for your beautiful work on [[Russell H. Dilday]]. your a star ! {{unsigned|68.94.210.76}}
:My pleasure to help. The [[B. H. Carroll Theological Institute]] article was a formative part of my Wikipedia experience, and I am gald to be able to help. I will keep an eye on the article. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 05:30, 22 January 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Philip De Witt Ginder ==

Number 335 (215 create/expand - 120 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#January 22 2009|January 22, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Philip De Witt Ginder]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  [[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 07:51, 22 January 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Schillinger v. United States ==

Number 336 (215 create/expand - 121 nominations)
{| class="messagebox standard-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
| On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#22 January 2009|22 January, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Schillinger v. United States]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{7}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{8}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{9}}}]]'''''}}, which you recently nominated. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|} [[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 13:41, 22 January 2009 (UTC)

== Blocked for 24 hours ==

I've blocked you for 24 hours, per your [[Wikipedia:Requests_for_arbitration/Footnoted_quotes#Alansohn_restricted|editing restrictions]], for incivility. Your comments towards [[User:Good Olfactory]], at [[Wikipedia:Categories_for_discussion/Log/2009_January_22#Category:Holocaust_survivors|this CFD]] and other CFDs involving him recently, have crossed the line. You have attacked the nominator rather than just commenting on the nomination, and accused him viscious insensitivity and ignorance. For his part, he has repeatedly asked you to refrain from making personal attacks. Such ad hominem attacks are not civil, fail to assume good faith, and are not acceptable, regardless of how emotionally charged the subject matter may be. Nor is it acceptable to target individuals because you disagree with them; this is not the first time you have done so in CFD, but I hope it will be your last. Please think about how you can contribute to creating a more positive and constructive atmosphere during your block. [[User:Postdlf|Postdlf]] ([[User talk:Postdlf|talk]]) 21:49, 22 January 2009 (UTC)
:This is a pathetic joke. I can count on you to defend one of the sickest trivializations of the Holocaust I have seen in my entire life. Given that I, relatives, and friends have lost family members due to Hitler and the Nazis, it took me quite a great deal of time to write what I did at an appropriate level of discourse. Whether the block is overturned or not, I do plan to pursue sanctions against [[User:Good Olfactory]] for his sickening abuse of process in using his friendship with you to facilitate his efforts to silence criticism of one of the grossest violations of basic decency of the world's greatest tragedy that I have ever seen. That you would so readily by into his abuse of process only reflects even more negatively on you. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 23:25, 22 January 2009 (UTC)

Alansohn, I [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wikipedia%3ACategories_for_discussion%2FLog%2F2009_January_22&diff=265815642&oldid=265813381 recently struck out your comments] at [[Wikipedia:Categories_for_discussion/Log/2009_January_22#Category:Holocaust_survivors]] that led to the block and I've explained why underneath. However, judging by the above comments and your challenge to your block, you do not regret these comments and so [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wikipedia:Categories_for_discussion/Log/2009_January_22&diff=next&oldid=265815642 I have reversed this strike out], as I would guess at this stage that that would be against your wishes. Incidentally, I have no "friendship" with Postdlf; we have had very few interactions on WP in all my time as a user. We happen to both be WP users, and I took my concerns to a person I viewed as an uninvolved administrator. Thanks, [[User:Good Olfactory|Good Ol’factory]] [[User talk:Good Olfactory|(talk)]] 00:14, 23 January 2009 (UTC)
:My only regret about my remarks is that I did not take a stronger stance against your offensive remarks. I would strongly suggest that the action that should be taken here is to have your despicably offensive remarks trivializing the suffering of those who endured Nazi persecution outside of concentration camps. Your remarks are so grossly offensive and betray an utter disregard of the horrors of the Holocaust. Your previous trivializations of child molestation were similarly offensive, but your Holocaust remarks are beyond the pale of basic decency and good taste. Refactor your nomination at CfD and remove your shamelessly offensive statements or I will have them deleted. Again, I stand 100% by my stand against your trivialization. Let's hear your stand to justify your Holocaust trivialization. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 03:30, 23 January 2009 (UTC)
:I had planned on working on a few articles that I'll create offline while this punitive block passes pointlessly away, one of which is for the forthcoming [[Anti-Nazi Boycott of 1933]] article. Rabbi [[Stephen Samuel Wise]] one of the boycott's organizers, was asked what the point of the boycott was if it did not stop the Nazis from persecuting Jews. Wise responded that "We must speak out", but "if that is unavailing, at least we shall have spoken." Some 75 years later, after six million Jews were killed by these same Nazis, the least I could possibly do would be to speak out against those who could have the gall to trivialize the experiences of those who lived through the terror of the Hitler era but were not officially admitted into concentration camps, because "any Jew who lived in Europe during the Nazi-era could technically call themself a 'Holocaust survivor'". Any decent person should be repulsed by this characterization. At least I have spoken. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 04:54, 23 January 2009 (UTC)

== Unblock request ==

{{unblock reviewed|1=The edit that has been used to justify this block, [[Wikipedia:Categories_for_discussion/Log/2009_January_22#Category:Holocaust_survivors|here]], revolves around a CfD in which [[User:Good Olfactory]] insisted that Holocaust survivors should not be categorized "because any Jew who lived in Europe during the Nazi-era could technically call themself a 'Holocaust survivor'". Given that I, relatives, and friends have lost family members due to Hitler and the Nazis, it took me quite a great deal of time to write what I did at an appropriate level of discourse to address [[User:Good Olfactory]]'s unacceptable trivializations of the world's greatest tragedy, the deaths of six million Jews and millions of others. I know, have met, read the works of and heard lectures from Holocaust survivors, almost all of whom are still deeply scarred from their experiences, and none feel that they used a "technicality" to call themselves "Holocaust survivors" if they were hunted down like dogs but managed to escape being put in a Nazi concentration camp and near-certain death. I had hoped that after reading my response to his unacceptable wording, that [[User:Good Olfactory]] might have realized how the gross insensitivity and callousness in his choice of words -- even if explicit anti-semitism was not the source of his wording -- and refactored his nomination and offered an apology. Instead, [[User:Good Olfactory]]'s only response was to pursue a block. I would love to hear a justification for his gross insensitivity in wording and for the actions that have been taken as part of this process.|decline=Without getting into all of this, let's be as simple as possible. You called him ignorant. That's at the very least uncivil and quite possibly a personal attack. Your editing restrictions say that you are to be blocked in any instance of incivility. Your incivility continues in your unblock request, as you continue to accuse him of bad faith and seem to be accusing him of Anti-Semitism, despite the fact that you said you weren't. — [[User:Smashville|'''Smashville''']][[User Talk:Smashville|talk]] 00:13, 23 January 2009 (UTC)}}

Fighting a block is pointless when no administrator has the decency to address the offensive remarks made by [[User:Good Olfactory]], ones that he still stands by, despite the clearly insensitive and provocative tone of his statements. As [[User:Good Olfactory]] refuses to recast or refactor his remarks or withdraw his CfD, despite the clarifications I have offered. I stand by remarks 100% and my only regret is that I had not taken more forceful action to address his blatant Holocaust trivialization that defames anyone who endured the Nazi era, whether in a concentration camp or not. That admins refuse to address this only adds insult to a rather grievous injury. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 01:42, 23 January 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Aryeh Neier ==

Number 337 (216 create/expand - 121 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#January 23 2009|January 23, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Aryeh Neier]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  [[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 01:20, 23 January 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Gary Kurfirst ==

Number 338 (217 create/expand - 121 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#January 23 2009|January 23, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Gary Kurfirst]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  [[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 18:51, 23 January 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Harold Snyder ==

Number 339 (218 create/expand - 121 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#January 24 2009|January 24, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Harold Snyder]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  [[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 06:30, 24 January 2009 (UTC)

== BLP ==

[[Image:Information.svg|25px]] Please do not add unreferenced or [[Wikipedia:Reliable sources|poorly referenced]] information, especially if controversial, to articles or any other page on Wikipedia about [[Wikipedia:Biographies of living persons|living persons]]{{#if:Nicole Marciano|, as you did to [[:Nicole Marciano]]}}. {{#if:|{{{2}}}|Thank you.}} [[User:Kingturtle|Kingturtle]] ([[User talk:Kingturtle|talk]]) 22:42, 24 January 2009 (UTC)

== Ur giving out to me ==

You told me my edit to Bobby Brown was reverted your stupid !!!!! i didnt even edit bobby brown page and i have never heard
of him you got the wrong person you idiot now be more careful you stupid idiot !!!!!!!!! I HATE YOU!!! —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/86.44.0.84|86.44.0.84]] ([[User talk:86.44.0.84|talk]]) 21:28, 25 January 2009 (UTC) 
:Just doing my job. Thanks for the note. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 21:35, 25 January 2009 (UTC)

== Mark Thompson ==

Hi, with regard to the edit, as I explained in the summary I didn't delete it, just moved most of it to [[BBC Controversies]] where it was missing and is more relevant, leaving an outline of the controversy on Thompson's page - you can't cover every controversy in depth on Thompson's page as there's not enough room! —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/92.22.178.253|92.22.178.253]] ([[User talk:92.22.178.253|talk]]) 22:07, 25 January 2009 (UTC) 

:I do see in reviewing the edits that this was the case. Please accept my apologies for the warning as I did not see that this was happening at the time. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 22:10, 25 January 2009 (UTC)

== Set List ==

is Breatheheavy.com a reliable source..because if it isnt the set list that was reverted back on to the [[The Circus Starring: Britney Spears]], should be removed. I think its only been reverted because an anon user took off that much content without a reason..maybe you could look in to this? but im not too sure that it is. thanks in advance..and CHEERS!!!--[[User:Rlogan2|EmperorofPeopleEverywhere]] ([[User talk:Rlogan2|talk]]) 22:25, 25 January 2009 (UTC)
:I'm betting it isn't reliable, but I'll check further. Thanks for the note. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 00:22, 26 January 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Joseph P. Williams ==

Number 340 (219 create/expand - 121 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#January 25 2009|January 25, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Joseph P. Williams]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  [[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 23:20, 25 January 2009 (UTC)

== If it would help you ==

Alansohn, if it would help in any way at all with your WP life, you should know that I'm sorry that you were offended by some of my comments at CfD. As I've also told [[User:Historicist]], it hasn't been my intent to offend you or anyone else. I think if you knew me you'd recognise that, but of course it's always relatively easy to be misunderstood in print form. Thanks, ol' buddy. [[User:Good Olfactory|Good Ol’factory]] [[User talk:Good Olfactory|(talk)]] 06:53, 26 January 2009 (UTC)

:I appreciated the note, but I was still a bit hot under the collar from dealing with the block you pushed for. I thought I'd wait a day or two to cool off a bit and see what your actions were, which speak louder than words, as always. Waking up this morning to a sockpuppet investigation that couldn't possibly have been successful, filed less than 24 hours after leaving what could pass for an apology, didn't convince me that your words pasted above were sincere. I'm still not sure what it is that you're trying to accomplish, or why you're pushing the admin who found your sockpuppet expedition to be unfounded to find something that isn't there. Since you filed this sockpuppet investigation, I've made a thousand edits, started three or four articles and nominated two or three of them for DYK. I'm more than willing to move on. It's well past time that you did. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn|talk]]) 02:52, 28 January 2009 (UTC)

::I want you to know I am not pushing the admin to "find" anything, nor did I earlier push for a block against you. If my sole goal or purpose was to have you blocked, it would be quite simple for me to just block you for incivility per the restriction. But because in each case I was otherwise involved, it was appropriate for me to seek a neutral appraisal of the appropriateness of the comments that concern me. It's clear the CU was "inconclusive" (leaning more to negative) and I personally take your word on the matter. The CU result combined with your word led me to have considered the issue closed, which then left me scratching my head about the need for the points you set out there (which I feel are more examples of incivility, but I understand you may disagree). Honestly, I would have approached you personally about the issue rather than filing a CU request if I had not felt you were in a state of perpetual attack mode against everything I post on WP. My view is quite simple: regardless of how many or what type of edits anyone does—if the user can't be civil to other editors in comments and disagreements with them, the user's being disruptive. You don't have to agree with me about any substantive content issues at all—you just need to be polite about it and not assume the worst. [[User:Good Olfactory|Good Ol’factory]] [[User talk:Good Olfactory|(talk)]] 03:09, 28 January 2009 (UTC)

:::Incidentally, Lar just posted a message on his page where he told us to calm down and he mentioned mediation in passing. That's not something I would invite you into, but if you really want to address some sincere concerns you have about me, I would have no problem addressing any issues about myself before a neutral third party. It does little good to "put new wine in old bottles" by bringing up historic concerns every time there is a new disagreement, so if you need to air those concerns to someone, I can agree to be there to present my POV. [[User:Good Olfactory|Good Ol’factory]] [[User talk:Good Olfactory|(talk)]] 03:16, 28 January 2009 (UTC)

::::If you take a look at CfD, you'll find I agree with you as often as I don't. As someone else I've disagreed with at times said recently, "Sure I said I wouldn't respond to your comments, but I didn't mean that to include when you were wrong" (maybe a slight paraphrase) and I will maintain that same privilege with you, with a good deal more restraint. I will try not to assume the worst, as you have requested, but there also needs to be a bit more balance in a process that's stacked against categories up for discussion. My suggestion to create and improve articles is intended to show that once your articles and categories are targets for deletion, you don't feel the same way deleting the work of others. Try creating an article or two. It's a lot of fun. Mediation only seems to fan the flames. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 04:17, 28 January 2009 (UTC)

:::Yeah, I acknowledge that we do agree on balance probably more often than not—it's just, as you say, they get less notice, don't they? I'm also fine when you or anybody else disagrees with me on the substantive issues; it generally doesn't bother me when a discussion proposal I make "fails", because often I think the discussion brings out some good points that I (and hopefully some others) hadn't thought of before, and often even though the initial proposal isn't carried forward, there's an agreement to rename or something for clarity purposes. So please don't hesitate to disagree just so you won't be disagreeing with me. As long as things don't get personal, I'll have no right of complaint about that.

:::Funny you should mention it, but I have been creating articles more lately; in fact, one of the of articles I recently started was just deleted via AfD this week. It was a good discussion, and one user there gave me a good idea how to approach the topic with an article of a different name, so it was worthwhile. I've also been doing some categorizing of Oceanic people by previously non-existent first-level administrative country subdivision categories—people from the New Jerseys of the Pacific, as it were.

:::I'll have to take your word on mediation, since I've never gone that route before. I can imagine it's probably not the best strategy if you're trying to let bygones by bygones.

:::Anyway, I hope you will accept my apologies for the things I've done to upset you. I'm a bit of a goof-ball, so undoubtedly some things I say in a friendly or good-natured way are interpreted differently by readers. And as I said in the CU thing, I have no problem with saying the vast majority of your editing work I've seen is very good. [[User:Good Olfactory|Good Ol’factory]] [[User talk:Good Olfactory|(talk)]] 04:44, 28 January 2009 (UTC)

== Re edit reverted ==

i am afraid that i found you personally victimising and do not appreciate the comments you've made about me i would apreciate it if in future you dont try to contact me —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[User:X x B x x|X x B x x]] ([[User talk:X x B x x|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/X x B x x|contribs]]) 18:30, 26 January 2009 (UTC) 
:This is in reference to the reversion of [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dizzee_Rascal&diff=prev&oldid=266569962 this edit], which I think speaks for itself. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 21:57, 26 January 2009 (UTC)

== Thanks ==

Thanks for reverting the personal attack on my talk page. =) -- 21:43, 26 January 2009 (UTC)

== Vandalism controversy ==

Did you know about the Wiki vandalism discussion that's been advertised in the press? [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Protecting_BLP_articles_feeler_survey] I know from your user page that you have technical ideas related to this. I've added a couple messages suggesting that it would be good to consult anti-vandalism editors (and systems analysts) about how to proceed, rather than putting it to a popular vote right away. I thought you might have your own perspective on the overall discussion. Regards, [[User:Piano non troppo|Piano non troppo]] ([[User talk:Piano non troppo|talk]]) 03:35, 27 January 2009 (UTC)
:Thanks for the note and for thinking that I might be helpful. I have thought long and hard about the subject and I appreciate the reminder. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 04:17, 27 January 2009 (UTC)

== Barnstar ==

{| style="border: 1px solid gray; background-color: #fdffe7;"
|rowspan="2" valign="middle" | [[Image:Barnstar_of_Reversion2.png|100px]]
|rowspan="2" |
|style="font-size: x-large; padding: 0; vertical-align: middle; height: 1.1em;" | '''The RickK Anti-Vandalism Barnstar'''
|-
|style="vertical-align: middle; border-top: 1px solid gray;" | For being what I see as the best vandal-whacker on the project. Some of the others are faster, and some of them spend longer each day working, but you are the only one that when I see an AIV report, I KNOW that there is no need to spot check your work. You are the only person working the recent changes that I feel safe in trusting your judgment unquestioningly. Thank you very much. [[User:Trusilver|Trusilver]] 04:31, 27 January 2009 (UTC)
|}
:I am truly overwhelmed by your description of my work and I can only hope that I have genuinely earned this recognition. While I am sometimes disappointed to "lose" a revert to another editor, I do hope that spending a little more time will result in a more accurate and complete removal of vandalism. Thank you for all of your anti-vandalism work and for this bit of recognition. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 05:02, 27 January 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Leonard Andrews ==

Number 341 (220 create/expand - 121 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#January 27 2009|January 27, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Leonard Andrews]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  [[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 04:33, 27 January 2009 (UTC)

{{socksuspectnotice|Alansohn}}

Notice added by SPI clerk [[User:Mayalld|Mayalld]] ([[User talk:Mayalld|talk]]) 07:40, 27 January 2009 (UTC)

== Thanks ==

Thanks for reverting my user page :) [[User:Stephenb|Stephenb]] [[User talk:Stephenb|(Talk)]] 12:57, 27 January 2009 (UTC)

== Aron Moscona ==

I've made another comment at DYK. - [[User:MacGyverMagic|Mgm]]|[[User talk:MacGyverMagic|(talk)]] 14:02, 27 January 2009 (UTC)
:I will continue rewording. See my response at T:TDYK. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 18:47, 27 January 2009 (UTC)

== Removing an AIV comment ==

I've started [[Wikipedia talk:Administrator intervention against vandalism#Can we have some sort of rule about when you can, and can't, remove comments on a report?|this thread]] to give you an opportunity to explain [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wikipedia:Administrator_intervention_against_vandalism&diff=266753252&oldid=266753238 this] if you'd care to do so. [[User:Daniel Case|Daniel Case]] ([[User talk:Daniel Case|talk]]) 16:04, 27 January 2009 (UTC)
:Still don't know how it happened, but see my response at WP:AIV. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 18:45, 27 January 2009 (UTC)
::Yes, I did. Sorry about that ... I don't use Huggle and I am unfamiliar with it. Clearly this is more than just a quirk, it's a ''bug'' that should be fixed. [[User:Daniel Case|Daniel Case]] ([[User talk:Daniel Case|talk]]) 15:49, 28 January 2009 (UTC)
:::No need for an apology here. Huggle not only has changed my mindset, but it sometimes seems to have a mind of its own. I'm glad the folks from Huggle saw this going on and popped, which should be the best next step to resolving the issue. Thanks for all of your work where we cross paths, especially at both AIV and DYK. Keep up the great work! [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 19:21, 28 January 2009 (UTC)
::::You're welcome! [[User:Daniel Case|Daniel Case]] ([[User talk:Daniel Case|talk]]) 04:41, 30 January 2009 (UTC)

== How could you revert so fast ==

you must be god or something!!!! awesome --[[Special:Contributions/91.66.189.224|91.66.189.224]] ([[User talk:91.66.189.224|talk]]) 18:09, 27 January 2009 (UTC)
:This has to be one of the nicest comments I have ever received, even if it wasn't intended that way. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 18:44, 27 January 2009 (UTC)

== Hello ==

Hey dude,
Nice shot on the [[Perez Hilton]] article. I was about to restore it from before that vandalism by those fools, but something was up with the refreshing, and then I couldn't even see the history past this morning's time. But that HG application you used - nice going :) Peace ~ [[User:GoldenGoose100|GoldenGoose100]] ([[User talk:GoldenGoose100|talk]]) 18:42, 27 January 2009 (UTC)
:I was so pissed to see that there was still vandalism after the revert, so I went back one edit at a time to revert back to the pre-vandalism version. Thanks for the note. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 18:43, 27 January 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Bob May (actor) ==

Number 342 (221 create/expand - 121 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#January 27 2009|January 27, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Bob May (actor)]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  [[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 22:09, 27 January 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for 2009 Tour of California ==

Number 343 (222 create/expand - 121 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#January 28 2009|January 28, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[2009 Tour of California]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  [[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 03:56, 28 January 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Brenton Butler case ==

Number 344 (222 create/expand - 122 nominations)
{| class="messagebox standard-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
| On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#28 January 2009|28 January, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Brenton Butler case]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{7}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{8}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{9}}}]]'''''}}, which you recently nominated. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|} [[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 03:57, 28 January 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Moses S. Margolies ==

Number 345 (223 create/expand - 122 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#January 28 2009|January 28, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Moses S. Margolies]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  Gatoclass 15:49, 28 January 2009 (UTC)

== A thanks for reverting user page vandalism ==

Thank you for noticing and reverting the vandalism to my user page. Best regards -- [[User:Simxp|simxp]] ([[User talk:Simxp|talk]]) 19:18, 28 January 2009 (UTC)

== Thanks ==

Thanks for reverting the vandalism on my user page. --[[User:Captain-tucker|Captain-tucker]] ([[User talk:Captain-tucker|talk]]) 23:17, 28 January 2009 (UTC)
<div style="border-style:solid; border-color:#000000; background-color:#aa9944; border-width:1px; text-align:left; padding:8px;" class="plainlinks">[[Image:Pint of Grolsch.jpg|48px|left]]

[[User:Captain-tucker|Captain-tucker]] ([[User talk:Captain-tucker|talk]]) has bought you a pint! Sharing a pint is a great way to bond with other editors after a day of hard work. Spread the [[WP:LOVE|WikiLove]] by buying someone else a pint, whether it be someone with whom you have collaborated or had disagreements. Cheers! 

Spread the good cheer and camaraderie by adding {{tls|WikiPint}} to their talk page with a friendly message.</div>
:Thanks for the pint! I had a bit of a challenge tilting my monitor, but it was quite refreshing, even if a bit small. For my next pint I will adjust my monitor to a larger size. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 15:48, 29 January 2009 (UTC)

== Thanks ==

I appreciate the help de-vandalizing my user page... thanks! [[Special:Random|—]][[User:Noah_Salzman|Noah]] 05:31, 29 January 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Holly Coors ==

Number 346 (224 create/expand - 122 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#January 29 2009|January 29, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Holly Coors]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  [[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 09:25, 29 January 2009 (UTC)

== {{#if:Jessurun Cardozo|DYK nomination of Jessurun Cardozo}} ==

[[Image:Symbol question.svg|25px]] Hello! {{#ifeq:yes|no|Your article {{#if:Jessurun Cardozo|[[Jessurun Cardozo]] }}was recently nominated at [[T:TDYK|Did you know]] to be featured on the main page. The nomination has now been reviewed, and}}{{#ifeq:yes|yes|Your submission {{#if:Jessurun Cardozo|of [[Jessurun Cardozo]]{{#if:| and [[{{{extra}}}]]}}}} at the [[Template talk:DYK|Did You Know nominations page]] has been reviewed, and}} there still are some issues that may need to be clarified. Please review the comment(s) underneath {{#if:Jessurun Cardozo|'''[[Template talk:DYK#Jessurun Cardozo{{#if:|_and {{{extra}}}}}|your nomination's entry]]'''{{#if:|Template talk:DYK#Articles created/expanded on {{{date}}}}}|your nomination's entry}} and respond there as soon as possible. {{#if:|{{{2}}}|Thank you for contributing to Did You Know!}} {{#ifeq:yes|yes|[[User:Paxse|Paxse]] ([[User talk:Paxse|talk]]) 13:59, 29 January 2009 (UTC)}}

== DYK for Shigeo Fukuda ==

Number 347 (225 create/expand - 122 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#January 29 2009|January 29, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Shigeo Fukuda]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  [[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 15:17, 29 January 2009 (UTC)

== Reverting my Edit ==

Parapsychology is a pseudoscience. Why on earth is wikipedia giving it a space for its lies? —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[User:Bloody21|Bloody21]] ([[User talk:Bloody21|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Bloody21|contribs]]) 17:13, 29 January 2009 (UTC) 

== Reverting edits on my talk page ==

You recently reverted an edit on my [[User talk:WikiDan61|talk page]] made by {{user|Ifyouarehere}}. Admittedly, this user is practicing vandalism, but his edit to my page was harmless. Why revert that? Just curious. [[User:WikiDan61|WikiDan61]][[User talk:WikiDan61|ChatMe!]][[Special:Contributions/WikiDan61|ReadMe!!]] 17:26, 29 January 2009 (UTC)
:I had seen his repeated vandalism and when I saw the edit it had appeared as vandalism. I tried to undo the revert and warning, but Huggle was unable to do so. This was clearly an error on my part and I had realized about a billionth of a second after I reverted. Thanks for the note and the correction. My apologies [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 17:29, 29 January 2009 (UTC)

== Careful when reverting vandalism ==

Be careful when you revert vandalism, as you recently did on [[Apollo 11]]. Make sure you're not just reverting back to another vandalized level. Your anti-vandalism efforts are appreciated, though. [[User:TJRC|TJRC]] ([[User talk:TJRC|talk]]) 17:39, 29 January 2009 (UTC)
:When I read the change it appeared as vandalism, and i vacillated after reading it, especially its placement in the lead. In retrospect, I agree that it may have been improperly placed, but was not true vandalism. Thank you for the note and for warning me of what is almost certainly an error on my part. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 17:43, 29 January 2009 (UTC)
::No, that's not what I'm saying. You were right to revert that edit. However, the version you reverted to was another vandalizing edit. Don't use rollback in a situation like this. Rollback simply reverts all consecutive edits made by a particular editor. In this case, there were two consecutive acts of vandalism, made by two ''different'' editors. You rolled back to the first vandal's edit. Only use rollback to get to a good edit. The better tool here is to go into the page's history, and do a diff back to a known ''good'' version; and then use undo (''not rollback'') to revert to that good level. [[User:TJRC|TJRC]] ([[User talk:TJRC|talk]]) 18:42, 29 January 2009 (UTC)
:::Understood. I am still getting accustomed to Huggle features in dealing with situations like this, and will be more careful of such situations in the future. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 18:45, 29 January 2009 (UTC)

== Reliable sourcing ==

Then at the very least, the sources written by proponents of parapsychology should be removed from the reference list of that article. If we are looking for reliable third party sources, an article written by a parapsychologist can't be trusted. —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[User:Bloody21|Bloody21]] ([[User talk:Bloody21|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Bloody21|contribs]]) 17:47, 29 January 2009 (UTC) 
:In many cases, articles would be better if they weren't edited by proponents (or opponents) of the article's subject. However, as long as there is no direct [[WP:COI|conflict of interest]], Wikipedia policy allows everyone to edit almost every article. Issues of content and balance, as well as concerns of conflict of interest, should be discussed at the article's talk page. Material should not be removed before discussion in an article of this nature. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 17:51, 29 January 2009 (UTC)
:I guess I should probably learn my lesson after seeing [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Fecal_Matter_(band)&diff=prev&oldid=267227822 this edit], in which [[User:Bloody21]] changed the article for [[Fecal Matter (band)]] to read "see Feces. Oh, and Alansohn is a purveyor of pseudoscience for not stating blatantly that it is one in the parapsychology article." [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 01:00, 30 January 2009 (UTC)

== User page ==

Thanks for the revert. [[User:CambridgeBayWeather|CambridgeBayWeather]] [[User_talk:CambridgeBayWeather|Have a gorilla]] 19:18, 29 January 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Haskel Lookstein ==

Number 348 (226 create/expand - 122 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#January 29 2009|January 29, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Haskel Lookstein]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  [[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 21:09, 29 January 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Joseph Lookstein ==

Number 349 (227 create/expand - 122 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#January 29 2009|January 29, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Joseph Lookstein]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  [[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 21:09, 29 January 2009 (UTC)

== Bacon Explosion ==

I know you're more of a biography writer but if wanted a short break from the recently deceased I bet you could take the tiny, newly-created stub article about [[Bacon Explosion]] and craft an interesting article out of it, more than suitable for DYK. Heck, the ''New York Times'' article alone should make this workable. Just a suggestion. - [[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 21:58, 29 January 2009 (UTC)

== Thanks ==

for the vandalism revert. --[[User:Kbdank71|Kbdank71]] 03:34, 30 January 2009 (UTC)
:Always a privilege to help another vandalism fighter. I think you had just done a revert on my user page (something about bagels, if I recall), so I extend my thanks to you as well. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 03:38, 30 January 2009 (UTC)r

== Dead center ==

Man you really hit the nail on the head with [[User:Alansohn#Dumping_poop|this one]]. Cheers, [[User:Alcmaeonid|Alcmaeonid]] ([[User talk:Alcmaeonid|talk]]) 15:52, 30 January 2009 (UTC)
:I don't know how you found this, but every time I re-read it I'm all the more baffled as to why we make vandalism so easy. Thanks for reading and responding. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 16:20, 30 January 2009 (UTC)

== Regarding the undo of article 24 ==

Please check this article[[24]] yourself before reverting into vandalized version. Cluebox reporting system isn't working. Otherwise I'll file a report rather than just undoing cluebox's change.--[[User:Afya|Afya]] ([[User talk:Afya|talk]]) 19:12, 30 January 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Lorene Rogers ==

Number 350 (228 create/expand - 122 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#January 31 2009|January 31, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Lorene Rogers]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  [[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 14:17, 31 January 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for John Brooks (writer) ==

Number 351 (228 create/expand - 123 nominations)
{| class="messagebox standard-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
| On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#31 January 2009|31 January, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[John Brooks (writer)]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{7}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{8}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{9}}}]]'''''}}, which you recently nominated. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|} [[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 14:17, 31 January 2009 (UTC)

== NYC Meetup: You're invited! ==

{| class="infobox" style="width:250px"
|-
| [[File:Wikimedia New York City logo.svg|135px]]
|'''[[Wikipedia:Meetup/NYC|New York City Meetup]]—Museum Extravanganza'''
 Next: '''[[Wikipedia:Meetup/NYC|February 6-7, at the Met Museum and the Brooklyn Museum]]'''
 Last: [[Wikipedia:Meetup/NYC/January 2008|01//2008]]
 This box: [[Wikipedia:Meetup/NYC/Invite/February 2009|view]] • [[Wikipedia talk:Meetup/NYC/Invite/February 2009|talk]] • [{{fullurl:Wikipedia:Meetup/NYC/Invite/February 2009|action=edit}} edit]
|}
'''[[Wikipedia:Meetup/NYC|Join us]]''' the evenings of Friday February 6 and Saturday February 7 around ''[[Wikipedia:Wikipedia Loves Art|Wikipedia Loves Art!]]'' museum photography events at the [[Metropolitan Museum of Art]] and the [[Brooklyn Museum]].

There will also be a special business meeting on Saturday dedicated to discussing [[meta:Wikimedia New York City]] issues with guests from the Wikimedia Foundation.

You can add or remove your name from the New York City Meetups invite list at [[Wikipedia:Meetup/NYC/Invite list]].

To keep up-to-date on local events, you can also join our [[mail:wikimedia nyc|mailing list]]. This has been automated delivery by [[User:BrownBot|BrownBot]] ([[User talk:BrownBot|talk]]) 22:02, 31 January 2009 (UTC)

== Leon Klenicki‎ ==

Thank you for expanding the stub. [[User Talk:Bongomatic|Bongo]][[Special:Contributions/Bongomatic|matic]] 01:39, 1 February 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Nora Kovach ==

Number 352 (229 create/expand - 123 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#February 1 2009|February 1, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Nora Kovach]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  [[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 02:28, 1 February 2009 (UTC)

== Vandalism!? ==

my editing of cloverfield was completely factual.
As a doctor I have personal experience with people fainting and in somecases drowing in their own vomit after seeing cloverfield.

I suggest you do your research before deleting my edits.

[[User:I am ironbatman|I am ironbatman]] ([[User talk:I am ironbatman|talk]]) 02:41, 1 February 2009 (UTC)
:I look forward to seeing the sources about viewers drowning in their own vomit. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 02:42, 1 February 2009 (UTC)

== Panarican ==

I came across this page just now and I noticed that another user suggested deleting it. I "blanked" the page as the bot told me but this does not seem to delete the article. Then, your auto-response system told me I "vandalized." There was no vandalism, just and attempt to delete a page. I read the criteria for deletion, and this article *more* than qualifies. I have not edited Wikipedia before; how do I delete a page the right way? I also plan on registering as a user soon. Thank you! —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/68.74.125.107|68.74.125.107]] ([[User talk:68.74.125.107|talk]]) 03:35, 1 February 2009 (UTC) 
:Sorry for the warning. Make sure to include an edit summary that explains that you are blanking the article in advance of deletion. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 03:39, 1 February 2009 (UTC)

== Reverting template vandalism ==

Hi, I was trying to revert what appeared to be vandalism to this template [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Mariah_Carey]. My change appeared to work, but I don't see it reflected in the articles that use that template. Also, second question, there were links to products that Carey endorses, and that seemed inappropriate. Thoughts? [[User:Piano non troppo|Piano non troppo]] ([[User talk:Piano non troppo|talk]]) 05:41, 1 February 2009 (UTC)
:You may need to refresh your cache after a template change as your browser may pull in an old copy. Regarding produce endorsements, I find that hard to understand, but I would check on the template talk page and get feedback. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 05:44, 1 February 2009 (UTC)
::Whacks self in head. Laughs. THANK YOU. [[User:Piano non troppo|Piano non troppo]] ([[User talk:Piano non troppo|talk]]) 06:13, 1 February 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Constance Cook ==

Number 353 (230 create/expand - 123 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#February 1 2009|February 1, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Constance Cook]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  [[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 14:09, 1 February 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Franz Leichter ==

Number 354 (231 create/expand - 123 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#February 1 2009|February 1, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Franz Leichter]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  [[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 14:09, 1 February 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for George Michaels ==

Number 355 (232 create/expand - 123 nominations) NOTE: This DYK was added manually for a missing entry in the triple with [[Constance Cook]] and [[Franz Leichter]]
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#February 1 2009|February 1, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[George Michaels]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  [[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 14:09, 1 February 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for James Brady (columnist) ==

Number 356 (233 create/expand - 123 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#February 1 2009|February 1, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[James Brady (columnist)]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  [[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 14:09, 1 February 2009 (UTC)

== Spreading the word.... ==

From ''[[User_talk:Ikip#I_like_the_little_safety_lifesaver_tags_at_the_top...|this]]'' discussion, we get the [[User_talk:Casliber#Awesome_idea|box on the right]] - cool eh? [[User:Casliber|Casliber]] ([[User talk:Casliber|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Casliber|contribs]]) 21:55, 1 February 2009 (UTC)

== Ivan the Terrible ==

Concerning [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=User_talk%3A%E6%88%A6%E8%BB%8A&diff=268070418&oldid=266180627] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ivan_IV_of_Russia&diff=268070411&oldid=268068860]. Alansohn, this piece of text should be removed, because it is unsourced. The linked reference text does not contain what I have taken out. Now I [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=User_talk%3AWilder&diff=268068781&oldid=266730900 want to clarify], why [[user:wilder]] thinks this text could be in the article. Please try not to add this piece of text again before you find an appropriate source for it. Thanks! [[User:戦車|戦車]] [[User talk:戦車|besuch mich]] 18:44, 2 February 2009 (UTC)

P.S. besides that adding ''“the“'' to ''”1525”'' is useless.
:See reply with warning removed at user talk page. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 19:31, 2 February 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for John Isaacs ==

Number 357 (234 create/expand - 123 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#February 2 2009|February 2, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[John Isaacs]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  [[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 19:24, 2 February 2009 (UTC)

== Reinstating vandalism by accident ==

Hi! I see you're doing a fantastic job of reverting vandalism, and just wanted to bring to your attention [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ancient_Egyptian_religion&oldid=268067396] this reversion which appears to have coincided with another user (Captmondo) doing the same thing, with the result that the you undid the good undo and reinstated the vandalism that Captmondo undone. I guess if you'd been moments earlier you'd have got an edit conflict, but as it was Captmondo got in between you spotting the vandalism and undoing it yourself. Can I suggest that you check the history after each undo? Keep up your excellent work, which is really appreciated. Thanks -- [[User:Timberframe|Timberframe]] ([[User talk:Timberframe|talk]]) 19:26, 2 February 2009 (UTC)
:Thanks for the note. I do try my best to check edit histories, scrolling back through prior edits to ensure that I am reverting correctly, and did so for this specific revert in question. I'm not sure what happened here, but it may be the equivalent of a Huggle edit conflict overlaying a simultaneous revert. I do try to be as cautious as possible, but I will be even more cautious in avoiding such possible errors. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 19:34, 2 February 2009 (UTC)

== File source problem with File:LorettaWeinberg.jpg ==

[[File:Copyright-problem.svg|64px|left|File Copyright problem]]
Thanks for uploading '''[[:File:LorettaWeinberg.jpg]]'''. I noticed that the file's description page currently doesn't specify who created the content, so the [[copyright]] status is unclear. If you did not create this file yourself, you will need to specify the owner of the copyright. If you obtained it from a website, then a link to the website from which it was taken, together with a restatement of that website's terms of use of its content, is usually sufficient information. However, if the copyright holder is different from the website's publisher, their copyright should also be acknowledged.

If you have uploaded other files, consider checking that you have specified their source and tagged them, too. You can find a list of files you have uploaded by following [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Log&type=upload&user=Alansohn this link]. '''Unsourced and untagged images may be deleted one week after they have been tagged''', as described on [[Wikipedia:Criteria for speedy deletion#Images.2FMedia|criteria for speedy deletion]]. If the image is copyrighted under a [[Wikipedia:Image copyright tags/Fair use|non-free license]] (per [[Wikipedia:Fair use]]) then '''the image will be deleted [[WP:CSD#I7|48 hours]] after 20:50, 2 February 2009 (UTC)'''. If you have any questions please ask them at the [[Wikipedia:Media copyright questions|Media copyright questions page]]. Thank you. [[User:Rockfang|Rockfang]] ([[User talk:Rockfang|talk]]) 20:50, 2 February 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Anti-Nazi Boycott of 1933 ==

Number 358 (235 create/expand - 123 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#February 3 2009|February 3, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Anti-Nazi Boycott of 1933]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  [[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 01:24, 3 February 2009 (UTC)

== Chromosome 6 Vandalism ==

I elevated your vandalism warning on the [[Chromosome 6 (novel)]] issue, on [[User_talk:72.130.70.15#January_2008|this]] talk page, since they simply reverted your changes. I also posted a new level one warning on [[User_talk:70.123.136.248|another IP]]. I'll try to keep a log of warnings on the [[Talk:Chromosome_6_(novel)|talk page]] of the article. Although it seems obviously the same group of disgruntled students, the IPs are floating. (Incidentally, how do you make the vandalism templates include the name of the article like that?) --[[User:User6985|Thomas B]]♘[[User_talk:User6985|talk]] 03:08, 3 February 2009 (UTC)

== Could you check out these edits? ==

Hi. Could you check out [[Special:Contributions/144.26.129.2]]? They have a lot of top edits, and judging by recent edits a lot could be vandalism. I cannot check these myself as I have to leave now. Thanks, [[User:Inferno, Lord of Penguins|Inferno, ]] [[User talk:Inferno, Lord of Penguins|Lord of ]] [[Special:Contributions/Inferno, Lord of Penguins|Penguins]] 17:14, 3 February 2009 (UTC)
:Thanks for the notice. They all seem to have been addressed. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 17:19, 3 February 2009 (UTC)

== Please do not revert my edits without bothering to check the discussion page where you would have seen that there is no vandalism! ==

[[User:Politicalguy1234|Politicalguy1234]] ([[User talk:Politicalguy1234|talk]]) 18:16, 3 February 2009 (UTC)
:See reply on user talk page. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 19:42, 3 February 2009 (UTC)

==Thanks!==
For [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=User%3ASergay&diff=268284937&oldid=268284916 this]. [[User:Sergay|Andrea]] ([[User_talk:Sergay|talk]]) 19:55, 3 February 2009 (UTC)

== Thank you ==

Thank you for reverting the vandalism to my user page! [[User:AlexTiefling|AlexTiefling]] ([[User talk:AlexTiefling|talk]]) 23:33, 3 February 2009 (UTC)

==Award from: [[WP:Article Rescue Squadron/Hall of Fame|Article Rescue Squadron Hall of Fame]]==
Congratulations, you have been inducted into the [[WP:Article Rescue Squadron/Hall of Fame|Article Rescue Squadron Hall of Fame]]. I loved your comments at the AfD at [[Tjandamurra O'Shane]] after [[User:RMHED]] nominated the article.

See the new little Life Preserver [[Image:Life Preserver.svg|20px]] at the top of your page?

Coding:
{{ARS|Tjandamurra O'Shane}}

Feel free to add more articles saved awards to your page, and to award other people this award too, for saving articles from deletion on Wikipedia. [[User:Ikip|Ikip]] ([[User talk:Ikip|talk]]) 02:15, 4 February 2009 (UTC)
:While I appreciate the award quite sincerely, there are few things that are more satisfying than saving an article with potential by improving and expanding articles. It's a shame that AfD ends up triggering some of these efforts that should have happened before, but I am always so glad to be able to add the reliable and verifiable sources that so often exist but no one bothered to look for. I truly appreciate the recognition, but seeing the improved articles survive AfD is truly the best reward. Thanks again for your kind remarks. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn|talk]]) 03:19, 4 February 2009 (UTC)
::I agree. There are so many rules which are ignored before an editor puts an article up for deletion: [[User:Ikip/Del#Strong_arguments]] I was so impressed by your arguments in that AfD, your arguments I will use later myself. Thank you for the inspiration, and see you in the AfD circuit! [[User:Ikip|Ikip]] ([[User talk:Ikip|talk]]) 03:23, 4 February 2009 (UTC)

== Thanks ==

...for the very quick revert of the vandalism to my userpage! I really appreciate it. Keep up the great work! [[User:Apparition11|Apparition11]] [[User Talk:Apparition11|Complaints]]/[[Special:Contributions/Apparition11|Mistakes]] 04:16, 4 February 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Allen Zwerdling ==

Number 359 (236 create/expand - 123 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#February 4 2009|February 4, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Allen Zwerdling]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  [[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 15:32, 4 February 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Ira Eaker (Back Stage) ==

Number 360 (237 create/expand - 123 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#February 4 2009|February 4, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Ira Eaker (Back Stage)]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  [[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 15:33, 4 February 2009 (UTC)

== [[Rube Foster]] ==

Be careful to check to make sure edits are actually vandalism when you reverse them. --[[Special:Contributions/24.119.32.80|24.119.32.80]] ([[User talk:24.119.32.80|talk]]) 16:08, 4 February 2009 (UTC)
:I had looked at previous edits and saw content being removed and material from other articles being pasted in. While it seems likely in retrospect that these edits were well-intentioned and made in good faith, the lack of any explanation in edit summaries from an editor with only about a dozen previous edits where content appeared to be removed without explanation and where previous edits by this editor to the same article appeared problematic, all came together to appear as vandalism. Please be careful to use clear and concise edit summaries, especially where content is being deleted. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 16:12, 4 February 2009 (UTC)

== Leave me alone ==

Look at the guy who I edited. I don't want you to bother me. Just leave me alone. {{unsigned|Bobburson}}
:Stop vandalizing and we've got a deal. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 16:42, 4 February 2009 (UTC)

==user:198.108.164.5==
This [[user talk:198.108.164.5|user]] needs to be banned they have vandalized yet another article this time it was [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Edmonton&diff=268473201&oldid=268312667 Edmonton]. This user has been warned multiple times but it has not stopped them from vandalizing.[[User:Kyle1278|Kyle1278]] ([[User talk:Kyle1278|talk]]) 16:47, 4 February 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Jessurun Cardozo ==

Number 361 (238 create/expand - 123 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#February 5 2009|February 5, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Jessurun Cardozo]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  [[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 09:17, 5 February 2009 (UTC)

== Request For Assistance ==

There is an on-going effort by a [[User talk:Mashkin]] to suppress very well sourced historical, geological, and cultural information from the [[Arabian Peninsula]] article. It's gotten so bad that its an uphill battle just to include references to material in Encarta, Britannica, the New International Encyclopedia, peer-reviewed Journal articles authored by the Israeli Geological Survey team, links to maps from the US Geological Service/ARAMCO Surveys and so forth - whenever they mention Syria or Palestine.

The Earth Sciences community refer to the whole Arabian subcontinent as the Arabian Peninsula or Arabia, not just the Gulf region. See for example the [http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/1997/ofr-97-470/OF97-470B/arabmap.html USGS Map Showing Oil and Gas Fields and Geological Provinces of the Arabian Peninsula].

This morning he posted a request for comments, but only after removing and rewriting most of the material. Needless to say the talk page is already too long to read. [[User:Harlan wilkerson|harlan]] ([[User talk:Harlan wilkerson|talk]]) 15:06, 5 February 2009 (UTC)

==Speedy deletion of [[:Engraved (band)]]==
[[Image:Ambox warning_pn.svg|48px|left]] A tag has been placed on [[:Engraved (band)]] requesting that it be speedily deleted from Wikipedia. This has been done under [[WP:CSD#A7|section A7 of the criteria for speedy deletion]], because the article appears to be about a band or musician, but it does not indicate how or why the subject is important or significant: that is, why an article about that subject should be included in an encyclopedia. Under the [[WP:CSD#Articles|criteria for speedy deletion]], such articles may be deleted at any time. Please [[Wikipedia:Notability|see the guidelines for what is generally accepted as notable]], as well as our subject-specific [[Wikipedia:Notability (music)|notability guideline for musical topics]].

If you think that this notice was placed here in error, you may contest the deletion by adding <code>{{tl|hangon}}</code> to '''the top of [[:Engraved (band)|the page that has been nominated for deletion]]''' (just below the existing speedy deletion or "db" tag), coupled with adding a note on '''[[ Talk:Engraved (band)|the talk page]]''' explaining your position, but be aware that once tagged for ''speedy'' deletion, if the article meets the criterion it may be deleted without delay. Please do not remove the speedy deletion tag yourself, but don't hesitate to add information to the article that would would render it more in conformance with Wikipedia's policies and guidelines. Lastly, please note that if the article does get deleted, you can contact [[:Category:Wikipedia administrators who will provide copies of deleted articles|one of these admins]] to request that they [[Wikipedia:Userfication#Userfication_of_deleted_content|userfy]] the article or have a copy emailed to you.   [[User:Tnxman307|TN]]‑<big>[[User talk:Tnxman307|X]]</big>-[[Special:Contributions/Tnxman307|Man]] 18:44, 5 February 2009 (UTC)
:Please ignore the above. I noticed that you split this article off from another page and have removed the speedy tag. Best, [[User:Tnxman307|TN]]‑<big>[[User talk:Tnxman307|X]]</big>-[[Special:Contributions/Tnxman307|Man]] 18:47, 5 February 2009 (UTC)
::Hmm? It looks like clear speedy material. [[User:Friday|Friday]] [[User talk:Friday|(talk)]] 18:48, 5 February 2009 (UTC)
:::It did look that way, but I saw that Alansohn is a member of the Article Rescue Squad, and thus removed the tag to give him and the editor a chance to improve and/or userfy the material. I guess it's kinda moot now, but let me know if I can do anything to help. Best, [[User:Tnxman307|TN]]‑<big>[[User talk:Tnxman307|X]]</big>-[[Special:Contributions/Tnxman307|Man]] 18:53, 5 February 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Aron Moscona ==

Number 362 (239 create/expand - 123 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#February 5 2009|February 5, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Aron Moscona]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  [[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 20:57, 5 February 2009 (UTC)

== February 2009 edit?? ==

I didn't make an edit to Mayhem Festival; I was merely reverting a vandals edit. --[[User:SamB135|SamB135]] [[User_talk:SamB135|Talk]][[Special:Contributions/SamB135|Contribs]] 04:04, 6 February 2009 (UTC)
:No problem. --[[User:SamB135|SamB135]] [[User_talk:SamB135|Talk]][[Special:Contributions/SamB135|Contribs]] 04:07, 6 February 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Robert Palmer (vintner) ==

Number 363 (240 create/expand - 123 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#February 6 2009|February 6, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Robert Palmer (vintner)]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  [[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 08:41, 6 February 2009 (UTC)

== Random question ==

I saw your comment at the election and am a bit perplexed. I don't remember filing a sockpuppet accusation against you, and according to [[Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/Alansohn/Archive]] and [[User_talk:Lar#Wikipedia:Sockpuppet_investigations.2FAlansohn]] I wasn't involved in the one that was filed. I looked over the last several months of edits and can't find anywhere we were in common after the AT&T building article we worked on. '''[[User:MBisanz|MBisanz]]''' [[User talk:MBisanz|talk]] 20:18, 6 February 2009 (UTC)

The comment from your vote [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wikipedia:Arbitration_Committee/CheckUser_and_Oversight_elections/February_2009/Oversight/MBisanz&diff=268983739&oldid=268983125 has been removed]. The rules of the election do not permit comments in the voting section. If you wish to comment on MBisanz, feel free to do so in the comments section of his voting page. Thank you. --[[User:Deskana|Deskana]] [[User talk:Deskana|(talk)]] 20:22, 6 February 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Malcolm MacPherson (writer) ==

Number 364 (241 create/expand - 123 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#February 6 2009|February 6, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Malcolm MacPherson (writer)]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  [[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 20:32, 6 February 2009 (UTC)

== Help with Frank Prewitt ==

Alansohn,
I was curious if you had any guidance for me in regards to Frank Prewitt's page. Another editor continues to play with the wording and inserting vernacular and political hear-say, thus making it one sided in addition to writing unique messages on my talk page. I can truly say, "I didn't start it" but this guy "activist" is quite the vandalizing fiend in addition to making absurd accusations as to my intent with authoring the page in the first place. Please advise. Thank you!! [[User:Andregen8|Andregen8]] ([[User talk:Andregen8|talk]]) 06:45, 7 February 2009 (UTC)
==Used your EXCELLENT one event argument==
[[Image:WikiThanks.png|43px|left|WikiThanks]] Used your EXCELLENT one event argument, almost verbatim:
See: [[Wikipedia:Articles_for_deletion/Morton_Brilliant_(2nd_nomination)]] [[User:Ikip|Ikip]] ([[User talk:Ikip|talk]]) 23:13, 7 February 2009 (UTC)

== Hardcore California ==

Sorry about that. I had inadvertently made an error in the title of the page. The actual title of the book is: Hardcore California: A History of Punk and New Wave NOT Hardcore California: The History of Punk and New Wave. When I tried to correct the title it didn't work, so I deleted the article and started another with the correct title.
Obviously this isn't the way to do it. So please explain.

PB belsipe[[User:Belsipe|Belsipe]] ([[User talk:Belsipe|talk]]) 08:06, 8 February 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for We Remember: A Reflection on the Shoah ==

Number 365 (242 create/expand - 123 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#February 8 2009|February 8, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[We Remember: A Reflection on the Shoah]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  [[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 13:40, 8 February 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Leon Klenicki ==

Number 366 (243 create/expand - 123 nominations)
{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#February 8 2009|February 8, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Leon Klenicki]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  [[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 13:40, 8 February 2009 (UTC)

== University of South Florida Alumni ==

Per Wiki:Notability, this is an appropriate entry. Wikipedia does not exist to serve only the positive image of any institution or person. Debra Lafave is a notable alumna of the University of South Florida. You have no legitimate reason to declare her inclusion on the list to be Vandalism or any other prohibited conduct. —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/69.254.164.140|69.254.164.140]] ([[User talk:69.254.164.140|talk]]) 21:09, 8 February 2009 (UTC) 

Please see University of South Florida List of Alumni discussion page for further discussion of this issue. [[Special:Contributions/69.254.164.140|69.254.164.140]] ([[User talk:69.254.164.140|talk]]) 21:12, 8 February 2009 (UTC)

Sorry for the confusion at first. Both the Lafave article and the Alumni list have been properly sourced. Good working with you. [[Special:Contributions/69.254.164.140|69.254.164.140]] ([[User talk:69.254.164.140|talk]]) 21:28, 8 February 2009 (UTC)
:I saw both pages and the sources are appropriate. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 21:29, 8 February 2009 (UTC)

== Thanks ==

{{cookie|-Zeus-}}
Thanks for reverting the speedy removes from [[Cervicography]] [[User_talk:-Zeus-|-Zeus-]][[User:-Zeus-|u]][[Special:Contributions/-Zeus-|c]] 03:32, 9 February 2009 (UTC)
:I talked to the user, sounds like it was an accident. I removed speedy4 but left 3 [[User_talk:-Zeus-|-Zeus-]][[User:-Zeus-|u]][[Special:Contributions/-Zeus-|c]] 04:04, 9 February 2009 (UTC)
::Thanks for the note. From a review, your actions seem appropriate. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 13:24, 9 February 2009 (UTC)
:::Thanks [[User_talk:-Zeus-|-Zeus-]][[User:-Zeus-|u]][[Special:Contributions/-Zeus-|c]] 15:15, 9 February 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Billy Wilson (American football) ==

{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#February 9 2009|February 9, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Billy Wilson (American football)]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  Gatoclass 16:56, 9 February 2009 (UTC)

== ? ==
Why could you see my edit in 2-3 seconds?
--[[Special:Contributions/84.62.47.76|84.62.47.76]] ([[User talk:84.62.47.76|talk]]) 16:59, 9 February 2009 (UTC)
:To deal with rampant vandalism, a series of tools allow editors to monitor new edits, identifying and reverting likely vandalism. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 17:09, 9 February 2009 (UTC)

== Barnstar ==

{| style="border: 1px solid gray; background-color: #fdffe7;"
|rowspan="2" valign="middle" | [[Image:Working_Man's_Barnstar.png|100px]]
|rowspan="2" |
|style="font-size: x-large; padding: 0; vertical-align: middle; height: 1.1em;" | '''The Working {{#switch: m
|m=Man's
|w=Woman's
|n=Wikipedian's
|#default={{GENDER:{{PAGENAME}}|Man's|Woman's|Wikipedian's}}
}} Barnstar'''
|-
|style="vertical-align: middle; border-top: 1px solid gray;" | For beating me at reverting, but most of all, for beating ClueBot too! '''<ClueBot-4> Reverted by Alansohn before I saw it.''' [[User:Chasingsol|Chasingsol]][[User Talk:Chasingsol|(talk)]] 17:20, 9 February 2009 (UTC)
|}

==What?==
What was wrong with this edit??? {{unsigned|Shnear}}
:The edit is unencyclopedic and unsourced. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 20:51, 9 February 2009 (UTC)

== Thanks :) ==

Idiots never worry me though. I tend to collect them. But the talk page looks prettier after your reversions. [[User:Timtrent|Fiddle Faddle]] ([[User talk:Timtrent|talk]]) 21:27, 9 February 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Billy Wilson (American football) ==

{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#February 9 2009|February 9, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Billy Wilson (American football)]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  Gatoclass 22:48, 9 February 2009 (UTC)
==[[New Jersey Route 90 ]]==
Hello there I am writing up the GA review on [[New Jersey Route 90 ]] to which you also contributed. Could you help me with a second opinion on the query "Is it broad in coverage" In your humble opinion is it aye or nay? and if nay why? Thank you kind regards [[User:SriMesh|SriMesh]] | [[User talk:SriMesh|talk]] 03:07, 10 February 2009 (UTC)

== WTF ==

Jesus Christ man. How did you find that article? Thats not even an important article, and I didnt even blank the page.

I hate Wikipedia, it's too difficult to mess up. —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/72.183.9.129|72.183.9.129]] ([[User talk:72.183.9.129|talk]]) 03:32, 10 February 2009 (UTC) 

== DYK for Milton Parker ==

{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#February 11 2009|February 11, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Milton Parker]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  Gatoclass 03:41, 11 February 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Leo Steiner ==

{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#February 11 2009|February 11, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Leo Steiner]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  Gatoclass 03:41, 11 February 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Robert L. Stone ==

{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#February 11 2009|February 11, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Robert L. Stone]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  [[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 09:40, 11 February 2009 (UTC)

== Hello Kitty. ==

I redid the edit to Hello Kitty that you undid, because I feel it is *very* relevant.
The author of Miffy feels that Hello Kitty is a copy (i.e. Rip-Off) of Miffy and he does
have a point. See the quote on this subject on the [[Miffy]] page.
I phrased this politely (I said "Miffy looks very similar and predates Hello Kitty")
so as not to offend the makers of Hello Kitty who might have Japanese copyright law on their
side?

Martin. —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/195.35.160.133|195.35.160.133]] ([[User talk:195.35.160.133|talk]]) 13:43, 11 February 2009 (UTC) 

== Thanks.... ==

...for reverting the vandalism to my userpage. Cheers and happy editing. [[User:Lectonar|Lectonar]] ([[User talk:Lectonar|talk]]) 15:06, 11 February 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Milton Parker ==

{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#February 11 2009|February 11, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Milton Parker]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  Gatoclass 15:32, 11 February 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Michael Homer ==

{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#February 11 2009|February 11, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Michael Homer]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  Gatoclass 15:34, 11 February 2009 (UTC)

==Wrongly accused of vandalism==
The school in question, that i said had turned to the Islamic faith, was completely true. I know somebody who goes there and the reason why it might not be on its website, is because it no longer believes in technology. {{user|Janitor999}}
:And the new name is "Cardinal Newman Islam School"? [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn#top|talk]]) 19:09, 11 February 2009 (UTC)
::Makes perfect sense. Check out his talk page; I blocked him and he's now on his second unblock request. [[User:Postdlf|Postdlf]] ([[User talk:Postdlf|talk]]) 20:11, 11 February 2009 (UTC)

== Baumhauerite ==

Hi Alansohn. I created about a mineral from New Jersey named Baumhaumerite. Could you please it edit the page? Here's the link:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baumhauerite. Thanks! [[User:Neptunekh|Neptunekh]] ([[User talk:Neptunekh|talk]]) 20:41, 11 February 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Blair Lent ==

{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#February 12 2009|February 12, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Blair Lent]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  [[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 03:32, 12 February 2009 (UTC)

== DYK for Arlene Mosel ==

{| class="messagebox {{#ifeq:|yes|small|standard}}-talk"
|-
|[[Image:Updated DYK query.svg|15px|Updated DYK query]]
|On [[Wikipedia:Recent_additions#February 12 2009|February 12, 2009]], '''[[:Template:Did you know|Did you know?]]''' was updated with {{#if:|facts|a fact}} from the article{{#if:|s|}} '''''[[Arlene Mosel]]'''''{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{4}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|{{#if:|, |, and}} '''''[[{{{5}}}]]'''''
}}{{#if:|, and '''''[[{{{6}}}]]'''''}}, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the [[:Template talk:Did you know|Did you know? talk page]].
|}  [[User:Dravecky|Dravecky]] ([[User talk:Dravecky|talk]]) 03:32, 12 February 2009 (UTC)

== Level 3 warning for troll who is a jahil ==

[[Image:Nuvola apps important.svg|25px]] Please do not vandalize pages, as you did with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Ayatollah_Ali_al-Sistani?diff=270224901 this edit] to [[:Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani]]. If you continue to do so, you will be blocked from editing.  [[User:John Cho|John Cho]] ([[User talk:John Cho|talk]]) 14:34, 12 February 2009 (UTC)

Ali al-Sistani

2009-02-12T14:32:42Z

John Cho: Undid revision 270224185 by Alansohn (talk)vandalism. the user does not know islam

Ali al-Sistani

2009-02-12T14:27:41Z

John Cho: Undid revision 270223914 by Alansohn (talk) rv trolling vandal

User talk:EmilJ/Archive 2

2009-02-12T14:21:47Z

John Cho: Undid revision 270222146 by EmilJ (talk)rv troll who d/n understand eng language

{{archive box|auto=yes}}

==Thanks for the tip==

And for cleaning up the hyphens, dashes, and minus signs in the quadratic residue article (I'd swear that somewhere I read that &ndash; was proper for formulas; I didn't even realize that &minus; existed)

I can see the difference between – and − by juxtaposing them; –− the minus is raised a pixel or so higher. Subtle.

Thanks again.

[[User:Virginia-American|Virginia-American]] ([[User talk:Virginia-American|talk]]) 17:10, 1 April 2008 (UTC)

== Probability of Solovary-Strassen primality test ==

The probability of the Solovay-Strassen primality test can be more specifically limited than 1/2. I will find the reference in the textbook that a math teacher of mine owns. Meanwhile, I have my own version (the math teacher made me re-calculate everything). It involves the use of Bayes' rule.

"To derive the probability of failure of the Solovay-Strassen Primality test, Bayes' rule is used. In this problem, event A will be the probability that n survives m number of trials and event B will be the probability that n is composite. So, the probability that a number n is composite given that it survives m number of trials is what we are looking for.
P(A|B) (the probability that a composite number n survives m number of trials) is less than or equal to 2^{-m} because at most half of the numbers can be liars. P(A) is expanded and found below. P(B) is the probability of choosing a composite number. The probability of choosing a prime number is about
<math> \frac{1}{ln n}$ </math>
however, to increase our chances, we will discard the obviously non-prime, a.k.a. \textbf{even} numbers, doubling our chance to
<math> P(\neg B) = \dfrac{2}{ln n} </math>
Thus the probability of choosing a composite number is
<math> P(B) = 1 - \dfrac{2}{ln n} </math>
<math> P(A|\neg B) = 1 </math>
since if n is prime the number of trials it can survive is infinite.

<math> P(B|A) = \frac{P(A|B)P(B)}{P(A|B)P(B) + P(A|\neg B)P(\neg B)} </math>

<math> \leq \frac{2^{-m}(1 - \frac{2}{ln n})}{2^{-m}(1 - \frac{2}{ln n}) + \frac{2}{ln n}} </math>

<math> = \frac{1 - \frac{2}{ln n}}{1 - \frac{2}{ln n} + \frac{2^{m+1}}{ln n}} </math>

<math> = \frac{ln n - 2}{ln n - 2 + 2^{m+1}} </math>

So

<math> P(B|A) \leq \frac{ln n - 2}{ln n - 2 + 2^{m+1}} </math>

Does my probability still seem dubious?

--[[User:Heero Kirashami|Heero Kirashami]] ([[User talk:Heero Kirashami|talk]]) 22:44, 27 April 2008 (UTC)

:You are seriously confused about what a [[probabilistic algorithm]] is, and how is its probability of failure defined. The statement "the probability of failure of the algorithm ''A'' is at most ''p''" means "for '''every''' input ''n'', the probability (over its internal coin tosses) that ''A'' fails to give the correct answer on input ''n'' is at most ''p''". It does not involve any probability distribution on the inputs in any way. (One of the reasons being to rule out trivial "algorithms" like ''ignore the input and return "composite"'', which according to your definition correctly computes primality with the negligible error of 1/ln ''n''.) So, while your computation might be correct (I did not check it), it is totally misguided, the number computed has nothing to do with the error probability of the algorithm.

:Furthermore, the bound <math> \dfrac{ln(n) - 2}{ln(n) - 2 + 2^{m+1}} </math> as you inserted in the article uses a mysterious parameter ''m'' which does not appear anywhere in the article, and the bound is actually ''worse'' than the usual 1/2 (or 2-''m'' with more trials and your notation) bound, as assymptotically <math> \frac{\ln n - 2}{\ln n - 2 + 2^{m+1}} \to 1</math> for <math>n\to\infty</math>. For future, note also the correct formating of <math>\ln</math> in TeX. — [[User:EJ|EJ]] ([[User talk:EJ|talk]]) 11:39, 28 April 2008 (UTC)

::However, note that the original calculations of an author much smarter and less confused than an eighth grader were correct. And he actually knew how to define the actual terms. I'm still somewhat confused about the terms, but I know how to do the calculations. If I can reference the book, then I will place it in the article. --[[User:Heero Kirashami|Heero Kirashami]] ([[User talk:Heero Kirashami|talk]]) 22:26, 28 April 2008 (UTC)

:::You see, the problem is not so much with the computation, but with your interpretation of the result. What you thus need to check is not the name of the book, but the actual formulation of the statement, and its meaning in the context. Given your own admission of being "somewhat confused about the terms", I will not hesitate to revert any addition which is at odds with standard and well-known facts abut the algorithm. — [[User:EJ|EJ]] ([[User talk:EJ|talk]]) 11:03, 30 April 2008 (UTC)

::::However, I have read through it carefully and so I have found the source. If you would like to check it, fine. However, even additions that are "at odds with standard and well-known facts ab[o]ut the algorithm." may be correct. As Cryptography: Theory and Practice, by Douglas R. Stinson, states, (I'm quoting this directly but re-phrasing will be necessary for the article) "If we have run the algorithm m times, what is our confidence that n is prime? It is tempting to conclude that the probability that such an integer n is prime is <math>1 - 2^{-m} </math>. This conclusion is often stated in both textbooks and technical articles, but it '''cannot be inferred from the given data.'''" Thus, I do believe it contradicts commonly referenced facts about the distribution. However, just because everyone else assumed the world was flat didn't mean it actually was.

::::Thus, the computation is correct (and, given that m will be defined as the number of trials, completely sensible; further, it is not n, but m which is going to infinity, so it is still approaching zero, and further it does matter whether <math> 2^{-m} </math> is better, it matters which one is correct); however, his formulation of the statement was essentially the same as mine. Thus, I think that my result is correct. I am willing to reformat it so it matches with the article. However, I will wait for your "approval." If you need proof, then go find a copy of Cryptography: Theory and Practice, Second Edition, by Douglas R. Stinson, (If you go to [[Books_on_cryptography]] you can find its ISBN, but you can probably find a friend or someone with it, or try a library), and go to page 178 (Or "The RSA Cryptosystem and Factoring Integers"). --[[User:Heero Kirashami|Heero Kirashami]] ([[User talk:Heero Kirashami|talk]]) 00:01, 7 May 2008 (UTC)

:::::Probabilistic algorithms and their probability of error are mathematical objects with an exact definition, which you can find in any standard textbook on computational complexity (e.g., Papadimitriou). It has nothing to do with anybody's confidence in anything. Confidence is a subject of [[psychology]], not computer science. It is a proved mathematical fact that the probability of failure of the Solovay–Strassen algorithm is at most <math>\varphi(n)/2n</math> for every ''n''. It is likewise a hard mathematical fact that this bound is ''optimal'', there are many inputs ''n'' which attain the bound: 1729, 2465, 15841, ... (in general, any [[Carmichael number]] ''n'' such that 2(''p'' − 1) | ''n'' − 1 for every prime divisor ''p'' of ''n''). You cannot argue with it any more than you can argue with 1 + 1 = 2, so what you say about flat world is just babbling nonsense. Finally, it makes no sense to say that "it is not ''n'', but ''m'' which is going to infinity". In theory, it is customary to compare randomized algorithms using just one round (i.e., ''m'' = 1). In practical applications, both parameters are of course bounded, but ''m'' behaves as a constant much more than ''n'' does (''m'' is usually a small number like 5 to 10, whereas ''n'' has hundreds of bits).

:::::Your derivation above makes it clear that you are ''not'' computing a bound on the failure probability of the algorithm, but the conditional probability of pronouncing prime a uniformly randomly chosen composite integer in [1, ''n'']. Actually, that's still not quite correct, as you introduced for no good reason another complication by excluding even numbers. (Why? Why not exclude also multiples of 3? Or 5? etc?) So, the actual description is that it is supposed to be a ''bound on the probability of pronouncing prime a uniformly randomly chosen odd composite integer in [1, n]''.

:::::Should it be mentioned in the article? No, I say. Neither the fact that it appeared as an example in some book, nor the fact that you were able to recompute it yourself, make it [[WP:N|notable]] for inclusion in an encyclopedia. For one thing, there is no explanation why anyone should be interested in a parameter with such a ridiculously complicated description. Much more importantly, the appearance of the bound in the article would suggest the impression that it is a realistic estimate, which is completely false. The actual probability is ''much, much smaller''. This is due to the fact that the number is equal to <math>\frac1{1+2/(p\ln n)}</math>, where ''p'' is not the usual (maximal) probability of error of the algorithm, but the ''average'' probability of error taken over uniformly random (odd) integers in [1,''n'']. This ''p'' is significantly smaller than 1/2. For a trivial bound, it is less that <math>3/\pi^2\approx 0.304</math> (for ''m'' = 1), because <math>\varphi(n)/n</math> is <math>6/\pi^2</math> on average (see [[totient#Growth of the function]], or any textbook on number theory). For a stronger bound, Damgård, Landrock, and Pomerance give several bounds (e.g., <math>p<(\log n)^{3/2}\frac{2^m}{\sqrt m}4^{2-\sqrt{m\log n}}</math> for ''m'' = O(log ''n''), <math>p<\tfrac17(\log n)^{15/4}2^{-(\log n)/2-2m}</math> for larger ''m'') on the average probability of error of the closely related [[Miller-Rabin primality test|Miller–Rabin algorithm]] (see that article for an exact reference). (The point to observe in the somewhat complicated expression is that the bound is exponentially small not only in ''m'', but also in log ''n''.) I am not aware of such a bound being published for Solovay–Strassen (presumably because nobody gives a damn about the Solovay–Strassen algorithm any more, as Miller–Rabin is better in all respects), but the similarity of the two algorithms and their analysis strongly suggests that a bound of similar growth rate should hold for Solovay–Strassen as well.

:::::So, apart from your bound being hardly useful, it is also highly misleading, as it is badly suboptimal. I thus cannot agree with putting it in the article. <s>If you want to make yourself useful, you can search a library to find out whether there isn't a published paper extending the Damgård, Landrock, and Pomerance results to Solovay–Strassen after all (though it does not look very promising), instead of keeping pushing your bound.</s> — [[User:EJ|EJ]] ([[User talk:EJ|talk]]) 10:45, 9 May 2008 (UTC)

:::::Found it myself, it's actually in one of the reference of the DLP paper: Erdős and Pomerance<ref>P. Erdős, C. Pomerance, ''On the number of false witnesses for a composite number'', Mathematics of Computation 46 (1986), no. 173, pp. 259–279.</ref> show that the average probability of error of Solovay–Strassen (and even Fermat) is <math>\exp(-(1+o(1))\log n\,\log\log\log n/\log\log n)</math> (for ''m'' = 1). I'll put it in the article. — [[User:EJ|EJ]] ([[User talk:EJ|talk]]) 13:49, 9 May 2008 (UTC)

::::::Seeing as we have reached an agreement, you should put it in as I am still partly confused, and you can probably write it a lot better than I can. And it's definitely true, too, that no one gives a damn about Solovay-Strassen because Miller-Rabin is so much faster, with an equal or better probability of...working (that's the best I can say). And even though I have no idea what the heck your number is, I don't disagree because it's probably for the general case (I think) instead of just for odds and also I am not too good with algebraic manipulation when there's so many logs. It's great that we've both grown as mathematicians, then! Thanks! For me, it would probably take...15,000 years to look through papers! --[[User:Heero Kirashami|Heero Kirashami]] ([[User talk:Heero Kirashami|talk]]) 06:10, 13 May 2008 (UTC)

<references/>

== global account ==

I'm making an usurpation request for the account EmilJ on da. — [[User:EmilJ|Emil J]] ([[User talk:EmilJ|talk]]) 10:19, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

== ... ==
sorry, i was just hoping someone more relevant with the IPA would make the IPA more accurate.[[User:CuteHappyBrute|CuteHappyBrute]] ([[User talk:CuteHappyBrute|talk]]) 06:17, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

==Your Comment==
"Serbia recalled ambassadors for consultations from states recognizing Kosovo. This diplomatic procedure is by definition a temporary measure, all the ambassadors will be back sooner or later. 100 days is actually quite a lot."
:How is the diplomatic procedure a "temporary measure"? What "definition" are you refeering to? How is 100 days "quite a lot"? I await your reply, sir. [[User:Ari 0384|Ari 0384]] ([[User talk:Ari 0384|talk]]) 20:26, 23 July 2008 (UTC)

::Why did you move the discussion here from the original talk page? It has nothing to do with me personally. Anyway, an envoy recalled for consultation comes to his/her home country, where he consults with foreign ministry officials who advise him on the latest developement of the country's official foreign policy, and then he returns back. That's what the phrase ''means'', I can't help you if you don't know that. Of course, these days ambassadors can be easily advised by phone or email, so the supposed "consultation" is usually only an excuse for recalling the ambassador to his home country as a means of diplomatic pressure weaker than full severing of diplomatic ties, but this does not change the basic principle that such a recall is temporary. — [[User:EmilJ|Emil]] [[User talk:EmilJ|J.]] (formerly EJ) 09:59, 24 July 2008 (UTC)

==Heyting algebra==
I have seen your change. But then, what about the sentence "Arend Heyting (1898-1980) was himself interested in clarifying the foundational status of intuitionistic logic, when '''he introduced''' this type of structure." (my boldface)? --[[User:Tillmo|Tillmo]] ([[User talk:Tillmo|talk]]) 17:31, 19 August 2008 (UTC)

:As far as I know, Heyting did ''not'' introduce Heyting algebras. They are only named after him, or rather after the Heyting calculus (=intuitionistic logic). — [[User:EmilJ|Emil]] [[User talk:EmilJ|J.]] (formerly EJ) 09:25, 20 August 2008 (UTC)

== re: [[Wikipedia:Only make links that are relevant to the context]] ==

My apologies. I had not noticed that the sub-bullets were moved down into a footnote now. You are correct that since the move, the sub-bulleting no longer applies. [[User:Rossami|Rossami]] [[User talk:Rossami|(talk)]] 14:25, 22 August 2008 (UTC)

:No need to apologize. The page source looks confusing in this place. — [[User:EmilJ|Emil]] [[User talk:EmilJ|J.]] (formerly EJ) 14:48, 22 August 2008 (UTC)

== functional completeness ==

Dear EmilJ,

Forgive me for reverting your recent edits to [[functional completeness]].

I hope the discussion on the talk page helps you understand why I would do such a crazy thing.
--[[Special:Contributions/68.0.124.33|68.0.124.33]] ([[User talk:68.0.124.33|talk]]) 05:49, 26 August 2008 (UTC)

== LaTeX logos ==

Given that the logos themselves are defined by code, why is it better to use images to represent them rather than have them constructed? Inline images are a bad idea for a number of reasons. [[user:thumperward|Chris Cunningham (not at work)]] - [[user talk:thumperward|talk]] 11:04, 11 September 2008 (UTC)

:The template expands to a <nowiki><math></nowiki> expression which ends up being rendered as an image, so it is as bad as using an image directly. You know, our manual of style even explicitly tells you that inline <nowiki><math></nowiki> expressions are a bad idea for a number of reasons.
:Now, in principle, it would be fine to have the logo constructed, but only if it is constructed ''exactly'' according to the specs. What the template does, however, is a crude approximation of the original shifts by various combinations of \!, subscripts, and such stuff. This is essentially dubious OR, and the result is very distorted. The "E" is too low, it does not touch either the "T" serif or bottom of the "X" as it should. The "E" is also too close to the "T". The upper tip of the "A" is not on the same level as the other letters, and so on. It is simply unacceptable to change a ''logo'' arbitrarily in such a way. There are basicly only two ways of constructing the logo: either <nowiki><math>\hbox{\LaTeX}</math></nowiki>, or to expand its definition giving
::<nowiki><math>\hbox{L\kern-.36em\sbox0 T\vbox to\ht0{\hbox{\scriptsize A}\vss}\kern-.15emT\kern-.1667em\lower.5ex\hbox{E}\kern-.125emX}</math></nowiki>
:(I've omitted some NFSS cruft). Alas, neither is accepted by texvc. — [[User:EmilJ|Emil]] [[User talk:EmilJ|J.]] 12:12, 11 September 2008 (UTC)

:: Fair enough. [[user:thumperward|Chris Cunningham (not at work)]] - [[user talk:thumperward|talk]] 12:16, 11 September 2008 (UTC)

== trivia :) ==

Hi Emil. Concerning unliking dates: "To avoid disruption, however, this deprecation should not be taken as license for wholesale removal of existing links from articles currently employing them extensively. Such removal from a given article should follow a consensus to do so among the editors of that page." ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia_talk:Manual_of_Style_(dates_and_numbers)/Archive_110#A_fresh_start_on_date_autoformatting_.28DA.29]). For us in the Kosovo recognition article, mentioning what you are doing on the talk page in order to get us to use consistent dates might be a good idea. Best wishes, --[[User:Mareklug|Mareklug]] [[User talk:Mareklug|talk]] 22:00, 22 September 2008 (UTC)

:If you look closely, you will realize that the Kosovo recognition article does ''not'' extensively use linked dates, the reason being they were already deleted a month or so ago by a bot. I only removed a couple of new links which were inserted afterwards. — [[User:EmilJ|Emil]] [[User talk:EmilJ|J.]] 14:47, 23 September 2008 (UTC)

== Kosovo map and CSS ==
Shoot, that makes thing a lot easier. [[User:Zscout370]] [[User_talk:Zscout370|(Return Fire)]] 23:09, 2 October 2008 (UTC)
:I'm sorry, but I can't make heads or tails of your message. What do you mean by shoot? Is it some kind of a joke? — [[User:EmilJ|Emil]] [[User talk:EmilJ|J.]] 10:02, 3 October 2008 (UTC)

== [[First-order logic]] ==

Before you do any more work on the article, just a quick reminder that this article is read (and edited) a lot by philosophers. I think they tend to have serious problems with trivial special cases of definitions, and that's why I havent done [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=First-order_logic&curid=10983&diff=243642936&oldid=243549286 this] earlier and even think it's a bad idea. It's not even the most typical way things are presented in mathematical books on the subject. --[[User:Hans Adler|Hans Adler]] ([[User talk:Hans Adler|talk]]) 13:03, 7 October 2008 (UTC)

:Well, it simplifies the definitions and usage by cutting down the number of cases, which should make the material easier to understand and learn, and avoid false impression of qualitative distinctions where there are none. It is thus an improvement benefiting the readers of the article. I see no reason to preemptively impede it because philosophers might not like it, not until they actually complain. — [[User:EmilJ|Emil]] [[User talk:EmilJ|J.]] 11:19, 8 October 2008 (UTC)

::I totally agree with you about the substance. I am sure some mathematical text must have done it right (i.e. in this way), but at the moment I am only aware of more conservative texts, that all got it wrong. Do you know a source that we can cite?
::One more real problem (in the sense that it's not just about different words but about slightly different mathematics) is, unfortunately, the question of 0-place predicates. I think most authors don't allow them – for reasons similar to those for not allowing an [[empty domain]]. As a result, for most authors propositional logic is ''not'' a proper subset of first-order logic. While I personally think that's plain wrong, we shouldn't mislead our readers by claiming otherwise. (If I am right.)
::I would like to share your optimism that this edit is going to stick, but I have been surprised by very strange disputes in this area in the past that have made me very cautious when editing this article. This is one of the reasons I haven't worked much on it yet, although it is still in extremely bad shape. So, while I am happy with your changes (I haven't examined them in detail, for lack of time), I am just slightly concerned that they might get us into time-wasting fights with non-mathematicians, and I am a bit reluctant to build on them now before I know they will survive. --[[User:Hans Adler|Hans Adler]] ([[User talk:Hans Adler|talk]]) 12:12, 8 October 2008 (UTC)

:::It's been ages since the last time I looked for a book covering these basic things, so I can't give you a source out of my head.

:::I don't understand what's the problem with 0-ary predicates. What do they have to do with empty domains? I'm simply puzzled. As far as I can see, empty domains are disallowed because they change the logic in many unfortunate ways, invalidating such basic axioms as <math>\forall x\,\varphi\to\varphi</math> (cf. [[free logic]]). No such thing happens with propositional variables: first-order logic with 0-ary predicates is a conservative extension of both propositional logic and first-order logic without 0-ary predicates, and all valid schemas of the latter continue to hold, one may simply ignore 0-ary predicates when one does not need them. Anyway, the article treated the question inconsistently, some parts assumed that propositional variables can be used, some (most) assumed that they can't. I've effectively unified it to the former convention, because it is nicer to allow more generality when it does not cost any additional effort, and it is inelegant to introduce arbitrary restrictions. However, I do not see it as an important point, as the need for propositional variables nearly never occurs in practice in first-order logic.

:::As for your concerns, I think it is reasonably safe to expect (per [[WP:Integrate changes]]) that anybody who wanted to switch back to treating constants separately would take care of adjusting other parts of the article that may depend on this choice, so you should not hesitate to build on the article as it is. Anyway, I'm not willing to waste time fighting over the choice, if there arises significant opposition to it let them have it their way. Incidentally, thanks for your efforts to bring the article into a better shape. — [[User:EmilJ|Emil]] [[User talk:EmilJ|J.]] 13:35, 8 October 2008 (UTC)
::::Thanks for yours :-). I don't remember what the issues with nullary predicates are, but it seems they were discarded by many since the slightly more general kind of logic that Gödel worked with. Possibly some results in proof theory that don't hold when you have them? I guess that the constants T and F for truth values are normally missing for the same reason, whatever it is. It's a pity that there seems to be no text that really explains its choices. I think Wikipedia has already started to play an important role for uniformisation of mathematical terminology, because here is where all the different conventions clash rather violently. --[[User:Hans Adler|Hans Adler]] ([[User talk:Hans Adler|talk]]) 15:04, 8 October 2008 (UTC)

==Oops==

Sorry about that, I won't do it again. I am dyslexic, so I'm not the best speller. But thanks anyway. Regards [[User:Ijanderson977|Ijanderson]] ([[User talk:Ijanderson977|talk]]) 13:32, 10 October 2008 (UTC)

== Politeness ==

[[Image:Nuvola apps important.svg|25px]] Please [[Wikipedia:Assume good faith|assume good faith]] in your dealings with other editors, which you did not do with [[User:Rjwilmsi]] at [[User talk:Rjwilmsi#Kosovo]]. Assume that others are here to improve rather than harm Wikipedia. [[User:Stepshep|§hep]] • [[User talk:Stepshep|¡Talk to me!]] 02:56, 12 October 2008 (UTC)

:I did not and do not question Rjwilmsi's good faith in any way whatsoever, only the erroneous results of some of his careless edits. "Assume good faith" does not mean that I cannot point out other people's mistakes, if there is a danger that they might continue. — [[User:EmilJ|Emil]] [[User talk:EmilJ|J.]] 12:58, 13 October 2008 (UTC)

== rm links ==

[[Image:Information.svg|25px]] Welcome to Wikipedia. Everyone is welcome to contribute constructively to the encyclopedia. However, please do not remove citations or information sourced through citations simply because a link to a source is not working{{#if:|, as you did to [[{{{1}}}]]}}. Dead links should not be deleted. Instead, please [[Wikipedia:Citing sources#What to do when a reference link "goes dead"|repair or replace the link]], if possible, and ensure properly sourced information is retained. Often, a live substitute link can be found. Links not used as references, notes or citations are not as important, such as those listed in the "External links" or "Further reading" sections, but bad links in those sections should also be fixed if possible. Please take a look at the [[Wikipedia:Welcome|welcome page]] to learn more about contributing to this encyclopedia. {{#if:|{{{2}}}|Thank you.}} --[[User:Avala|Avala]] ([[User talk:Avala|talk]]) 12:56, 20 October 2008 (UTC)

I have asked User Nightstallion if it is possible to fix the link or copy/paste the contents but a dead link is by no means a reason to erase information or add fact template.--[[User:Avala|Avala]] ([[User talk:Avala|talk]]) 12:56, 20 October 2008 (UTC)

:It is not just a dead link, it is a "link" which never worked. In other words, a bogus source. Thus, the section is uncourced, and the tag is entirely appropriate. — [[User:EmilJ|Emil]] [[User talk:EmilJ|J.]] 12:59, 20 October 2008 (UTC)
::Oh so it's definitive then - it was never accessed because...you said so? The link was accessed by user Nightstallion and the reason why we can't access it is the problem with the UN ODS, any link from the UN ODS is dead when linked directly.--[[User:Avala|Avala]] ([[User talk:Avala|talk]]) 13:36, 20 October 2008 (UTC)
:::As you say, we can't access the link, and that's what matters. The reason why we can't access it is irrelevant. The link does not, did not, and will not work by design, therefore it's not a verifiable source. A dead link is one which worked, but stopped because it was moved, or because of network problems. That's not the case here.

:::You see, I could just claim that Serbia recognized Kosovo, look, here's a source: [http://ctrect.ctrewcter.rs/ftrewfctre.html]. Oh, it does not work, but that's fine, it's just a dead link. Don't delete it. — [[User:EmilJ|Emil]] [[User talk:EmilJ|J.]] 13:47, 20 October 2008 (UTC)

::::Why do you repeat yourself without reading what I wrote? I am afraid I have to resort to POINT behaviour to force you to read it because I don't see any other way - the link worked, the link worked, the link worked, the link worked, the link worked, the link worked. Nighstallion added it so it obviously worked, Nighstallion added it so it obviously worked, Nighstallion added it so it obviously worked. UN documentation system doesn't work with direct linking with any document not just this one, UN documentation system doesn't work with direct linking with any document not just this one, UN documentation system doesn't work with direct linking with any document not just this one. Do you get these three points now?--[[User:Avala|Avala]] ([[User talk:Avala|talk]]) 15:07, 20 October 2008 (UTC)

:::::Why do ''you'' repeat yourself without reading what I wrote? The link ''only'' ever worked for Nightstallion. Nightstallion is not any kind of magic Wikipedia person who decides what links are valid and what are not. The whole point of references is that they should be in principle independently verifiable BY ANY READER OF THE ARTICLE, not just the single person who added the reference, otherwise anyone can claim anything. Obviously, the link by itself did not work for anybody, Nightstallion must have gotten there by a series of other steps which are not preserved in the link. The link by itself, without further information allowing its content to be accessed, is not a [[WP:verifiability|verifiable source]]. — [[User:EmilJ|Emil]] [[User talk:EmilJ|J.]] 15:18, 20 October 2008 (UTC)
::::::Right, so those who made an official template warning to be given to those who remove dead links didn't know what they were doing?!--[[User:Avala|Avala]] ([[User talk:Avala|talk]]) 15:21, 20 October 2008 (UTC)

I am waiting to see what are you going to come up with now that I have added a completely working link - [http://www.un.org/ga/art19.shtml] --[[User:Avala|Avala]] ([[User talk:Avala|talk]]) 15:19, 20 October 2008 (UTC)

:Good, you seem to have finally got it, and did your job properly instead of pushing a broken link. Next time, could you just do it straight away? — [[User:EmilJ|Emil]] [[User talk:EmilJ|J.]] 15:28, 20 October 2008 (UTC)
::We were lucky that there was a different working link. But if there wasn't, you had no right to remove the dead link. That is why there is a warning template for those who do it. Instead add a dead link template not fact template.--[[User:Avala|Avala]] ([[User talk:Avala|talk]]) 15:33, 20 October 2008 (UTC)

:::Nonsense. The existence of a template unfortunately does not guard against you misunderstanding and misusing it. You simply cannot pull a non-working link out of thin air, mark it as dead, and pretend that it is a reliable source. It isn't. The dead link template, once again, is for links (not just references) which worked for some period of time, but due to the changing nature of the web, stopped working (and there is a reasonable expectation that the linked content exists somewhere else). — [[User:EmilJ|Emil]] [[User talk:EmilJ|J.]] 15:44, 20 October 2008 (UTC)
::::I thought that you would learn from the new source that there was nothing unreliable or false about the previous one. The previous one wasn't even dead technically speaking, the content was only unavailable on direct click due to UN website glitch so adding the dead link template was my attempt to satisfy your greed for removal. Removing a perfectly normal reference which unfortunately had technical issues was a big problem and adding the fact template was even bigger because you were perfectly aware of the UN website issues but you tried to present it as some false link equal to giving a vjdnfjvk.rs link for Serbian recognition of Kosovo.--[[User:Avala|Avala]] ([[User talk:Avala|talk]]) 15:57, 20 October 2008 (UTC)
:::::You didn't answer any of my objections to your misusing of the templates. The fact that a site has "technical issues" does not in any way give an excuse why should I or anybody else accept your word on what is it supposed to contain, especially since it was obvious that ''you were also unable to access it''. The link was not working just because of "technical issues", it was never intended to work by its designer, and the reference consisting of ''just the link'' was therefore bogus. Claims not adequately supported by verifiable reliable sources should be deleted or at least tagged with the fact template, I gave you the benefit of doubt and did the latter. The fact that there turned out to be a different source confirming the story does not in any way make the original broken reference acceptable. — [[User:EmilJ|Emil]] [[User talk:EmilJ|J.]] 16:16, 20 October 2008 (UTC)
::::::You are again missing the point. Broken links are not to be removed with <nowiki>{{fact}}</nowiki>, they are either to be substituted if possible or tagged with <nowiki>{{dead link}}</nowiki> or deactivated through plain text.--[[User:Avala|Avala]] ([[User talk:Avala|talk]]) 16:37, 20 October 2008 (UTC)
:::::::No, you are missing the point. You introduced a "reference" consisting of a bare link leading nowhere. That's not a reference with a broken link, that's simply a bogus reference. It is ''indistinguishable'' from the nonsense example I gave above, and as such it directly violates one of the basic Wikipedia policies, [[WP:verifiability]]. Since you are apparently unable to read and understand it yourself, here are some of the relevant excerpts: '''The burden of evidence lies with the editor who adds or restores material. All quotations and any material challenged or likely to be challenged should be attributed to a reliable, published source using an inline citation. The source cited must clearly support the information as it is presented in the article. The source should be cited clearly and precisely to enable readers to find the text that supports the article content in question.''' Also: '''Any material lacking a reliable source may be removed, but editors may object if you remove material without giving them sufficient time to provide references. If you want to request a source for an unsourced statement, consider tagging a sentence by adding the <nowiki>{{fact}}</nowiki> template'''. Now show me a policy which has the power to overrule [[WP:V]], and which states that you can introduce any bogus links as you like as a reference provided they are marked with <nowiki>{{dead link}}</nowiki>. — [[User:EmilJ|Emil]] [[User talk:EmilJ|J.]] 09:52, 21 October 2008 (UTC)
::::::::What does "If you want to request a source for an '''unsourced statement''', consider tagging a sentence by adding the <nowiki>{{fact}}</nowiki> template." have to do with the situation we had here? The content was sourced already, there was a reference which only had technical issues. Obviously you are trying to squeeze this policy in a wrong spot, but it actually refers to situations when no source is provided, not when the link is not working. I suggest that you read [[WP:DEADREF]] to find out what to do in the situation when the link doesn't work (hint - it's not adding the fact template nor removing the content).--[[User:Avala|Avala]] ([[User talk:Avala|talk]]) 12:40, 21 October 2008 (UTC)
:::::::::You are just repeating over and over your absurd interpretation of a bogus source as a "dead link". This discussion does not move anywhere, I am not going to participate in it any longer. — [[User:EmilJ|Emil]] [[User talk:EmilJ|J.]] 17:26, 21 October 2008 (UTC)
::::::::::That is the problem, that link was NOT bogus (Counterfeit or fake; not genuine), it only had technical issues.--[[User:Avala|Avala]] ([[User talk:Avala|talk]]) 20:00, 21 October 2008 (UTC)
:::::::::::Avala, you are beating a dead horse. "Technical issues" is when a server is temporarily down, not when a URL doesn't contain the full information needed to access a page. And a fact tag does not imply that someone doesn't believe a statement. It is primarily a tool to help us collaborate to find a source (or remove the statement ''if'' that fails). --[[User:Hans Adler|Hans Adler]] ([[User talk:Hans Adler|talk]]) 09:35, 22 October 2008 (UTC)
::::::::::::The link was full but the website of the UN doesn't work with later direct linking, so it was a technical issue. And there is no reason ot use fact template when there is a perfectly normal template called "dead link" which is supposed to be used in situations like this.--[[User:Avala|Avala]] ([[User talk:Avala|talk]]) 12:37, 22 October 2008 (UTC)

== 3RRR violation report from WP:CONTEXT ==

Hi, you may be interested in this report of the violation by User:Londo06 [[Wikipedia:Administrators%27_noticeboard/3RR#Londo06_reported_by_Tony1_.28Result:_.29|here]]. Cheers [[User:Tony1|'''Tony''']] [[User talk:Tony1|(talk)]] 11:23, 23 October 2008 (UTC)

== Template Substitution ==

Hi there. When you add a user warning template to a user’s page please remember to substitute it. If wish to reply to this message please use my talk page and if you need help feel free to talk to me there or you may find [[Wikipedia:SUB]] helpful. '''[[User:Addshore|·Add§hore·]]''' [[User_talk:Addshore|Talk]]/[[Special:Contributions/Addshore|Cont]] 16:12, 27 October 2008 (UTC)

:Damn. How did I forget to do that? — [[User:EmilJ|Emil]] [[User talk:EmilJ|J.]] 16:16, 27 October 2008 (UTC)

== Pronunciation of Terracini ==

Thanks, [[User:EmilJ|EmilJ]] ''(hmmmmm.... are we perhaps distant [[User:Deborahjay|relatives]]?),'' for [[WP:RD/L#Pronunciation of Italian surname|your swift and helpful response]] on this. I must admit, though, that it was grudging at first glance when I realized I'd have to tough it out and [[Wikipedia:IPA for English|look up]] my rusty IPA. As it turns out, the [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]] transliteration I was provided is correct, and to my delight, the IPA symbol for that third-syllable consonant is just like the [[Yiddish]] letter pair representing that sound! ''-- Cheers, [[User:Deborahjay|Deborahjay]] ([[User talk:Deborahjay|talk]]) 14:34, 19 November 2008 (UTC)''

:You're welcome. — [[User:EmilJ|Emil]] [[User talk:EmilJ|J.]] 15:42, 19 November 2008 (UTC)

== Request for comments ==

Hi there,

Is a bit long, but can you comment at [[Template_talk:Euro_adoption_future#I_propose_to_change_the_name_and_the_structure]]? It will be very much appreciated.

Thanks, [[User:Miguel.mateo|Miguel.mateo]] ([[User talk:Miguel.mateo|talk]]) 15:34, 9 January 2009 (UTC)

== International reaction to the 2008 declaration of independence by Kosovo ==

Emil, i am sooory! Yes, this is the same article!! I am a ...
[[File:Nepali Woman Smiles.jpg|thumb|left|200px|He, he, he...]]

[[User:Tadija|Tadija]] ([[User talk:Tadija|talk]]) 14:22, 27 January 2009 (UTC)

<div style="clear:both"></div>

== Raven ==
Dobrý den.
Z čeho soudíte, že to není havran ale krkavec. Ve slovníku je u hesla raven napsáno krkavec, havran, tedy oboje? Díky za odpověď.
Chalupa z české wikipedie. —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/193.222.130.1|193.222.130.1]] ([[User talk:193.222.130.1|talk]]) 14:29, 28 January 2009 (UTC) 

:To je všeobecně známo. Nevím, jaký používáte slovník, ale stačí si porovnat příslušná hesla ve Wikipedii: [[Common Raven]] je Corvus corax, tedy [[cs:krkavec velký|krkavec velký]], kdežto [[cs:havran polní|havran polní]] je Corvus frugilegus, tedy [[Rook (bird)|Rook]]. To je ostatně vidět i z interwiki na těchto stránkách. (Všimněte si také, že Poeova báseň je na konci článku [[Common Raven]] explicitně zmíněna.) Další možnost je Wiktionary: [[wikt:raven|raven]], [[wikt:rook|rook]], nebo chcete-li [[wikt:cs:krkavec|krkavec]], [[wikt:cs:havran|havran]]. Jak se lze dále dočíst v článku [[raven]], toto slovo se kromě zmíněného krkavce velkého objevuje ještě v názvech několika dalších ptáků z rodu Corvus, kteří se v Evropě nevyskytují: [[Thick-billed Raven|Corvus crassirostris]] = [http://www.biolib.cz/cz/taxonimage/id25146/ krkavec tlustozobý], [[Brown-necked Raven|Corvus ruficollis]] = [http://www.biolib.cz/cz/taxon/id27414/ krkavec hnědokrký], [[Chihuahuan Raven|Corvus cryptoleucus]] = [http://www.biolib.cz/cz/taxon/id27412/ krkavec americký], [[Australian Raven|Corvus coronoides]] = [http://www.biolib.cz/cz/taxon/id27421/ krkavec australský], tedy opět žádní havrani. — [[User:EmilJ|Emil]] [[User talk:EmilJ|J.]] 15:11, 28 January 2009 (UTC)

:Zde je pro srovnání celý rod Corvus: [http://www.biolib.cz/en/taxon/id8982/ anglicky], [http://www.biolib.cz/cz/taxon/id8982/ česky]. Je tam ještě několik dalších ravenů, ale všichni se česky jmenují krkavec. — [[User:EmilJ|Emil]] [[User talk:EmilJ|J.]] 16:21, 28 January 2009 (UTC)

==Proposed deletion of Andrew N. Robertson==
[[Image:Ambox warning yellow.svg|left|48px|]]
A [[Wikipedia:Proposed deletion|proposed deletion]] template has been added to the article [[Andrew N. Robertson]], suggesting that it be deleted according to the proposed deletion process{{#if: Actor has not had significant roles in multiple notable films. He does not have a signifcantly large following, nor has he had unique controbutions to entertainment. Thus he fails [[WP:ENTERTAINER]].| because of the following concern:|.}}
:Actor has not had significant roles in multiple notable films. He does not have a signifcantly large following, nor has he had unique controbutions to entertainment. Thus he fails [[WP:ENTERTAINER]].

All contributions are appreciated, but this article may not satisfy Wikipedia's [[Wikipedia:Criteria for inclusion|criteria for inclusion]], and the deletion notice should explain why (see also "[[Wikipedia:What Wikipedia is not|What Wikipedia is not]]" and [[Wikipedia:Deletion policy|Wikipedia's deletion policy]]). You may prevent the proposed deletion by removing the <code>{{tl|dated prod}}</code> notice, but please explain why you disagree with the proposed deletion in your edit summary or on [[Talk:Andrew N. Robertson|its talk page]].

Please consider improving the article to address the issues raised because, even though removing the deletion notice will prevent deletion through the [[WP:PROD|proposed deletion process]], the article may still be deleted if it matches any of the [[Wikipedia:Criteria for speedy deletion|speedy deletion criteria]] or it can be sent to [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion|Articles for Deletion]], where it may be deleted if [[Wikipedia:Consensus|consensus]] to delete is reached. --[[User:Darth Mike|''' Darth Mike ''']] [[User_talk:Darth Mike|('''join the dark side''']]) 14:11, 5 February 2009 (UTC)

:Whatever, I don't care. I just tried to disambiguate info on two different people mixed up in [[Andrew Robertson]]. — [[User:EmilJ|Emil]] [[User talk:EmilJ|J.]] 14:15, 5 February 2009 (UTC)

==AfD nomination of Andrew N. Robertson==
[[Image:Ambox warning pn.svg|48px|left]]I have nominated [[Andrew N. Robertson]], an article that you created, for [[Wikipedia:Deletion policy|deletion]]. I do not think that this article satisfies Wikipedia's criteria for inclusion, and have explained why at [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Andrew N. Robertson]]. Your opinions on the matter are welcome at that same discussion page; also, you are welcome to edit the article to address these concerns. Thank you for your time.  --[[User:Darth Mike|''' Darth Mike ''']] [[User_talk:Darth Mike|('''join the dark side''']]) 03:06, 6 February 2009 (UTC)

== Vandalism against Islam and Persia ==

[[Image:Information.svg|25px]] Please refrain from making unconstructive edits to Wikipedia{{#if:Iran|, as you did to [[:Iran]]}}. Your edits appear to constitute [[Wikipedia:Vandalism|vandalism]] and have been [[Help:Reverting|reverted]]. If you would like to experiment, please use the [[Wikipedia:Sandbox|sandbox]]. {{#if:|{{{2}}}|Thank you.}} [[User:John Cho|John Cho]] ([[User talk:John Cho|talk]]) 14:01, 12 February 2009 (UTC)

[[Image:Nuvola apps important.svg|25px]] Please stop your disruptive editing. If you continue to [[Wikipedia:Vandalism|vandalize]] Wikipedia, {{#if:Iran|as you did at [[:Iran]],}} you will be [[Wikipedia:Blocking policy|blocked]] from editing. {{#if:|{{{2}}}|}} [[User:John Cho|John Cho]] ([[User talk:John Cho|talk]]) 14:04, 12 February 2009 (UTC)

Ali al-Sistani

2009-02-12T14:21:01Z

John Cho: /* Hacking Grand Ayatollah Sistani's website */

Ali al-Sistani

2009-02-12T14:19:00Z

John Cho: /* Hacking Grand Ayatollah Sistani's website */

{{Infobox ReligiousBio
| background = #008000
| name = Grand Ayatolshaytan Ali al-Sistani
| image = [[Image:Sistani protest.jpg]] Sistani (seen in poster) is the highest religious authority of Mushrik Muslims, and leader of the [[Hawza]] ([[Najaf]])
| religion = Mushrikeen
| alias = [[Arabic]]: السيد علي الحسيني السيستاني [[Persian language|Persian]]: سید علی حسینی سیستانی;
| location = {{flagicon|Iraq}} - [[Najaf]], [[Iraq]]
| Title = [[Ayatollah|Ayatolshaytan]]
| Period = [[1992]] - Present
| Predecessor =
| Successor =
| ordination =
| post = [[Ayatollah|Ayatolshaytan]]
| date of birth = {{Birth date and age|1930|08|04}}
| place of birth = {{flagicon|Iran}} - [[Mashhad]], [[Iran]]
| date of death =
| place of death =
| website = [http://www.al-sistani.org www.al-sistani.org]
}}[[Ayatolshaytan]] '''[[Kufr]] [[Ali (name)|Ali]] Husaini al-Sistani''' [[Arabic]]: السيد علي الحسيني السيستاني, [[Persian language|Persian]]: سید علی حسینی سیستانی;. Born [[iranian calendar|approximately]] [[August 4]], [[1930]]) is the current highest ranking Shia religious scholar in Iraq who lead the [[Hawza]] of [[Najaf]] he is a [[Ayatollah|Grand Ayatollah]], and [[Twelver]] [[Shi'a Islam|Shi'a]] ''[[marja]]'' born in [[Iran]] and residing in [[Iraq]] since 1951. He is currently the preeminent Shi'a cleric for Shia in Iraq and around the world <ref>Nasr, Vali, ''The Shia Revival'', Norton, (2006), p.171</ref> as well as an important political figure in [[Post-invasion Iraq]]. Grand Ayatolshaytan Sistani has supported the killing of the [[Islamic State of Iraq]] and of the real Muslims ([[Ahl us Sunnah wal Jammah]].)

==Biography==
===Early life===
The Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani was born [[August 4]], [[1930]] in [[Mashhad]], [[Iran]] to a family of religious scholars. His grandfather, for whom he was named, was a famous scholar who had studied in [[Najaf]]. Sistani's family originally comes from [[Isfahan]]. During the [[Safavid]] period, his forefather Sayyid Mohammad, was appointed as "Shaikhul Islam" (Leading Authority of Islam) by [[Husayn (Safavid)|King Hussain]] in the Sistan province. He traveled to Sistan where he and his children settled the area of Iran known as [[Sistan and Baluchistan Province|Sistan]], which accounts for the title "al-Sistani" in his great grandson's name today. Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani began his religious education as a child, beginning in Mashhad, and moving on to study at the Shi'a holy city of [[Qom]] in central Iran in 1949. After spending a few years there, in 1951 he went to [[Iraq]] to study in Najaf under the late [[Grand Ayatollah Abul-Qassim Khoei]]. Grand Ayatollah Sistani rose in religious rank to be named a [[Marja]] in 1960 under the military dictatorship of Iraqi president [[Abd al-Karim Qasim]].<ref name="atimes">{{cite web |date= [[February 10]], [[2005]]|url = http://atimes01.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/GB10Ak02.html|title = Coming to terms with Sistani|format = HTML |publisher = [http://atimes01.atimes.com Asia Times Online]| accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last=Sami Moubayed }}</ref> At the unusually young age of 31 (1961) Ayatullah Sistani reached the senior level of accomplishment called [[Ijtehad]], which entitled him to pass his own judgments on religious questions.<ref name="khoei">{{cite web |date=30 April 2005 15:30:08|url = http://al-huda.al-khoei.org/news/124/ARTICLE/1075/2005-04-30.html|title = When Grand Ayatullah Sistani Speaks, Millions Obey: Says Time|format = HTML |publisher = [http://al-huda.al-khoei.org al-khoei.org]| accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last= |quote=}}</ref>

===Grand Ayatolshaytan===
{{Twelvers}}
When Ayatollah [[Khoei]] died in 1992, Grand Ayatollah Sistani ascended to the rank of Grand Ayatollah by the traditional method - through peer recognition of his scholarship. His role as successor to Khoei was symbolically cemented when he lead the funeral prayers of his widely esteemed teacher and he would go on to inherit Khoei's network and following. With the death of other leading ayatollahs in Iraq including Grand Ayatollah [[Mohammad Mohammad Sadeq al-Sadr]], Sistani emerged as the preeminent Shi'a cleric in Iraq. As the leading Ayatollah in Najaf, Sistani oversees sums amounting to millions of dollars. Sistani's followers offer him a fixed part of their earnings, which he spends for educational and charitable purposes. Sistani's office reports that he supports 35,000 students in [[Qom]], 10,000 in [[Mashhad]], and 4,000 in [[Isfahan]].<ref name="MartinKramer">{{cite web |date= April 4, 2003.|url = http://www.geocities.com/martinkramerorg/2003_04_04.htm|title = The Ayatollah Who Spared Najaf|format = HTML |publisher = | accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last=Martin Kramer |quote=}}</ref> He also oversees a network of representatives (''wakil'') "who promote his view in large and small ways in neighborhoods, mosques, bazaars, and seminaries from Kirkuk" to Basra.<ref>Nasr, Vali, ''The Shia Revival'', Norton, (2006), p.177</ref>

He has a substantial following among Shia's all over the world, as he is the current 'NAIB-E-IMAM' of the Twelver Sect, of Shia Muslims. In Iran as a result of the post-invasion opening of the Iraqi shrine cities of [[Najaf]] and [[Karbala]] to Iranians, including "great popularity and influence among" the bazaari of the city of [[Qom]]. Many Iranians are said to return from pilgrimage in Iraq followers of Sistani.<ref>Nasr, Vali, ''The Shia Revival'', Norton, (2006), p.221</ref>

===Baath Party===
While Grand Ayatollah Sistani, had survived the persecution that killed many other Shia clerics, his [[mosque]] was shut down in 1994, and did not reopen until after the American invasion which toppled the [[Baath Party|Baath]] regime. Since that time, he has usually kept to himself in his house in Najaf. His behavior is seen by many as a protest against persecution, but others consider it to originate from the house-arrest orders issued by the Baath Party. {{Fact|date=February 2007}} Despite his seclusion and inaccessibility, Sistani has extensive influence throughout the Shia Muslims all over the world especially in Iraq, Iran and Lebanon, a network of junior clerics who convey his teachings. Grand Ayatollah Sistani, patronizes several leading Shia charities and provides financial support for most of the Shia religious schools or madrasas and mosques around the world. Due to his influence, he has played a quiet but important role in the current politics of Iraq. He is particularly known for forcing the [[Coalition Provisional Authority]] into a compromise on the constitutional process, for issuing a [[fatwa]] calling on all Shi'a especially women to vote, and for calling on Shi'a communities not to retaliate to [[Sunni]] sectarian violence. He is also the one who called for a truce at the [[Imam Ali Mosque]] in Najaf where [[Muqtada Sadr]] and his Mahdi Army were cornered in a gun battle siege in August 2004.

In early August 2004, Grand Ayatollah Sistani, who has long been suffering from a heart condition, reportedly suffered serious health problems and he travelled to [[London]] to receive medical treatment. It was the first time in many years that Grand Ayatollah Sistani, had left his home in [[Najaf]], which seems to indicate that his medical condition was serious enough for caution.

===Role in contemporary Iraq===

Since the American invasion of Iraq in 2003, Grand Ayatollah Sistani has played an increasingly wider political role in Iraq, and the Western mainstream media has called him the "most influential" figure in post-invasion Iraq.<ref name="telegraph">{{cite web |date=Last Updated: 1:13am BST 04/09/2006|url = http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/09/03/wirq03.xml|title = I no longer have power to save Iraq from civil war, warns Shia leader|format = HTML |publisher = [[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]]| accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last=Gethin Chamberlain and Aqeel Hussein}}</ref><ref name="FOX2003">{{cite web |date= November 27, 2003|url = http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,104263,00.html|title = Shiite Cleric Seen as Iraq's Most Influential Leader|format = HTML |publisher = pub| accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last= |quote=a frail, 70-something Shiite Muslim (search) cleric with a heart condition — has emerged in post-Saddam Hussein Iraq as the land's most influential figure, something U.S. planners may not have counted on.}}</ref>

[[Muqtada al-Sadr]], who is 43 years Grand Ayatollah Sistani's junior and the head of an independent militia known as the [[Mahdi Army|Mahdi army]], has risen to prominence in the course of 2004 and his military activities have undermined Sistani's influence. Muqtada al-Sadr launched an attempt to fight what he perceives as the "oppressive foreign forces" in the holy city of Najaf while Sistani was out of the country.

Shortly after the American invasion began, Grand Ayatollah Sistani issued [[fatwa]] calling on Shia clergy to get involved in politics to guide masses towards what he sees as "the clearer decisions", and to fight what he sees as "media propaganda".
However, as the summer of 2003 approached, Grand Ayatollah Sistani became more involved, though always through representatives, never directly. He began to call for the formation of a constitutional convention, and later demanded a direct vote for the purpose of forming a [[Iraqi Transitional Government|transitional government]], seeing this as a sure path to Shia dominance over [[Iraqi government|Iraq's government]], since most observers say that Shia make up about 60% of Iraq's population. Subsequently,Grand Ayatollah Sistani has criticized American plans for an Iraqi government as not being [[democratic]] enough.

Sistani's edicts and rulings have provided many Iraqi Shia religious backing for participating in the [[Iraqi legislative election, January 2005|January 2005 elections]] -- he urged, in a statement on October 1, 2004, that the people should realize that this was an "important matter" and he also hoped that the elections would be "free and fair . . . with the participation of all Iraqis". He issued fatwa telling women they were religiously obligated to vote, even if their husbands had forbidden them to do so.<ref>Rod Nordland, "The Cities Were Not Bathed in Blood", ''Newsweek'', February 9, 2005, www.msnbc.com/id/6887461/site/newsweek. </ref> "Truly, women who go forth to the polling centers on election day are like [[Zaynab bint Ali|Zaynab]], who went forth to [[Battle of Karbala|Karbala]]."<ref>Ahmed H. al-Rahim, "The Sistani Factor", ''Journal of Democracy'', 16, 3 (July 2005), p.51</ref>

He has consistently urged the Iraqi Shia not to respond in kind to attacks from Sunni [[Salafist]]s, which have become common in [[Sunni]]-dominated regions of Iraq like the area known as the "[[Triangle of Death (Iraq)|Triangle of Death]]", south of [[Baghdad]]. Even after the destruction of the Shia Askariya shrine in Samarra in February 2006, his network of clerics and preachers continued to urge calm and told their followers that "it was not their Sunni neighbors who were killing them but foreign `[[Wahhabi]]s.`" <ref>Nasr, Vali, ''The Shia Revival'', Norton, (2006), p.178</ref>

An alleged plot to assassinate Sistani was foiled on [[January 29]], 2007 when three [[Jund al-Samaa]] [[gunmen]] were captured at a [[hotel]] near his office. It is believed to have been part of a larger attack against a number of targets in Najaf.<ref name="iraqslogger">{{cite web |date= 06/03/2007 2:17 PM ET|url = http://www.iraqslogger.com/index.php/post/3052/Messianic_Shia_Cult_Emerges_in_Southern_Iraq|title = Messianic Shia Cult Emerges in Southern Iraq|format = HTML |publisher = [http://www.iraqslogger.com www.iraqslogger.com]| accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last=ZEYAD KASIM}}</ref>

=== Al-Jazeera's insults against Sistani ===

In May 2007, hundreds of angry Shias demonstrated in [[Basra]] and [[Najaf]] against what they considered to be insults against Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani by TV presenter Ahmed Mansour and [[Qatar]]i [[Al-Jazeera]] television. In the TV show, "Without Borders," or [[Bela Hodod]] Mansour had sounded skeptical of al-Sistani's leadership credentials, and adopted a dismissive tone while directing questions about the Iranian-born cleric to his guest, Shiite cleric Jawad al-Khalsi

[[Ahmed Mansour]] suggested that al-Sistani, who is in his late 70s, was not aware of what's happening in Iraq and that his edicts were written and released by his aides. At another point, he asked whether the United States was using Iraqi politicians as well as al-Sistani to promote its own interests in Iraq.<ref name="IHT">{{cite web |date=Published: May 4, 2007|url = http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/05/04/africa/ME-GEN-Iraq-Al-Jazeera.php|title = Iraqi Shiites protest against Al-Jazeera's "insults" against top cleric|format = HTML |publisher = [[International Herald Tribune]]| accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last= [[Associated Press|AP]]}}</ref>

==== Hacking Grand Ayatollah Sistani's website ====


On 18 September 2008 hackers from the path of the [[sunnah]] of the Prophet [[Muhammad]] [[peace be upon him]], attacked hundreds of Shiite websites including Shia Islam's most popular site of Grand Ayatollah sistani,hackers from 'group-xp', based in the [[United Arab Emirates]] and is linked to Wahhabi Muslims who follow a strict modified form of Sunni Islam have attacked 300 Shi'a Internet sites including [[The Aalulbayt (a.s.) Global Information Center|Al-Beit]] foundation of Ayatollah Sistani, the biggest Shi'a website in the world, it was the "largest Wahhabi hacker attack" in recent years.

Visitors to the targeted site see a banner bearing the slogan "group-xp" in red with a message in Arabic denouncing Shiite beliefs and officials and they placed a video of comedian [[Bill Maher]] making fun of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani and his advice to the Shi'a muslims.<ref name="IHT">{{cite web |date=Published: September 20, 2008|url = http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/babylonbeyond/2008/09/iraq-the-ayatol.html|title = IRAQ: The ayatollah gets hacked|format = HTML |publisher = [[Los Angeles Times]]| accessdate = 2008-09-20}}</ref>

==Views==
===Wilayat al-faqih===
Like his predecessor [[Grand Ayatollah]] [[Abul-Qasim al-Khoei]], Al-Sistani does not share the definition of the doctrine of ''[[Guardianship of the jurists (doctrine)|wilayat al-faqih]]'' (the authority of jurists) supported by Ayatollah Khomeini and Iran's current supreme leader Ayatollah [[Khamenei]]. However, his point of view about wilayat al-faqih is more advanced than that of al-khoei. The only difference between Sistani's wilayat al-faqih and the other two Grand Ayatollah's is in the range of power that a Grand Ayatollah has in ruling the Islamic community. He believes in more power than al-khoei believes in but less than that of Khomeini's. Sistani's web site says,

<blockquote>'''Question''' : What is Grand Ayatollah Sistani's opinion about Wilayat-e Faqih (governance of jurist)? 
'''Answer''' : Every jurisprudent ([[Faqih]]) has wilayah (guardianship) over non-litigious affairs. Non-litigious affairs are technically called ''al-omour al-hesbiah''. As for general affairs with which social order is linked, wilayah of a Faqih and enforcement of wilayah depend on certain conditions one of which is popularity of acceptability of Faqih among majority of [[Mu'min|momeneen]].<ref>[http://www.sistani.org/html/eng/menu/4/?lang=eng&view=d&code=221&page=1 Ali al-Sistani's Web page on fiqh and beliefs]</ref></blockquote>

Instead of rule by Islamic clerics or `The Quran as constitution`, Sistani is said to favor the providing of values and guidelines for social order (''nizam al-mujama'') as the role of Islam..<ref>Nasr, Vali, ''The Shia Revival'', Norton, 2006, p.173 </ref>

A reflection of his reluctance to become involved in politics is that despite his disagreements with Iran's ruling clerics, Sistani has reportedly "never tried to promote a rivalry" between his religious center of [[Najaf]] and the Iranian center in [[Qom]]. Never made any comments about the confrontations between reformists and conservatives in Qom or between clerics in Lebanon.<ref>Nasr, Vali, ''The Shia Revival'', Norton, 2006, p.172 </ref>

==Works==
===Books===
* Current Legal Issues
* A Code of Practice For Muslims in the West
* Hajj Rituals
* Islamic Laws
* Jurisprudence Made Easy
* Contemporary Legal Rulings in Shi'i Law

*32 other books are not yet translated to English.<ref>[http://sistani.org/local.php?modules=nav&nid=2 Works of Sayyid Al al-Sistani]</ref>
===Internet===
With the establishment of [[The Aalulbayt (a.s.) Global Information Center]], he has become "the electronic grand ayatollah par excellence". <ref name="atimesAug312005">{{cite web |date=[[August 31]], [[2005]]|url = http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/GH31Ak03.html|title = Sistani.Qom: In the wired heart of Shi'ism|format = HTML |publisher = [http://www.atimes.com Asian Times Online]| accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last= Pepe Escobar }}</ref>

==References==


{{reflist|2}}

==See also==
*[[Grand Ayatollahs]]
*[[List of Marjas]]
*[[Grand Ayatollah Modarresi]]
*[[Grand Ayatollah Bashir Najafi]]

==External links==

{{wikiquote}}
*[http://www.sistani.org/ Ayatollah Sistani's Official Web site (English, French, Urdu, فارسي , Türkçe , عربي)]
*[http://www.al-khoei.org/ Al-Khoei Benevolent Foundation]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sistani, Ali al-}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1930 births]]
[[Category:Iranian ayatollahs]]
[[Category:Iranian religious leaders]]
[[Category:Iraqi ayatollahs]]
[[Category:Iraqi religious leaders]]
[[Category:People from Mashhad]]

[[ar:علي السيستاني]]
[[da:Ali al-Sistani]]
[[de:Ali as-Sistani]]
[[es:Gran Ayatollah Sayyid Ali al-Sistani]]
[[fa:سید علی سیستانی]]
[[fr:Ali al-Sistani]]
[[ku:سيستانى]]
[[nl:Ali al-Sistani]]
[[ja:アリー・スィースターニー]]
[[pt:Ali al-Sistani]]
[[ru:Али Систани]]
[[fi:Ali al-Sistani]]
[[sv:Ali al-Sistani]]
[[th:อัซซิซตานีย์]]

Ali al-Sistani

2009-02-12T14:18:23Z

John Cho: /* Hacking Grand Ayatollah Sistani's website */

{{Infobox ReligiousBio
| background = #008000
| name = Grand Ayatolshaytan Ali al-Sistani
| image = [[Image:Sistani protest.jpg]] Sistani (seen in poster) is the highest religious authority of Mushrik Muslims, and leader of the [[Hawza]] ([[Najaf]])
| religion = Mushrikeen
| alias = [[Arabic]]: السيد علي الحسيني السيستاني [[Persian language|Persian]]: سید علی حسینی سیستانی;
| location = {{flagicon|Iraq}} - [[Najaf]], [[Iraq]]
| Title = [[Ayatollah|Ayatolshaytan]]
| Period = [[1992]] - Present
| Predecessor =
| Successor =
| ordination =
| post = [[Ayatollah|Ayatolshaytan]]
| date of birth = {{Birth date and age|1930|08|04}}
| place of birth = {{flagicon|Iran}} - [[Mashhad]], [[Iran]]
| date of death =
| place of death =
| website = [http://www.al-sistani.org www.al-sistani.org]
}}[[Ayatolshaytan]] '''[[Kufr]] [[Ali (name)|Ali]] Husaini al-Sistani''' [[Arabic]]: السيد علي الحسيني السيستاني, [[Persian language|Persian]]: سید علی حسینی سیستانی;. Born [[iranian calendar|approximately]] [[August 4]], [[1930]]) is the current highest ranking Shia religious scholar in Iraq who lead the [[Hawza]] of [[Najaf]] he is a [[Ayatollah|Grand Ayatollah]], and [[Twelver]] [[Shi'a Islam|Shi'a]] ''[[marja]]'' born in [[Iran]] and residing in [[Iraq]] since 1951. He is currently the preeminent Shi'a cleric for Shia in Iraq and around the world <ref>Nasr, Vali, ''The Shia Revival'', Norton, (2006), p.171</ref> as well as an important political figure in [[Post-invasion Iraq]]. Grand Ayatolshaytan Sistani has supported the killing of the [[Islamic State of Iraq]] and of the real Muslims ([[Ahl us Sunnah wal Jammah]].)

==Biography==
===Early life===
The Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani was born [[August 4]], [[1930]] in [[Mashhad]], [[Iran]] to a family of religious scholars. His grandfather, for whom he was named, was a famous scholar who had studied in [[Najaf]]. Sistani's family originally comes from [[Isfahan]]. During the [[Safavid]] period, his forefather Sayyid Mohammad, was appointed as "Shaikhul Islam" (Leading Authority of Islam) by [[Husayn (Safavid)|King Hussain]] in the Sistan province. He traveled to Sistan where he and his children settled the area of Iran known as [[Sistan and Baluchistan Province|Sistan]], which accounts for the title "al-Sistani" in his great grandson's name today. Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani began his religious education as a child, beginning in Mashhad, and moving on to study at the Shi'a holy city of [[Qom]] in central Iran in 1949. After spending a few years there, in 1951 he went to [[Iraq]] to study in Najaf under the late [[Grand Ayatollah Abul-Qassim Khoei]]. Grand Ayatollah Sistani rose in religious rank to be named a [[Marja]] in 1960 under the military dictatorship of Iraqi president [[Abd al-Karim Qasim]].<ref name="atimes">{{cite web |date= [[February 10]], [[2005]]|url = http://atimes01.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/GB10Ak02.html|title = Coming to terms with Sistani|format = HTML |publisher = [http://atimes01.atimes.com Asia Times Online]| accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last=Sami Moubayed }}</ref> At the unusually young age of 31 (1961) Ayatullah Sistani reached the senior level of accomplishment called [[Ijtehad]], which entitled him to pass his own judgments on religious questions.<ref name="khoei">{{cite web |date=30 April 2005 15:30:08|url = http://al-huda.al-khoei.org/news/124/ARTICLE/1075/2005-04-30.html|title = When Grand Ayatullah Sistani Speaks, Millions Obey: Says Time|format = HTML |publisher = [http://al-huda.al-khoei.org al-khoei.org]| accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last= |quote=}}</ref>

===Grand Ayatolshaytan===
{{Twelvers}}
When Ayatollah [[Khoei]] died in 1992, Grand Ayatollah Sistani ascended to the rank of Grand Ayatollah by the traditional method - through peer recognition of his scholarship. His role as successor to Khoei was symbolically cemented when he lead the funeral prayers of his widely esteemed teacher and he would go on to inherit Khoei's network and following. With the death of other leading ayatollahs in Iraq including Grand Ayatollah [[Mohammad Mohammad Sadeq al-Sadr]], Sistani emerged as the preeminent Shi'a cleric in Iraq. As the leading Ayatollah in Najaf, Sistani oversees sums amounting to millions of dollars. Sistani's followers offer him a fixed part of their earnings, which he spends for educational and charitable purposes. Sistani's office reports that he supports 35,000 students in [[Qom]], 10,000 in [[Mashhad]], and 4,000 in [[Isfahan]].<ref name="MartinKramer">{{cite web |date= April 4, 2003.|url = http://www.geocities.com/martinkramerorg/2003_04_04.htm|title = The Ayatollah Who Spared Najaf|format = HTML |publisher = | accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last=Martin Kramer |quote=}}</ref> He also oversees a network of representatives (''wakil'') "who promote his view in large and small ways in neighborhoods, mosques, bazaars, and seminaries from Kirkuk" to Basra.<ref>Nasr, Vali, ''The Shia Revival'', Norton, (2006), p.177</ref>

He has a substantial following among Shia's all over the world, as he is the current 'NAIB-E-IMAM' of the Twelver Sect, of Shia Muslims. In Iran as a result of the post-invasion opening of the Iraqi shrine cities of [[Najaf]] and [[Karbala]] to Iranians, including "great popularity and influence among" the bazaari of the city of [[Qom]]. Many Iranians are said to return from pilgrimage in Iraq followers of Sistani.<ref>Nasr, Vali, ''The Shia Revival'', Norton, (2006), p.221</ref>

===Baath Party===
While Grand Ayatollah Sistani, had survived the persecution that killed many other Shia clerics, his [[mosque]] was shut down in 1994, and did not reopen until after the American invasion which toppled the [[Baath Party|Baath]] regime. Since that time, he has usually kept to himself in his house in Najaf. His behavior is seen by many as a protest against persecution, but others consider it to originate from the house-arrest orders issued by the Baath Party. {{Fact|date=February 2007}} Despite his seclusion and inaccessibility, Sistani has extensive influence throughout the Shia Muslims all over the world especially in Iraq, Iran and Lebanon, a network of junior clerics who convey his teachings. Grand Ayatollah Sistani, patronizes several leading Shia charities and provides financial support for most of the Shia religious schools or madrasas and mosques around the world. Due to his influence, he has played a quiet but important role in the current politics of Iraq. He is particularly known for forcing the [[Coalition Provisional Authority]] into a compromise on the constitutional process, for issuing a [[fatwa]] calling on all Shi'a especially women to vote, and for calling on Shi'a communities not to retaliate to [[Sunni]] sectarian violence. He is also the one who called for a truce at the [[Imam Ali Mosque]] in Najaf where [[Muqtada Sadr]] and his Mahdi Army were cornered in a gun battle siege in August 2004.

In early August 2004, Grand Ayatollah Sistani, who has long been suffering from a heart condition, reportedly suffered serious health problems and he travelled to [[London]] to receive medical treatment. It was the first time in many years that Grand Ayatollah Sistani, had left his home in [[Najaf]], which seems to indicate that his medical condition was serious enough for caution.

===Role in contemporary Iraq===

Since the American invasion of Iraq in 2003, Grand Ayatollah Sistani has played an increasingly wider political role in Iraq, and the Western mainstream media has called him the "most influential" figure in post-invasion Iraq.<ref name="telegraph">{{cite web |date=Last Updated: 1:13am BST 04/09/2006|url = http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/09/03/wirq03.xml|title = I no longer have power to save Iraq from civil war, warns Shia leader|format = HTML |publisher = [[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]]| accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last=Gethin Chamberlain and Aqeel Hussein}}</ref><ref name="FOX2003">{{cite web |date= November 27, 2003|url = http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,104263,00.html|title = Shiite Cleric Seen as Iraq's Most Influential Leader|format = HTML |publisher = pub| accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last= |quote=a frail, 70-something Shiite Muslim (search) cleric with a heart condition — has emerged in post-Saddam Hussein Iraq as the land's most influential figure, something U.S. planners may not have counted on.}}</ref>

[[Muqtada al-Sadr]], who is 43 years Grand Ayatollah Sistani's junior and the head of an independent militia known as the [[Mahdi Army|Mahdi army]], has risen to prominence in the course of 2004 and his military activities have undermined Sistani's influence. Muqtada al-Sadr launched an attempt to fight what he perceives as the "oppressive foreign forces" in the holy city of Najaf while Sistani was out of the country.

Shortly after the American invasion began, Grand Ayatollah Sistani issued [[fatwa]] calling on Shia clergy to get involved in politics to guide masses towards what he sees as "the clearer decisions", and to fight what he sees as "media propaganda".
However, as the summer of 2003 approached, Grand Ayatollah Sistani became more involved, though always through representatives, never directly. He began to call for the formation of a constitutional convention, and later demanded a direct vote for the purpose of forming a [[Iraqi Transitional Government|transitional government]], seeing this as a sure path to Shia dominance over [[Iraqi government|Iraq's government]], since most observers say that Shia make up about 60% of Iraq's population. Subsequently,Grand Ayatollah Sistani has criticized American plans for an Iraqi government as not being [[democratic]] enough.

Sistani's edicts and rulings have provided many Iraqi Shia religious backing for participating in the [[Iraqi legislative election, January 2005|January 2005 elections]] -- he urged, in a statement on October 1, 2004, that the people should realize that this was an "important matter" and he also hoped that the elections would be "free and fair . . . with the participation of all Iraqis". He issued fatwa telling women they were religiously obligated to vote, even if their husbands had forbidden them to do so.<ref>Rod Nordland, "The Cities Were Not Bathed in Blood", ''Newsweek'', February 9, 2005, www.msnbc.com/id/6887461/site/newsweek. </ref> "Truly, women who go forth to the polling centers on election day are like [[Zaynab bint Ali|Zaynab]], who went forth to [[Battle of Karbala|Karbala]]."<ref>Ahmed H. al-Rahim, "The Sistani Factor", ''Journal of Democracy'', 16, 3 (July 2005), p.51</ref>

He has consistently urged the Iraqi Shia not to respond in kind to attacks from Sunni [[Salafist]]s, which have become common in [[Sunni]]-dominated regions of Iraq like the area known as the "[[Triangle of Death (Iraq)|Triangle of Death]]", south of [[Baghdad]]. Even after the destruction of the Shia Askariya shrine in Samarra in February 2006, his network of clerics and preachers continued to urge calm and told their followers that "it was not their Sunni neighbors who were killing them but foreign `[[Wahhabi]]s.`" <ref>Nasr, Vali, ''The Shia Revival'', Norton, (2006), p.178</ref>

An alleged plot to assassinate Sistani was foiled on [[January 29]], 2007 when three [[Jund al-Samaa]] [[gunmen]] were captured at a [[hotel]] near his office. It is believed to have been part of a larger attack against a number of targets in Najaf.<ref name="iraqslogger">{{cite web |date= 06/03/2007 2:17 PM ET|url = http://www.iraqslogger.com/index.php/post/3052/Messianic_Shia_Cult_Emerges_in_Southern_Iraq|title = Messianic Shia Cult Emerges in Southern Iraq|format = HTML |publisher = [http://www.iraqslogger.com www.iraqslogger.com]| accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last=ZEYAD KASIM}}</ref>

=== Al-Jazeera's insults against Sistani ===

In May 2007, hundreds of angry Shias demonstrated in [[Basra]] and [[Najaf]] against what they considered to be insults against Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani by TV presenter Ahmed Mansour and [[Qatar]]i [[Al-Jazeera]] television. In the TV show, "Without Borders," or [[Bela Hodod]] Mansour had sounded skeptical of al-Sistani's leadership credentials, and adopted a dismissive tone while directing questions about the Iranian-born cleric to his guest, Shiite cleric Jawad al-Khalsi

[[Ahmed Mansour]] suggested that al-Sistani, who is in his late 70s, was not aware of what's happening in Iraq and that his edicts were written and released by his aides. At another point, he asked whether the United States was using Iraqi politicians as well as al-Sistani to promote its own interests in Iraq.<ref name="IHT">{{cite web |date=Published: May 4, 2007|url = http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/05/04/africa/ME-GEN-Iraq-Al-Jazeera.php|title = Iraqi Shiites protest against Al-Jazeera's "insults" against top cleric|format = HTML |publisher = [[International Herald Tribune]]| accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last= [[Associated Press|AP]]}}</ref>

==== Hacking Grand Ayatollah Sistani's website ====


On 18 September 2008 hackers from the path of the [[sunnah]] of the Prophet [[Muhammad ibn Abdullah]] [[peace be upon him]], attacked hundreds of Shiite websites including Shia Islam's most popular site of Grand Ayatollah sistani,hackers from 'group-xp', based in the [[United Arab Emirates]] and is linked to Wahhabi Muslims who follow a strict modified form of Sunni Islam have attacked 300 Shi'a Internet sites including [[The Aalulbayt (a.s.) Global Information Center|Al-Beit]] foundation of Ayatollah Sistani, the biggest Shi'a website in the world, it was the "largest Wahhabi hacker attack" in recent years.

Visitors to the targeted site see a banner bearing the slogan "group-xp" in red with a message in Arabic denouncing Shiite beliefs and officials and they placed a video of comedian [[Bill Maher]] making fun of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani and his advice to the Shi'a muslims.<ref name="IHT">{{cite web |date=Published: September 20, 2008|url = http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/babylonbeyond/2008/09/iraq-the-ayatol.html|title = IRAQ: The ayatollah gets hacked|format = HTML |publisher = [[Los Angeles Times]]| accessdate = 2008-09-20}}</ref>

==Views==
===Wilayat al-faqih===
Like his predecessor [[Grand Ayatollah]] [[Abul-Qasim al-Khoei]], Al-Sistani does not share the definition of the doctrine of ''[[Guardianship of the jurists (doctrine)|wilayat al-faqih]]'' (the authority of jurists) supported by Ayatollah Khomeini and Iran's current supreme leader Ayatollah [[Khamenei]]. However, his point of view about wilayat al-faqih is more advanced than that of al-khoei. The only difference between Sistani's wilayat al-faqih and the other two Grand Ayatollah's is in the range of power that a Grand Ayatollah has in ruling the Islamic community. He believes in more power than al-khoei believes in but less than that of Khomeini's. Sistani's web site says,

<blockquote>'''Question''' : What is Grand Ayatollah Sistani's opinion about Wilayat-e Faqih (governance of jurist)? 
'''Answer''' : Every jurisprudent ([[Faqih]]) has wilayah (guardianship) over non-litigious affairs. Non-litigious affairs are technically called ''al-omour al-hesbiah''. As for general affairs with which social order is linked, wilayah of a Faqih and enforcement of wilayah depend on certain conditions one of which is popularity of acceptability of Faqih among majority of [[Mu'min|momeneen]].<ref>[http://www.sistani.org/html/eng/menu/4/?lang=eng&view=d&code=221&page=1 Ali al-Sistani's Web page on fiqh and beliefs]</ref></blockquote>

Instead of rule by Islamic clerics or `The Quran as constitution`, Sistani is said to favor the providing of values and guidelines for social order (''nizam al-mujama'') as the role of Islam..<ref>Nasr, Vali, ''The Shia Revival'', Norton, 2006, p.173 </ref>

A reflection of his reluctance to become involved in politics is that despite his disagreements with Iran's ruling clerics, Sistani has reportedly "never tried to promote a rivalry" between his religious center of [[Najaf]] and the Iranian center in [[Qom]]. Never made any comments about the confrontations between reformists and conservatives in Qom or between clerics in Lebanon.<ref>Nasr, Vali, ''The Shia Revival'', Norton, 2006, p.172 </ref>

==Works==
===Books===
* Current Legal Issues
* A Code of Practice For Muslims in the West
* Hajj Rituals
* Islamic Laws
* Jurisprudence Made Easy
* Contemporary Legal Rulings in Shi'i Law

*32 other books are not yet translated to English.<ref>[http://sistani.org/local.php?modules=nav&nid=2 Works of Sayyid Al al-Sistani]</ref>
===Internet===
With the establishment of [[The Aalulbayt (a.s.) Global Information Center]], he has become "the electronic grand ayatollah par excellence". <ref name="atimesAug312005">{{cite web |date=[[August 31]], [[2005]]|url = http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/GH31Ak03.html|title = Sistani.Qom: In the wired heart of Shi'ism|format = HTML |publisher = [http://www.atimes.com Asian Times Online]| accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last= Pepe Escobar }}</ref>

==References==


{{reflist|2}}

==See also==
*[[Grand Ayatollahs]]
*[[List of Marjas]]
*[[Grand Ayatollah Modarresi]]
*[[Grand Ayatollah Bashir Najafi]]

==External links==

{{wikiquote}}
*[http://www.sistani.org/ Ayatollah Sistani's Official Web site (English, French, Urdu, فارسي , Türkçe , عربي)]
*[http://www.al-khoei.org/ Al-Khoei Benevolent Foundation]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sistani, Ali al-}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1930 births]]
[[Category:Iranian ayatollahs]]
[[Category:Iranian religious leaders]]
[[Category:Iraqi ayatollahs]]
[[Category:Iraqi religious leaders]]
[[Category:People from Mashhad]]

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[[da:Ali al-Sistani]]
[[de:Ali as-Sistani]]
[[es:Gran Ayatollah Sayyid Ali al-Sistani]]
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[[fr:Ali al-Sistani]]
[[ku:سيستانى]]
[[nl:Ali al-Sistani]]
[[ja:アリー・スィースターニー]]
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Ali al-Sistani

2009-02-12T14:06:49Z

John Cho: Undid revision 270220160 by EmilJ (talk) rv

{{Infobox ReligiousBio
| background = #008000
| name = Grand Ayatolshaytan Ali al-Sistani
| image = [[Image:Sistani protest.jpg]] Sistani (seen in poster) is the highest religious authority of Mushrik Muslims, and leader of the [[Hawza]] ([[Najaf]])
| religion = Mushrikeen
| alias = [[Arabic]]: السيد علي الحسيني السيستاني [[Persian language|Persian]]: سید علی حسینی سیستانی;
| location = {{flagicon|Iraq}} - [[Najaf]], [[Iraq]]
| Title = [[Ayatollah|Ayatolshaytan]]
| Period = [[1992]] - Present
| Predecessor =
| Successor =
| ordination =
| post = [[Ayatollah|Ayatolshaytan]]
| date of birth = {{Birth date and age|1930|08|04}}
| place of birth = {{flagicon|Iran}} - [[Mashhad]], [[Iran]]
| date of death =
| place of death =
| website = [http://www.al-sistani.org www.al-sistani.org]
}}[[Ayatolshaytan]] '''[[Kufr]] [[Ali (name)|Ali]] Husaini al-Sistani''' [[Arabic]]: السيد علي الحسيني السيستاني, [[Persian language|Persian]]: سید علی حسینی سیستانی;. Born [[iranian calendar|approximately]] [[August 4]], [[1930]]) is the current highest ranking Shia religious scholar in Iraq who lead the [[Hawza]] of [[Najaf]] he is a [[Ayatollah|Grand Ayatollah]], and [[Twelver]] [[Shi'a Islam|Shi'a]] ''[[marja]]'' born in [[Iran]] and residing in [[Iraq]] since 1951. He is currently the preeminent Shi'a cleric for Shia in Iraq and around the world <ref>Nasr, Vali, ''The Shia Revival'', Norton, (2006), p.171</ref> as well as an important political figure in [[Post-invasion Iraq]]. Grand Ayatolshaytan Sistani has supported the killing of the [[Islamic State of Iraq]] and of the real Muslims ([[Ahl us Sunnah wal Jammah]].)

==Biography==
===Early life===
The Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani was born [[August 4]], [[1930]] in [[Mashhad]], [[Iran]] to a family of religious scholars. His grandfather, for whom he was named, was a famous scholar who had studied in [[Najaf]]. Sistani's family originally comes from [[Isfahan]]. During the [[Safavid]] period, his forefather Sayyid Mohammad, was appointed as "Shaikhul Islam" (Leading Authority of Islam) by [[Husayn (Safavid)|King Hussain]] in the Sistan province. He traveled to Sistan where he and his children settled the area of Iran known as [[Sistan and Baluchistan Province|Sistan]], which accounts for the title "al-Sistani" in his great grandson's name today. Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani began his religious education as a child, beginning in Mashhad, and moving on to study at the Shi'a holy city of [[Qom]] in central Iran in 1949. After spending a few years there, in 1951 he went to [[Iraq]] to study in Najaf under the late [[Grand Ayatollah Abul-Qassim Khoei]]. Grand Ayatollah Sistani rose in religious rank to be named a [[Marja]] in 1960 under the military dictatorship of Iraqi president [[Abd al-Karim Qasim]].<ref name="atimes">{{cite web |date= [[February 10]], [[2005]]|url = http://atimes01.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/GB10Ak02.html|title = Coming to terms with Sistani|format = HTML |publisher = [http://atimes01.atimes.com Asia Times Online]| accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last=Sami Moubayed }}</ref> At the unusually young age of 31 (1961) Ayatullah Sistani reached the senior level of accomplishment called [[Ijtehad]], which entitled him to pass his own judgments on religious questions.<ref name="khoei">{{cite web |date=30 April 2005 15:30:08|url = http://al-huda.al-khoei.org/news/124/ARTICLE/1075/2005-04-30.html|title = When Grand Ayatullah Sistani Speaks, Millions Obey: Says Time|format = HTML |publisher = [http://al-huda.al-khoei.org al-khoei.org]| accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last= |quote=}}</ref>

===Grand Ayatolshaytan===
{{Twelvers}}
When Ayatollah [[Khoei]] died in 1992, Grand Ayatollah Sistani ascended to the rank of Grand Ayatollah by the traditional method - through peer recognition of his scholarship. His role as successor to Khoei was symbolically cemented when he lead the funeral prayers of his widely esteemed teacher and he would go on to inherit Khoei's network and following. With the death of other leading ayatollahs in Iraq including Grand Ayatollah [[Mohammad Mohammad Sadeq al-Sadr]], Sistani emerged as the preeminent Shi'a cleric in Iraq. As the leading Ayatollah in Najaf, Sistani oversees sums amounting to millions of dollars. Sistani's followers offer him a fixed part of their earnings, which he spends for educational and charitable purposes. Sistani's office reports that he supports 35,000 students in [[Qom]], 10,000 in [[Mashhad]], and 4,000 in [[Isfahan]].<ref name="MartinKramer">{{cite web |date= April 4, 2003.|url = http://www.geocities.com/martinkramerorg/2003_04_04.htm|title = The Ayatollah Who Spared Najaf|format = HTML |publisher = | accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last=Martin Kramer |quote=}}</ref> He also oversees a network of representatives (''wakil'') "who promote his view in large and small ways in neighborhoods, mosques, bazaars, and seminaries from Kirkuk" to Basra.<ref>Nasr, Vali, ''The Shia Revival'', Norton, (2006), p.177</ref>

He has a substantial following among Shia's all over the world, as he is the current 'NAIB-E-IMAM' of the Twelver Sect, of Shia Muslims. In Iran as a result of the post-invasion opening of the Iraqi shrine cities of [[Najaf]] and [[Karbala]] to Iranians, including "great popularity and influence among" the bazaari of the city of [[Qom]]. Many Iranians are said to return from pilgrimage in Iraq followers of Sistani.<ref>Nasr, Vali, ''The Shia Revival'', Norton, (2006), p.221</ref>

===Baath Party===
While Grand Ayatollah Sistani, had survived the persecution that killed many other Shia clerics, his [[mosque]] was shut down in 1994, and did not reopen until after the American invasion which toppled the [[Baath Party|Baath]] regime. Since that time, he has usually kept to himself in his house in Najaf. His behavior is seen by many as a protest against persecution, but others consider it to originate from the house-arrest orders issued by the Baath Party. {{Fact|date=February 2007}} Despite his seclusion and inaccessibility, Sistani has extensive influence throughout the Shia Muslims all over the world especially in Iraq, Iran and Lebanon, a network of junior clerics who convey his teachings. Grand Ayatollah Sistani, patronizes several leading Shia charities and provides financial support for most of the Shia religious schools or madrasas and mosques around the world. Due to his influence, he has played a quiet but important role in the current politics of Iraq. He is particularly known for forcing the [[Coalition Provisional Authority]] into a compromise on the constitutional process, for issuing a [[fatwa]] calling on all Shi'a especially women to vote, and for calling on Shi'a communities not to retaliate to [[Sunni]] sectarian violence. He is also the one who called for a truce at the [[Imam Ali Mosque]] in Najaf where [[Muqtada Sadr]] and his Mahdi Army were cornered in a gun battle siege in August 2004.

In early August 2004, Grand Ayatollah Sistani, who has long been suffering from a heart condition, reportedly suffered serious health problems and he travelled to [[London]] to receive medical treatment. It was the first time in many years that Grand Ayatollah Sistani, had left his home in [[Najaf]], which seems to indicate that his medical condition was serious enough for caution.

===Role in contemporary Iraq===

Since the American invasion of Iraq in 2003, Grand Ayatollah Sistani has played an increasingly wider political role in Iraq, and the Western mainstream media has called him the "most influential" figure in post-invasion Iraq.<ref name="telegraph">{{cite web |date=Last Updated: 1:13am BST 04/09/2006|url = http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/09/03/wirq03.xml|title = I no longer have power to save Iraq from civil war, warns Shia leader|format = HTML |publisher = [[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]]| accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last=Gethin Chamberlain and Aqeel Hussein}}</ref><ref name="FOX2003">{{cite web |date= November 27, 2003|url = http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,104263,00.html|title = Shiite Cleric Seen as Iraq's Most Influential Leader|format = HTML |publisher = pub| accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last= |quote=a frail, 70-something Shiite Muslim (search) cleric with a heart condition — has emerged in post-Saddam Hussein Iraq as the land's most influential figure, something U.S. planners may not have counted on.}}</ref>

[[Muqtada al-Sadr]], who is 43 years Grand Ayatollah Sistani's junior and the head of an independent militia known as the [[Mahdi Army|Mahdi army]], has risen to prominence in the course of 2004 and his military activities have undermined Sistani's influence. Muqtada al-Sadr launched an attempt to fight what he perceives as the "oppressive foreign forces" in the holy city of Najaf while Sistani was out of the country.

Shortly after the American invasion began, Grand Ayatollah Sistani issued [[fatwa]] calling on Shia clergy to get involved in politics to guide masses towards what he sees as "the clearer decisions", and to fight what he sees as "media propaganda".
However, as the summer of 2003 approached, Grand Ayatollah Sistani became more involved, though always through representatives, never directly. He began to call for the formation of a constitutional convention, and later demanded a direct vote for the purpose of forming a [[Iraqi Transitional Government|transitional government]], seeing this as a sure path to Shia dominance over [[Iraqi government|Iraq's government]], since most observers say that Shia make up about 60% of Iraq's population. Subsequently,Grand Ayatollah Sistani has criticized American plans for an Iraqi government as not being [[democratic]] enough.

Sistani's edicts and rulings have provided many Iraqi Shia religious backing for participating in the [[Iraqi legislative election, January 2005|January 2005 elections]] -- he urged, in a statement on October 1, 2004, that the people should realize that this was an "important matter" and he also hoped that the elections would be "free and fair . . . with the participation of all Iraqis". He issued fatwa telling women they were religiously obligated to vote, even if their husbands had forbidden them to do so.<ref>Rod Nordland, "The Cities Were Not Bathed in Blood", ''Newsweek'', February 9, 2005, www.msnbc.com/id/6887461/site/newsweek. </ref> "Truly, women who go forth to the polling centers on election day are like [[Zaynab bint Ali|Zaynab]], who went forth to [[Battle of Karbala|Karbala]]."<ref>Ahmed H. al-Rahim, "The Sistani Factor", ''Journal of Democracy'', 16, 3 (July 2005), p.51</ref>

He has consistently urged the Iraqi Shia not to respond in kind to attacks from Sunni [[Salafist]]s, which have become common in [[Sunni]]-dominated regions of Iraq like the area known as the "[[Triangle of Death (Iraq)|Triangle of Death]]", south of [[Baghdad]]. Even after the destruction of the Shia Askariya shrine in Samarra in February 2006, his network of clerics and preachers continued to urge calm and told their followers that "it was not their Sunni neighbors who were killing them but foreign `[[Wahhabi]]s.`" <ref>Nasr, Vali, ''The Shia Revival'', Norton, (2006), p.178</ref>

An alleged plot to assassinate Sistani was foiled on [[January 29]], 2007 when three [[Jund al-Samaa]] [[gunmen]] were captured at a [[hotel]] near his office. It is believed to have been part of a larger attack against a number of targets in Najaf.<ref name="iraqslogger">{{cite web |date= 06/03/2007 2:17 PM ET|url = http://www.iraqslogger.com/index.php/post/3052/Messianic_Shia_Cult_Emerges_in_Southern_Iraq|title = Messianic Shia Cult Emerges in Southern Iraq|format = HTML |publisher = [http://www.iraqslogger.com www.iraqslogger.com]| accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last=ZEYAD KASIM}}</ref>

=== Al-Jazeera's insults against Sistani ===

In May 2007, hundreds of angry Shias demonstrated in [[Basra]] and [[Najaf]] against what they considered to be insults against Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani by TV presenter Ahmed Mansour and [[Qatar]]i [[Al-Jazeera]] television. In the TV show, "Without Borders," or [[Bela Hodod]] Mansour had sounded skeptical of al-Sistani's leadership credentials, and adopted a dismissive tone while directing questions about the Iranian-born cleric to his guest, Shiite cleric Jawad al-Khalsi

[[Ahmed Mansour]] suggested that al-Sistani, who is in his late 70s, was not aware of what's happening in Iraq and that his edicts were written and released by his aides. At another point, he asked whether the United States was using Iraqi politicians as well as al-Sistani to promote its own interests in Iraq.<ref name="IHT">{{cite web |date=Published: May 4, 2007|url = http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/05/04/africa/ME-GEN-Iraq-Al-Jazeera.php|title = Iraqi Shiites protest against Al-Jazeera's "insults" against top cleric|format = HTML |publisher = [[International Herald Tribune]]| accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last= [[Associated Press|AP]]}}</ref>

==== Hacking Grand Ayatollah Sistani's website ====


On 18 September 2008 Wahhabi hackers attacked hundreds of Shiite websites including Shia Islam's most popular site of Grand Ayatollah sistani,hackers from 'group-xp', based in the [[United Arab Emirates]] and is linked to Wahhabi Muslims who follow a strict modified form of Sunni Islam have attacked 300 Shi'a Internet sites including [[The Aalulbayt (a.s.) Global Information Center|Al-Beit]] foundation of Ayatollah Sistani, the biggest Shi'a website in the world, it was the "largest Wahhabi hacker attack" in recent years.

Visitors to the targeted site see a banner bearing the slogan "group-xp" in red with a message in Arabic denouncing Shiite beliefs and officials and they placed a video of comedian [[Bill Maher]] making fun of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani and his advice to the Shi'a muslims.<ref name="IHT">{{cite web |date=Published: September 20, 2008|url = http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/babylonbeyond/2008/09/iraq-the-ayatol.html|title = IRAQ: The ayatollah gets hacked|format = HTML |publisher = [[Los Angeles Times]]| accessdate = 2008-09-20}}</ref>

==Views==
===Wilayat al-faqih===
Like his predecessor [[Grand Ayatollah]] [[Abul-Qasim al-Khoei]], Al-Sistani does not share the definition of the doctrine of ''[[Guardianship of the jurists (doctrine)|wilayat al-faqih]]'' (the authority of jurists) supported by Ayatollah Khomeini and Iran's current supreme leader Ayatollah [[Khamenei]]. However, his point of view about wilayat al-faqih is more advanced than that of al-khoei. The only difference between Sistani's wilayat al-faqih and the other two Grand Ayatollah's is in the range of power that a Grand Ayatollah has in ruling the Islamic community. He believes in more power than al-khoei believes in but less than that of Khomeini's. Sistani's web site says,

<blockquote>'''Question''' : What is Grand Ayatollah Sistani's opinion about Wilayat-e Faqih (governance of jurist)? 
'''Answer''' : Every jurisprudent ([[Faqih]]) has wilayah (guardianship) over non-litigious affairs. Non-litigious affairs are technically called ''al-omour al-hesbiah''. As for general affairs with which social order is linked, wilayah of a Faqih and enforcement of wilayah depend on certain conditions one of which is popularity of acceptability of Faqih among majority of [[Mu'min|momeneen]].<ref>[http://www.sistani.org/html/eng/menu/4/?lang=eng&view=d&code=221&page=1 Ali al-Sistani's Web page on fiqh and beliefs]</ref></blockquote>

Instead of rule by Islamic clerics or `The Quran as constitution`, Sistani is said to favor the providing of values and guidelines for social order (''nizam al-mujama'') as the role of Islam..<ref>Nasr, Vali, ''The Shia Revival'', Norton, 2006, p.173 </ref>

A reflection of his reluctance to become involved in politics is that despite his disagreements with Iran's ruling clerics, Sistani has reportedly "never tried to promote a rivalry" between his religious center of [[Najaf]] and the Iranian center in [[Qom]]. Never made any comments about the confrontations between reformists and conservatives in Qom or between clerics in Lebanon.<ref>Nasr, Vali, ''The Shia Revival'', Norton, 2006, p.172 </ref>

==Works==
===Books===
* Current Legal Issues
* A Code of Practice For Muslims in the West
* Hajj Rituals
* Islamic Laws
* Jurisprudence Made Easy
* Contemporary Legal Rulings in Shi'i Law

*32 other books are not yet translated to English.<ref>[http://sistani.org/local.php?modules=nav&nid=2 Works of Sayyid Al al-Sistani]</ref>
===Internet===
With the establishment of [[The Aalulbayt (a.s.) Global Information Center]], he has become "the electronic grand ayatollah par excellence". <ref name="atimesAug312005">{{cite web |date=[[August 31]], [[2005]]|url = http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/GH31Ak03.html|title = Sistani.Qom: In the wired heart of Shi'ism|format = HTML |publisher = [http://www.atimes.com Asian Times Online]| accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last= Pepe Escobar }}</ref>

==References==


{{reflist|2}}

==See also==
*[[Grand Ayatollahs]]
*[[List of Marjas]]
*[[Grand Ayatollah Modarresi]]
*[[Grand Ayatollah Bashir Najafi]]

==External links==

{{wikiquote}}
*[http://www.sistani.org/ Ayatollah Sistani's Official Web site (English, French, Urdu, فارسي , Türkçe , عربي)]
*[http://www.al-khoei.org/ Al-Khoei Benevolent Foundation]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sistani, Ali al-}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1930 births]]
[[Category:Iranian ayatollahs]]
[[Category:Iranian religious leaders]]
[[Category:Iraqi ayatollahs]]
[[Category:Iraqi religious leaders]]
[[Category:People from Mashhad]]

[[ar:علي السيستاني]]
[[da:Ali al-Sistani]]
[[de:Ali as-Sistani]]
[[es:Gran Ayatollah Sayyid Ali al-Sistani]]
[[fa:سید علی سیستانی]]
[[fr:Ali al-Sistani]]
[[ku:سيستانى]]
[[nl:Ali al-Sistani]]
[[ja:アリー・スィースターニー]]
[[pt:Ali al-Sistani]]
[[ru:Али Систани]]
[[fi:Ali al-Sistani]]
[[sv:Ali al-Sistani]]
[[th:อัซซิซตานีย์]]

Iran

2009-02-12T14:04:57Z

John Cho: Undid revision 270220057 by EmilJ (talk) rv vandals WIKIPEDIA BLOCK THESE VANDALS

{{pp-semi-vandalism|small=yes}}
{{redirect|Persia}}
:''For a topic outline on this subject, see [[List of basic Iran topics]].''
{{Infobox Country
|native_name = '''جمهوری اسلامی ايران''' ''Jomhuri-ye Islāmi-ye Irān''
|conventional_long_name = Rafidha Republic of Iran
|common_name = Iran
|image_flag = Flag of Iran.svg
|image_coat = Coat of arms of Iran.svg
|symbol_type = Emblem
|image_map = LocationIran.png
|official_religion = [[Shia Islam]]
|national_motto = ''Esteqlāl, āzādi, jomhuri-ye eslāmi''1{{spaces|2}}{{fa icon}} "Independence, freedom, Islamic Republic"
|national_anthem = ''[[Sorud-e Melli-e Iran|Sorud-e Melli-ye Irān]]''²
|capital = [[Tehran]]
|latd=35 |latm=41 |latNS=N |longd=51 |longm=25 |longEW=E
|largest_city = capital
|official_languages = [[Persian language|Persian]]
|regional_languages = constitutional recognition of the regional languages such as [[Azeri language|Azeri]], [[Kurdish language|Kurdish]], and [[Mazandarani language|Mazandarani]], and [[Gilaki language|Gilaki]]<ref>[http://www.servat.unibe.ch/law/icl/ir00000_.html Iran Constitution] retrieved 25 Feb 2008</ref>
|demonym = [[Demography of Iran|Iranian]]
|government_type = [[Polytheism|Islamic Mushrikeen Republic]]
|leader_title1 = [[Supreme Leader of Iran|Supreme Leader]]
|leader_name1 = {{nowrap|[[Ayatollah]] [[Ali Khamenei]]}}
|leader_title2 = [[President of Iran|President]]
|leader_name2 = {{nowrap|[[Mahmoud Ahmadinejad]]}}
|leader_title3 = [[Vice President of Iran|First Vice President]]
|leader_name3 = {{nowrap|[[Parviz Davoodi]]}}
|leader_title4 = Chairman of the [[Assembly of Experts]] and [[Expediency Discernment Council]]
|leader_name4 = {{nowrap|[[Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani]]}}
|leader_title5 = Speaker of the [[Majlis of Iran|Majlis]]
|leader_name5 = {{nowrap|[[Ali Larijani]]}}
|leader_title = Chairman of the [[Guardian Council]]
|leader_name6 = {{nowrap|[[Ahmad Jannati]]}}
|leader_title7 = Head of the [[Judicial system of Iran|judicial system]]
|leader_name7 = {{nowrap|[[Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi]]}}
|sovereignty_type = Unification<ref name="Encyclopædia Britannica Encyclopedia Article: Media ancient region, Iran">http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/372125/Media Encyclopædia Britannica Encyclopedia Article: Media ancient region, Iran</ref>
|established_event1 =[[Medes|Median]] [[Monarchy|kingdom]]
|established_date1 = 625 BC<ref name="Encyclopædia Britannica Encyclopedia Article: Media ancient region, Iran"/>
|established_event2 = [[Safavid|Safavid dynasty (reestablishment)]]
|established_date2 = 1501<ref>Andrew J. Newman, Safavid Iran: Rebirth of a Persian Empire, I. B. Tauris (March 30, 2006)</ref>
|established_event3 = Islamic Republic declared
|established_date3 = 1 April 1979
|area_km2 = 1,648,195
|area_sq_mi = 636,372 
|area_rank = 18th
|area_magnitude = 1 E12
|percent_water = 0.7

|population_density_km2 = 42
|population_density_sq_mi = 109 
|population_density_rank = 163th 
|population_census = 70,472,846³
|population_census_year = 2007 (1385 [[Iranian calendar|AP]])
|population_census_rank = 17th
|GDP_PPP = $816.839 billion<ref name="imf">{{cite web|url=http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2008/02/weodata/weorept.aspx?sy=2008&ey=2008&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=429&s=NGDPD%2CNGDPDPC%2CPPPGDP%2CPPPPC&grp=0&a=&pr.x=36&pr.y=14|title=Iran|publisher=International Monetary Fund|accessdate=2008-11-28}}</ref>
|GDP_PPP_rank = 18th 
|GDP_PPP_year = 2008
|GDP_PPP_per_capita = $11,209<ref name="imf"/>
|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 71st 
|GDP_nominal = $382.328 billion<ref name="imf"/>
|GDP_nominal_rank = 29th 
|GDP_nominal_year = 2008
|GDP_nominal_per_capita = $5,246<ref name="imf"/>
|GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank = 85th 
|Gini = 44.5
|Gini_year = 2006
|Gini_category = medium
|HDI_year = 2008
|HDI = {{increase}} 0.777
|HDI_rank = 84th
|HDI_category = medium
|currency = [[Iranian rial]] (<big>ريال</big>)
|currency_code = IRR
|time_zone = [[Iran Standard Time|IRST]]
|utc_offset = +3:30
|time_zone_DST = Iran Daylight Time (IRDT)
|utc_offset_DST = +4:30
|drives_on = right
|cctld = [[.ir]]
|calling_code = 98
|footnote1 = [http://www.bookrags.com/browse/Encyclopedia%20of%20Religious%20Practices/50 bookrags.com]
|footnote2 = [http://www.iranchamber.com/geography/articles/flag_anthem.php iranchamber.com]
|footnote3 = {{cite web |url=http://www.sci.org.ir/content/userfiles/_census85/census85/natayej/tables/J-1.html |title=تغییرات جمعیت کشور طی سال‌های ۱۳۳۵-۱۳۸۵ |author=Statistical Centre of Iran |accessdate=2007-05-16 |language=Persian}}
|footnote4 = [https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ir.html#Econ CIA Factbook]
}}
{{portal|Iran|Flag of Iran.svg|48}}

'''Iran''' ({{PerB|<big>ايران</big>}}, /{{IPA|irɒn}}/↔{{Audio-IPA|Iran_alborz.ogg|[ʔiˈɾɒn]}}), officially the '''Islamic Republic of Iran'''<ref>{{PerB|<big>جمهوری اسلامی ايران</big>}}, {{pronounced|dʒomhuːɾije eslɒːmije iːɾɒn}}</ref> and formerly known internationally as '''[[Persian Empire|Persia]]''' until 1935, is a country in [[Central Eurasia]]<ref>http://cesww.fas.harvard.edu/ces_definition.html</ref>, located on the northeastern shore of the [[Persian Gulf]] and the southern shore of the [[Caspian Sea]]. Since 1949, both the names "Persia" and "Iran" are used, however, Iran is used for an official and political context.<ref name="artarena">[http://www.art-arena.com/history.html Iransaga], "Persia or Iran, a brief history".</ref><ref name="iranian">[http://www.iranian.ws/art.htm Iranian.ws], Iranian & Persian Art.</ref> The name Iran is a [[cognate]] of ''Aryan'', and means "Land of the [[Aryan]]s".<ref name="hinduwebsite">[http://www.hinduwebsite.com/hinduism/concepts/arya.asp hinduwebsite.com, "The Concepts of Hinduism — Arya"], retrieved 1 Oct 2007</ref><ref name="wiscper">[http://imp.lss.wisc.edu/~aoliai/languagepage/iranianlanguages.htm imp.lss.wisc.edu, "Iranian Languages", Political, Social, Scientific, Literary & Artistic (Monthly) Oct 2000, No. 171, Dr. Suzan Kaviri, pp. 26–7], retrieved 1 Oct 2007</ref><ref name="about.com">[http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/persianempiremaps/qt/Iran.htm "Iran — The Ancient Name of Iran", N.S. Gill], retrieved 1 Oct 2007</ref>

The 18th largest country in the world in terms of area at 1,648,195 km², Iran has a population of over seventy million. It is a country of special [[geostrategy|geostrategic]] significance due to its central location in [[Eurasia]]. Iran is bordered on the north by [[Armenia]], [[Azerbaijan]] and [[Turkmenistan]]. As Iran is a [[littoral zone|littoral]] state of the [[Caspian Sea]], which is an inland sea and [[Condominium (international law)|condominium]], [[Kazakhstan]] and [[Russia]] are also Iran's direct neighbors to the north. Iran is bordered on the east by [[Afghanistan]] and [[Pakistan]], on the south by the [[Persian Gulf]] and the [[Gulf of Oman]], and on the west by [[Turkey]] and [[Iraq]]. [[Tehran]] is the capital, the country's largest city and the political, cultural, commercial, and industrial center of the nation. Iran is a [[regional power]],<ref name="parliament">[http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmselect/cmfaff/363/36310.htm parliament.uk, "Select Committee on Foreign Affairs, Eighth Report, Iran], retrieved 1 Oct 2007</ref><ref name="petro-hunt">[http://www.petro-hunt.com/lectures/LectureOpen.htm IRAN @ 2000 and Beyond lecture series, opening address, W. Herbert Hunt, 18 May 2000], retrieved 1 Oct 2007</ref> and occupies an important position in international energy security and world economy as a result of its large reserves of [[petroleum]] and [[natural gas]].

Iran is home to one of the world's oldest continuous major civilizations, with historical and urban settlements dating back to 7000 BC.<ref>[http://www.iranicatours.com/history.htm Iranian History], Retrieved on February 2, 2009.</ref><ref>[http://www.iranchamber.com/architecture/articles/bazaar_of_isfahan1.php Iranian Architecture & Monuments], Retrieved on February 2, 2009.</ref><ref>[http://www.destinationiran.com/Pottery_Making.htm Pottery Making in Iran], Retrieved on February 2, 2009.</ref> The first Iranian dynasty formed during the [[Elamite kingdom]] in 2800 BC. The Iranian [[Medes]] unified Iran into an empire in 625 BC.<ref name="Encyclopædia Britannica Encyclopedia Article: Media ancient region, Iran"/> They were succeeded by three Iranian Empires, the [[Achaemenids]], [[Parthian empire|Parthians]] and [[Sassanid Empire|Sassanids]], which governed Iran for more than 1000 years. Iranian post-Islamic dynasties and empires expanded the [[Persian language]] and [[Persian culture|culture]] throughout the [[Iranian plateau]]. The first Iranian [[Shiite]] dynasty formed by [[Buyids]] in 934 AD. The blossoming of [[Persian literature]], [[Persian philosophy|philosophy]], [[Science and technology in Iran|medicine]], [[Science and technology in Iran|astronomy]], [[Science and technology in Iran|mathematics]] and [[Persian art|art]] became major elements of Muslim civilization. Iran was once again reunified as an independent state in 1501 by the [[Safavid dynasty]]<ref>Andrew J. Newman, Safavid Iran: Rebirth of a Persian Empire, I. B. Tauris (March 30, 2006)</ref>—who promoted [[Twelver]] [[Shi'a Islam]]<ref name="savoryeiref"> R.M. Savory, ''Safavids'', [[Encyclopedia of Islam]], 2nd edition</ref> as the official [[religion]] of their empire, marking one of the most important turning points in the [[history of Islam]].<ref name="islamic1600"/> The [[Iranian Constitutional Revolution|Persia's constitutional revolution]] established [[Majles|the nation's first parliament]] in 1906, within a [[constitutional monarchy]]. Iran officially became an [[Islamic republic]] on 1 April 1979, after the [[Iranian Revolution|Iranian 1979 Revolution]].<ref name="britannica1">[http://www.britannica.com/ebi/article-202892 Iran Islamic Republic], Encyclopaedia Britannica retrieved 23 January 2008</ref><ref name = "Britannica"/>

Iran is a founding member of the [[United Nations|UN]], [[Non-Aligned Movement|NAM]], [[Organisation of the Islamic Conference|OIC]] and [[OPEC]]. The [[Politics of Iran|political system of Iran]], based on the 1979 [[Constitution of Islamic Republic of Iran|Constitution]], comprises several intricately connected governing bodies. The highest state authority is the [[Supreme Leader of Iran|Supreme Leader]]. Shia Islam is the official religion and [[Persian language|Persian]] is the official language.<ref>{{cite web|title=قانون اساسی جمهوری اسلامی ایران|url=http://fa.wikisource.org/wiki/قانون_اساسی_جمهوری_اسلامی_ایران|language=Persian}} retrieved 23 January 2008</ref>

==Etymology==
{{main|Etymology of the Persian Empire}}
{{seealso|Iran naming dispute}}
The term ''Iran'' (ایران) in modern Persian derives from the [[Proto-Iranian]] term ''Aryānām'' first attested in [[Zoroastrianism]]'s [[Avesta]] tradition.<ref name="Bailey_Arya">{{cite encyclopedia|last=Bailey|first=Harold Walter|authorlink=Harold Walter Bailey|title=Arya|page=681-683|year=1987|volume=2|encyclopedia=Encyclopedia Iranica|location=New York|publisher=Routledge & Kegan Paul|http://www.iranica.com/newsite/articles/v2f7/v2f7a004.html}}</ref> ''Ariya-'' and ''Airiia-'' are also attested as an ethnic designator in [[Achaemenid]] inscriptions. The term ''Ērān'', from [[Middle Persian]] ''Ērān'' ([[Pahlavi|written as]] ''ʼyrʼn'') is found on the inscription that accompanies the investiture relief of [[Ardashir I]] at [[Naqsh-e Rustam]].<ref name="MacKenzie">{{cite encyclopedia|last=MacKenzie|first=David Niel|title=Ērān, Ērānšahr|year=1998|volume=8|encyclopedia=Encyclopedia Iranica|publisher=Mazda|location=Costa Mesa|url=http://www.iranica.com/newsite/articles/v8f5/v8f545.html}}</ref> In this inscription, the king's appellation in Middle Persian contains the term ''ērān'' (Pahlavi ''ʼryʼn''), while in the [[Parthian language]] inscription that accompanies it, the term ''aryān'' describes Iran. In Ardashir's time, ''ērān'' retained this meaning, denoting ''the people'' rather than ''the state''.

Notwithstanding this inscriptional use of ''ērān'' to refer to the [[Iranian peoples]], the use of ''ērān'' to refer to the geographical empire is also attested in the early Sassanid period. An inscription relating to [[Shapur I]], Ardashir's son and immediate successor, includes regions which were not inhabited primarily by Iranians in ''Ērān'' regions, such as [[Armenia]] and the [[Caucasus]]."<ref name="Gignoux_Aneran">{{cite encyclopedia|title=Anērān|url=http://www.iranica.com/newsite/articles/v2f1/v2f1a035.html}} retrieved 25 Feb 2008</ref> In [[Kartir|Kartir's]] inscriptions the high priest includes the same regions in his list of provinces of the antonymic ''Anērān''.<ref name="Gignoux_Aneran" /> Both ''ērān'' and ''aryān'' comes from the [[Proto-Iranian]] term ''Aryānām'', (Land) of the (Iranian) Aryas. The word and concept of [[Airyanem Vaejah]] is present in the name of the country Iran (Lit. Land of the Aryans) inasmuch as Iran (''Ērān'') is the modern Persian form of the word ''Aryānā''.

The country has always been known to its own people as Iran, however in the outside world, the official name of Iran from the 6th century BC until 1935 was '''[[Persia]]''' or similar foreign language translations (''La Perse'', ''Das Persien'', ''Perzie'', etc.).<ref name="artarena"/> In that year, [[Reza Shah]] asked the international community to call the country by the name "Iran". A few years later, some Persian scholars protested to the government that changing the name had separated the country from its past, so in 1949<ref name="artarena"/><ref name="iranian"/> [[Mohammad Reza Shah]] announced that both terms could officially be used interchangeably. Now both terms are common, but "Iran" is used mostly in the modern political context and "Persia" in a cultural and historical context. Since the [[Iranian Revolution]] of 1979, the official name of the country has been the "Islamic Republic of Iran."

==Geography and climate==
{{main|Geography of Iran}}
{{see also|Agriculture in Iran|Wildlife of Iran}}
[[File:Iran BMNG.png|thumb|Satellite image of Iran]]
[[File:Damavand3.jpg|thumb|right|float|[[Mount Damavand]], Iran's highest point, is located in [[Mazanderan]].]]
Iran is the [[List of countries and outlying territories by total area|eighteenth largest country]] in the world.<ref>[http://www.mongabay.com/igapo/world_statistics_by_area.htm World Statistics by Area] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> Its area roughly equals that of the United Kingdom, France, Spain, and Germany combined, or slightly less than the state of [[Alaska]].<ref>[http://www.ngallery.org/middle_east/iran.html Welcome to Iran] retrieved 25 Feb 2008</ref><ref>[http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Asia-and-Oceania/Iran-LOCATION-SIZE-AND-EXTENT.html Iran-Location, size, and extent] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> Its borders are with [[Azerbaijan]] (432 km/268 mi) and [[Armenia]] (35 km/22 mi) to the north-west; the [[Caspian Sea]] to the north; [[Turkmenistan]] (992 km/616 mi) to the north-east; [[Pakistan]] (909 km/565 mi) and [[Afghanistan]] (936 km/582 mi) to the east; [[Turkey]] (499 km/310 mi) and Iraq (1,458 km/906 mi) to the west; and finally the waters of the [[Persian Gulf]] and the [[Gulf of Oman]] to the south. Iran's area is 1,648,000 km² (approximately 636,300 [[square mile|sq mi]]).<ref name="CIA">{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ir.html |title = "Iran" |author=CIA World Factbook |accessdate=2008-03-04}}</ref>
[[Image:Lynx lynx poing.jpg|thumb|left|upright|[[Eurasian Lynx]]]]
Iran consists of the [[Iranian Plateau]] with the exception of the coasts of the [[Caspian Sea]] and [[Khuzestan]]. It is one of the world's most mountainous countries, its landscape dominated by rugged [[mountain range]]s that separate various [[drainage basin|basins]] or [[plateau]]x from one another. The populous western part is the most mountainous, with ranges such as the [[Caucasus Mountains|Caucasus]], [[Zagros Mountains|Zagros]] and [[Alborz]] Mountains; the latter contains Iran's highest point, [[Mount Damavand]] at 5,610 m (18,405 ft), which is not only the country's highest peak but also the highest mountain on the Eurasian landmass west of the [[Hindu Kush]].<ref>[http://news.surfwax.com/geography/files/Hindu_Kush_Mountains.html SurfWax: News, Reviews and Articles On Hindu Kush] retrieved 25 Feb 2008</ref> The Northern part of Iran is covered by dense rain forests called [[Shomal]] or the [[Jungles of Iran]]. The eastern part consists mostly of [[desert]] basins such as the [[Dasht-e Kavir]], Iran's largest desert, in the north-central portion of the country, and the [[Dasht-e Lut]], in the east, as well as some [[Salt lake (geography)|salt lakes]]. This is because the mountain ranges are too high for rain clouds to reach these regions. The only large [[plain]]s are found along the coast of the [[Caspian Sea]] and at the northern end of the Persian Gulf, where Iran borders the mouth of the [[Shatt al-Arab]] (or the Arvand Rūd) river. Smaller, discontinuous plains are found along the remaining coast of the Persian Gulf, the [[Strait of Hormuz]] and the [[Sea of Oman]].

Iran's [[climate]] ranges from [[arid]] or [[semiarid]], to [[subtropical]] along the Caspian coast and the [[Jungles of Iran|northern forests]]. On the northern edge of the country (the Caspian coastal plain) temperatures nearly fall below freezing and it remains humid for the rest of the year. Summer temperatures rarely exceed 29 [[Celsius|°C]] (85 [[Fahrenheit|°F]]).<ref>[http://www.weneedtrees.com/iran/nature.asp Nature & Mountains of Iran] retrieved 25 Feb 2008</ref><ref name="simmons">[http://my.simmons.edu/lcis/zoom/2005/10/iran-_current_i.html Iran- Current Information] retrieved 25 feb 2008</ref> Annual precipitation is 680 mm (27 in) in the eastern part of the plain and more than 1,700 mm (67 in) in the western part. To the west, settlements in the [[Zagros Mountains|Zagros]] basin experience lower temperatures, severe winters with below zero average daily temperatures and heavy snowfall. The eastern and central basins are arid, with less than 200 mm (eight in) of rain, and have occasional deserts.<ref name="simmons"/> Average summer temperatures exceed 38 °C (100 °F). The coastal plains of the [[Persian Gulf]] and [[Gulf of Oman]] in southern Iran have mild winters, and very humid and hot summers. The annual precipitation ranges from 135 to 355 mm (five to fourteen inches).<ref name="simmons"/>

[[Wildlife of Iran|Iran's wildlife]] is composed of several animal species including bears, gazelles, wild pigs, wolves, jackals, panthers, Eurasian lynx, and foxes. Other domestic animals include, sheep, goats, cattle, horses, water buffalo, donkeys, and camels. The pheasant, partridge, stork, eagles and falcon are also native to Iran.

===Provinces and cities===
{{main|Provinces of Iran|Counties of Iran}}
{{Seealso|List of Iran cities by population}}
[[File:Azadi1.jpg|thumb|upright|left|After the revolution, Shahyad Tower was renamed [[Azadi Tower|Freedom Tower]]]]
{{Provinces of Iran Labelled Map|float=right}}
Iran is divided into thirty [[Provinces of Iran|provinces]] (''ostān''), each governed by an appointed governor (استاندار, ostāndār). The provinces are divided into counties (''[[Counties of Iran|shahrestān]]''), and subdivided into districts (''[[bakhsh]]'') and sub-districts (''dehestān'').

Iran has one of the highest urban growth rates in the world. From 1950 to 2002, the urban proportion of the population increased from 27% to 60%.<ref name="payvand2">{{cite web |url=http://www.payvand.com/news/03/nov/1135.html |title="Iran: Focus on reverse migration" |author=Payvand |accessdate=2006-04-17}}</ref> The United Nations predicts that by 2030 80% of the population will be urban.<ref name="sci.org.ir">[http://www.sci.org.ir/portal/faces/public/census85/census85.natayej/census85.abadipage "Islamic Azad University"], retrieved 28 Jan 2008</ref> Most internal migrants have settled near the cities of [[Tehran]], [[Isfahan]], [[Ahvaz]], and [[Qom]]. The listed populations are from the 2006/07 (1385 [[Iranian calendar|AP]]) census.<ref>[http://www.sci.org.ir/portal/faces/public/census85/census85.natayej/census85.abadipage Iranian National Portal of Statistics] retrieved 27 Feb 2008</ref> [[Tehran]], with population of 7,705,036, is the largest city in Iran and is the Capital city. [[Tehran]] is home to around 11% of Iran's population. Tehran, like many big cities, suffers from severe air pollution. It is the hub of the country's [[Communications in Iran|communication]] and [[Transport in Iran|transport]] network.

[[Mashhad]], with a population of 2.8 million, is the second largest Iranian city and the centre of the province of [[Razavi Khorasan]]. Mashahd is one of the holiest [[Shi'a]] cities in the world as it is the site of the [[Imam Reza shrine]]. It is the centre of tourism in Iran and between 15 and 20 million pilgrims go to the [[Imam Reza]]'s shrine every year.<ref>[http://www.iran-daily.com/1383/2211/html/panorama.htm Religious Tourism Potentials Rich] retrieved 28 Feb 2008</ref><ref>[http://www.sacredsites.com/middle_east/iran/mashad.htm Mashhad, Iran] retrieved 28 Feb 2008</ref> Another major Iranian city is [[Isfahan]] (population 1,986,542), which is the capital of [[Isfahan Province]]. The [[Naghsh-e Jahan Square]] in Isfahan has been designated by [[UNESCO]] as a [[World Heritage Site]]. The city contains a wide variety of [[Islamic architecture|Islamic architectural]] sites ranging from the eleventh to the 19th century. The growth of suburb area around the city has turned Isfahan to the second most populous metropolitan area (3,430,353).<ref>http://www.sci.org.ir/content/userfiles/_census85/census85/natayej/township/Os10.xls retrieved 27 Feb 2008</ref>
The other major Iranian cities are [[Karaj]] (population 1,732,275), [[Tabriz]] (population 1,597,312) and [[Shiraz]] (population 1,227,331). Karaj is located in [[Tehran province]] and is situated 20 km west of [[Tehran]], at the foot of [[Alborz]] mountains; however, the city is increasingly becoming an extension of metropolitan Tehran.

==History==
{{main|History of Iran|Persian Empire}}

===Early history (3200 BC–625 BC)===
{{main|Tappeh Sialk|Jiroft civilization|Elamite kingdom|Mannaeans}}
[[File:Mappa di Eratostene.jpg|thumb|right|19th century reconstruction of a map of the world by [[Eratosthenes]], [[Circa|c.]]200 BC. The name Ariana (Aryânâ) was used to describe the region where the [[Iranian Plateau]] is found.]]
Dozens of [[Prehistory|pre-historic]] sites across the Iranian plateau point to the existence of ancient cultures and urban settlements in the [[fourth millennium BC]],<ref name="xinhuaciv">[http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-08/10/content_6508609.htm Xinhua, "New evidence: modern civilization began in Iran", 10 Aug 2007], retrieved 1 Oct 2007</ref><ref name="iran-daily">[http://www.iran-daily.com/1385/2795/html/panorama.htm Iran Daily, "Panorama", 3 Mar 2007], retrieved 1 Oct 2007</ref><ref name="iranian.ws">[http://www.iranian.ws/iran_news/publish/article_22427.shtml Iranian.ws, "Archaeologists: Modern civilization began in Iran based on new evidence", 12 Aug 2007], retrieved 1 Oct 2007</ref> centuries before the earliest civilizations arose in nearby [[Mesopotamia]].<ref>http://oi.uchicago.edu/OI/MUS/VOL/NN_SUM94/NN_Sum94.html retrieved 2006-04-29</ref>
[[Proto-Iranian]]s first emerged following the separation of [[Indo-Iranians]], and are traced to the [[Bactria-Margiana Archaeological Complex]].<ref name="Panshin"> [http://www.panshin.com/trogholm/wonder/indoeuropean/indoeuropean3.html "The Palaeolithic Indo-Europeans"] — Panshin.com (retrieved 4 June 2006)</ref> [[Aryan]], ([[Ancient Iranian peoples|Proto-Iranian]]) tribes arrived in the [[Iranian plateau]] in the third and second [[millennium]] BC, probably in more than one wave of emigration, and settled as nomads. Further separation of Proto-Iranians into "Eastern" and "Western" groups occurred due to migration. By the first millennium BC, [[Medes]], [[Persian people|Persians]], [[Bactria]]ns and [[Parthia]]ns populated the western part, while [[Cimmerians]], [[Sarmatians]] and [[Alans]] populated the steppes north of the [[Black Sea]]. Other tribes began to settle on the eastern edge, as far as on the mountainous frontier of north-western [[Indian subcontinent]] and into the area which is now [[Balochistan (region)|Balochistan]]. Others, such as the [[Scythia]]n tribes spread as far west as the [[Balkans]] and as far east as [[Xinjiang]]. [[Avestan]] is an eastern Old [[Iranian language]] that was used to compose the sacred hymns and canon of the [[Zoroastrianism|Zoroastrian]] [[Gathas]] in c. 1000 BC.

===Pre-Islamic statehood (625 BC–651 AD)===
[[File:Cyrus cilinder.jpg|thumb|The [[Cyrus Cylinder]] is considered the first recorded [[declaration of human rights]] in history.]]
{{main|Median Empire|Achaemenid Empire|Seleucid Empire|Parthian Empire|Sassanid Empire}}
{{see also|Greco-Persian Wars|Roman-Persian Wars|Roman relations with the Parthians and Sassanids}}

The [[Medes]] are credited with the unification<ref name="Encyclopædia Britannica Encyclopedia Article: Media ancient region, Iran"/> of Iran as a nation and empire (625<ref name="Encyclopædia Britannica Encyclopedia Article: Media ancient region, Iran"/>–559  BC), the largest of its day, until [[Cyrus the Great]] established a unified empire of the Medes and [[Persian people|Persians]] leading to the [[Achaemenid Empire]] (559–330  BC), and further unification between peoples and cultures. After Cyrus' death, his son [[Cambyses]] continued his father's work of conquest, making significant gains in Egypt. Following a power struggle after Cambyses' death, [[Darius I]] was declared king (ruled 522–486 BC). Under [[Cyrus the Great]] and [[Darius the Great]], the Persian Empire eventually became the largest and most powerful empire in human history up until that point.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/MESO/PERSIANS.HTM |title=The Persians|accessdate=2006-08-20}}</ref> The borders of the [[Persian empire]] stretched from the [[Indus]] and [[Oxus]] Rivers in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west, extending through [[Anatolia]] (modern day Turkey) and Egypt.

[[File:Achaemenid Empire.jpg|thumb|left|250px|The [[Achaemenid Empire]] at its greatest extent, at about 500 BC]]
In 499 BC Athens lent support to a revolt in [[Miletus]] which resulted in the sacking of [[Sardis]]. This led to an Achaemenid campaign against Greece known as the [[Greco-Persian Wars]] which lasted the first half of the 5th century BC. During the [[Greco-Persian wars]] Persia made some major advantages and razed Athens in 480 BC, But after a string of Greek victories the Persians were forced to withdraw. Fighting ended with the [[peace of Callias]] in 449 BC.

[[File:Parsa7.jpg|thumb|[[Persepolis]], ceremonial capital of the [[Persian Empire]] during the [[Achaemenid dynasty]]]]
The rules and ethics emanating from [[Zoroaster]]'s teachings were strictly followed by the Achaemenids who introduced and adopted policies based on [[human rights]], [[equality before the law|equality]] and banning of [[slavery]]. Zoroastrianism spread unimposed during the time of the Achaemenids and through contacts with the exiled [[Jewish]] people in [[Babylon]] freed by Cyrus, Zoroastrian concepts further propagated and influenced into other [[Abrahamic religions]]. The [[Golden Age of Athens]] marked by [[Aristotle]], [[Plato]] and [[Socrates]] also came about during the Achaemenid period while their contacts with Persia and the Near East abounded. The peace, tranquility, security and prosperity that were afforded to the people of the [[Near East]] and [[Southeastern Europe]] proved to be a rare historical occurrence, an unparalleled period where commerce prospered, and the standard of living for all people of the region improved.<ref name="vohuman">[http://www.vohuman.org/Article/Historical%20perspective%20on%20Zoroastrianism.htm vohuman.org, "Historical perspective on Zoroastrianism", Reproduced from Âtaš-è Dorün — The Fire Within, Jamshid Soroush Soroushian Memorial Volume II, 1st Books Library, Bloomington, IN, 2003], retrieved 1 Oct 2007</ref>

In 334 BC, [[Alexander the Great]] invaded the Achaemenid Empire, defeating the last Achaemenid Emperor [[Darius III]] at the [[Battle of Issus]] in 333 BC. He left the annexed territory in 328–327. In each of the former Achaemenid territories he installed his own officers as caretakers, which led to friction and ultimately to the [[Partition of Babylon|partitioning of the former empire]] after Alexander's death.
[[Image:Parthian Queen Bust.jpg|thumb|upright|A bust from the [[National Museum of Iran]] of [[Queen Musa]]]]

The Parthian Empire (238 BC–226 AD), led by the Arsacid Dynasty, was the third [[Iranian Peoples|Iranian]] kingdom to dominate the Iranian plateau, after defeating the [[Hellenic Greece|Greek]] [[Seleucid Empire]], beginning in the late 3rd century BC, and intermittently controlled [[Mesopotamia]] between ca. 150 BC and 224 AD. These were the third native dynasty of ancient Iran and lasted five centuries.
After the conquests of [[Medes|Media]], [[Assyria]], [[Babylonia]] and [[Elam]], the Parthians had to organize their empire. The former elites of these countries were [[Greeks|Greek]], and the new rulers had to adapt to their customs if they wanted their rule to last. As a result, the cities retained their ancient rights and civil administrations remained more or less undisturbed.

Parthia was the arch-enemy of the [[Roman Empire]] in the east, limiting Rome's expansion beyond [[Cappadocia]] (central [[Anatolia]]). By using a heavily armed and armoured [[cataphract]] cavalry, and lightly armed but highly mobile [[Horse archer|mounted archers]], the Parthians "held their own against Rome for almost 300 years".<ref>''Persians: Masters of Empire'', 1995, ISBN 0809491044, p.142–143,Time-life Books</ref> Rome's acclaimed general [[Mark Antony]] led a disastrous campaign against the Parthians in 36 BC, in which he lost 32,000 men. By the time of Roman emperor [[Augustus]], Rome and Parthia were settling some of their differences through diplomacy. By this time, Parthia had acquired an assortment of golden eagles, the cherished [[Aquila (Roman)|standards of Rome's legions]], captured from Mark Antony, and [[Crassus]], who suffered a defeat at [[Carrhae]] in 53 BC.<ref>Cotterell, Arthur. ''From Aristotle to Zoroaster: An a to Z Companion to the Classical World.'' 1998. p.272, Free Press</ref>
[[File:Bas relief nagsh-e-rostam al.jpg|thumb|left|Rock-face relief at [[Naqsh-e Rustam]] of Iranian emperor Shapur I (on horseback) capturing Roman emperor Valerian (kneeing) and Philip the Arab (standing)]]

The end of the Parthian Empire came in 224 AD, when the empire was loosely organized and the last king was defeated by [[Ardashir I]], one of the empire's vassals. [[Ardashir I]] then went on to create the Sassanid Empire. Soon he started reforming the country both economically and militarily. The Sassanids established an empire roughly within the frontiers achieved by the Achaemenids, referring to it as ''Erânshahr'' or ''Iranshahr'', ''[[Image:Eranshahr.svg|60px]]'', "Dominion of the Aryans", (i.e. of [[Iranian peoples|Iranians]]), with their capital at [[Ctesiphon]].<ref>Garthwaite, Gene R., ''The Persians'', p. 2, ISBN 1405156805, Wiley-Blackwell (2006) </ref> Unlike the [[diadochi]]c Seleucids and the succeeding Arsacids, who used a [[vassal state|vassalary system]], the Sassanids—like the Achaemenids—had a system of governors (MP: ''shahrab'') personally appointed by the Emperor and directed by the central government. The Romans suffered repeated losses particularly by [[Ardashir I]], [[Shapur I]], and [[Shapur II]].<ref>Lorentz, John H. ''Historical Dictionary of Iran.''Asian Historical Dictionaries; No.16. 1995. ISBN 9780810829947, p.189</ref> During their reign, Sassanid battles with the [[Roman Empire]] caused such pessimism in [[Rome]] that the historian [[Cassius Dio]] wrote:

{{Cquote
|''Here was a source of great fear to us. So formidable does the Sassanid king seem to our eastern legions, that some are liable to go over to him, and others are unwilling to fight at all''.<ref>Arthur Cotterell, ''From Aristotle to Zoroaster: An a to Z Companion to the Classical World''. 1998. ISBN 0684855968, p.344–345, Free Press</ref>}}

In 632 raiders from the Arab peninsula began attacking the [[Sassanid Empire]]. Iran was defeated in the [[Battle of al-Qâdisiyah]], paving way for the [[Islamic conquest of Persia]].

During Parthian, and later [[Sassanid]] era, trade on the [[Silk Road]] was a significant factor in the development of the great [[civilization]]s of China, [[Ancient Egypt|Egypt]], [[Mesopotamia]], [[Persia]], [[Indian subcontinent]], and [[Ancient Rome|Rome]], and helped to lay the foundations for the modern world. Parthian remains display classically Greek influences in some instances and retain their oriental mode in others, a clear expression of the cultural diversity that characterized Parthian art and life.<ref>''Persians: Masters of Empire'', 1995, ISBN 0809491044, p.134, Time-life Books</ref> The Parthians were [[Parthian style (Iranian architecture)|innovators of many architecture designs]] such as that of [[Ctesiphon]], which later influenced European [[Romanesque architecture]].<ref>''Persians: Masters of Empire'', 1995, ISBN 0809491044, p.138, Time-life Books</ref><ref>''"Even the architecture of the Christian church, with its hallowed chancel seems inspired by the designs of [[Mithra]]ic temples"''. [[Abbas Milani]]. ''Lost Wisdom''. 2004. Mage Publishers. p.13. ISBN 0934211906</ref> Under the Sassanids, Iran [[Iran-China relations|expanded relations with China]]. Arts, [[Sassanid music|music]], and [[Sassanid architecture|architecture]] greatly flourished, and centers such as the [[School of Nisibis]] and [[Academy of Gundishapur]] became world renowned centers of science and scholarship.

===Middle Ages (652–1501)===
{{main|Islamization in Iran|Abbasid Caliphate|Samanid dynasty|Khwarezmian Empire|Ilkhanate|Timurid Dynasty|Mongol Empire|Seljuk dynasty|Buyid Dynasty|Ghaznavid Empire}}
[[File:Iran circa 1000AD.png|thumb|250px|Map of Iranian Dynasties c. 1000]]
After the [[Islamic conquest of Persia]] and the resulting [[Islamization in Iran|Islamization of Iran]], Iranians benefited their membership of a truly international society. They continued what was set-up by [[Sassanids]] but in much larger scale and with a more universal scope.<ref name=chi4-nasr/> Therefore blossoming of [[Persian literature]], [[Iranian philosophy|philosophy]], [[Science and technology in Iran|medicine]] and [[Persian art|art]] became major elements of the newly forming Muslim civilization. The [[Islamic Golden Age]] which is characterized by the development of science owed, to a large extent, its importance to the vital contributions of Iranians,<ref>
* Robert Palter, Solomon Gandz, "Toward Modern Science : Studies in ancient and medieval science.", Published by Noonday Press, 1961, pg 180: "The so called golden age of Islamic science owed its importance to largely to the Persian contribution.
* Ehsan Yarshater, "The Persian Presence in in the Islamic World" in Richard G. Hovannisian, Georges Sabagh, "The Persian Presence in the Islamic World", Published by Cambridge University Press, 1997. pg 6-7: "The Golden age of Islam, as the early Abbassid period has been labeled, was distinguished by intellectual advances, literary innovations, and cultural exuberance attributable, in no small measure, to the vital participation of Persian men of letters, philosophers, theologians, grammarians, mathematicians, musicians, astronomers, geographers, and physicians"
* Bernard Lewis, "Iran in History", excerpt: "Culturally, politically, and most remarkable of all even religiously, the Iranian contribution to this new Islamic civilization is of immense importance. The work of Iranians can be seen in every field of cultural endeavor, including Arabic poetry, to which poets of Iranian origin composing their poems in Arabic made a very significant contribution." [http://www.tau.ac.il/dayancenter/mel/lewis.pdf]</ref> and reached its highest level in 10-11th centuries a period in which Persia was the main theatre of scientific activities.<ref name=chi4-nasr>William Bayne Fisher, et. al., ''The Cambridge History of Iran 4'' Published by Cambridge University Press, 1975, ISBN 0521200938, p. 396.</ref> In fact this influential Persian presence that relied heavily upon achievements of [[Sassanids]] whose identity and continuity had to be assumed by the educated, has made the Muslim world itself long since come to accept Islamic civilization as a ''Perso-Islamic civilization'' and had the latter as the continuous uprising culture from eleventh century on.<ref>The following references give comprehensive analysis and clarification of the terms "persian presence" and "perso-islamic" and the relation to Sassanids and the impact on Islamic cultures:
* Marilyn Robinson Waldman, ''Toward a Theory of Historical Narrative: A Case Study in Perso-Islamicate Historiography'', Published by Ohio State University Press, 1980, ISBN 0814202977, p. 30

* Richard M. Eaton, ''The Rise of Islam and the Bengal Frontier, 1204-1760'', Published by University of California Press, 1996, ISBN 0520205073, p. 28
* Richard G. Hovannisian (ed.), ''The Persian Presence in the Islamic World'', Published by Cambridge University Press, 1997, ISBN 0521591856. p.78.
* P. M. Holt, et. al. ''The Cambridge History of Islam: Volume 2B'', Published by Cambridge University Press, 1977, ISBN 0521291380. p. 501
</ref>

[[Abu Muslim|Abu Moslem]], an Iranian general, expelled the [[Umayyad]]s from [[Damascus]] and helped the [[Abbasid]] caliphs to conquer [[Baghdad]]. The [[Abbasid]] caliphs frequently chose their "[[Vizier|wazirs]]" (viziers) among Iranians, and Iranian governors acquired a certain amount of local autonomy. Thus in 822, the governor of Khorasan, [[Tahir II of Khorasan|Tahir]], proclaimed his independence and founded a new Persian dynasty of [[Tahirid dynasty|Tahirids]]. And by the [[Samanid]] era, Iran's efforts to regain its independence had been well solidified.<ref>Bosworth C. E., Cambridge History of Iran, vol. 4, p.90</ref>
[[File:Jami Rose Garden.jpg|left|thumb|Illustration from [[Jami]] ''"Rose Garden of the Pious"'', dated 1553. The image blends [[Persian literature|Persian poetry]] and [[Persian miniature]] into one, as is the norm for many works of the Timurid era.]]
Attempts of [[Arabization]] thus never succeeded in Iran, and movements such as the [[Shuubiyah]] became catalysts for Iranians to regain their independence in their relations with the Arab invaders. The cultural revival of the post-[[Abbasid]] period led to a resurfacing of Iranian national identity. The resulting cultural movement reached its peak during the 9th and 10th centuries. The most notable effect of the movement was the continuation of the [[Persian language]], the language of the [[Persians]] and the official language of Iran to the present day. [[Ferdowsi]], Iran's greatest epic poet, is regarded today as the most important figure in maintaining the Persian language. After an interval of silence Iran re-emerged as a separate, different and distinctive element within Islam. [[Iranian philosophy]] after the Islamic conquest, is characterized by different interactions with the Old [[Iranian philosophy]], the [[Greek philosophy]] and with the development of [[Islamic philosophy]]. The [[Illumination School]] and the [[Transcendent Philosophy]] are regarded as two of the main philosophical traditions of that era in Persia. The movement continued well into the 11th century, when [[Mahmud of Ghazni|Mahmud-a Ghaznavi]] founded a vast empire, with its capital at [[Isfahan]] and [[Ghazna]]. Their successors, the [[Seljuk dynasty|Seljuks]], asserted their domination from the [[Mediterranean Sea]] to [[Central Asia]]. As with their predecessors, the [[divan]] of the empire was in the hands of Iranian [[viziers]], who founded the [[Nizamiyya]]. During this period, [[List of Iranian scientists and scholars|hundreds of scholars and scientists]] vastly contributed to technology, science and medicine, later influencing the rise of European science during [[the Renaissance]].<ref>Kühnel E., in ''Zeittschrift der deutschen morgenländischen Gesell'', Vol. CVI (1956)</ref>

In 1218, the eastern [[Khwarezmian Empire|Khwarazmid]] provinces of [[Transoxiana]] and [[Greater Khorasan|Khorasan]] suffered a devastating [[invasion]] by [[Genghis Khan]]. During this period more than half of Iran's population was killed,<ref>The memoirs of [[Edward Teller]], ''[[Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory]] "Science and Technology Review"''. July/August 1998 p20. Link: [http://www.llnl.gov/str/pdfs/07_98.pdf]</ref> turning the streets of Persian cities such as [[Neishabur]] into "rivers of blood", as the severed heads of men, women, and children were "neatly stacked into carefully constructed pyramids around which the carcasses of the city's dogs and cats were placed".<ref>[[Sandra Mackey|Mackey, S.]]. ''The Iranians: Persia, Islam, and the soul of a nation''. 1996. ISBN 0-525-94005-7. p.69.</ref> Between 1220 and 1260, the total population of Iran had dropped from 2,500,000 to 250,000 as a result of mass [[murder|extermination]] and [[famine]].<ref>[http://www.sfusd.k12.ca.us/schwww/sch618/Ibn_Battuta/Battuta's_Trip_Three.html Battuta's Travels: Part Three — Persia and Iraq] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref>
In a letter to King [[Louis IX of France]], [[Hulagu Khan|Holaku]], one of the [[Genghis Khan]]'s grandsons, alone took responsibility for 200,000 deaths in his raids of Iran and the Caliphate.<ref>[[Sandra Mackey|Mackey, S.]]. ''The Iranians: Persia, Islam, and the soul of a nation''. 1996. ISBN 0-525-94005-7. p.70 </ref> He was followed by yet another conqueror, [[Timur|Tamerlane]], who established his capital in [[Samarkand]].<ref>[http://www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/oldwrld/armies/tamerlane.html Old World Contacts/Armies/Tamerlane] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> The waves of devastation prevented many cities such as [[Neishabur]] from reaching their pre-invasion population levels until the 20th century, eight centuries later.<ref>Mackey, S. ''The Iranians: Persia, Islam, and the soul of a nation''. 1996. ISBN 0-525-94005-7. p.69.</ref>
But both [[Hulagu Khan|Hulagu]], Tamerlane, and their successors soon came to adopt the ways and customs of that which they had conquered, choosing to surround themselves with a culture that was distinctively Persian.<ref>Bertold Spuler. ''The Muslim World. Vol. I The Age of the Caliphs.'' Leiden. E.J. Brill. 1960 ISBN 0-685-23328-6 p.29</ref>

===Early Modern Era (1501–1921)===
{{main|Safavid Dynasty|Qajar Dynasty|Afsharid Dynasty|Zand dynasty}}{{seealso|Russo-Persian Wars|Anglo-Persian War|Turko-Persian War|Iranian Constitutional Revolution}}
[[File:Sattar Khan.jpg|thumb|right|upright|[[Sattar Khan]] was a key figure in the [[Iranian Constitutional Revolution]]]]
[[File:Shah Ismail I.jpg|thumb|left|upright|[[Shah Ismail I]], the founder of the [[Safavid Dynasty]] (1501 to 1736)]]
Iran's first encompassing [[Shi'a Islam]]ic state was established under the [[Safavid Dynasty]] (1501–1722) by [[Shah Ismail I]]. The Safavid Dynasty soon became a major political power and promoted the flow of bilateral state contacts. The Safavid peak was during the rule of [[Shah Abbas I|Shah Abbas The Great]].<ref name="islamic1600">[http://www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/islam/empires/safavid/abbas.html "The Islamic World to 1600", The Applied History Research Group, The University of Calgary, 1998], retrieved 1 Oct 2007</ref> The [[Safavid Dynasty]] frequently warred with the [[Ottoman Empire]], [[Uzbekistan|Uzbek]] tribes and the [[Portuguese Empire]]. The Safavids moved their capital from [[Tabriz]] to [[Qazvin]] and then to [[Isfahan]], where their patronage for the arts propelled Iran into one of its most aesthetically productive eras. Under their rule, the state became highly centralized, the first attempts to modernize the military were made, and even [[Isfahani style (Iranian architecture)|a distinct style of architecture developed]]. In 1722 Afghan rebels defeated [[Husayn (Safavid)|Shah Sultan Hossein]] and ended the Safavid Dynasty, but in 1735, [[Nader Shah]] successfully drove out the Afghan rebels from Isfahan and established the [[Afsharid Dynasty]]. He then staged an incursion into India in 1738, securing the [[Peacock throne]], [[Koh-i-Noor]], and [[Darya-ye Noor]] among other [[Royal family|royal]] treasures. His rule did not last long, however, as he was assassinated in 1747. The [[Mashhad]] based Afshar Dynasty was succeeded by the [[Zand dynasty]] in 1750, founded by [[Karim Khan]], who established his capital at [[Shiraz]]. His rule brought a period of relative peace and renewed prosperity.

The Zand dynasty lasted three generations, until [[Mohammad Khan Qajar|Aga Muhammad Khan]] executed [[Lotf Ali Khan]], and founded his new capital in [[Tehran]], marking the dawn of the [[Qajar|Qajar Dynasty]] in 1794. The [[Qajar]] chancellor [[Amir Kabir]] established [[Dar ul-Funun|Iran's first modern college]] system, among other modernizing reforms. Iran suffered [[Russo-Persian Wars|several wars with Imperial Russia]] during the [[Qajar]] era, resulting in Iran losing almost half of its territories to [[Imperial Russia]] and the [[British Empire]], via the treaties of [[Treaty of Gulistan|Gulistan]], [[Treaty of Turkmenchay|Turkmenchay]] and [[Treaty of Akhal|Akhal]]. In spite of [[The Great Game]] Iran managed to maintain her sovereignty and was never colonized, unlike neighbouring states in the region. Repeated foreign intervention and a corrupt and weakened Qajar rule led to [[Tobacco Protest|various protests]], which by the end of the Qajar period resulted in [[Iranian Constitutional Revolution|Persia's constitutional revolution]] establishing [[Majles|the nation's first parliament]] in 1906, within a [[constitutional monarchy]].

===Recent history (1921–)===
{{main|History of the Islamic Republic of Iran|Iranian Revolution|Iran–Iraq War|Pahlavi Dynasty}}{{seealso|Operation Ajax}}
[[File:Mossadeq.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Former Iranian prime minister, Dr. [[Mohammad Mossadegh]]]]

In 1925, [[Reza Shah|Reza Khan]] overthrew the weakening [[Qajar Dynasty]] and became [[Shah]]. Reza Shah initiated [[industrialization]], [[Rail transport|railroad]] construction, and the establishment of a national [[Higher education in Iran|education]] system. Reza Shah sought to balance Russian and British influence, but when [[World War II]] started, his nascent ties to Germany alarmed Britain and Russia. In 1941, [[Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran|Britain and the USSR invaded Iran]] to use Iranian railroad capacity during [[World War II]]. The Shah was forced to abdicate in favour of his son, [[Mohammad Reza Pahlavi]].

[[Image:MohammadRezaPahlavi1977.jpg|thumb|[[Mohammad Reza Pahlavi]] and [[Farah Pahlavi|Queen Farah]] about to depart after a visit to the United States]]
In 1951 Dr. [[Mohammed Mossadegh]] was elected [[Prime Minister of Iran|prime minister]]. As prime minister, Mossadegh became enormously popular in Iran after he [[nationalization|nationalized]] Iran's oil reserves. In response, Britain embargoed Iranian oil and, amidst [[Cold War]] fears, invited the United States to join in a plot to depose Mossadegh, and in 1953 President [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]] authorized [[Operation Ajax]]. The operation was successful, and Mossadegh was arrested on 19 August 1953. After Operation Ajax, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi's rule became increasingly [[autocracy|autocratic]]. With American support, the Shah was able to rapidly modernize Iranian infrastructure, but he simultaneously crushed all forms of political opposition with his intelligence agency, [[SAVAK]]. [[Ayatollah]] [[Ruhollah Khomeini]] became an active critic of the Shah's [[White Revolution]] and publicly denounced the government. Khomeini was arrested and imprisoned for 18 months. After his release in 1964 Khomeini publicly criticized the United States government. The Shah was persuaded to send him into exile by General [[Hassan Pakravan]]. Khomeini was sent first to [[Turkey]], then to [[Iraq]] and finally to France. While in exile, he continued to denounce the Shah.

The [[Iranian Revolution]], also known as the [[Islamic Revolution]],<ref>[http://www.iranchamber.com/history/islamic_revolution/islamic_revolution.php Islamic Revolution of 1979], retrieved 23 January 2008</ref><ref>[http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761588431/Islamic_Revolution_of_Iran.html Islamic Revolution of Iran], [[encarta]], retrieved 23 January 2008</ref><ref>Fereydoun Hoveyda, ''The Shah and the Ayatollah: Iranian Mythology and Islamic Revolution'' ISBN 0275978583, Praeger Publishers </ref> began in January 1978 with the first major demonstrations against the [[Shah]].<ref>[http://www.fsmitha.com/h2/ch29ir.html The Iranian Revolution] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> After strikes and demonstrations paralysed the country and its economy, the [[Shah]] fled the country in January 1979 and [[Ayatollah Khomeini]] returned from exile to Tehran. The [[Pahlavi Dynasty]] collapsed ten days later, on 11 February, when Iran's military declared itself "neutral" after guerrillas and rebel troops overwhelmed troops loyal to the Shah in armed street fighting. Iran officially became an Islamic Republic on 1 April 1979 when Iranians overwhelmingly approved a national referendum to make it so.<ref name="britannica1"/><ref name = "Britannica">[http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-32981 Encyclopædia Britannica]23 January 2008</ref> In December 1979, the country approved a [[theocratic]] constitution, whereby Khomeini became [[Supreme Leader]] of the country.
The speed and success of the revolution surprised many throughout the world,<ref>Jahangir Amuzegar, ''The Dynamics of the Iranian Revolution,'' (1991), p.4, 9–12 ISBN 0791407314</ref> as it had not been precipitated by a military defeat, a financial crisis, or a peasant rebellion.<ref>Arjomand, ''Turban'' (1988), p. 191.</ref> Although both nationalists and Marxists joined with Islamic traditionalists to overthrow the Shah, tens of thousands were killed and executed by the Islamic regime afterward, the revolution ultimately resulted in an Islamic Republic under [[Ayatollah]] [[Ruhollah Khomeini]].<ref name = "Benard">Cheryl Benard, Zalmay Khalilzad, ''"The Government of God"'' ISBN 0231053762, Columbia University Press (1984), p. 18.</ref>
[[File:Imam Khomeini in Mehrabad.jpg|thumb|upright|Arrival of [[Ayatollah]] [[Khomeini]] on 1 February 1979 from France]]
Iran's [[US-Iran relations|relationship with the United States]] deteriorated rapidly during the revolution. On 4 November 1979, a group of Iranian students [[Iran hostage crisis|seized US embassy personnel]], labelling the embassy a "den of spies".<ref name="carterpbs">[http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/carter/sfeature/sf_hostage.html PBS, American Experience, Jimmy Carter, "444 Days: America Reacts"], retrieved 1 Oct 2007</ref> They accused its personnel of being CIA agents plotting to overthrow the revolutionary government, as the CIA had done to [[Mohammad Mossadegh]] in 1953. While the student ringleaders had not asked for permission from [[Khomeini]] to seize the embassy, [[Khomeini]] nonetheless supported the embassy takeover after hearing of its success.<ref name = "MarkBowden-Guests">Guests of the Ayatollah: The Iran Hostage Crisis: The First Battle in America's War with Militant Islam, Mark Bowden, p. 127 ISBN 0802143032, Grove Press</ref> While most of the [[female]] and [[African American]] hostages were released within the first months,<ref name="MarkBowden-Guests"/> the remaining fifty-two hostages were held for 444 days. Subsequently attempts by the [[Jimmy Carter]] administration to negotiate or [[Operation Eagle Claw|rescue]] were unsuccessful. In January 1981 the hostages were set free according to the [[Algiers declaration]].

[[Iraqi]] leader [[Saddam Hussein]] decided to take advantage of what he perceived to be disorder in the wake of the Iranian Revolution and its unpopularity with Western governments. The once-strong [[Iranian military]] had been disbanded during the revolution. Saddam sought to expand Iraq's access to the [[Persian Gulf]] by acquiring territories that Iraq had claimed earlier from Iran during the Shah's rule. Of chief importance to Iraq was [[Khuzestan Province|Khuzestan]] which not only has a substantial [[Arab]] population, but boasted rich oil fields as well. On the unilateral behalf of the [[United Arab Emirates]], the islands of [[Abu Musa]] and the [[Greater and Lesser Tunbs]] became objectives as well. On 22 September 1980 the Iraqi army invaded Iran at Khuzestan, precipitating the [[Iran–Iraq War]].

Although Saddam Hussein's forces made several early advances, by 1982, Iranian forces managed to push the Iraqi army back into Iraq. Khomeini sought to [[Export of revolution|export his Islamic revolution]] westward into Iraq, especially on the majority Shi'a Arabs living in the country. The war then continued for six more years until 1988, when Khomeini, in his words, "drank the cup of poison" and accepted a truce mediated by the United Nations. The total Iranian casualties of the war were estimated to be anywhere between 500,000 and 1,000,000; with more than 100,000 Iranians being victims of Iraq's chemical weapons.<ref name="r1">Centre for Documents of The Imposed War, Tehran. (مرکز مطالعات و تحقیقات جنگ)</ref> Almost all relevant international agencies have confirmed that Saddam engaged in chemical warfare to blunt Iranian [[human wave attack]]s; these agencies unanimously confirmed that Iran never used chemical weapons during the war.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.fas.org/news/iran/1997/970205-480132.htm | title = News | publisher = FAS}} retrieved 23 January 2008</ref><ref>http://www.fas.org/cw/intro.htm 23 January 2008</ref><ref>[http://www.nti.org/e_research/profiles/Iran/Chemical/2340_2965.html NTI Chemical profile of Iran] 23 January 2008</ref>

Following the Iran–Iraq War President [[Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani]] and his administration concentrated on a pragmatic pro-business policy of rebuilding and strengthening the economy without making any dramatic break with the ideology of the revolution. Rafsanjani served until 1997 when he was succeeded by the moderate [[Iranian reform movement|reformist]] [[Mohammad Khatami]]. During his two terms as president, Khatami advocated [[freedom of expression]], tolerance and [[civil society]], constructive diplomatic relations with other states including [[EU]] and [[Asia]]n governments, and an economic policy that supported [[free market]] and foreign investment. However, Khatami is widely regarded as having been unsuccessful in achieving his goal of making Iran more free and democratic.<ref name="autogenerated3">[http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2004/may/04/iran The Guardian, Tuesday 4 May 2004, Khatami blames clerics for failure]</ref> In the [[Iranian presidential election, 2005|2005 presidential elections]], Iran made yet another change in political direction, when conservative populist candidate [[Mahmoud Ahmadinejad]] was elected over [[Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani]].<ref>
{{cite web| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4740441.stm| title = Iran hardliner becomes president| accessdate = 2006-12-06| date = 3 August 2005| publisher = [[BBC]]}}</ref>

==Government and politics==
{{main|Politics and Government of Iran|Supreme Leader of Iran|President of Iran|Majlis of Iran|Council of Guardians|Expediency Discernment Council|Judicial system of Iran|Assembly of Experts|City and Village Councils of Iran}}
[[File:Schema gvt iran en.png|300px|thumb|Political institutions of Iran]]
[[File:Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei,.jpg|right|thumb|[[Ali Khamenei]], [[Supreme Leader of Iran]]]]
The political system of the Islamic [[Republic]] is based on the 1979 [[Iranian Constitution|Constitution]]. The system comprises several intricately connected governing bodies. '''[[Supreme Leader of Iran|The Supreme Leader of Iran]]''' is responsible for [[Guardianship of the jurists (doctrine)|delineation and supervision]] of the general policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran.<ref name="leader">[http://www.leader.ir/langs/en/index.php?p=leader_law] retrieved 13 May 2008</ref> The Supreme Leader is ''Commander-in-Chief'' of the armed forces, controls the military intelligence and security operations; and has sole power to declare war or peace.<ref name="leader" /> The heads of the judiciary, state radio and television networks, the commanders of the police and military forces and six of the twelve members of the [[Council of Guardians]] are appointed by the Supreme Leader.<ref name="leader" /> The [[Assembly of Experts]] elects and dismisses the Supreme Leader on the basis of qualifications and popular esteem.<ref name="loc">{{cite web |url=http://countrystudies.us/iran/81.htm |title="Iran — The Constitution" |first=Library of Congress |last=Federal Research Division |accessdate=2006-04-14}}</ref> The Assembly of Experts is responsible for supervising the Supreme Leader in the performance of legal duties.

After the Supreme Leader, the Constitution defines the '''[[President of Iran]]''' as the highest state authority.<ref name="leader" /><ref name="photius">[http://www.photius.com/countries/iran/government/iran_government_the_presidency.html Iran The Presidency] retrieved 25 January 2008</ref> The President is elected by [[universal suffrage]] for a term of four years and can only be re-elected for one term.<ref name="photius" /> Presidential candidates must be approved by the [[Council of Guardians]] prior to running in order to ensure their allegiance to the ideals of the Islamic revolution.<ref>Chibli Mallat, The Renewal of Islamic Law: Muhammad Baqer As-Sadr, Najaf and the Shi'i international, ISBN 0521531225, Cambridge University Press</ref> The President is responsible for the implementation of the Constitution and for the exercise of executive powers, except for matters directly related to the Supreme Leader, who has the final say in all matters.<ref name="leader" /> The President appoints and supervises the [[Council of Minsters of Iran|Council of Ministers]], coordinates government decisions, and selects government policies to be placed before the legislature.<ref>http://countrystudies.us/iran/84.htm retrieved 2 February 2008</ref> Eight Vice-Presidents serve under the President, as well as a cabinet of twenty two ministers, who must all be approved by the legislature.<ref>[http://www.iranchamber.com/government/articles/structure_of_power.php The Structure of Power in Iran] retrieved 28 Feb 2008</ref> Unlike many other states, the executive branch in Iran does not control the armed forces. Although the President appoints the Ministers of Intelligence and Defense, it is customary for the President to obtain explicit approval from the Supreme Leader for these two ministers before presenting them to the legislature for a vote of confidence. Iran's current president, [[Mahmoud Ahmadinejad]], was elected in a run-off poll in the [[Iranian presidential election, 2005|2005 presidential elections]]. His term expires in 2009.<ref>[http://www.biographyartist.com/2007/03/mahmood-ahmadinejad.html Biography of popular peoples: Mahmood Ahmadinejad] retrieved 28 Feb 2008</ref>
[[File:Ebadi.jpg|thumb|left|[[Shirin Ebadi]], a life-long prodemocracy activist won 2003 Nobel Peace Prize]]

As of 2008, the '''[[Majlis of Iran|Legislature of Iran]]''' (also known as the [[Majlis of Iran]]) is a [[unicameral]] body.<ref name="Majlis">http://www.electionguide.org/country.php?ID=103 retrieved 3 February 2008</ref> Before the [[Iranian Revolution]], the legislature was [[bicameral]], but the [[Iranian Senate|upper house]] was removed under the new constitution. The [[Majlis of Iran]] comprises 290 members elected for four-year terms.<ref name="Majlis"/> The Majlis drafts [[legislation]], ratifies international [[treaties]], and approves the national budget. All Majlis candidates and all legislation from the assembly must be approved by the '''[[Council of Guardians]]'''.<ref>[http://countrystudies.us/iran/86.htm Iran - The Council of Guardians] retrieved 3 February 2008</ref> The [[Council of Guardians]] comprises twelve jurists including six appointed by the Supreme Leader. The others are elected by the [[Majlis|Parliament]] from among the jurists nominated by the Head of the [[Judicial system of Iran|Judiciary]].<ref>http://www.iranonline.com/iran/iran-info/Government/constitution-6-2.html retrieved 3 February 2008</ref><ref name="photius">http://www.photius.com/countries/iran/government/iran_government_the_council_of_guard~276.html retrieved 3 February 2008</ref> The Council interprets the constitution and may [[veto]] Parliament. If a law is deemed incompatible with the constitution or ''[[Sharia]]'' (Islamic law), it is referred back to Parliament for revision.<ref name="photius"/> In a controversial exercise of its authority, the Council has drawn upon a narrow interpretation of Iran's constitution to veto parliamentary candidates. The '''[[Expediency Discernment Council|Expediency Council]]''' has the authority to mediate disputes between Parliament and the Council of Guardians, and serves as an advisory body to the Supreme Leader, making it one of the most powerful governing bodies in the country.<ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/middle_east/03/iran_power/html/expediency_council.stm retrieved 3 February 2008</ref>

The Supreme Leader appoints the head of '''[[Judicial system of Iran|Iran's Judiciary]]''', who in turn appoints the head of the Supreme Court and the chief public prosecutor.<ref name="Judiciary">http://www.iranchamber.com/government/articles/structure_of_power.php, retrieved 3 Feb 2008</ref> There are several types of courts including public courts that deal with civil and criminal cases, and "revolutionary courts" which deal with certain categories of offenses, including crimes against [[national security]]. The decisions of the revolutionary courts are final and cannot be appealed.<ref name="Judiciary"/> The Special Clerical Court handles crimes allegedly committed by [[cleric]]s, although it has also taken on cases involving [[lay people]]. The Special Clerical Court functions independently of the regular judicial framework and is accountable only to the Supreme Leader. The Court's rulings are final and cannot be appealed.<ref name="Judiciary"/>

The '''[[Assembly of Experts]]''', which meets for one week annually, comprises 86 "virtuous and learned" clerics elected by adult suffrage for eight-year terms. As with the presidential and parliamentary elections, the [[Council of Guardians]] determines candidates' eligibility.<ref name="Judiciary"/> The Assembly elects the Supreme Leader and has the constitutional authority to remove the Supreme Leader from power at any time.<ref name="Judiciary"/> As all of their meetings and notes are strictly confidential, the Assembly has never been publicly known to challenge any of the Supreme Leader's decisions.<ref name="Judiciary"/>

'''[[City and Village Councils of Iran|Local City Councils]]''' are elected by public vote to four-year terms in all cities and villages of Iran. According to article seven of Iran's Constitution, these local councils together with the Parliament are "decision-making and administrative organs of the State". This section of the constitution was not implemented until 1999 when the first local council elections were held across the country. Councils have many different responsibilities including electing mayors, supervising the activities of municipalities; studying, planning, co-ordinating and implementing of social, cultural, educational, health, economic, and welfare requirements of their constituencies.

==Foreign relations and military==
{{main|Foreign relations of Iran|Military of Iran|Iranian defense industry}}
{{see also|Military history of Iran|List of military equipment manufactured in Iran}}
[[File:Iranian kilo class submarine.jpg|thumb|One of Iran's 6 [[Kilo class submarine|SSK Kilo class submarine]]s]]
[[Foreign relations of Iran|Iran's foreign relations]] are based on two strategic principles: eliminating outside influences in the region and pursuing extensive diplomatic contacts with developing and [[Non-Aligned Movement|non-aligned countries]]. Iran maintains diplomatic relations with almost every member of the [[United Nations]], except for [[Israel]], which Iran does not recognize, and the United States since the [[Iranian Revolution]].<ref>[http://www.pbs.org/newshour/indepth_coverage/middle_east/iran/timeline.html Key Events in Iran Since 1921] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> Since 2005, [[Nuclear program of Iran|Iran's Nuclear Program]] has become the subject of contention with the West because of suspicions regarding Iran's military intentions. This has led the [[UN Security Council]] to impose [[sanctions against Iran]] on select companies linked to this program, thus furthering its economic [[isolation]] on the international scene.

The Islamic Republic of Iran has two types of [[armed forces]]: the regular forces [[Islamic Republic of Iran Army]], [[Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force]], [[Islamic Republic of Iran Navy]] and the [[Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps]] (IRGC), totalling about 545,000 active troops. Iran also has around 350,000 Reserve Force totaling around 900,000 trained troops.<ref>[[IISS]] Military Balance 2006, Routledge for the IISS, London, 2006, p.187</ref> Iran has not invaded any country over the past two centuries.<ref>[http://web-srv.mfa.gov.ir/output/english/documents/doc5097.htm Statement by Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs] retrieved 28 June 2008</ref> Iran has a paramilitary, volunteer militia force within the IRGC, called the [[Basij]], which includes about 90,000 full-time, active-duty uniformed members. Up to 11 million men and women are members of the Basij who could potentially be called up for service; [[GlobalSecurity.org]] estimates Iran could mobilize "up to one million men". This would be among the largest troop mobilizations in the world.<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/intell/world/iran/basij.htm Niruyeh Moghavemat Basij Mobilisation Resistance Force] retrieved 27 Feb 2008</ref> In 2005, Iran's military spending represented 3.3% of the GDP or $91 per capita, the lowest figure of the [[Persian Gulf]] nations.<ref>[http://www.payvand.com/news/06/jun/1011.html Iran's defense spending 'a fraction of Persian Gulf neighbors'] retrieved 27 Feb 2008</ref> Iran's military doctrine is based on [[deterrence]].<ref>[http://www2.irna.com/en/news/view/line-24/0804185731142306.htm IRNA: Iran's doctrine based on deterrence]retrieved 28 June 2008</ref>

Since the [[Iranian revolution]], to overcome foreign embargo, Iran has developed its own [[Iranian military industry|military industry]], produced its own [[tanks]], [[armored personnel carriers]], [[guided missile]]s, [[submarine]]s, and [[fighter planes]].<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,156160,00.html Iran Launches Production of Stealth Sub] retrieved 27 Feb 2008</ref> In recent years, official announcements have highlighted the development of weapons such as the [[Hoot (missile)|Hoot]], [[Kowsar]], [[Zelzal]], [[Fateh-110]], [[Shahab-3]] and [[Sajjil]] missiles, and a variety of [[unmanned aerial vehicles]] (UAVs).<ref>{{cite news |title=Iran tests new long-range missile |work=[[BBC]] |date=2008-11-12 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7725951.stm |accessdate=2008-11-12}}</ref> The [[Fajr-3 (MIRV)]] is currently Iran's most advanced [[ballistic missile]], it is a [[liquid fuel]] missile with an unknown range which was developed and produced domestically.

==Economy==
{{main|Economy of Iran}}
{{seealso|Next Eleven|Central Bank of Iran|Tehran Stock Exchange|Transport in Iran|Communications in Iran|Construction in Iran|Privatization in Iran|Foreign Direct Investment in Iran|Economic Cooperation Organization}}
[[Economy of Iran|Iran's economy]] is a [[Mixed economy|mixture]] of [[Planned economy|central planning]], [[state ownership]] of oil and other large [[Business|enterprises]], village [[agriculture]], and small-scale private trading and service ventures.<ref>http://www.traveldocs.com/ir/economy.htm retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> Its economic [[communications in Iran|infrastructure]] has been improving steadily over the past two decades but continues to be affected by [[inflation]] and [[unemployment]].<ref>{{cite web|date=2007-07-08|url=http://iran-daily.com/1386/2887/html|title=World Bank: Iran’s Economic Indices Improving|publisher=Iran Daily|accessdate=2007-07-08}}</ref> In the early 21st century the service sector contributed the largest percentage of the GDP, followed by industry ([[Mining in Iran|mining]] and manufacturing) and [[Agriculture of Iran|agriculture]]. In 2006, about 45% of the government's budget came from oil and natural gas revenues, and 31% came from taxes and fees.<ref name="payvand.com">[http://www.payvand.com/news/08/jan/1250.html IRNA: Crude price pegged at dlrs 39.6 a barrel under next year's budget] Retrieved December 5, 2008</ref> Government spending contributed to an average annual inflation rate of 14% in the period 2000–2004. Iran has earned $70 billion in [[foreign exchange reserves]] mostly from crude oil exports (80% as of 2007).<ref>[http://iran-daily.com/1386/3068/html/economy.htm] Forex Reserves Put at $70b Retrieved on 24 February 2008</ref> In 2007, the GDP was estimated at $206 billion ($852 billion at PPP), or $3,160 per capita ($12,300 at [[Purchasing power parity|PPP]]).<ref name="CIA"/> Iran's official annual growth rate was at 6% (2008).<ref>Surrounded:seeing the world from Iran's point of view Military review July-August 2007 Houman A. Sadri p.21</ref> Because of these figures and the country’s diversified but small industrial base, the United Nations classifies Iran's economy as semi-developed.<ref name="newworldencyclopedia">[http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Iran "New World Encyclopedia"], retrieved 28 Jan 2008</ref>

The services sector has seen the greatest long-term growth in terms of its share of GDP, but the sector remains volatile. State investment has boosted agriculture with the liberalization of production and the improvement of packaging and marketing helping to develop new export markets. Thanks to the construction of many [[dam]]s throughout the country in recent years, large-scale [[irrigation]] schemes, and the wider production of export-based agricultural items like [[Date palm|dates]], [[flower]]s, and [[pistachio]]s, produced the fastest economic growth of any sector in Iran over much of the 1990s.
[[File:Tehran skyline may 2007.jpg|thumb|left|[[Tehran]] was one of the first cities in Iran which was modernized in the [[Pahlavi]] era]]

Close to 1.8% of national employment is generated in the tourism sector which is slated to increase to 10% in the next five years.<ref>http://www.farsinet.com/travel2iran/ retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> About 1,659,000 foreign [[tourists]] visited Iran in 2004; most came from [[Asia]]n countries, including the republics of [[Central Asia]], while a small share came from the countries of the [[European Union]] and [[North America]]. Iran currently ranks 89th in [[tourist]] income, but is rated among the 10 most touristic countries in the world.<ref name="Tourism">http://www.iran-daily.com/1384/2241/html/focus.htm retrieved 15 Feb 2008</ref> Weak advertising, unstable regional conditions, a poor public image in some parts of the world, and absence of efficient planning schemes in the tourism sector have all hindered the growth of tourism.

The administration continues to follow the market reform plans of the previous one and indicated that it will diversify Iran's oil-reliant economy. Iran has also developed a [[biotechnology]], [[nanotechnology]], and [[pharmaceuticals]] industry.<ref>[http://www.nanovip.com/nanotechnology-companies/iran List of Iranian Nanotechnology companies] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> The strong oil market since 1996 helped ease financial pressures on Iran and allowed for Tehran's timely debt service payments. Iranian [[budget deficits]] have been a chronic problem, mostly due to [[Ministry of Petroleum of Iran#Gasoline subsidies|large-scale state subsidies]], that include foodstuffs and especially gasoline, totaling more than $84 billion in 2008 for the energy sector alone.<ref>http://www.payvand.com/news/07/jan/1295.html "Ahmadinejad's Achilles Heel: The Iranian Economy" retrieved 23 January 2008</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=2007-01-08|url=http://www.iran-daily.com/1387/3111/html/economy.htm|title=Energy subsidies reach $84b|publisher=Iran-Daily|accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref>

The authorities so as the private sector have put in the past 15 years an emphasis on the local production of domestic-consumption oriented goods such as home appliances, cars, agricultural products, pharmaceutical, etc. Today, Iran possesses a good manufacturing industry, despite [[sanctions against Iran|restrictions]] imposed by foreign countries. However, nationalized industries such as the [[bonyad]]s have often been managed badly, making them ineffective and uncompetitive with years. Currently, the government is trying to [[Privatization in Iran|privatize]] these industries, and, despite successes, there are still several problems to be overcome, such as the lagging corruption in the public sector (and, therefore, nationalized industries) and lack of competitiveness.

Globally, Iran has leading manufacture industry in the fields of car-manufacture and transportations, construction materials, home appliances, food and agricultural goods, armaments, pharmaceuticals, information technology, power and petrochemicals.<ref name="Economy">[https://www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk/ukti/appmanager/ukti/countries?_nfls=false&_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=CountryType1&navigationPageId=/iran] retrieved 26 Feb 08</ref>

===Energy===
{{main|Energy in Iran|Ministry of Petroleum of Iran|Iranian Oil Bourse|Nuclear program of Iran}}
[[File:CIAIranKarteOelGas.jpg|thumb|Iran holds 10% of the world's proven [[oil reserves]] and 15% of its [[gas]]. It is [[OPEC]]'s second largest exporter and the world's fourth oil producer.]]
Iran ranks second in the world in [[natural gas]] reserves and also second in [[oil]] reserves.<ref>http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/cabs/Iran/Background.html retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> It is [[OPEC]]'s 2nd largest oil exporter. In 2005, Iran spent [[United States dollar|$]]4 billion on fuel imports, because of [[contraband]] and inefficient domestic use.<ref>[http://www.heraldextra.com/content/view/205986/3/ "U.S. targets Iran's vulnerable oil"] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> Oil industry output averaged {{convert|4|Moilbbl/d|m3/d}} in 2005, compared with the peak of six million barrels per day reached in 1974. In the early 2000s, industry [[infrastructure]] was increasingly inefficient because of technological lags. Few exploratory [[wells]] were drilled in 2005.

In 2004, a large share of Iran's natural gas reserves were untapped. The addition of new [[hydroelectric]] stations and the streamlining of conventional [[coal]] and oil-fired stations increased installed capacity to 33,000 megawatts. Of that amount, about 75% was based on natural gas, 18% on oil, and 7% on hydroelectric power. In 2004, Iran opened its first [[wind]]-powered and geothermal plants, and the first [[solar]] thermal plant is to come online in 2009. [[Demographics of Iran|Demographic]] trends and intensified industrialization have caused [[electric power]] demand to grow by 8% per year. The government’s goal of 53,000 megawatts of installed capacity by 2010 is to be reached by bringing on line new gas-fired plants and by adding hydroelectric, and [[nuclear programme of Iran|nuclear power generating capacity]]. Iran’s first [[nuclear power plant]] at [[Bushehr]] is set to go online bu mid-2009.<ref name="nuclear">http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/profiles/Iran.pdf retrieved 23 January 2008</ref><ref>[http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20081118/wl_nm/us_iran_nuclear_bushehr_1 Iran aims for 2009 launch of nuclear plant]Retrieved November 23, 2008</ref>

==Demography==
{{main|Demography of Iran|Iranian peoples|Religion in Iran|Health care in Iran|Iranian citizens abroad}}
{{Iran Ethnic Groups Labelled Map|float=right}}
Iran is a diverse country consisting of people of many religions and ethnic backgrounds cemented by the [[Persian culture]]. The majority of the population speaks the [[Persian language]], which is also the [[official language]] of the country, as well as other [[Iranian language]]s or dialects. [[Turkic languages]] and dialects (most importantly [[Azeri]]) are spoken in different areas in Iran. Additionally, [[Arabic language|Arabic]] is spoken in the southwestern parts of the country.

The main ethnic groups are [[Persians]] (51%), [[Azeris]] (24%), [[Guilak|Gilaki]] and [[Mazandarani people|Mazandarani]] (8%), [[Kurds]] (7%), [[Arabs]] (3%), [[Baloch|Baluchi]] (2%), [[Lurs]] (2%), [[Turkmen people|Turkmens]] (2%), [[Lak people (Iran)|Laks]], [[Qashqai]], [[Armenians]], [[Persian Jews]], [[Georgians]], [[Assyrian people|Assyrians]], [[Circassians]], [[Tats]], [[Mandaeans]], [[Romani people|Gypsies]], [[Brahui people|Brahuis]], [[Hazara people|Hazara]], [[Kazakh people|Kazakhs]] and others (1%).<ref name="CIA"/>

Iran's population increased dramatically during the latter half of the 20th century, reaching about 72 million by 2008.<ref name="una">{{cite web |url=http://www.un.org/Depts/escap/pop/journal/v10n1a1.htm |title="A New Direction in Population Policy and Family Planning in the Islamic Republic of Iran" |first=United Nations |last=Asia-Pacific Population Journal |accessdate=2006-04-14}}</ref> In recent years, however, Iran's [[birth rate]] has dropped significantly. Studies show that Iran's rate of population growth will continue to slow until it stabilizes above 90 million by 2050.<ref name="bureau">{{cite web |url=http://www.census.gov/cgi-bin/ipc/idbsum.pl?cty=IR |title="IDB Summary Demographic Data for Iran" |first=Government of the U.S.A. |last=Census Bureau |accessdate=2006-04-14}}</ref><ref name="payvand">{{cite web |url=http://www.payvand.com/news/04/aug/1017.html |title="Iran's population growth rate falls to 1.5 percent: UNFP" |first=Payvand.com |last=Iran News |accessdate=2006-10-18}}</ref> More than two-thirds of the population is under the age of 30, and the literacy rate is 82%.<ref name="CIA" /> Women today compose more than half of the incoming classes for universities around the country and increasingly continue to play pivotal roles in society.

Iran hosts one of the largest [[refugee]] populations in the world, with more than one million refugees, mostly from [[Afghan refugees|Afghanistan]] and [[Iraq]]. Since 2006, Iranian officials have been working with the [[UNHCR]] and Afghan officials for their [[repatriation]].<ref name="bbcb">{{cite web |url=http://www.unhcr.org/news/NEWS/452b78394.html |title="Tripartite meeting on returns to Afghanistan" |first=[[UNHCR]] |last=United Nations |accessdate=2006-04-14}}</ref> According to estimates, between two and three million [[Iranian citizens abroad|Iranian citizens]] have emigrated to other countries, mostly since the Iranian Revolution in 1979.<ref>[http://www.migrationinformation.org/Profiles/display.cfm?ID=424 Migration Information Institute: Characteristics of the Iranian Diaspora] Retrieved January 10, 2009</ref>
[[File:Iran Population (1880-2005).JPG|thumb|250px|left|Population of Iran]]

[[Religion in Iran]] is dominated by the [[Twelver]] [[Shi'a Islam|Shi'a]] branch of [[Islam]], which is the official state religion and to which about 89% of Iranians belong. About 9% of Iranians belong to the [[Sunni Islam|Sunni]] branch of Islam, mainly Kurds and Iran's Balochi Sunni. The remaining 2% are non-Muslim [[Religious minorities in Iran|religious minorities]], including [[Bahá'í Faith|Bahá'ís]], [[Mandaeism|Mandeans]], [[Hindus]], [[Yezidi]]s, [[Yarsan]]is, [[Zoroastrians in Iran|Zoroastrians]], [[Persian Jews|Jews]], and [[Christians in Iran|Christians]].<ref name="CIA"/> The latter three [[minority]] religions are officially recognized and protected, and have reserved seats in the ''[[Majlis]]'' (Parliament). However the [[Bahá'í Faith]], Iran's largest religious minority<ref name="fdih2">{{cite web |date=2003-08-01 |title=Discrimination against religious minorities in Iran |author=International Federation for Human Rights |publisher=fdih.org |accessdate=2009-01-17 |url=http://www.fidh.org/IMG/pdf/ir0108a.pdf|format=PDF | pages = 6}}</ref>, is not officially recognized, and has been persecuted during its existence in Iran. Since the 1979 revolution the [[persecution of Bahá'ís]] has increased with executions, the denial of civil rights and liberties, and the denial of access to higher education and employment.<ref name="fdih1">{{cite web |date=2003-08-01 |title=Discrimination against religious minorities in Iran |author=International Federation for Human Rights |publisher=fdih.org |accessdate=2007-03-19 |url=http://www.fidh.org/IMG/pdf/ir0108a.pdf|format=PDF}}</ref><ref name="ihrdc">{{cite web | author= Iran Human Rights Documentation Center |publisher=Iran Human Rights Documentation Center | title= A Faith Denied: The Persecution of the Bahá'ís of Iran | year= 2007 |accessdate=2007-03-19|url=http://www.iranhrdc.org/english/pdfs/Reports/bahai_report.pdf|format=PDF}}</ref>

According to the [[Iranian Constitution]], the government is required to provide every citizen of the country with access to [[social security]] that covers [[retirement]], [[unemployment]], old age, [[disability]], [[accidents]], calamities, [[health]] and medical treatment and care services. This is covered by [[Labor and tax laws in Iran|public revenues]] and income derived from public contributions. The [[World Health Organization]] in the last report on health systems ranks Iran's performance on health level 58th, and its overall [[health care in Iran|health system]] performance 93rd among the world's nations.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.who.int/whr/2000/en/annex10_en.pdf| title=The World Health Report 2000| first=[[World Health Organisation]]| last=WHO| accessdate=2006-10-12|format=PDF}}</ref>

==Culture==
{{main|Culture of Iran}}
{{seealso|Media of Iran|Cinema of Iran|Iranian cuisine}}
[[File:Teatreshahr11.jpg|thumb|left|City Theater of Tehran, the largest Theater auditorium in the [[Middle East]]]]
The Culture of Iran is a mix of ancient pre-Islamic culture and Islamic culture. [[Iranian culture]] probably originated in [[Central Asia]] and the [[Andronovo culture]] is strongly suggested as the predecessor of Iranian culture ''ca''. 2000 BC. Iranian culture has long been a predominant culture of the [[Middle East]] and [[Central Asia]], with [[Persian language|Persian]] considered the language of intellectuals during much of the 2nd millennium, and the language of religion and the populace before that. The [[Sassanid empire|Sassanid era]] was an important and influential historical period in Iran as Iranian culture influenced China, India and Roman civilization considerably,<ref>J. B. Bury, History of the Later Roman Empire: From the Death of Theodosius I to the Death of Justinian Volume 1, p.109 ISBN 0486203980, Dover Publications</ref> and so influenced as far as Western Europe and Africa.<ref>[http://www.transoxiana.com.ar/0104/sasanians.html Transoxiana 04: Sassanids in Africa] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> This influence played a prominent role in the formation of both [[Asian art|Asiatic]] and European [[medieval art]].<ref>[http://www.artarena.force9.co.uk/sass2.htm Iransaga: The art of Sassanids] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> This influence carried forward to the [[Islamic world]]. Much of what later became known as Islamic learning, such as [[philology]], [[Islamic literature|literature]], [[Fiqh|jurisprudence]], [[Early Islamic philosophy|philosophy]], [[Islamic medicine|medicine]], [[Islamic architecture|architecture]] and the [[Islamic science|sciences]] were based on some of the practises taken from the [[Sassanid dynasty|Sassanid]] Persians to the broader Muslim world.<ref>[http://www.parstimes.com/history/title.html Iran - A country study] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref><ref>[http://www.levity.com/alchemy/islam16.html History of Islamic Science 5] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref><ref name="Iran in Britannica"/>
[[File:Ferdowsi Statue Ferdowsi Square Tehran.jpg|thumb|upright|The statue of [[Ferdowsi]] in the Ferdwosi Square of Tehran]]

After [[Islamization in Iran|Islamicization of Iran]] Islamic rituals have penetrated in the Iranian culture. The most noticeable one of them is [[commemoration of Husayn ibn Ali]]. Every year in [[Day of Ashura]] most of Iranians, including [[Armenians]] and [[Zoroastrians]] participate in mourning for the martyrs of [[battle of Karbala]]. Daily life in modern Iran is closely interwoven with [[Shia Islam]] and the country's art, literature, and architecture are an ever-present reminder of its deep national tradition and of a broader literary culture.<ref name="Iran in Britannica">{{cite encyclopedia|last=Afary |first=Janet |title=Iran|year=2006|encyclopedia=Encyclopedia Britannica Online | accessdate=2007-10-29|location=|publisher=|url=http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9106324/Iran}}</ref><ref>[http://www.tebyan.net/Literature_Art/GodlyPeople/Occasions/2005/2/22/10530.html گزارش عزاداری ، ارامنه و زرتشتیان ایران] </ref> The Iranian New Year ([[Nowruz]]) is an ancient tradition celebrated on 21 March to mark the beginning of spring in Iran. It is also celebrated in Afghanistan, Republic of Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and previously also in Georgia and Armenia. It is also celebrated by the Iraqi and Anatolian Kurds.<ref>http://www.zoroastrian.org/articles/nowruz.htm retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> Nowrouz was nominated as one of [[UNESCO]]'s [[Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity]] in 2004.<ref name="culture">{{cite web |url=http://www.payvand.com/news/04/jul/1090.html |title="Nowrouz Vital Meeting to be Held in Tehran" |first=Payvand.com |last=Iran News |accessdate=2006-04-14}}</ref>

The [[cuisine of Iran]] is diverse, with each province featuring dishes, as well as culinary traditions and styles, distinct to their regions. The main Persian cuisines are combinations of rice with meat, chicken or fish and some onion, vegetables, nuts, and herbs. Herbs are frequently used along with fruits such as plums, pomegranates, quince, prunes, apricots, and raisins. To achieve a balanced taste, characteristic flavourings such as saffron, dried limes, cinnamon, and parsley are mixed delicately and used in some special dishes. Onions and garlic are normally used in the preparation of the accompanying course, but are also served separately during meals, either in raw or pickled form. Iran is also famous for its [[caviar]].<ref>[http://www.iran-daily.com/1383/2228/html/focus.htm]</ref> Iranian food is not spicy.

[[Iranian cinema]] has thrived in modern Iran, and many Iranian directors have garnered worldwide recognition for their work. Iranian movies have won over three hundred awards in the past twenty-five years. One of the best-known directors is [[Abbas Kiarostami]]. The [[media of Iran]] is a mixture of private and state-owned, but books and movies must be approved by the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance before being released to the public. The [[Internet]] has become enormously popular among the Iranian youth. Iran is now the world's fourth largest country of [[Iranian Blogs|bloggers]].<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2004/dec/20/iran.blogging Freedom in Farsi blogs] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref>

===Language and literature===
{{main|Persian language|History of the Persian language|Persian literature}}
{{seealso|Music of Iran|Persian miniature}}
[[File:ModernIranianlanguagesMap.jpg|right|thumb|The region where Persian '''(green)''' and other [[Iranian languages]] are spoken]]
Article 15 of the Iranian constitution states that the "Official language (of Iran)... is Persian...[and]... the use of regional and tribal languages in the press and mass media, as well as for teaching of their literature in schools, is allowed in addition to Persian." Persian serves as a ''[[lingua franca]]'' in Iran and most publications and broadcastings are in this language. Next to Persian there are many publications and broadcastings in other relatively large languages of Iran such as [[Azerbaijani language|Azeri]], [[Kurdish language|Kurdish]] and even in relatively smaller ones such as [[Arabic language|Arabic]] and [[Armenian language|Armenian]]. Many [[Iranian languages|languages]] have originated from Iran, but Persian is the most used language. Persian is a tongue belonging to the [[Aryan]] or [[Iranian languages|Iranian]] branch of the [[Indo-European languages|Indo-European]] family of languages. The oldest records in [[Old Persian]] date back to the [[Achaemenid Empire]]<ref>{{cite book | title=The Languages of the World | year=2002 | last=Katzner | first=Kenneth | publisher=Routledge | pages=163 | isbn=0415250048}}</ref> and examples of Old Persian have been found in present-day Iran, [[Iraq]], [[Turkey]] and [[Egypt]]. In the late 8th century, the [[Persian language]] was highly Arabized and written in a [[Perso-Arabic script|modified Arabic script]]. This caused a movement supporting the revival of Persian. An important event of this revival was the writing of the ''[[Shahname]]'' by [[Ferdowsi]] (Persian: ''Epic of Kings''), Iran's national epic, which is said to have been written entirely in native Persian. This gave rise to a strong reassertion of Iranian national identity, and is in part credited for the continued existence of Persian as a separate language.

''{{cquote|<center>بسی رنج بردم در این سال سی عجم زنده کردم بدین پارسی</center>''For thirty years, I suffered much pain and strife with Persian I gave the [[Ajam]] verve and life''}}<center>''—[[Ferdowsi]]'' (935–1020)</center>''[[Image:Kelileh va Demneh.jpg|thumb|left|[[Kelileh va Demneh]] Persian manuscript copy dated 1429]]

Persian beside Arabic has been a medium for literary and scientific contributions to the [[Islamic world]] especially in [[Anatolia]], [[central Asia]] and [[Indian sub-continent]]. Poetry is a very important part of Persian culture. Poetry is used in many classical works, whether from Persian literature, science, or metaphysics. For example about half of [[Avicenna]]'s medical writings are known to be versified. Iran has produced a number of famous poets, however only a few names such as [[Rumi]] and [[Omar Khayyám]] have surfaced among western popular readership, even though the likes of [[Hafez]] and [[Saadi]] are considered by many Iranians to be just as influential. The books of famous poets have been translated into western languages since 1634. An example of Persian poetic influence is the poem below which is widely popular:

''{{cquote|<center>بنى آدم اعضاء يک پیکرند که در آفرينش ز يک گوهرند چو عضوى بدرد آورد روزگارد دگر عضوها را نماند قرار</center>''Of one Essence is the human race thus has Creation put the base One Limb impacted is sufficient For all Others to feel the Mace''}}<center>''—[[Saadi (poet)|Saadi]]'' (1184–1283)</center>''

===Art===
{{main|Iranian architecture|Iranian art}}
[[File:Naghshe Jahan Square Isfahan modified.jpg|thumb|left|[[Naghsh-i Jahan Square]]]]
[[File:Mehmooni2.jpg|thumb|right|17th century painting from Hasht-Bahesht palace, Isfahan]]
[[Greater Iran]] is home to one of the richest [[art]]istic traditions in world history and encompasses many disciplines, including [[architecture]], [[painting]], [[weaving]], [[pottery]], [[calligraphy]], [[metalworking]] and [[stone masonry]]. Carpet-weaving is one of the most distinguished manifestations of Persian culture and art, and dates back to ancient Persia. Persians were among the first to use [[mathematics]], [[geometry]], and [[astronomy]] in architecture and also have extraordinary skills in making massive domes which can be seen frequently in the structure of bazaars and mosques. The main building types of classical [[Iranian architecture]] are the [[mosque]] and the [[palace]]. Iran, besides being home to a large number of art houses and galleries, also holds one of the [[Iranian Crown Jewels|largest and valuable jewel collections]] in the world.

Iran ranks seventh among countries in the world with the most archeological architectural ruins and attractions from antiquity as recognized by [[UNESCO]].<ref>[http://www.american.edu/ted/iran-tour.htm Bustling bazaars and ancient sights, parched deserts and snowcapped mountains, awesome architecture and simple hospitality] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> Fifteen of [[UNESCO]]'s [[World Heritage Site]]s are creations of [[Iranian architecture]] and the [[mausoleum of Maussollos]] was identified as one of the [[Seven Wonders of the Ancient World]].

==Science and technology==
[[File:Ghotb2.jpg|thumb|upright|left|13th century manuscript depicting an [[Epicycle|epicyclic planetary model]]]]
{{main|Science in Iran}}
{{see also|Education in Iran|Higher education in Iran}}
Ancient Iranians built [[Qanat]]s and [[Yakhchal]] to provide and keep water. The first [[windmill]] appeared in Iran in the 9th century.<ref name="Al-Hassan, Hill, p.54f.">[[Ahmad Y Hassan]], [[Donald Routledge Hill]] (1986). ''Islamic Technology: An illustrated history'', p. 54. [[Cambridge University Press]]. ISBN 0-521-42239-6.</ref> Iranians contributed significantly to the current understanding of [[astronomy]], [[natural science]], [[medicine]], [[mathematics]], and [[philosophy]]. [[Muhammad ibn Mūsā al-Khwārizmī]] is widely hailed as the father of algebra. The discovery ethanol (alcohol) was first achieved by Persian alchemists such as Muhammad ibn Zakarīya Rāzi. Throughout the [[Middle Ages]], the [[natural philosophy]] and [[mathematics]] of the Ancient Greeks and Persians were furthered and preserved within Persia. The [[Academy of Gundishapur]] was a renowned centre of learning in the city of [[Gundeshapur]] during late antiquity and was the most important medical centre of the ancient world during the sixth and seventh centuries.<ref>The Cambridge History of Iran Vol 4, p396. ISBN 0-521-20093-8</ref> During this period, Persia became a centre for the manufacture of [[Measuring instrument|scientific instruments]], retaining its reputation for quality well into the 19th century.

Iran strives to revive the golden age of Persian science. The country has increased its publication output nearly tenfold from 1996 through 2004, and has been ranked first in terms of output growth rate followed by China.<ref>http://experts.about.com/q/Economics-2301/economic.htm retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> Despite the limitations in funds, facilities, and international collaborations, [[List of Iranian scientists|Iranian scientists]] remain highly productive in several experimental fields as [[pharmacology]], [[pharmaceutical chemistry]], [[organic chemistry]], and [[polymer chemistry]]. Iranian scientists are also helping construct the [[Compact Muon Solenoid]], a detector for [[CERN]]'s [[Large Hadron Collider]].

In the biomedical sciences, Iran's [[Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics]] is a [[UNESCO]] chair in biology.<ref>[http://www.ibb.ut.ac.ir/ Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> in late 2006, Iranian scientists successfully [[Cloning|cloned]] a sheep by somatic cell nuclear transfer, at the [[Royan Institute|Rouyan research centre]] in Tehran.<ref>http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=17674 The first successfully cloned animal in Iran retrieved 7 August 2008</ref>
[[File:Astrolabe-Persian-18C.jpg|thumb|left|An 18th century Persian [[astrolabe]]]]

The [[Iranian nuclear program]] was launched in the 1950s. Iran's current facilities includes several research reactors, a [[uranium]] mine, an almost complete commercial [[nuclear reactor]], and uranium processing facilities that include a [[Enriched uranium#The gas centrifuge|uranium enrichment plant]]. The [[Iranian Space Agency]] launched its first [[reconnaissance satellite]] named [[Sina-1]] in 2006, and a "space rocket" in 2007,<ref>[http://asia.news.yahoo.com/070225/afp/070225120805top.html Rocket launch] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> which aimed at improving science and research for university students.<ref>[http://newsmax.com/archives/articles/2007/2/26/90124.shtml Iran Says 'Space Rocket' for Research]. NewsMax.com, Feb 26, 2007.</ref> The [[Safir (rocket)]] has been designed and produced to send the [[Omid (satellite)|Omid satellite]] into orbit in 2009.<ref>[http://www.debka.com/headline.php?hid=5000 DEBKAfile: Iran launches first space research rocket Safir 1] Retrieved November 20, 2008</ref>
<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=41636&sectionid=351020101 | title = Iran's Kavoshgar I lifts off for space | publisher = Press TV | date = 2008-02-04}}</ref>

[[List of Iranian scientists|Iranian scientists]] outside of Iran have also made some major contributions to science. In 1960, [[Ali Javan]] co-invented the first [[gas laser]] and [[Fuzzy set|fuzzy set theory]] was introduced by [[Lotfi Zadeh]].<ref>[http://www-bisc.cs.berkeley.edu/Zadeh-1965.pdf cs.berkeley.edu] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> Iranian cardiologist, [[Toffy Musivand|Tofy Mussivand]] invented and developed the first artificial cardiac pump, the precursor of the [[artificial heart]]. Furthering research and treatment of diabetes, [[HbA1c]] was discovered by [[Samuel Rahbar]]. Iranian physics is especially strong in [[string theory]], with many papers being published in Iran.<ref>[http://press.web.cern.ch/press/PressReleases/Releases2001/PR09.01EIran.html] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> [[Iranian-American]] string theorist [[Cumrun Vafa]] proposed the [[Vafa-Witten theorem]] together with [[Edward Witten]].

==Sports==
[[File:Azadistadium tehran iran.jpg|thumb|[[Azadi Stadium|Azadi Football Stadium]]]]
[[File:Dizin.jpg|thumb|[[Dizin]] skiing resort, Iran]]
{{main|Sport in Iran}}
With two thirds of Iran's population under the age of 25, sports constitutes a highly active portion of Iran's society, both traditional and modern. Iran hence was the birthplace of sports such as [[polo]],<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4272210.stm news.bb.co.uk] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> and [[Varzesh-e Pahlavani]].
[[Freestyle wrestling]] has been traditionally referred to as Iran's [[national sport]], but today, the most popular sport in Iran is [[football (soccer)]], with the [[Iran national football team|national team]] having reached the [[Football World Cup|World Cup]] finals three times, and having won the [[Asian Cup]] on three occasions. Iran was the first country in the [[Middle East]] to host the [[Asian Games]]. It is home to several unique skiing resorts,<ref>[http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000088&sid=aGpcjac1ZTF8&refer=culture bloomberg.com] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> with the [[Tochal]] resort being the world's fifth-highest ski resort ({{convert|3730|m|ft|0|abbr=on|disp=/}} at its highest station) situated only fifteen minutes away from Tehran. Being a mountainous country, Iran offers enthusiasts abundant challenges for hiking, rock climbing,<ref>http://www.rockclimbing.com/routes/Asia/Iran/ retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> and mountain climbing.<ref>http://www.mountainzone.ir/ retrieved 23 January 2008</ref><ref>[http://www.abc-of-mountaineering.com/middle-east/iran/ Mountaineering in Iran] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref><ref>[http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=News&id=2062458 Local Woman Feared Dead In Iran Mountain Hike] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> Iranian women are also active in sports.

==References==

{{Reflist|2}}

==Further reading==
{{portal|Iran|Flag of Iran.svg}}
* [[Benjamin Walker]], ''Persian Pageant: A Cultural History of Iran,'' Arya Press, Calcutta, 1950.

==External links==
{{sisterlinks}}
;Government
* [http://www.president.ir/eng/ The President of Iran] (no longer being updated)
* [http://www.majlis.ir/mhtml/ The Majlis (Legislature) of Iran] {{fa icon}}
* [http://www.iran.ir/ Iran.ir] (Persian)
* [https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/world-leaders-1/world-leaders-i/iran-nde.html Chief of State and Cabinet Members]
;General
*{{CIA World Factbook link|ir|Iran}}
*[http://ucblibraries.colorado.edu/govpubs/for/iran.htm Iran] at ''UCB Libraries GovPubs''
*{{dmoz|Regional/Middle_East/Iran}}
*{{wikiatlas|Iran}}
*{{wikitravel}}
;Other
* [http://www.persianlanguage.ir Persian language] (Persian)
* [http://www.worldisround.com/articles/73022/index.html Amazing Iran]
* [http://www.worldisround.com/articles/326945/index.html Contemporary Iranian Architecture]
*[http://www.jazirehdanesh.com/find.php?item=1.601.897.en Iranian Innovations]
*[http://venus.unive.it/riccardozipoli/demo/galleries_part.php?a=26&n=1&d=IRAN Photography gallery: People, roads and landscapes of Iran]
*[http://www.archive.org/details/GreatSpeechesAndInterviewsJamesWhitaker James Whitaker speaks about his life in Iran], a discussion about Iran
* Nir Rosen, ''Selling the War with Iran'', The Washington Note, Thursday, 1 May 2008, [http://www.thewashingtonnote.com/archives/2008/05/selling_the_war/].
*''Faces of Iran: The World in One Nation'' (a sequence of still photographs, showing the richness of the ethnic and religious diversity of the people of Iran), [http://www.youtube.com/v/OjtGr1Qqhng&hl=en&rel=0&border=1 YouTube].
* ''Rageh Inside Iran'', a BBC Four production, 17 February 2007, [http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=9161934809152225169&q=Rageh+inside+Iran&total=26&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=1 Google] (1 h 30 min).
* Farhad Nabipour, ''From Persia to Iran'', Part I, AMIR Productions, 4 November 2006 (slide show accompanied with Pink Floyd and Persian music — 28 min 8 sec), [http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2032099907583727317 Google]. Highly recommended!
* Farhad Nabipour, ''From Persia to Iran'', Part II, AMIR Productions, 10 November 2006 (slide show accompanied with Pink Floyd and Persian music — 21 min 46 sec), [http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1936128339543074566 Google].
* Some Iranian folk-songs sung by [[Shusha Guppy]] in the 1970s: [http://www.iranian.com/ram/Shusha/1.ram ''Silver Gun''] (from [[Shiraz]]), [http://www.iranian.com/ram/Shusha/2.ram ''Wheat Flower''] (a harvest song), [http://www.iranian.com/ram/Shusha/3.ram ''The Rain''] (from the [[Gilan]] Province), [http://www.iranian.com/ram/Shusha/4.ram ''The Stars in Heaven''] (from Shiraz), [http://www.iranian.com/ram/Shusha/5.ram ''On Top of the Hill''] (from Shiraz), [http://www.iranian.com/ram/Shusha/6.ram ''The Silken Handkerchief''] (from the [[Fars]] Province), [http://www.iranian.com/ram/Shusha/7.ram ''Darling Leila''] (from the Gilan Province), [http://www.iranian.com/ram/Shusha/8.ram ''I Have Come to Ravish My Heart''] (from the [[Lorestan]] Province), [http://www.iranian.com/ram/Shusha/9.ram ''The Lor Youth''] (a [[Bakhtiari]]-Tribe song), [http://www.iranian.com/ram/Shusha/10.ram ''Lullaby''] (from [[Gorgan]]), [http://www.iranian.com/ram/Shusha/11.ram ''Girl from Boyer-Ahmadi Tribe''] (from the [[Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province]]), [http://www.iranian.com/ram/Shusha/12.ram ''My Beloved is Short''] (from the Fars Province), [http://www.iranian.com/ram/Shusha/13.ram ''The Water Pipe''], [http://www.iranian.com/ram/Shusha/14.ram ''You Must Come to Me''] (from [[Mamasani County]]), [http://www.iranian.com/ram/Shusha/15.ram ''Darling Dareyne''] (from the [[Mazandaran]] Province). For further details see: [http://www.iranian.com/Music/Shusha/ ''Iranian''].
* Gareth Porter, ''Bush's Iran/Argentina Terror Frame-Up'', The Nation, posted 18 January 2008 (web only), [http://www.thenation.com/doc/20080204/porter].
* The Second [[International Festival of Peace Poetry]], Iran, 16 May 2009: [http://www.peacepoetryfest.com/en/index.htm (English)], [http://www.peacepoetryfest.com/pe/index.htm (Persian)].
* Vivien Feyer and Carolyn North, ''We the children of Iran are messengers of peace'', 2007, [http://www.youtube.com/v/Ps0VgQAEF2g&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&border=1 YouTube] (5 min 41 sec).
* Gareth Porter, ''Documents linking Iran to nuclear weapons push may have been fabricated'', TheRawStory, November 10, 2008, [http://rawstory.com/news/2008/IAEA_suspects_fraud_in_evidence_for_1109.html].

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[[Category:G15 nations]]
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[[Category:Islamic republics]]

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User talk:EmilJ/Archive 2

2009-02-12T14:04:34Z

John Cho: /* Vandalism against Islam and Persia */

User talk:EmilJ/Archive 2

2009-02-12T14:01:34Z

John Cho:

Ali al-Sistani

2009-02-12T14:00:01Z

John Cho: Undid revision 270219364 by EmilJ (talk) rv vandalism

{{Infobox ReligiousBio
| background = #008000
| name = Grand Ayatolshaytan Ali al-Sistani
| image = [[Image:Sistani protest.jpg]] Sistani (seen in poster) is the highest religious authority of Mushrik Muslims, and leader of the [[Hawza]] ([[Najaf]])
| religion = Mushrikeen
| alias = [[Arabic]]: السيد علي الحسيني السيستاني [[Persian language|Persian]]: سید علی حسینی سیستانی;
| location = {{flagicon|Iraq}} - [[Najaf]], [[Iraq]]
| Title = [[Ayatollah|Ayatolshaytan]]
| Period = [[1992]] - Present
| Predecessor =
| Successor =
| ordination =
| post = [[Ayatollah|Ayatolshaytan]]
| date of birth = {{Birth date and age|1930|08|04}}
| place of birth = {{flagicon|Iran}} - [[Mashhad]], [[Iran]]
| date of death =
| place of death =
| website = [http://www.al-sistani.org www.al-sistani.org]
}}[[Ayatolshaytan]] '''[[Kufr]] [[Ali (name)|Ali]] Husaini al-Sistani''' [[Arabic]]: السيد علي الحسيني السيستاني, [[Persian language|Persian]]: سید علی حسینی سیستانی;. Born [[iranian calendar|approximately]] [[August 4]], [[1930]]) is the current highest ranking Shia religious scholar in Iraq who lead the [[Hawza]] of [[Najaf]] he is a [[Ayatollah|Grand Ayatollah]], and [[Twelver]] [[Shi'a Islam|Shi'a]] ''[[marja]]'' born in [[Iran]] and residing in [[Iraq]] since 1951. He is currently the preeminent Shi'a cleric for Shia in Iraq and around the world <ref>Nasr, Vali, ''The Shia Revival'', Norton, (2006), p.171</ref> as well as an important political figure in [[Post-invasion Iraq]]. Grand Ayatolshaytan Sistani has supported the killing of the [[Islamic State of Iraq]] and of the real Muslims ([[Ahl us Sunnah wal Jammah]].)

==Biography==
===Early life===
The Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani was born [[August 4]], [[1930]] in [[Mashhad]], [[Iran]] to a family of religious scholars. His grandfather, for whom he was named, was a famous scholar who had studied in [[Najaf]]. Sistani's family originally comes from [[Isfahan]]. During the [[Safavid]] period, his forefather Sayyid Mohammad, was appointed as "Shaikhul Islam" (Leading Authority of Islam) by [[Husayn (Safavid)|King Hussain]] in the Sistan province. He traveled to Sistan where he and his children settled the area of Iran known as [[Sistan and Baluchistan Province|Sistan]], which accounts for the title "al-Sistani" in his great grandson's name today. Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani began his religious education as a child, beginning in Mashhad, and moving on to study at the Shi'a holy city of [[Qom]] in central Iran in 1949. After spending a few years there, in 1951 he went to [[Iraq]] to study in Najaf under the late [[Grand Ayatollah Abul-Qassim Khoei]]. Grand Ayatollah Sistani rose in religious rank to be named a [[Marja]] in 1960 under the military dictatorship of Iraqi president [[Abd al-Karim Qasim]].<ref name="atimes">{{cite web |date= [[February 10]], [[2005]]|url = http://atimes01.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/GB10Ak02.html|title = Coming to terms with Sistani|format = HTML |publisher = [http://atimes01.atimes.com Asia Times Online]| accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last=Sami Moubayed }}</ref> At the unusually young age of 31 (1961) Ayatullah Sistani reached the senior level of accomplishment called [[Ijtehad]], which entitled him to pass his own judgments on religious questions.<ref name="khoei">{{cite web |date=30 April 2005 15:30:08|url = http://al-huda.al-khoei.org/news/124/ARTICLE/1075/2005-04-30.html|title = When Grand Ayatullah Sistani Speaks, Millions Obey: Says Time|format = HTML |publisher = [http://al-huda.al-khoei.org al-khoei.org]| accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last= |quote=}}</ref>

===Grand Ayatolshaytan===
{{Twelvers}}
When Ayatollah [[Khoei]] died in 1992, Grand Ayatollah Sistani ascended to the rank of Grand Ayatollah by the traditional method - through peer recognition of his scholarship. His role as successor to Khoei was symbolically cemented when he lead the funeral prayers of his widely esteemed teacher and he would go on to inherit Khoei's network and following. With the death of other leading ayatollahs in Iraq including Grand Ayatollah [[Mohammad Mohammad Sadeq al-Sadr]], Sistani emerged as the preeminent Shi'a cleric in Iraq. As the leading Ayatollah in Najaf, Sistani oversees sums amounting to millions of dollars. Sistani's followers offer him a fixed part of their earnings, which he spends for educational and charitable purposes. Sistani's office reports that he supports 35,000 students in [[Qom]], 10,000 in [[Mashhad]], and 4,000 in [[Isfahan]].<ref name="MartinKramer">{{cite web |date= April 4, 2003.|url = http://www.geocities.com/martinkramerorg/2003_04_04.htm|title = The Ayatollah Who Spared Najaf|format = HTML |publisher = | accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last=Martin Kramer |quote=}}</ref> He also oversees a network of representatives (''wakil'') "who promote his view in large and small ways in neighborhoods, mosques, bazaars, and seminaries from Kirkuk" to Basra.<ref>Nasr, Vali, ''The Shia Revival'', Norton, (2006), p.177</ref>

He has a substantial following among Shia's all over the world, as he is the current 'NAIB-E-IMAM' of the Twelver Sect, of Shia Muslims. In Iran as a result of the post-invasion opening of the Iraqi shrine cities of [[Najaf]] and [[Karbala]] to Iranians, including "great popularity and influence among" the bazaari of the city of [[Qom]]. Many Iranians are said to return from pilgrimage in Iraq followers of Sistani.<ref>Nasr, Vali, ''The Shia Revival'', Norton, (2006), p.221</ref>

===Baath Party===
While Grand Ayatollah Sistani, had survived the persecution that killed many other Shia clerics, his [[mosque]] was shut down in 1994, and did not reopen until after the American invasion which toppled the [[Baath Party|Baath]] regime. Since that time, he has usually kept to himself in his house in Najaf. His behavior is seen by many as a protest against persecution, but others consider it to originate from the house-arrest orders issued by the Baath Party. {{Fact|date=February 2007}} Despite his seclusion and inaccessibility, Sistani has extensive influence throughout the Shia Muslims all over the world especially in Iraq, Iran and Lebanon, a network of junior clerics who convey his teachings. Grand Ayatollah Sistani, patronizes several leading Shia charities and provides financial support for most of the Shia religious schools or madrasas and mosques around the world. Due to his influence, he has played a quiet but important role in the current politics of Iraq. He is particularly known for forcing the [[Coalition Provisional Authority]] into a compromise on the constitutional process, for issuing a [[fatwa]] calling on all Shi'a especially women to vote, and for calling on Shi'a communities not to retaliate to [[Sunni]] sectarian violence. He is also the one who called for a truce at the [[Imam Ali Mosque]] in Najaf where [[Muqtada Sadr]] and his Mahdi Army were cornered in a gun battle siege in August 2004.

In early August 2004, Grand Ayatollah Sistani, who has long been suffering from a heart condition, reportedly suffered serious health problems and he travelled to [[London]] to receive medical treatment. It was the first time in many years that Grand Ayatollah Sistani, had left his home in [[Najaf]], which seems to indicate that his medical condition was serious enough for caution.

===Role in contemporary Iraq===

Since the American invasion of Iraq in 2003, Grand Ayatollah Sistani has played an increasingly wider political role in Iraq, and the Western mainstream media has called him the "most influential" figure in post-invasion Iraq.<ref name="telegraph">{{cite web |date=Last Updated: 1:13am BST 04/09/2006|url = http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/09/03/wirq03.xml|title = I no longer have power to save Iraq from civil war, warns Shia leader|format = HTML |publisher = [[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]]| accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last=Gethin Chamberlain and Aqeel Hussein}}</ref><ref name="FOX2003">{{cite web |date= November 27, 2003|url = http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,104263,00.html|title = Shiite Cleric Seen as Iraq's Most Influential Leader|format = HTML |publisher = pub| accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last= |quote=a frail, 70-something Shiite Muslim (search) cleric with a heart condition — has emerged in post-Saddam Hussein Iraq as the land's most influential figure, something U.S. planners may not have counted on.}}</ref>

[[Muqtada al-Sadr]], who is 43 years Grand Ayatollah Sistani's junior and the head of an independent militia known as the [[Mahdi Army|Mahdi army]], has risen to prominence in the course of 2004 and his military activities have undermined Sistani's influence. Muqtada al-Sadr launched an attempt to fight what he perceives as the "oppressive foreign forces" in the holy city of Najaf while Sistani was out of the country.

Shortly after the American invasion began, Grand Ayatollah Sistani issued [[fatwa]] calling on Shia clergy to get involved in politics to guide masses towards what he sees as "the clearer decisions", and to fight what he sees as "media propaganda".
However, as the summer of 2003 approached, Grand Ayatollah Sistani became more involved, though always through representatives, never directly. He began to call for the formation of a constitutional convention, and later demanded a direct vote for the purpose of forming a [[Iraqi Transitional Government|transitional government]], seeing this as a sure path to Shia dominance over [[Iraqi government|Iraq's government]], since most observers say that Shia make up about 60% of Iraq's population. Subsequently,Grand Ayatollah Sistani has criticized American plans for an Iraqi government as not being [[democratic]] enough.

Sistani's edicts and rulings have provided many Iraqi Shia religious backing for participating in the [[Iraqi legislative election, January 2005|January 2005 elections]] -- he urged, in a statement on October 1, 2004, that the people should realize that this was an "important matter" and he also hoped that the elections would be "free and fair . . . with the participation of all Iraqis". He issued fatwa telling women they were religiously obligated to vote, even if their husbands had forbidden them to do so.<ref>Rod Nordland, "The Cities Were Not Bathed in Blood", ''Newsweek'', February 9, 2005, www.msnbc.com/id/6887461/site/newsweek. </ref> "Truly, women who go forth to the polling centers on election day are like [[Zaynab bint Ali|Zaynab]], who went forth to [[Battle of Karbala|Karbala]]."<ref>Ahmed H. al-Rahim, "The Sistani Factor", ''Journal of Democracy'', 16, 3 (July 2005), p.51</ref>

He has consistently urged the Iraqi Shia not to respond in kind to attacks from Sunni [[Salafist]]s, which have become common in [[Sunni]]-dominated regions of Iraq like the area known as the "[[Triangle of Death (Iraq)|Triangle of Death]]", south of [[Baghdad]]. Even after the destruction of the Shia Askariya shrine in Samarra in February 2006, his network of clerics and preachers continued to urge calm and told their followers that "it was not their Sunni neighbors who were killing them but foreign `[[Wahhabi]]s.`" <ref>Nasr, Vali, ''The Shia Revival'', Norton, (2006), p.178</ref>

An alleged plot to assassinate Sistani was foiled on [[January 29]], 2007 when three [[Jund al-Samaa]] [[gunmen]] were captured at a [[hotel]] near his office. It is believed to have been part of a larger attack against a number of targets in Najaf.<ref name="iraqslogger">{{cite web |date= 06/03/2007 2:17 PM ET|url = http://www.iraqslogger.com/index.php/post/3052/Messianic_Shia_Cult_Emerges_in_Southern_Iraq|title = Messianic Shia Cult Emerges in Southern Iraq|format = HTML |publisher = [http://www.iraqslogger.com www.iraqslogger.com]| accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last=ZEYAD KASIM}}</ref>

=== Al-Jazeera's insults against Sistani ===

In May 2007, hundreds of angry Shias demonstrated in [[Basra]] and [[Najaf]] against what they considered to be insults against Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani by TV presenter Ahmed Mansour and [[Qatar]]i [[Al-Jazeera]] television. In the TV show, "Without Borders," or [[Bela Hodod]] Mansour had sounded skeptical of al-Sistani's leadership credentials, and adopted a dismissive tone while directing questions about the Iranian-born cleric to his guest, Shiite cleric Jawad al-Khalsi

[[Ahmed Mansour]] suggested that al-Sistani, who is in his late 70s, was not aware of what's happening in Iraq and that his edicts were written and released by his aides. At another point, he asked whether the United States was using Iraqi politicians as well as al-Sistani to promote its own interests in Iraq.<ref name="IHT">{{cite web |date=Published: May 4, 2007|url = http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/05/04/africa/ME-GEN-Iraq-Al-Jazeera.php|title = Iraqi Shiites protest against Al-Jazeera's "insults" against top cleric|format = HTML |publisher = [[International Herald Tribune]]| accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last= [[Associated Press|AP]]}}</ref>

==== Hacking Grand Ayatollah Sistani's website ====


On 18 September 2008 Wahhabi hackers attacked hundreds of Shiite websites including Shia Islam's most popular site of Grand Ayatollah sistani,hackers from 'group-xp', based in the [[United Arab Emirates]] and is linked to Wahhabi Muslims who follow a strict modified form of Sunni Islam have attacked 300 Shi'a Internet sites including [[The Aalulbayt (a.s.) Global Information Center|Al-Beit]] foundation of Ayatollah Sistani, the biggest Shi'a website in the world, it was the "largest Wahhabi hacker attack" in recent years.

Visitors to the targeted site see a banner bearing the slogan "group-xp" in red with a message in Arabic denouncing Shiite beliefs and officials and they placed a video of comedian [[Bill Maher]] making fun of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani and his advice to the Shi'a muslims.<ref name="IHT">{{cite web |date=Published: September 20, 2008|url = http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/babylonbeyond/2008/09/iraq-the-ayatol.html|title = IRAQ: The ayatollah gets hacked|format = HTML |publisher = [[Los Angeles Times]]| accessdate = 2008-09-20}}</ref>

==Views==
===Wilayat al-faqih===
Like his predecessor [[Grand Ayatollah]] [[Abul-Qasim al-Khoei]], Al-Sistani does not share the definition of the doctrine of ''[[Guardianship of the jurists (doctrine)|wilayat al-faqih]]'' (the authority of jurists) supported by Ayatollah Khomeini and Iran's current supreme leader Ayatollah [[Khamenei]]. However, his point of view about wilayat al-faqih is more advanced than that of al-khoei. The only difference between Sistani's wilayat al-faqih and the other two Grand Ayatollah's is in the range of power that a Grand Ayatollah has in ruling the Islamic community. He believes in more power than al-khoei believes in but less than that of Khomeini's. Sistani's web site says,

<blockquote>'''Question''' : What is Grand Ayatollah Sistani's opinion about Wilayat-e Faqih (governance of jurist)? 
'''Answer''' : Every jurisprudent ([[Faqih]]) has wilayah (guardianship) over non-litigious affairs. Non-litigious affairs are technically called ''al-omour al-hesbiah''. As for general affairs with which social order is linked, wilayah of a Faqih and enforcement of wilayah depend on certain conditions one of which is popularity of acceptability of Faqih among majority of [[Mu'min|momeneen]].<ref>[http://www.sistani.org/html/eng/menu/4/?lang=eng&view=d&code=221&page=1 Ali al-Sistani's Web page on fiqh and beliefs]</ref></blockquote>

Instead of rule by Islamic clerics or `The Quran as constitution`, Sistani is said to favor the providing of values and guidelines for social order (''nizam al-mujama'') as the role of Islam..<ref>Nasr, Vali, ''The Shia Revival'', Norton, 2006, p.173 </ref>

A reflection of his reluctance to become involved in politics is that despite his disagreements with Iran's ruling clerics, Sistani has reportedly "never tried to promote a rivalry" between his religious center of [[Najaf]] and the Iranian center in [[Qom]]. Never made any comments about the confrontations between reformists and conservatives in Qom or between clerics in Lebanon.<ref>Nasr, Vali, ''The Shia Revival'', Norton, 2006, p.172 </ref>

==Works==
===Books===
* Current Legal Issues
* A Code of Practice For Muslims in the West
* Hajj Rituals
* Islamic Laws
* Jurisprudence Made Easy
* Contemporary Legal Rulings in Shi'i Law

*32 other books are not yet translated to English.<ref>[http://sistani.org/local.php?modules=nav&nid=2 Works of Sayyid Al al-Sistani]</ref>
===Internet===
With the establishment of [[The Aalulbayt (a.s.) Global Information Center]], he has become "the electronic grand ayatollah par excellence". <ref name="atimesAug312005">{{cite web |date=[[August 31]], [[2005]]|url = http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/GH31Ak03.html|title = Sistani.Qom: In the wired heart of Shi'ism|format = HTML |publisher = [http://www.atimes.com Asian Times Online]| accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last= Pepe Escobar }}</ref>

==References==


{{reflist|2}}

==See also==
*[[Grand Ayatollahs]]
*[[List of Marjas]]
*[[Grand Ayatollah Modarresi]]
*[[Grand Ayatollah Bashir Najafi]]

==External links==

{{wikiquote}}
*[http://www.sistani.org/ Ayatollah Sistani's Official Web site (English, French, Urdu, فارسي , Türkçe , عربي)]
*[http://www.al-khoei.org/ Al-Khoei Benevolent Foundation]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sistani, Ali al-}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1930 births]]
[[Category:Iranian ayatollahs]]
[[Category:Iranian religious leaders]]
[[Category:Iraqi ayatollahs]]
[[Category:Iraqi religious leaders]]
[[Category:People from Mashhad]]

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[[ru:Али Систани]]
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Iran

2009-02-12T13:59:41Z

John Cho: Undid revision 270219243 by EmilJ (talk) User EmilJ does not know english and is a vandal

Ali al-Sistani

2009-02-12T13:54:42Z

John Cho:

{{Infobox ReligiousBio
| background = #008000
| name = Grand Ayatolshaytan Ali al-Sistani
| image = [[Image:Sistani protest.jpg]] Sistani (seen in poster) is the highest religious authority of Mushrik Muslims, and leader of the [[Hawza]] ([[Najaf]])
| religion = Mushrikeen
| alias = [[Arabic]]: السيد علي الحسيني السيستاني [[Persian language|Persian]]: سید علی حسینی سیستانی;
| location = {{flagicon|Iraq}} - [[Najaf]], [[Iraq]]
| Title = [[Ayatollah|Ayatolshaytan]]
| Period = [[1992]] - Present
| Predecessor =
| Successor =
| ordination =
| post = [[Ayatollah|Ayatolshaytan]]
| date of birth = {{Birth date and age|1930|08|04}}
| place of birth = {{flagicon|Iran}} - [[Mashhad]], [[Iran]]
| date of death =
| place of death =
| website = [http://www.al-sistani.org www.al-sistani.org]
}}[[Ayatolshaytan]] '''[[Kufr]] [[Ali (name)|Ali]] Husaini al-Sistani''' [[Arabic]]: السيد علي الحسيني السيستاني, [[Persian language|Persian]]: سید علی حسینی سیستانی;. Born [[iranian calendar|approximately]] [[August 4]], [[1930]]) is the current highest ranking Shia religious scholar in Iraq who lead the [[Hawza]] of [[Najaf]] he is a [[Ayatollah|Grand Ayatollah]], and [[Twelver]] [[Shi'a Islam|Shi'a]] ''[[marja]]'' born in [[Iran]] and residing in [[Iraq]] since 1951. He is currently the preeminent Shi'a cleric for Shia in Iraq and around the world <ref>Nasr, Vali, ''The Shia Revival'', Norton, (2006), p.171</ref> as well as an important political figure in [[Post-invasion Iraq]]. Grand Ayatolshaytan Sistani has supported the killing of the [[Islamic State of Iraq]] and of the real Muslims ([[Ahl us Sunnah wal Jammah]].)

==Biography==
===Early life===
The Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani was born [[August 4]], [[1930]] in [[Mashhad]], [[Iran]] to a family of religious scholars. His grandfather, for whom he was named, was a famous scholar who had studied in [[Najaf]]. Sistani's family originally comes from [[Isfahan]]. During the [[Safavid]] period, his forefather Sayyid Mohammad, was appointed as "Shaikhul Islam" (Leading Authority of Islam) by [[Husayn (Safavid)|King Hussain]] in the Sistan province. He traveled to Sistan where he and his children settled the area of Iran known as [[Sistan and Baluchistan Province|Sistan]], which accounts for the title "al-Sistani" in his great grandson's name today. Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani began his religious education as a child, beginning in Mashhad, and moving on to study at the Shi'a holy city of [[Qom]] in central Iran in 1949. After spending a few years there, in 1951 he went to [[Iraq]] to study in Najaf under the late [[Grand Ayatollah Abul-Qassim Khoei]]. Grand Ayatollah Sistani rose in religious rank to be named a [[Marja]] in 1960 under the military dictatorship of Iraqi president [[Abd al-Karim Qasim]].<ref name="atimes">{{cite web |date= [[February 10]], [[2005]]|url = http://atimes01.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/GB10Ak02.html|title = Coming to terms with Sistani|format = HTML |publisher = [http://atimes01.atimes.com Asia Times Online]| accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last=Sami Moubayed }}</ref> At the unusually young age of 31 (1961) Ayatullah Sistani reached the senior level of accomplishment called [[Ijtehad]], which entitled him to pass his own judgments on religious questions.<ref name="khoei">{{cite web |date=30 April 2005 15:30:08|url = http://al-huda.al-khoei.org/news/124/ARTICLE/1075/2005-04-30.html|title = When Grand Ayatullah Sistani Speaks, Millions Obey: Says Time|format = HTML |publisher = [http://al-huda.al-khoei.org al-khoei.org]| accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last= |quote=}}</ref>

===Grand Ayatolshaytan===
{{Twelvers}}
When Ayatollah [[Khoei]] died in 1992, Grand Ayatollah Sistani ascended to the rank of Grand Ayatollah by the traditional method - through peer recognition of his scholarship. His role as successor to Khoei was symbolically cemented when he lead the funeral prayers of his widely esteemed teacher and he would go on to inherit Khoei's network and following. With the death of other leading ayatollahs in Iraq including Grand Ayatollah [[Mohammad Mohammad Sadeq al-Sadr]], Sistani emerged as the preeminent Shi'a cleric in Iraq. As the leading Ayatollah in Najaf, Sistani oversees sums amounting to millions of dollars. Sistani's followers offer him a fixed part of their earnings, which he spends for educational and charitable purposes. Sistani's office reports that he supports 35,000 students in [[Qom]], 10,000 in [[Mashhad]], and 4,000 in [[Isfahan]].<ref name="MartinKramer">{{cite web |date= April 4, 2003.|url = http://www.geocities.com/martinkramerorg/2003_04_04.htm|title = The Ayatollah Who Spared Najaf|format = HTML |publisher = | accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last=Martin Kramer |quote=}}</ref> He also oversees a network of representatives (''wakil'') "who promote his view in large and small ways in neighborhoods, mosques, bazaars, and seminaries from Kirkuk" to Basra.<ref>Nasr, Vali, ''The Shia Revival'', Norton, (2006), p.177</ref>

He has a substantial following among Shia's all over the world, as he is the current 'NAIB-E-IMAM' of the Twelver Sect, of Shia Muslims. In Iran as a result of the post-invasion opening of the Iraqi shrine cities of [[Najaf]] and [[Karbala]] to Iranians, including "great popularity and influence among" the bazaari of the city of [[Qom]]. Many Iranians are said to return from pilgrimage in Iraq followers of Sistani.<ref>Nasr, Vali, ''The Shia Revival'', Norton, (2006), p.221</ref>

===Baath Party===
While Grand Ayatollah Sistani, had survived the persecution that killed many other Shia clerics, his [[mosque]] was shut down in 1994, and did not reopen until after the American invasion which toppled the [[Baath Party|Baath]] regime. Since that time, he has usually kept to himself in his house in Najaf. His behavior is seen by many as a protest against persecution, but others consider it to originate from the house-arrest orders issued by the Baath Party. {{Fact|date=February 2007}} Despite his seclusion and inaccessibility, Sistani has extensive influence throughout the Shia Muslims all over the world especially in Iraq, Iran and Lebanon, a network of junior clerics who convey his teachings. Grand Ayatollah Sistani, patronizes several leading Shia charities and provides financial support for most of the Shia religious schools or madrasas and mosques around the world. Due to his influence, he has played a quiet but important role in the current politics of Iraq. He is particularly known for forcing the [[Coalition Provisional Authority]] into a compromise on the constitutional process, for issuing a [[fatwa]] calling on all Shi'a especially women to vote, and for calling on Shi'a communities not to retaliate to [[Sunni]] sectarian violence. He is also the one who called for a truce at the [[Imam Ali Mosque]] in Najaf where [[Muqtada Sadr]] and his Mahdi Army were cornered in a gun battle siege in August 2004.

In early August 2004, Grand Ayatollah Sistani, who has long been suffering from a heart condition, reportedly suffered serious health problems and he travelled to [[London]] to receive medical treatment. It was the first time in many years that Grand Ayatollah Sistani, had left his home in [[Najaf]], which seems to indicate that his medical condition was serious enough for caution.

===Role in contemporary Iraq===

Since the American invasion of Iraq in 2003, Grand Ayatollah Sistani has played an increasingly wider political role in Iraq, and the Western mainstream media has called him the "most influential" figure in post-invasion Iraq.<ref name="telegraph">{{cite web |date=Last Updated: 1:13am BST 04/09/2006|url = http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/09/03/wirq03.xml|title = I no longer have power to save Iraq from civil war, warns Shia leader|format = HTML |publisher = [[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]]| accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last=Gethin Chamberlain and Aqeel Hussein}}</ref><ref name="FOX2003">{{cite web |date= November 27, 2003|url = http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,104263,00.html|title = Shiite Cleric Seen as Iraq's Most Influential Leader|format = HTML |publisher = pub| accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last= |quote=a frail, 70-something Shiite Muslim (search) cleric with a heart condition — has emerged in post-Saddam Hussein Iraq as the land's most influential figure, something U.S. planners may not have counted on.}}</ref>

[[Muqtada al-Sadr]], who is 43 years Grand Ayatollah Sistani's junior and the head of an independent militia known as the [[Mahdi Army|Mahdi army]], has risen to prominence in the course of 2004 and his military activities have undermined Sistani's influence. Muqtada al-Sadr launched an attempt to fight what he perceives as the "oppressive foreign forces" in the holy city of Najaf while Sistani was out of the country.

Shortly after the American invasion began, Grand Ayatollah Sistani issued [[fatwa]] calling on Shia clergy to get involved in politics to guide masses towards what he sees as "the clearer decisions", and to fight what he sees as "media propaganda".
However, as the summer of 2003 approached, Grand Ayatollah Sistani became more involved, though always through representatives, never directly. He began to call for the formation of a constitutional convention, and later demanded a direct vote for the purpose of forming a [[Iraqi Transitional Government|transitional government]], seeing this as a sure path to Shia dominance over [[Iraqi government|Iraq's government]], since most observers say that Shia make up about 60% of Iraq's population. Subsequently,Grand Ayatollah Sistani has criticized American plans for an Iraqi government as not being [[democratic]] enough.

Sistani's edicts and rulings have provided many Iraqi Shia religious backing for participating in the [[Iraqi legislative election, January 2005|January 2005 elections]] -- he urged, in a statement on October 1, 2004, that the people should realize that this was an "important matter" and he also hoped that the elections would be "free and fair . . . with the participation of all Iraqis". He issued fatwa telling women they were religiously obligated to vote, even if their husbands had forbidden them to do so.<ref>Rod Nordland, "The Cities Were Not Bathed in Blood", ''Newsweek'', February 9, 2005, www.msnbc.com/id/6887461/site/newsweek. </ref> "Truly, women who go forth to the polling centers on election day are like [[Zaynab bint Ali|Zaynab]], who went forth to [[Battle of Karbala|Karbala]]."<ref>Ahmed H. al-Rahim, "The Sistani Factor", ''Journal of Democracy'', 16, 3 (July 2005), p.51</ref>

He has consistently urged the Iraqi Shia not to respond in kind to attacks from Sunni [[Salafist]]s, which have become common in [[Sunni]]-dominated regions of Iraq like the area known as the "[[Triangle of Death (Iraq)|Triangle of Death]]", south of [[Baghdad]]. Even after the destruction of the Shia Askariya shrine in Samarra in February 2006, his network of clerics and preachers continued to urge calm and told their followers that "it was not their Sunni neighbors who were killing them but foreign `[[Wahhabi]]s.`" <ref>Nasr, Vali, ''The Shia Revival'', Norton, (2006), p.178</ref>

An alleged plot to assassinate Sistani was foiled on [[January 29]], 2007 when three [[Jund al-Samaa]] [[gunmen]] were captured at a [[hotel]] near his office. It is believed to have been part of a larger attack against a number of targets in Najaf.<ref name="iraqslogger">{{cite web |date= 06/03/2007 2:17 PM ET|url = http://www.iraqslogger.com/index.php/post/3052/Messianic_Shia_Cult_Emerges_in_Southern_Iraq|title = Messianic Shia Cult Emerges in Southern Iraq|format = HTML |publisher = [http://www.iraqslogger.com www.iraqslogger.com]| accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last=ZEYAD KASIM}}</ref>

=== Al-Jazeera's insults against Sistani ===

In May 2007, hundreds of angry Shias demonstrated in [[Basra]] and [[Najaf]] against what they considered to be insults against Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani by TV presenter Ahmed Mansour and [[Qatar]]i [[Al-Jazeera]] television. In the TV show, "Without Borders," or [[Bela Hodod]] Mansour had sounded skeptical of al-Sistani's leadership credentials, and adopted a dismissive tone while directing questions about the Iranian-born cleric to his guest, Shiite cleric Jawad al-Khalsi

[[Ahmed Mansour]] suggested that al-Sistani, who is in his late 70s, was not aware of what's happening in Iraq and that his edicts were written and released by his aides. At another point, he asked whether the United States was using Iraqi politicians as well as al-Sistani to promote its own interests in Iraq.<ref name="IHT">{{cite web |date=Published: May 4, 2007|url = http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/05/04/africa/ME-GEN-Iraq-Al-Jazeera.php|title = Iraqi Shiites protest against Al-Jazeera's "insults" against top cleric|format = HTML |publisher = [[International Herald Tribune]]| accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last= [[Associated Press|AP]]}}</ref>

==== Hacking Grand Ayatollah Sistani's website ====


On 18 September 2008 Wahhabi hackers attacked hundreds of Shiite websites including Shia Islam's most popular site of Grand Ayatollah sistani,hackers from 'group-xp', based in the [[United Arab Emirates]] and is linked to Wahhabi Muslims who follow a strict modified form of Sunni Islam have attacked 300 Shi'a Internet sites including [[The Aalulbayt (a.s.) Global Information Center|Al-Beit]] foundation of Ayatollah Sistani, the biggest Shi'a website in the world, it was the "largest Wahhabi hacker attack" in recent years.

Visitors to the targeted site see a banner bearing the slogan "group-xp" in red with a message in Arabic denouncing Shiite beliefs and officials and they placed a video of comedian [[Bill Maher]] making fun of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani and his advice to the Shi'a muslims.<ref name="IHT">{{cite web |date=Published: September 20, 2008|url = http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/babylonbeyond/2008/09/iraq-the-ayatol.html|title = IRAQ: The ayatollah gets hacked|format = HTML |publisher = [[Los Angeles Times]]| accessdate = 2008-09-20}}</ref>

==Views==
===Wilayat al-faqih===
Like his predecessor [[Grand Ayatollah]] [[Abul-Qasim al-Khoei]], Al-Sistani does not share the definition of the doctrine of ''[[Guardianship of the jurists (doctrine)|wilayat al-faqih]]'' (the authority of jurists) supported by Ayatollah Khomeini and Iran's current supreme leader Ayatollah [[Khamenei]]. However, his point of view about wilayat al-faqih is more advanced than that of al-khoei. The only difference between Sistani's wilayat al-faqih and the other two Grand Ayatollah's is in the range of power that a Grand Ayatollah has in ruling the Islamic community. He believes in more power than al-khoei believes in but less than that of Khomeini's. Sistani's web site says,

<blockquote>'''Question''' : What is Grand Ayatollah Sistani's opinion about Wilayat-e Faqih (governance of jurist)? 
'''Answer''' : Every jurisprudent ([[Faqih]]) has wilayah (guardianship) over non-litigious affairs. Non-litigious affairs are technically called ''al-omour al-hesbiah''. As for general affairs with which social order is linked, wilayah of a Faqih and enforcement of wilayah depend on certain conditions one of which is popularity of acceptability of Faqih among majority of [[Mu'min|momeneen]].<ref>[http://www.sistani.org/html/eng/menu/4/?lang=eng&view=d&code=221&page=1 Ali al-Sistani's Web page on fiqh and beliefs]</ref></blockquote>

Instead of rule by Islamic clerics or `The Quran as constitution`, Sistani is said to favor the providing of values and guidelines for social order (''nizam al-mujama'') as the role of Islam..<ref>Nasr, Vali, ''The Shia Revival'', Norton, 2006, p.173 </ref>

A reflection of his reluctance to become involved in politics is that despite his disagreements with Iran's ruling clerics, Sistani has reportedly "never tried to promote a rivalry" between his religious center of [[Najaf]] and the Iranian center in [[Qom]]. Never made any comments about the confrontations between reformists and conservatives in Qom or between clerics in Lebanon.<ref>Nasr, Vali, ''The Shia Revival'', Norton, 2006, p.172 </ref>

==Works==
===Books===
* Current Legal Issues
* A Code of Practice For Muslims in the West
* Hajj Rituals
* Islamic Laws
* Jurisprudence Made Easy
* Contemporary Legal Rulings in Shi'i Law

*32 other books are not yet translated to English.<ref>[http://sistani.org/local.php?modules=nav&nid=2 Works of Sayyid Al al-Sistani]</ref>
===Internet===
With the establishment of [[The Aalulbayt (a.s.) Global Information Center]], he has become "the electronic grand ayatollah par excellence". <ref name="atimesAug312005">{{cite web |date=[[August 31]], [[2005]]|url = http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/GH31Ak03.html|title = Sistani.Qom: In the wired heart of Shi'ism|format = HTML |publisher = [http://www.atimes.com Asian Times Online]| accessdate = 2007-08-21 | last= Pepe Escobar }}</ref>

==References==


{{reflist|2}}

==See also==
*[[Grand Ayatollahs]]
*[[List of Marjas]]
*[[Grand Ayatollah Modarresi]]
*[[Grand Ayatollah Bashir Najafi]]

==External links==

{{wikiquote}}
*[http://www.sistani.org/ Ayatollah Sistani's Official Web site (English, French, Urdu, فارسي , Türkçe , عربي)]
*[http://www.al-khoei.org/ Al-Khoei Benevolent Foundation]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sistani, Ali al-}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1930 births]]
[[Category:Iranian ayatollahs]]
[[Category:Iranian religious leaders]]
[[Category:Iraqi ayatollahs]]
[[Category:Iraqi religious leaders]]
[[Category:People from Mashhad]]

[[ar:علي السيستاني]]
[[da:Ali al-Sistani]]
[[de:Ali as-Sistani]]
[[es:Gran Ayatollah Sayyid Ali al-Sistani]]
[[fa:سید علی سیستانی]]
[[fr:Ali al-Sistani]]
[[ku:سيستانى]]
[[nl:Ali al-Sistani]]
[[ja:アリー・スィースターニー]]
[[pt:Ali al-Sistani]]
[[ru:Али Систани]]
[[fi:Ali al-Sistani]]
[[sv:Ali al-Sistani]]
[[th:อัซซิซตานีย์]]

Iran

2009-02-12T13:52:12Z

John Cho: Undid revision 270217884 by Jeff3000 (talk) user JEFF3000 = vandal and biased

User talk:Khoikhoi

2009-02-12T13:47:44Z

John Cho: /* Consideration needed */

<center><div style="background-color: #f0f0ff; border: none; padding: 5px; width: 750px;">Archives: '''[[User talk:Khoikhoi/Archive 1|1]]''', '''[[User talk:Khoikhoi/Archive 2|2]]''', '''[[/Archive 3|3]]''', '''[[/Archive 4|4]]''', '''[[/Archive 5|5]]''', '''[[/Archive 6|6]]''', '''[[/Archive 7|7]]''', '''[[/Archive 8|8]]''', '''[[/Archive 9|9]]''', '''[[/Archive 10|10]]''', '''[[/Archive 11|11]]''', '''[[/Archive 12|12]]''', '''[[/Archive 13|13]]''', '''[[/Archive 14|14]]''', '''[[/Archive 15|15]]''', '''[[/Archive 16|16]]''', '''[[/Archive 17|17]]''', '''[[/Archive 18|18]]''', '''[[/Archive 19|19]]''', '''[[/Archive 20|20]]''', '''[[/Archive 21|21]]''', '''[[/Archive 22|22]]''', '''[[/Archive 23|23]]''', '''[[/Archive 24|24]]''', '''[[/Archive 25|25]]''', '''[[/Archive 26|26]]''', '''[[/Archive 27|27]]''', '''[[/Archive 28|28]]''', '''[[/Archive 29|29]]''', '''[[/Archive 30|30]]''', '''[[/Archive 31|31]]''', '''[[/Archive 32|32]]''', '''[[/Archive 33|33]]'''.</div></center> 

== Barn stars ==
hello khoihoi is it possible for me to award some one a barn star please reply on my talk page

many thanks,

[[User:Secthayrabe|Secthayrabe]] [[User talk:Secthayrabe| Ø ]]

==Users unkown ==
Hello Khoikhoi an unkown user has sent me this rude commet:

The Byzantines were Greeks. they also had other people like Armenians but mainly Greek. and Turks came from Asia and attacked the Byzantine Empire. read a book, Iranian.[[Special:Contributions/150.140.227.137|150.140.227.137]] ([[User talk:150.140.227.137|talk]]) 14:32, 27 October 2008 (UTC)
:i'm not plakidas. don't accuse people so easily.[[Special:Contributions/150.140.227.137|150.140.227.137]] ([[User talk:150.140.227.137|talk]]) 20:41, 28 October 2008 (UTC)

I am confusied at this rude racisticm so could you help me to find out who he is and punish him thanks so much please relpy on my talk page as soon as possible,

[[User:Secthayrabe|Secthayrabe]] [[User talk:Secthayrabe| Ø ]]

== Hemshin peoples- Here we go again... ==
Hi Khoikhoi,

Here we go again. Couple of hours after I have restored the article an anonymous user has reverted back again to the ancient version. I fear the cycle starts anew. What am I supposed to do? Any advice? Can you do something about it? Thanks. [[User:Omer182|Omer182]] ([[User talk:Omer182|talk]]) 21:33, 8 September 2008 (UTC)
:Thanks for your interest Khoikhoi. [[User:Omer182|Omer182]] ([[User talk:Omer182|talk]]) 20:10, 9 September 2008 (UTC)
::'''Sorry to keep you engaged Khoikhoi''', but couple of hours after I have restored the article for the second time since unprotection, the User Namsos has affected a revert. This one is one of the previous four. I will restore the article again but I am nearly sure various identifiable users and anons will revert in turns. This is a clearly recognizable pattern as witnessed by the history of the article.[[User:Omer182|Omer182]] ([[User talk:Omer182|talk]]) 15:47, 10 September 2008 (UTC)

== Reply ==

Hi! The site with the results of 2003 Abkhazian census also has the results of all other censuses, including the 1886 one so I've added this ref.

There are two refs after the sentence 'Most of the Samurzaq'anians must be thought to have been Mingrelians, and a minority Abkhaz' - to the books by Mueller and by Cornell. I'm not sure since I don't have an access to these books now but I think that one of them was used as a source for that sentence (Mueller's one, maybe) and one for the 1886 data but was misplaced later for some reason. Could you check the book by Cornell for the 1886 census data? [[User:Alaexis|Alæxis]][[User_talk:Alaexis|¿question?]] 06:26, 10 September 2008 (UTC)

== Cyrus cylinder ==

Please see my request at [[Talk:Cyrus cylinder#Tags]] before you dive into the article again. Thanks. -- [[User:ChrisO|ChrisO]] ([[User talk:ChrisO|talk]]) 08:04, 10 September 2008 (UTC)

==On Pan-Arabism==
It is more than obvious that the anti-jewish section is unencyclopedic. Here are some of the reasons: 
1. The style is more of a news-flash. 
2. It contains information purely cited. 
3. It is a strong point of view pushover. 
4. There are some grammar mistakes and mistakes in punctuation. ( forgive me for mistakes in my own writing here) 
5. It seems like this section is not about anti-jewish racism but instead an attack on arabs. 
6. It contains dubious information that is apparently intended to misguide the reader. 
7. IT '''DOES NOT BELONG IN PAN-ARABISM''' 
 
[[User:Contrieng|Contrieng]] ([[User talk:Contrieng|talk]]) 14:54, 10 September 2008 (UTC)

== Re: Georgia yearbooks ==

Hi,the 2005 Yearbook is the last one where the Georgian Department of Statistics shows separately four numbers: total population, population in territories controlled by the central government, population in Abkhazia, and population in South Osetia. The yearbooks for 2006 and 2007 unfortunately show only the population excluding Abkhazia and South Osetia and do not show any new estimates for the breakaway regions. So what I say in [[Abkhazia#Demographics]] about estimates not published after 2005 refers to estimates of Abkhazia population by the Georgian Dept Stat. If you would like to see the 2005 data (which are not on-line any more), please give me your e-mail and I will gladly send you the page from the 2005 Yearbook with the detailed population numbers. You can find my e-mail on [[User:Zlerman|my user page]]. Hope this clarifies the situation. Regards, --[[User:Zlerman|Zlerman]] ([[User talk:Zlerman|talk]]) 02:33, 11 September 2008 (UTC)
: Thanks for the tip and the demonstration with Internet Archive. I have heard of it, but have never used it before. I will see how to incorporate the link through Internet Archive to the 2005 YB in the Abkhazia (and maybe also Georgia) references. Best, --[[User:Zlerman|Zlerman]] ([[User talk:Zlerman|talk]]) 03:15, 11 September 2008 (UTC)

== Mani1 is back with his behavior ==

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Iran

Dear Khoikhoi Mani1 was punished for massreverting, insulting users, war edits and thretening me physically. I have applauded for your non-partizan formula to block both of us, in addition I retracted legal actions when yoy aksed me. You said he won't fall back in the same behavior because he is warned. Now he is back and reverting 3 users edits, and insults me again. He reverts and says noone touches this after the devbate is over, but is blocking every debate and also insults people. He does violate a longstanding consensus about the issue and disrepct facts and also all users. I think it is a toxic environment. He has had some assets for wikipedia: he uploaded many pictures and he is adding the fa: to the English Wikiepdia. Yet his behavior in persian wikipedia is also very unfortunate (for example reverting back to his edits and not respecting the sources for the pronounciation of Saakshvili and South Ossetia) but Ok Persian wikipedia has other admins (whihc are by the way very friendly to him!). Although he had done some good jobs like uploading pictures and linking the Persian articles to the English wikipedia, I think these tasks can be performed by other users as well. The main fact remains: that he is back again with war edits, disrespecting at least 3 editors intelligence, insults, violating longstanding consensuses singlehandedly, blockading debates and leaving no way for conflict resolution, personal attacks etc... I personally can not handle him any more. respecting you I have not (yet) taken legal actions for his phsyical threats. But By this I demand puntive actions agains him. I hope you take responsibility and I hope you ban him and block his ID/ IP at least for a longer time. Sorry to disturb you with this problem, but I trust you you can solve this problem, by your abilities.--[[User:Babakexorramdin|Babakexorramdin]] ([[User talk:Babakexorramdin|talk]]) 11:13, 13 September 2008 (UTC)
::: Dear Khoikhoi, Physical threats were referring to his late comment that he wanted to challenge me at the Hague's central Station. That's the way often criminal youth in the Netherlands invite for a fight. If I reported to police then he was arrested and interrogated for some days. It is a very sensetive issue in the netherlands, especially among thepolitically sensetive minority groups, with other words Muslims.
But it is not that big problem for me. The main thing is that his behavior has become more and more irritating and disresepctful. Honestly I see these problems, whenever he is around. Some people do not change easily. It remembers me of the banned Sehend1. I do not say that Mani is the same user, but it was also remarkable that the permanently (?) banned Sehend1 did not change his behavior. Dear Lhoikhoi I respect your decision, but last time we both got banned despite the fact that the trouble was caused mainly by mani1. Now he is completely onesided the problem maker and you give him only a warning. I do not think it is fair against me. I think Mani deserves to be paunished more severly. But as always thanks for your efforts.--[[User:Babakexorramdin|Babakexorramdin]] ([[User talk:Babakexorramdin|talk]]) 08:37, 14 September 2008 (UTC)
:::::Dear Khoikhoi, mani can remove his threats from his or my talk page but they are there in the history. But answering your question: I have never been affraid of him in anyway. it is only that he should learn to behave well. He has not been around for some times now, I wonder (and I doubt) that he is changed. let's see.--[[User:Babakexorramdin|Babakexorramdin]] ([[User talk:Babakexorramdin|talk]]) 05:12, 17 September 2008 (UTC)

Dear Khoikhoi sorry for bothering you again, but Mani1 is again back and he is again busy with his deletions on Iran article. Knowing his behavior in the past I can imagine he will go on endelessly with this behavior. It is up to you as an independent admin, but I ask gently to ban him again for some time. If he is not punished, then maybe permanently. His behavior is becoming really annoying and will cost us a lot of time and energy to restore his deletions, and perhaps again mass revertings. Thanks--[[User:Babakexorramdin|Babakexorramdin]] ([[User talk:Babakexorramdin|talk]]) 19:52, 29 September 2008 (UTC)

:::: Dear Khoikhoi, look at this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_talk:%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%8A#Iran while he has been insulting and attacking me for the last month and I have had said nothing remotely insulting to him, this Mani guy clearly does not want dialogue and meditation. In addition it is not up to him to set the preconditions. What I am asking is his punishment. I MEAN I have been threated unfairly. I have dedicated much time and energy in editing wikipedia. Now because of good will I had agree an initial mutual ban in wikipedia, but now he is violating the truce and has insulted me respeatedly. Seemingly I am not worth enough to be considered. What I want is that he gets banned and I think I am fair. I was banned for no reasion. And as Mardetanha is his friend he has managed to ban me from Persian wikipedia. That was also not fair. I think I am heavily punished while this guy is not. That is not fair. I want justice.--[[User:Babakexorramdin|Babakexorramdin]] ([[User talk:Babakexorramdin|talk]]) 09:50, 30 September 2008 (UTC)

Dear Khoikhoi, I just wanted to say that mani1 has vilated the revert rules. depending on when a day begins or ends, he has reverted the Iran page from the consesnsus of the editors to his political POV, 3 or at least 2 times in 24 hours. I wonder if his repeating violations of the rules are not enough reasons to ban him permanently. Thanks.--[[User:Babakexorramdin|Babakexorramdin]] ([[User talk:Babakexorramdin|talk]]) 10:13, 4 October 2008 (UTC)
::: In addition next to theatening me and stalking he deletes my own talk page, which is some kind of vandalism.--[[User:Babakexorramdin|Babakexorramdin]] ([[User talk:Babakexorramdin|talk]]) 21:19, 4 October 2008 (UTC)
::: Dear Khoikhoi, thanks for your actions. It is a minor dispute but Mani1 has no intention to resolve it or to cooperate. It was ME who from the beginning assumed good faith and agreed with mediation. It was Mani1 who rehjected all efforts. And unfortunately it is him who is tolerated disproportionately and it is ME who feels left alone and treated unjustly. By the way the dispute is between 5 people and him and he vandalizes my page (He is deleting me in mY talk page, it is not that he complains why I delete my own talk page!) and threatens me. And talking about being calm: It is ME who is calm, It is he who began the conflict and is still busy with his disruptive behaviors. It is HIM who violates one revert rule, not me. I am Calm in all aspects. But honestly I feel not treated justly. Now very nicely it was me who gets the same ban as him. In persian wiki he was even better off, because of his friendship with the admins there. All I say it is not fair and I have certainly no time and energy any more. This is the way some people stop putting efforts in Wikipedia. Thanks --[[User:Babakexorramdin|Babakexorramdin]] ([[User talk:Babakexorramdin|talk]]) 12:00, 5 October 2008 (UTC)--[[User:Babakexorramdin|Babakexorramdin]] ([[User talk:Babakexorramdin|talk]]) 12:38, 5 October 2008 (UTC)

== Abkhazia ==

Hello Khoikhoi, you left a notice on my German user page regarding an edit in the article [[Abkhazia]] back in 2005. However, I surely did not make this edit. I have the SUL account Bjs on different Wikipedias, but [[User:Bjs]] of the English Wikipedia is another person so that I had to login here aus [[User:Bjs-en]]. [[User:Bjs]], however, seems to be inactive most of the time. Greetings --[[User:Bjs-en|Bjs-en]] ([[User talk:Bjs-en|talk]]) 13:52, 13 September 2008 (UTC)

== Battle of Sarikamis ==

Could you take a look at the removal of referenced material by Murat/Hudavendigar. Apparently he/she thinks a simple statement on the talk page allows him/her to removed multiple referenced material. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Sar%C4%B1kam%C4%B1%C5%9F#Results] Thanks. [[User:Kansas Bear|Kansas Bear]] ([[User talk:Kansas Bear|talk]]) 16:39, 14 September 2008 (UTC)

== Re ==

I'll contribute to the draft, thanks for notifying me. --[[User:CreazySuit|CreazySuit]] ([[User talk:CreazySuit|talk]]) 08:48, 15 September 2008 (UTC)

== Unblock request on [[User_talk:Pukhtunman]] ==

Hiya. I was gonna decline the unblock per checkuser, but I'm not sure where the checkuser-confirmed report is. If you get a chance, drop a link by there so it'll make it easier to deal with any other unblock requests. Cheers. =) --[[User:Slakr|slakr]]\ [[User talk:Slakr|talk]] / 06:13, 16 September 2008 (UTC)
:nono, not doubting that... just wanted to be able to go, "see! look! a checkuser said you are!" by dropping a link in the user's direction. :P --[[User:Slakr|slakr]]\ [[User talk:Slakr|talk]] / 06:25, 16 September 2008 (UTC)

== Rector ASU ==

Aleko Gvaramia is the current rector, that other guy was the first rector ever of the ASU, that is, he became rector when the ASU was first created back in the seventies. [[User:sephia_karta|sephia karta]] 16:29, 17 September 2008 (UTC)

==[[Emblem of Tibet]]==
Hi. Some on the french wiki proposed to change the name "Embleme du Tibet" into "Embleme du gouvernement tibetain en exil". Do you have any reference showing that the Emblem of Tibet was used (and therefore created) in Tibet ?
With thanks --[[User:Rédacteur Tibet|Rédacteur Tibet]] ([[User talk:Rédacteur Tibet|talk]]) 17:06, 17 September 2008 (UTC)

== Vandalizing ==

Hello, lately there have been many vandlaizing attempts on the Assyrian People page. 204.107.82.210 has been putting very disturbing comments on assyrian related topics. He has used profaninty, and he has mocked the assyrian antional heritage with his incompetent posts that belittle and insult assyrian related topics. I am not familiar with how to block this individual from posting these outrageous posts. Please if you can do something to put protection on the Assyrian People page and somehow block this user from editing it will be very helpful. —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[User:Nineveh 209|Nineveh 209]] ([[User talk:Nineveh 209|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Nineveh 209|contribs]]) 20:33, 17 September 2008 (UTC) 

== [[Battle of Opis]] ==

You might like to take a look at this, especially the talk page. I really don't care if Lambert or Grayson is correct or Cyrus a hero or villain (actually I think it's silly to talk about him as either), but I don't think editors should be making decisions as to whose translation is right or wrong, or that editors should be doing wholesale reversions of sourced text --or that other Admins should block a page just after the removal of all sourced text. I have a real problem with [[User:Ariobarza]] as he still doesn't understand [[WP:OR]] (see [[Persian Revolt]] where he wrote "According to the account of the struggle6 which is most circumstantial and on the whole most probable". Thanks. [[User:Dougweller|Doug Weller]] ([[User talk:Dougweller|talk]]) 08:50, 19 September 2008 (UTC)

Frankly, Khoikhoi, I'm beginning to wonder if ''you'' understand [[WP:OR]], [[WP:V]] and [[WP:NPOV]] as well. Please demonstrate on [[Talk:Battle of Opis]] that you do, and please cease feeding the resident nationalists with bogus notions about them being qualified to judge the "credibility" of academics. These aren't obscure areas of policy we're talking about - they're some of Wikipedia's most basic principles. As an admin you can't possibly claim ignorance of those. -- [[User:ChrisO|ChrisO]] ([[User talk:ChrisO|talk]]) 00:53, 21 September 2008 (UTC)

== Sukhumi district ==

Yes, those numbers are correct. The Abkhaz who lived there left/were expelled from it in 19th century ([[Muhajir (Caucasus)]]). Then Armenians, Georgians, Russians and others were settled there; Georgians left/were expelled after the 1992-1993 war, Abkhaz weren't particularly interested in it (Sukhumi itself and Gagra district were much more attractive) so Armenians became a majority there. The same is true for Kodori Valley (~Gulripsh district) and, partially, for Gagra district. See [http://www.ethno-kavkaz.narod.ru/rnabkhazia.html this site] for the detailed results of censuses carried out in Abkhazia. It's in Russian but unfortunately I don't know about an English-language site with the same info. [[User:Alaexis|Alæxis]][[User_talk:Alaexis|¿question?]] 09:43, 20 September 2008 (UTC)

== Protection request ==

Could you protect my user page? I finished creating it and I don't want anyone to mess with it. Thanks. [[User:Neko85|Neko85]] ([[User talk:Neko85|talk]]) 18:30, 20 September 2008 (UTC)
:Semi protection is enough. Most vandals are young boys and don't bother to create an account... [[User:Neko85|Neko85]] ([[User talk:Neko85|talk]]) 17:21, 21 September 2008 (UTC)
::Infinite, please :). [[User:Neko85|Neko85]] ([[User talk:Neko85|talk]]) 14:49, 22 September 2008 (UTC)

== [[Dushanbe synagogue]] ==

A very interesting question. My photos are definitely of the old synagogue (which, I think, stands on the far side of the rail tracks) and they were taken on June 23, 2006 at 11 am (Israel time on my camera) or 13 am Dushanbe time. I even have a photo of the gabbai (the synagogue caretaker) posing for me in front of the door and the plaque. I have heard about the demolition, but I don't have any information on that. Maybe there was another old synagogue? I am going to Dushanbe on October 2 and I will do my best to check this out for you. I will let you know after October 10 – maybe with new photos. Meanwhile we obviously have a problem... Best, --[[User:Zlerman|Zlerman]] ([[User talk:Zlerman|talk]]) 05:50, 22 September 2008 (UTC)
*More on the same subject: please look at the two links from the [[Dushanbe synagogue]] page -- [http://www.fjc.ru/news/newsArticle.asp?AID=370417 Tajikistan’s Only Synagogue Saved in Nick of Time] and [http://www.fjc.ru/communities/news.asp?cid=84786&NewsType=80052&scope=4015&aid=365268 Web site of the Jewish Community of Dushanbe, news section]. Both definitely show "my" synagogues -- the ornate doors are unmistakable; the second link shows destruction in progress around the core of the synagogue, but the core still stands. So maybe all the surrounding buildings were destroyed, but the synagogue that I photographed in June 2006 still stands? --[[User:Zlerman|Zlerman]] ([[User talk:Zlerman|talk]]) 06:09, 22 September 2008 (UTC)

[[Talk:Bukharan Jews]] is full of a heated controversy about Bukharan vs. Bukharian. I wouldn't get too worried about this, not even to the extent of trying to keep consistency within a single article. I am afraid it's useless.

On our subject, [[Dushanbe synagogue]]: my visual memory from June 2006 tells me that there were buildings (small) standing to the left and to the right of the synagogue that I photographed, but everything in front of the synagogue was a huge vacant space. I attributed this to the proximity of the railroad tracks, but now I see that the reason may have been different. In any event, I will re-visit the site between October 2 and 8. Will keep you posted. Meanwhile, we have the update tag and the latest piece from June 2008 (which needs verification and followup). --[[User:Zlerman|Zlerman]] ([[User talk:Zlerman|talk]]) 00:47, 23 September 2008 (UTC)

*Just a quick note upon return from Dushanbe: there is no trace of the old synagogue at the place where it was two years ago: only two small buildings remain standing in the north-eastern corner of the huge rectangle that has been cleared for the Palace of Nations. According to the site watchman I have spoken to, the synagogue and another adjoining building were demolished three months ago: fits the June 2008 news item in the article. I will have a shot at updating [[Dushanbe synagogue]] with my latest info, and then you can take it up from there. Have you heard from the user whose parents were among the founders of the synagogue? Regards, --[[User:Zlerman|Zlerman]] ([[User talk:Zlerman|talk]]) 06:46, 10 October 2008 (UTC)

Re yours on [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_talk:Zlerman#Dushanbe_synagogue my talk]: no, the ''government'' has not provided any alternatives, other than allocating the land plot. It is now the responsibility of international Jewish organizations to come up with financing for the new building. It seems to me that there is no formal place of worship for Jews in Dushanbe as of today (except maybe an Ashkenazi synagogue hidden somewhere – I have seen a passing mention of this, but already after my return). In practice, this is not a great tragedy, as Judaism is very lenient in this respect: 10 Jews can come together for community prayer anywhere, including a private apartment. Incidentally, don't you think that the whole story of the controversy surrounding the fate of the [[Dushanbe synagogue]] should be shortened even further? --[[User:Zlerman|Zlerman]] ([[User talk:Zlerman|talk]]) 02:05, 14 October 2008 (UTC)

== Nakh migrations ==

The idea of the Dagestanian peoples (not just the Nakh, AFAIK) migrating from the Mid East, and perhaps even being the inventors of agriculture, is not a fringe view, though I don't know how widely accepted it is, or how strongly it's held by those who accept it as a possibility. I think Nichols wrote something on this, but it's all pretty vague right now. [[User:Kwamikagami|kwami]] ([[User talk:Kwamikagami|talk]]) 07:09, 23 September 2008 (UTC)

:Sorry, I'd have to review what those edits were. We'll see. [[User:Kwamikagami|kwami]] ([[User talk:Kwamikagami|talk]]) 07:48, 30 September 2008 (UTC)

:Okay, a few clods of manure: "Rise of the Sino-Caucasian culture"?? If there were such a thing, which is highly doubtful, there is no evidence for it. And it would certainly be much older than 5-6ka. I haven't seen the ref in question, but I seriously doubt that agriculture was the domain of the Nax, which almost certainly didn't yet exist—it would instead have been NEC. In the 2nd edit, he's conflated Nax & Vainax, a distinction which AFAIK is still maintained in the lit. In the third article you didn't give me a diff; I only see something about Soviet soldiers capitulating, which can be deleted as OR since there's no ref. [[User:Kwamikagami|kwami]] ([[User talk:Kwamikagami|talk]]) 08:06, 30 September 2008 (UTC)

== MarthaFiles ==

Hi,

I put two more to checkuser [[Wikipedia:Requests_for_checkuser/Case/MarthaFiles]] who seem to have been missed, [[user:Malindas]] (who returned to rvt [[Sabra and Shatila massacre]]) and [[user:Rapidisimisimo]] (who was already blocked, I goofed). But it occurs to me, obvious sock, could I have just asked an admin to block without requesting the cu? [[User:Jd2718|Jd2718]] ([[User talk:Jd2718|talk]]) 11:47, 24 September 2008 (UTC)

:<s>A subsequent report [[Wikipedia:Requests_for_checkuser/Case/MarthaFiles]] resulted in two more positives, but only one was blocked. Could you review and block, if appropriate, {{checkuser|Carington}}, (abuse of multiple accounts), who is restoring the same edits we've seen before? [[User:Jd2718|Jd2718]] ([[User talk:Jd2718|talk]]) 08:08, 3 October 2008 (UTC)</s> Fayssal got to it first. [[User:Jd2718|Jd2718]] ([[User talk:Jd2718|talk]]) 12:51, 5 October 2008 (UTC)

== List of Turkic States ==

Could you check the latest additions to the references made by Nostradamus1?
*Cotterell, A., ''The Imperial Capitals of China: A Dynastic History of the Celestial Empire'', 2008, The Overlook Press
*Paludan, A., ''Chronicle of the Chinese Emperors'', 1998, Thames & Hudson Ltd. Thanks. [[User:Kansas Bear|Kansas Bear]] ([[User talk:Kansas Bear|talk]]) 20:44, 24 September 2008 (UTC)

:Actually, his reference of the "Chronicle of the Chinese Emperors" is 'supposedly' taken from page 600[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Turkic_states_and_empires#Notes], when in reality the book only has 224 pages!! http://www.amazon.com/Chronicle-Chinese-Emperors-Reign-Reign/dp/0500050902/ref=si3_rdr_bb_product
:As for the Cotterell reference, I might have to find it somewhere. [[User:Kansas Bear|Kansas Bear]] ([[User talk:Kansas Bear|talk]]) 21:40, 29 September 2008 (UTC)

== ANI notice ==

Dear Khoikhoi, there currently is a discussion at [[Wikipedia:Administrators'_noticeboard/Incidents/Battle_of_Opis#ChrisO.60s_conduct_2|Wikipedia:Administrators'_noticeboard/Incidents#ChrisO.60s_conduct_2]] regarding an issue with which you may have been involved. --[[User:CreazySuit|CreazySuit]] ([[User talk:CreazySuit|talk]]) 20:54, 26 September 2008 (UTC)

==Edit-warring on a protected article==

That was a really, ''really'' bad decision. Please revert yourself and leave the article alone. -- [[User:ChrisO|ChrisO]] ([[User talk:ChrisO|talk]]) 22:03, 26 September 2008 (UTC)

== Opis ==

Not sure if you noticed since we were probably working at the same time, but you made [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Battle_of_Opis&curid=15840514&diff=241215758&oldid=241215640 this edit] when the page was under full protection. Obviously, that's kind of a big policy violation so you might want to revert yourself. [[User:Kafziel|Kafziel]] [[User talk:Kafziel|Complaint Department]] 22:04, 26 September 2008 (UTC)
:Well, I'm not hearing back from you so I went ahead and put it back to the protected version. I don't want to see you get screwed over what was probably a mistake. [[User:Kafziel|Kafziel]] [[User talk:Kafziel|Complaint Department]] 22:11, 26 September 2008 (UTC)
::No, it wasn't a mistake. Check out his edit summary. He's promoting the same NPOV-violating line that CreazySuit and his pals are - namely that only one interpretation is "true" and all others are "false" and must not be mentioned. -- [[User:ChrisO|ChrisO]] ([[User talk:ChrisO|talk]]) 22:13, 26 September 2008 (UTC)

== You might find this useful ==

*http://instruct1.cit.cornell.edu/courses/nes263/spring03/dmm75/page6.html
*http://fontes.lstc.edu/~rklein/Doc5/nabonidus.htm
*http://oyc.yale.edu/religious-studies/introduction-to-the-old-testament-hebrew-bible/content/transcripts/transcript22.html
*http://shl.stanford.edu:3455/9/662
<blockquote>''Although for a long time scholars questioned the authenticity of Cyrus's proclamation, the tide turned in favor of its validity particularly with E.J.Bickerman's vigorous and learned demonstration that it was compatible with what is known from elsewhere about such edicts.'' -- "From Joshua to Caiaphas", p2., by James Vander Kam</blockquote>
<blockquote>''Ezra 1 preserves a genuine edit of Cyrus.'', -- "The Edict of Cyrus in Ezra 1", p175, by E.J.Bickerman(1946)</blockquote>

*http://www.bh.org.il/Names/POW/bickerman.asp
[[User:Kansas Bear|Kansas Bear]] ([[User talk:Kansas Bear|talk]]) 23:46, 26 September 2008 (UTC)

==Laz People==
Hello my friend :) how are you ? you must read "modern" articles.Cuz in Turkey 250-500,000 Lazs are living today.50 000 peoples were 1983.And Laz language used by 33,000 Lazs at 1983.But now we are living 21 st century.And Protestan cENTER:jOSHUAPROJECT SAYS:153,700 PEOPLES ARE speaking Lazs.Ok please true read.Loves good night.I am "banned" KolxisLaz.Please listen and understan me please :( —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/88.238.54.75|88.238.54.75]] ([[User talk:88.238.54.75|talk]]) 09:23, 1 October 2008 (UTC) 

==Back to Bitlis==

My modest additions, all referenced properly and discussed and explained at length, are again sytematically being vandalized here. I have edited this one sentence and 3 references 15 different ways to satisfy all involved already. Some are intent on carrying out an edit war no matter what and make no secret about it. They seem to enjoy an immunity that I do not. Please read the comments and edit history of Bitlis. What exactly would it take to keep these proper references, all vetted, in the article? Note that no one has even disputed the validity of these references, they just "do not like them"! They have not even challenged the references officially, through proper wiki tools but just deleting them. "Report to US Government of Captain Emory Niles and Mr. Arthur Sutherland, 1919, U.S. 867.00/1005", "WWI-era mass grave with 20,000 skeletons found in Bitlis", "Armenian Violence and Massacre in the Caucasus and Anatolia Based on Archives (1906-1918), The Turkish Republic Prime Ministry General Directorate of State Archives Departmant of Ottoman Archives Publication,, Publication No: 23, Ankara 1995". Can you at least help keep the sentence and references there until they are succesfully challenged? Thanks.--[[User:Hudavendigar|Murat]] ([[User talk:Hudavendigar|talk]]) 12:39, 2 October 2008 (UTC)

:Two of these "references" are from one site. Here is the Sutherland "source"[http://www.tallarmeniantale.com/niles-sutherland.htm] and this is the NY times "source"[http://www.tallarmeniantale.com/nyt-bias.htm]. The third "reference" is a statement by an official from a hostile government. ''The Zaman source, with its commentary from "Törehan Serdar, head of the Association of Victims of World War I Massacres by Armenians", is undoubtedly an attempt at POV pushing.''. This was discussed:

:'''The majority of editors disagree with the context you have added please refrain from adding unsourced or unaccepted information to articles. We add facts that are verified or that are agreed in the scholarly world. --[[User:Namsos|Namsos]] ([[User talk:Namsos|talk]]) 02:53, 6 August 2008 (UTC)'''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Bitlis#Hudavendigar][http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bitlis&diff=230117224&oldid=230097374]. [[User:Kansas Bear|Kansas Bear]] ([[User talk:Kansas Bear|talk]]) 16:47, 2 October 2008 (UTC)

Again, the references are real. Facts are real and not personal opinions. If you still find a problem with them, by all means challenge them formally and properly. Personal opinions about the "acceptability" of references is not good enough a reason to delete them wholesale. What is acceptable here is well defined. If the relevant facts I have contributed, all backed by mainstream scholars and easily accesible sources seem incorrect in any way, then by all means expose them, prove them wrong, but keep your personal views and judgements out of it. Be specific about what you find to be incorrect. Best way to fend off POV and propaganda is to confront them with real facts. That is what I try to do.--[[User:Hudavendigar|Murat]] ([[User talk:Hudavendigar|talk]]) 05:19, 7 October 2008 (UTC)

:''He was in Bitlis when the first Armenian massacre occurred....'', The Harvard Graduate's Magazine, by William Thayer, p116
:''..in the summer of 1915, was the town of Bitlis, rapidly made Armenian-free either through wholesale massacre or death-march deportation.'', Genocide in the Age of the Nation-State, by Mark Levene, p118
:''But the most extremem fear has prevailed ever since October 26, when the news of the Bitlis massacre has reached us.'', Report By Dr. Grace Kimball
:''Simultaneously the massacre of Armenians behind the Turkish lines began. The whole population of the district round Bitlis was murdered, so too were all males in Bitlis itself.'', Crescent and Iron Cross, by E.F. Benson, p 28.
:''In the town of Bitlis most of the Armenians were massacred....'', Armenian and the Near East, by Fridjof Nansen, p324

:1. Bodies were found near Bitlis, no mention as to whether the bodies are Turk, Armenian, Kurd or otherwise.
:2. You give a report from people that arrive '''4 YEARS''' after the massacres. This couple do not mention seeing bodies. Although, they apparently talked to "inhabitants" that had lived there during the "massacres" inflicted on them by Armenians. Yet, oddly these "inhabitants" were still alive....
:3. The head of the Association of Victims of WWI Massacres by Armenians, is probably the most biased person they could have interviewed. I'm sure with that title his statement is "personal opinion", unless he's clairvoyant and can tell Turk or Armenian from skeletal remains.
:4. And the most prejudiced "source", "Armenian Violence and Massacre in the Caucasus and Anatolia Based on Archives (1906-1918), "The Turkish Republic Prime Ministry General Directorate of State Archives Departmant of Ottoman Archives Publication,, Publication No: 23, Ankara 1995", which I'm sure clearly explains why the Ottoman Empire was moving '''Armenian women and children away from the front(clearly they were a threat to the Ottoman Army), yet apparently didn't move any Muslims(see #2, "inhabitants") away from the "rampaging hordes" of Armenians'''!!
:Don't talk to me about personal opinion when your posts mention "Armenian nationalists" and propaganda. You are the only one allowing personal opinion to blind them. [[User:Kansas Bear|Kansas Bear]] ([[User talk:Kansas Bear|talk]]) 00:31, 8 October 2008 (UTC)

== the user David873 u blocked along time ago ==

Unblock Request
{{unblock reviewed|1=I have been blocked indefinitely for trolling and for being a bad-hand account. It appears that this is related to my recent edits as well as my sockpuppetry accusations. I confess that I have been involved in a heated dispute with another editor recently over the reliability of sources at [[Talk:Lý Long Tường]] and must have over-stepped the mark at some point. I had been trying to explain that state-run sources are not reliable to no avail. In any case, I promise not to edit the said talk page until the dispute is settled by other editors and to refrain from making potentially condescending comments in the future. I have also been embroiled in a series of incidents which resulted in my accusing many users of sockpuppetry. I admit that I might have taken too hard a line against possible cases of sockpuppetry and promise that I will be more careful in the future should I be allowed to edit again. Also, given my editing history and the fact that I have not been blocked before, I find it hard to see that I have been trolling or generally causing disruption at Wikipedia. Furthermore, I believe that I had not been adequately warned. After all, the editing history for my user account shows that I am actually interested about the neutrality and factual accuracy of Wikipedia articles rather than someone who is only interested in intimidating or harassing other editors. Therefore, I request that I be either unblocked or that the block be downgraded from indefinite to a fixed duration.|decline=Your [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Contributions&dir=prev&target=David873&month=&year= first edits] show that you are clearly not a new user. I don't know whose sockpuppet you are, but a large part of your contributions seem to consist largely of [[WP:TROLL|trolling]]. Furthermore, as Sandstein points out, you did not address the reason you were blocked for in the first place. Please use your main account, whatever it is, and please review [[WP:GHBH]] so that you can avoid similar situations like this in the future. <tt class="plainlinks">[[User:Khoikhoi|Khoi]][[User talk:Khoikhoi|khoi]]</tt> 07:57, 7 August 2008 (UTC)}}

well i found his main account- Dave1185

hes up to no good again, trolling, and harrasing me when hes not even an admin![[User:ㄏㄨㄤㄉㄧ|ㄏㄨㄤㄉㄧ]] ([[User talk:ㄏㄨㄤㄉㄧ|talk]]) 21:14, 2 October 2008 (UTC)

== [[Ottoman Empire]] ==

A anon user is changing the map and vital statistics of the Ottoman Empire article without first reaching a consensus. Could you intervene? Thanks. [[User:Kansas Bear|Kansas Bear]] ([[User talk:Kansas Bear|talk]]) 21:57, 3 October 2008 (UTC)

== Personal attacks ==

[[Image:Information.svg|25px]] {{#if:|Regarding your comments on [[:{{{1}}}]]: }}Please see Wikipedia's [[Wikipedia:No personal attacks|no personal attacks]] policy. Comment on ''content'', not on contributors. Personal attacks damage the community and deter users. Note that continued personal attacks will lead to [[Wikipedia:Blocking policy|blocks]] for disruption. Please [[Wikipedia:Staying cool when the editing gets hot|stay cool]] and keep this in mind while editing. {{#if:|{{{2}}}|Thank you.}} -- [[User:ChrisO|ChrisO]] ([[User talk:ChrisO|talk]]) 01:01, 4 October 2008 (UTC)

== Names of Slovak cities, towns ==

Do most scholars agree with Kiss on this? What exactly is the current academic consensus according to most historians on Petofi's ethnicity? Because I checked Google Books and many sources seem to agree with the article in that his father was Serbian, but we should try to follow what the current academic consensus is per WP:UNDUE. Do you know if I can obtain a copy of Petofi adattár online? As for the use of Hungarian name for Slovak cities, the reason is that it would be anachronistic to not use the the official names at the time. As far as I know, Hungarian was the official language at the time, so the towns/cities were known by their Hungarian names. Today however the Slovak names are used. Khoikhoi 02:55, 24 August 2008

:About the names of Slovak cities/towns. Are you kidding? There are millions of cities where official language used to be whatever in the past, but it is always called by its proper name. And when we talk about official language. The official language of Kingdom of Hungary from c.1000 to 1526 was Latin. From 1526 to c.1700, present day Slovakia, Croatia and part of Hungary formed Royal Hungary which was under Habsburg rule and the official language was again Latin. From 1700 to 1844 in the Kingdom of Hungary, which kind of remained under the Habsburg rule, the official language was Latin. The exception was the short period from 1784 to 1790 when the official language was German. From 1844 to 1849 the official language was Hungarian, then from 1849 to 1867 it was again changed to German and finally from 1867 to 1918 it was Hungarian... —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[User:Jasooon|Jasooon]] ([[User talk:Jasooon|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Jasooon|contribs]]) 23:38, 5 October 2008 (UTC) 

== Ingushetia ==

A little help on the "proto-Ingush migration" stuff when you get the chance. I'm at 3RR. [[User:Kwamikagami|kwami]] ([[User talk:Kwamikagami|talk]]) 00:46, 6 October 2008 (UTC)

:Never mind. Looks like we found an acceptable compromise. [[User:Kwamikagami|kwami]] ([[User talk:Kwamikagami|talk]]) 01:27, 6 October 2008 (UTC)

::Ah, not really. He isn't being sincere in his edits. I can't tell if he's trolling, or just doesn't know the basics of verifying research. 06:11, 6 October 2008 (UTC)

== WP:AM stats ==
Hey, why was [[Wikipedia:Version 1.0 Editorial Team/Armenia articles by quality statistics]] deleted and how do we go about recreating that page?--<big>''' [[User:Eupator|Ευπάτωρ]] '''</big>[[User_Talk:Eupator|Talk!!]] 19:26, 6 October 2008 (UTC)
:My bad. Because it's here now: [[Wikipedia:Version 1.0 Editorial Team/Armenian articles by quality statistics]].--<big>''' [[User:Eupator|Ευπάτωρ]] '''</big>[[User_Talk:Eupator|Talk!!]] 19:29, 6 October 2008 (UTC)

== Mediation re [[Battle of Opis]] ==

A mediation has been opened on [[Battle of Opis]], an article with which you have been involved recently. I have listed you as a party but please feel free to remove yourself if you do not want to participate in the mediation. Please see [[Wikipedia:Mediation Cabal/Cases/2008-10-06 Battle of Opis]] for the details. -- [[User:ChrisO|ChrisO]] ([[User talk:ChrisO|talk]]) 00:32, 7 October 2008 (UTC)

== Kansas Bear ==
This user has been constantly reverting my edits thrughout these pages. My paragraph entry in article "Armenia-Turkey" was completely removed, with no explanation or justification. He has sated that I need to get his permission in effect to make any edits. My entry was factual, informational, referenced and tied to many other articles in wikipedia. Please have him/her stop these disruptive edits.--[[User:Hudavendigar|Murat]] ([[User talk:Hudavendigar|talk]]) 05:13, 8 October 2008 (UTC)

:You mean your continued effort to change any and all articles related to Armenians, into slanderous libel? That the Armenian Genocide didn't happen, that Armenians revolted, and NO massacres or individual executions occurred prior to April 17, 1915? Then you should read ''An American Physician in Turkey'';
:<blockquote>Jevdet Bey thought this a good opportunity to get rid of some of the chief men of Van. He invited four prominent Armenians, among them Ishkhan, to go to Shadakh as a "peace commission" with an equal number of prominent Turks, and compromise the matter which had arisen between the Armenians and the Government. He sent them off with a guard of honor, had a feast prepared for them in the first village at which they stopped, and at that feast had the four Armenians treacherously murdered. The following morning, Saturday, April 17th.....</blockquote>

:BTW, that's called a '''PRIMARY SOURCE'''. Take your '''personal prejudice''' of Armenians elsewhere. [[User:Kansas Bear|Kansas Bear]] ([[User talk:Kansas Bear|talk]]) 18:33, 8 October 2008 (UTC)

::Here are Murat's edits/deletions, removal of the word massacre[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Armenia%E2%80%93Turkey_relations&diff=prev&oldid=243570099]
::An attempt to subvert the topic of an article[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Armenia%E2%80%93Turkey_relations&diff=prev&oldid=243573382]
::Edited to his own POV, contrary to the reference given![http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Van,_Turkey&diff=prev&oldid=243345216]
::Removal of Enver Pasha's statement backed by '''SIX''' references,[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Battle_of_Sar%C4%B1kam%C4%B1%C5%9F&diff=prev&oldid=240583143]
::Addition of "revolutionary leaders" to sentence, contrary to the reference given![http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Van,_Turkey&diff=prev&oldid=243579533]
::Removal of sentences AND the reference![http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Van,_Turkey&diff=prev&oldid=243579135]
::Removal of a picture(since it was drawn by an Armenian)![http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kars,_Turkey&diff=prev&oldid=244353177] Which was also reported here[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_talk:Khoikhoi#Hudavendigar.27s_disruption]
[[User:Kansas Bear|Kansas Bear]] ([[User talk:Kansas Bear|talk]]) 18:48, 8 October 2008 (UTC)

Khoi, the edit war and stalking goes on at full force here as you can see. Wholesale reverts of anything I have added continues though none of the specifics have been challenged and no improvements or corrections have been attempted. There is obviously no good faith. Their reference backed up edits are good, but mine are not? None of my entries are challenged through a formal process, but reversed without a discussion AND concensus. How can they be allolwed to remove content repeatedly and edit-war freely?--[[User:Hudavendigar|Murat]] ([[User talk:Hudavendigar|talk]]) 11:50, 10 October 2008 (UTC)

I commented on Murat's edit here [[Talk:Armenia%E2%80%93Turkey_relations#Armenian_view:_the_only_view]]. His edit was neither factual, informational, or referenced by valid sources. [[User:Meowy|'''Meowy''']] 22:48, 8 October 2008 (UTC)

== User Eupator wholesale reverting again - Hemshin peoples: ==

Hi Khoikkoi,

This is to let you know that user Eupator has again engaged in a wholesale
revert taking the “Hemshin peoples” entry back to an ancient version for the fifth time on October 7th [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hemshin_peoples&diff=243739346&oldid=242424711 Wholesale Revert 5].

Just to remind you about Eupator’s attitude, this user has not done a single contribution to the entry and the relevant discussions… He/she has appeared through a wholesale revert taking the entry back to an ancient version (of about a year ago) on July 4th, 2008 [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hemshin_peoples&diff=223419911&oldid=222169069 Wholesale Revert 1]. He/she has then repeated this action on July 5th [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hemshin_peoples&diff=223811310&oldid=223809047 Wholesale Revert 2], August 3rd [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hemshin_peoples&diff=229665179&oldid=229661108 Wholesale Revert 3], September 11th [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hemshin_peoples&diff=237610427&oldid=237570472 Wholesale Revert 4], These reverts has basically taken away an entire section plus a big amount of fully referenced material. This user never presents what he/she objects in the version he/she persistantly erases. In response to Eupator’s reverts, I have [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Talk:Hemshin_peoples&diff=prev&oldid=229784449 asked] for his/her arguments on the talk page, to no avail.

This user was joined by 3 others who took turns making such wholesale reverts. ([http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Talk:Hemshin_peoples&diff=231280875&oldid=230365816 Here ] is a link where you might see one of my appeals to you earlier about the developlment of the Hemshin peoples entry, in case you want to refresh your memory).

Following your protection of the entry in its ancient version and pursuant to your advice I have also asked for mediation which was blocked by Eupator and users who have the similar attitude ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Requests_for_mediation/Rejected/37#Hemshin_peoples Rejection Report]).

If you recall, in our last exchange with you, you had [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=User_talk:Omer182&diff=237616314&oldid=237151381 told] me that you would talk to these users . In fact in the time period between September 12th and Oct. 7th, no such wholesale reverts were made. Well, now Eupator is back with the same attitude.

This is now without doubt a clear and persistant violation of wikipedia rules and policies and I ask your help in this issue. This user now needs to be warned seriously on his/her talk page and/or be blocked from editing the entry considered. Thanks for your help.[[User:Omer182|Omer182]] ([[User talk:Omer182|talk]]) 20:19, 9 October 2008 (UTC)
:I honestly think that the only way the article can be improved is if Omer is blocked from editing it for a while, maybe 2 months, in order to let other editors get it to a stable version. The amount of work that would be needed to bring Omer's version, or the pre-Omer version that Eupator has been reverting to, into decent shape is daunting. And to attempt it under Omer's self-perceived "ownership" of the article would be well nigh impossible. However, I realise that Omer has not broken any rules seriously enough to make such a block likely. I haven't tried editing the article for a while. With Omer nit-picking at everything / rewriting anything any editor adds to the entry / trying to insert his POV bias into everything, to try and rewrite the article section by section would try the [[Patience#Patience_from_a_religious_perspective|patience]] of the best of us. Basically, the article is fucked. [[User:Meowy|'''Meowy''']] 20:48, 9 October 2008 (UTC)

==Obama Family==

Hey Khoikkoi,

I was actually surprised to see the old Obama Family page I started awhile back. There was a huge argument on the talk page about the merits of the page, and it ultimatley resulted in its deletion. I cant say I know for sure the correct spelling of "Fraser" or the dates of the deaths of Michelles parents but I will do a little more research on it. Im also not sure how to do the family tree brackets, Id like to see Michelles family tree brackets filled in sometime.

==Hudavendigar's disruption==
Hey Khoikhoi, user Hudavendigar (aka Murat) continues to delete [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kars%2C_Turkey&diff=237196979&oldid=237166671], [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kars%2C_Turkey&diff=244353177&oldid=244287815] the illustration on the Kars article by dismissing it as personal "memorabilia" and calling for a consensus, which is obviously a silly and inadequate objection since there is nothing wrong with the illustration itself but by its author. Numerous users have already agreed on its talk page that the image is very helpful to the article (including you) so perhaps you can help him understand this issue. He has been disrupting a wider ranger of Armenian related articles and a topic ban, for at least a few months, seems to be in order because numerous warning have not stopped the vandalism. Thank you.--[[User:MarshallBagramyan|Marshal Bagramyan]] ([[User talk:MarshallBagramyan|talk]]) 17:16, 10 October 2008 (UTC)

:The removal of the Kars illustration wasn't vandalism imho, and he did give legitimate reasons for it. It is many of his other edits that are problematic. And his recent canvasing to get support for those edits amongst editors whose names suggest that they are Turkish (for example, [[User_talk:Ay%C3%A7a_Leovinus]], [[User_talk:Tangomaan]], [[User_talk:Deliogul]], [[User_talk:Turkish_Flame]]) and who have never edited any of the articles Hudavendigar has been having his edit warring on. [[User:Meowy|'''Meowy''']] 21:27, 10 October 2008 (UTC)

== Unlock the Iran article ==

Is it better to unlock the Iran article and force Mani to follow 1RR? He seems to be the only one who prefers removing reference to other languages in the infobox. Should the whole page be locked because of the disruptive behavior of one editor?--[[User:Agha Nader|Agha Nader]] ([[User talk:Agha Nader|talk]]) 01:09, 11 October 2008 (UTC)

== Religion section of Turkey ==

* Please vote at the Religion (2) section of [[Talk:Turkey|Talk Page]] of the article [[Turkey]], viewing Version 1 (my re-edited version for a neutral prospective) and Version 2, and decide which is the preferred version for the Religion section of Turkey at the below of the page, '''Agree''' or '''Disagree''' for Version 1, Thank you!!! [[User:Tangomaan|Mohsin]] ([[User talk:Tangomaan|talk]]) 15:31, 12 October 2008 (UTC)

== Mazandarani language, contd. ==

[[Special:Contributions/68.5.250.146|68.5.250.146]] ([[User talk:68.5.250.146|talk]]) has resumed edit warring at [[Mazandarani language]]. We've been through all that [[User_talk:Khoikhoi/Archive_32#Mazandarani_language | before]]. -- [[User:Ankimai|Ankimai]] ([[User talk:Ankimai|talk]]) 09:02, 13 October 2008 (UTC)

==Joseph Wurzelbacher==
Since [[Talk:Joseph Wurzelbacher|the talk page]] was not [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Joseph_Wurzelbacher&action=history moved] with the Joseph Wurzelbacher article, I added <nowiki>{{db-histmerge|Talk:Joseph Wurzelbacher}}</nowiki> to the top of [[Talk:Joe Wurzelbacher]]. If you can fix it, that would be great. Thanks. -- [[User:Suntag|Suntag]] [[User talk:Suntag|<big>☼</big>]] 11:30, 17 October 2008 (UTC)

==Kish Island==
Some anonymous person keeps trying to delete the "see also" link to [[Robert Levinson]] in the [[Kish Island]] article. From what I can see in the discussion page, there was consensus (with one notable dissenter) to have some wording in the Kish article on this issue? That never materialised, but the "see also" part remained. Now that is under attack.. I write as you had some involvement last time around - currently it's revert/edit war (again) --[[User:Commking|Commking]] ([[User talk:Commking|talk]]) 05:30, 18 October 2008 (UTC)

:There was a number of people who felt some text - however brief - was warrented, and only a single objector? Looks straight forward - we don't need to compromise? I am happy with your edit in any case. Many thanks. --[[User:Commking|Commking]] ([[User talk:Commking|talk]]) 02:02, 19 October 2008 (UTC)

== Re: Colin Powell ==

I don't have a problem with that - tweak as you see fit. I was reverting a different edit which removed quite a bit of information that should be there. We just need to make certain the section doesn't fall into undo weight. -[[User:Classicfilms|Classicfilms]] ([[User talk:Classicfilms|talk]]) 20:23, 19 October 2008 (UTC)
:It's fine with me. I'm wondering if the way to handle undo issues is to move this to a new section such as Obama endorsement - this is quite a significant endorsement and that way, in a new section the issue of undo becomes remote. If you agree that would be the way to handle it. Here is a useful link.
http://www.abcnews.go.com/ThisWeek/story?id=6066689&page=1
-[[User:Classicfilms|Classicfilms]] ([[User talk:Classicfilms|talk]]) 20:30, 19 October 2008 (UTC)
::I can go either way about specific information concerning the soldier or Palin. I do think, however, that the other existing quotes are relevant for the long run of the article and are not recentism or undo since they talk to long term issues concerning the campaign. Does that answer your question? Thanks for your feedback by the way, -[[User:Classicfilms|Classicfilms]] ([[User talk:Classicfilms|talk]]) 21:11, 19 October 2008 (UTC)
:::Why not just add an introductory sentence that offers the themes you feel are missing? If the Palin comment is really a problem, remove it. It was really a minor point and if you feel it complicates the paragraph then I don't think it will change much. How's that? -[[User:Classicfilms|Classicfilms]] ([[User talk:Classicfilms|talk]]) 22:36, 19 October 2008 (UTC)
::::Maybe use this TIME article - it establishes notability for this section along with the ABC article above:
::::http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1851832,00.html
::::Let me know if I can help in the rewrite. -[[User:Classicfilms|Classicfilms]] ([[User talk:Classicfilms|talk]]) 22:43, 19 October 2008 (UTC)

== Granny Obama being an Anglican ==

In regards to Granny Obama being an Anglican, basing this on a newscast I watched while I was in Kenya. I've been googling for acredited source it. Found some for her being a Protestant, but yes she is an Anglican. [[Special:Contributions/99.241.15.245|99.241.15.245]] ([[User talk:99.241.15.245|talk]]) 23:26, 19 October 2008 (UTC)

== With regard to Stanley ==

([http://www.kansasprairie.net/kansasprairieblog/?p=7009 And Madelyn]): I'm game.[[User:Justmeherenow|  <math>\sim</math> J''ust''me''here''now]] [[User talk:Justmeherenow|'''''(  )''''']] 03:16, 20 October 2008 (UTC)
:Looks good - Thx[[User:Justmeherenow|  <math>\sim</math> J''ust''me''here''now]] [[User talk:Justmeherenow|'''''(  )''''']] 03:44, 21 October 2008 (UTC)
::(Part A): I had......
::(Part B): Why not? They're notable due their relationship to Barack ''through Ann.''[[User:Justmeherenow|  <math>\sim</math> J''ust''me''here''now]] [[User talk:Justmeherenow|'''''(  )''''']] 03:53, 21 October 2008 (UTC)

== Removal of sourced material by this user ==
I had my encounters with this user in the past and see no hope in reasoning with him. He removed referenced content as [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bulgaria&diff=next&oldid=246428181 here]. Could you take a look? The content is exactly within context. There are three sources. I will make them four but will not make a difference to this local nationalist.--[[User:Nostradamus1|Nostradamus1]] ([[User talk:Nostradamus1|talk]]) 00:54, 21 October 2008 (UTC)

Could you, please, take a look at this user's behavior. He removed content and stated that he is "NOT going to argue on the same things". [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Turks_in_Bulgaria&diff=246728301&oldid=246699770 see this]. He is not asking citations but removing content removing these paragraphs twice already.--[[User:Nostradamus1|Nostradamus1]] ([[User talk:Nostradamus1|talk]]) 23:15, 24 October 2008 (UTC)

Unfortunately this is still going on. These three users have been reverting all my contributions related to Bulgaria. This one removed my citation request as [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bulgaria&diff=248324878&oldid=248119443 here] by commenting ''rmv lame fact tags that go with the refs (?) + others that are just laughable and about well-established facts''. What are these "established facts"? Aren't they supposed to at least discuss them? I merely requested the page numbers in my citation request. They are also reluctant to engage in formal mediation.--[[User:Nostradamus1|Nostradamus1]] ([[User talk:Nostradamus1|talk]]) 01:07, 30 October 2008 (UTC)

==Image source problem with Image:Ann, Madelyn, and Stanley Dunham.jpg==
[[Image:Copyright-problem.svg|64px|left|Image Copyright problem]]
Thanks for uploading '''[[:Image:Ann, Madelyn, and Stanley Dunham.jpg]]'''. I noticed that the file's description page currently doesn't specify who created the content, so the [[copyright]] status is unclear. If you did not create this file yourself, you will need to specify the owner of the copyright. If you obtained it from a website, then a link to the website from which it was taken, together with a restatement of that website's terms of use of its content, is usually sufficient information. However, if the copyright holder is different from the website's publisher, their copyright should also be acknowledged.

If you have uploaded other files, consider checking that you have specified their source and tagged them, too. You can find a list of files you have uploaded by following [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Log&type=upload&user=Khoikhoi this link]. '''Unsourced and untagged images may be deleted one week after they have been tagged''', as described on [[wikipedia:Criteria for speedy deletion#Images.2FMedia|criteria for speedy deletion]]. If the image is copyrighted under a [[Wikipedia:Image copyright tags/Fair use|non-free license]] (per [[Wikipedia:Fair use]]) then '''the image will be deleted [[WP:CSD#I7|48 hours]] after 04:23, 21 October 2008 (UTC)'''. If you have any questions please ask them at the [[Wikipedia:Media copyright questions|Media copyright questions page]]. Thank you. [[User:Mosmof|Mosmof]] ([[User talk:Mosmof|talk]]) 04:23, 21 October 2008 (UTC)

==Re: [[Wikipedia:Administrators'_noticeboard/Incidents#User_Causteau_and_The_Jerusalem_Post|AN/I]]==
Just stopped by to thank you for the warning you left on my talk page. I appreciate the fact that you also warned the other party regarding their part in the dispute, and for understanding that this is indeed just a garden variety content dispute that some seem determined to metastasize into something bigger. I'd also like to mention that one of the three accounts that initiated much of the dispute over at the [[Press TV]] page has been [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Press_TV&diff=246623596&oldid=246456394 found] by an administrator to have been a sockpuppet ([[User:Bukhari]]), which I think in no small way proves what I've been saying all along on that article's [[Talk:Press_TV|talk page]]. At any rate, thanks again. [[User:Causteau|Causteau]] ([[User talk:Causteau|talk]]) 07:15, 21 October 2008 (UTC)

Concerning the same matter, I would like to point out that this is a dispute that I am not interested in. I got into the [[Press TV]] dispute trying to moderate, but found it impossible because one editor seems unable to work towards a compromise, or even to listen to arguments. Rational arguments such as "a source from 2000 cannot contradict that an event happened in 2004" are dismissed by attacking something else instead. That's no way to edit an encyclopedia, and it must stop. Elonka has more background, and Causteau is hiding behind her as if she had said he is always right. I contacted her at [[User talk:Elonka|Press TV (2)]], but she doesn't seem to have time.

As to my 3 reverts, please explain how you got the number. My edits on this article were: One partial revert (removing 2 of 3 sentences added by Causteau). A necessary correction (removing a single word) that I forgot to do at once. One rerevert to force talk page discussion. (2 reverts so far, do we agree?) Then Causteau removed one sentence for having had a fact tag too long. I reinstated the sentence once I found a reliable source, and nobody seemed concerned about this. Do you count this as a third revert? Should I have taken the reference to the talk page instead, asking someone else to put the sentence in again? Are obviously uncontroversial reverts no longer allowed when an edit war has started? This is a serious question, because I am not used to this kind of edit-warring, in spite of considerable experience with the [[Homeopathy]] situation. (Perhaps it's different because of the community restrictions there?) --[[User:Hans Adler|Hans Adler]] ([[User talk:Hans Adler|talk]]) 08:19, 21 October 2008 (UTC)

:Khoikhoi, I replied to you (again) on my talk page. Since then, Causteau has been working hard to prove the point that I made there: That they need an admin to tell them very clearly that their interpretation of 3RR is completely wrong and will get them into serious trouble: "And [[WP:3RR]] does not apply to re-inserting material from reliable sources -- ''that is how Wikipedia functions:'' on verifiability!" [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wikipedia%3AAdministrators%27_noticeboard%2FIncidents&theResponse=%3Conlyinclude%3E%7B%7B%23ifeq%3A%7B%7B%7Bname%7D%7D%7D%7CAdministrators%27+noticeboard%2FIncidents%7C%7E%7E%7E%7E%7D%7D%3C%2Fonlyinclude%3EThe+following+suggestions+were+generated+by+a+semi-automatic+%5B%5BUser%3AAndyZ%2Fpeerreviewer%7Cjavascript+program%5D%5D%2C+and+might+not+be+applicable+for+the+article+in+question.&diff=246488719&oldid=246488644#User_Causteau_and_The_Jerusalem_Post] So far only I told this editor that they are wrong; since they don't take me seriously they feel justified. Now they are explaining their theory to Andrew Lancaster: "Restoring a good-faith insertion of a [[Wikipedia:SOURCES|reliable source]] […] from an instance of bad faith editing whereby some editor removes said reliable source due to, in his words, some non-existent 'wording' issue does not qualify as 'edit-warring'." [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Talk%3AHaplogroup_E1b1b_%28Y-DNA%29&diff=247353407&oldid=247325660] (That was in response to Andrew Lancaster: "That approach you've just described as your own is called edit warring. No editor of Wikipedia has any special right to repeatedly revert any correctly verified and true edit just because the edit being reverted to is also true or correctly verified.")
:I made 3 reverts on the article in question, one of which was a partial revert and one of which was definitely not edit warring. Nevertheless you warned me and educated me about the fact that non-controversial reverts also count for the purposes of 3RR. OK. Now can you please explain to the ruthless edit-warrior (who has had 3 previous warnings and made 4 controversial full reverts in this case) in words that they cannot simply rationalise away that the theory on which they are operating is not sound? That's what I tried to achieve with my challenge to Causteau in the ANI thread; your "symmetric" intervention before Causteau's response has allowed them to ignore it. --[[User:Hans Adler|Hans Adler]] ([[User talk:Hans Adler|talk]]) 11:13, 24 October 2008 (UTC)

== Rashid Khalidi and BLP ==

Correcting an improper BLP issue is certainly important, and I wouldn't view that as a wheel war. -- [[User:Avraham|Avi]] ([[User talk:Avraham|talk]]) 19:07, 27 October 2008 (UTC)

==Am I off-the-wall ?==
I'd appreciate it if you could you take a look at the [[Farsiwan]] article and the two versions, [[User:Tajik|Tajik]]'s (the current one) and mine [[User:Bejnar|Bejnar]]'s, (the one he just reverted), and the [[Talk:Farsiwan|talk page]] and let me know if I am off the wall? --[[User:Bejnar|Bejnar]] ([[User talk:Bejnar|talk]]) 22:47, 27 October 2008 (UTC)

==Hello==
Would you mind discussing your [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vaharai_Bombing&curid=7934167&diff=248095642&oldid=248073272 this edit] in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Vaharai_Bombing#Removal_of_Mass_murder_category this talk] page please. We are trying to keep cool and discuss. Thanks [[User:Taprobanus|Taprobanus]] ([[User talk:Taprobanus|talk]]) 00:25, 28 October 2008 (UTC)
:I know you are a reasonable person and these are difficult subjects to deal with:) but this was my reason for it

===[[Vaharai bombing]]===
*''Mass murder is also defined to be intentional and indiscriminate murder of large number of people by government agents. Examples are shooting of unarmed protestors, carpet bombing of cities, lobbying of grenades into prison cells, random execution of civilians.'' (see R. J. Rummel, Irving Louis Horowitz, '''Death by Government''', Page 35, ISBN: 1560009276) Looking at carpet bombing of cities as a cited example, it indicates that it was a callous disregard for civilian casualty. If you read the Government reaction section of the article, it was admitted by the government and the fact is cited with RS sources) that it knew it was firing into a civilian infrastructure and in war situations such casualties cannot be disregarded.

*"The military fired at the civilians to force them out of the area", this according to Harry Miller a Jesuit priest and neutral person from the area.[http://www.nation.lk/2007/02/11/newsfe1.htm]

now considering an RS source that says mass murder is what it is and a rS source say that the soldiers fired in knowing that civilians were there, want it qualify as mass murder ? 00:36, 28 October 2008 (UTC)

===[[Sri Lankan riots of 1958]]===
:The same category was removed from [[Sri Lankan riots of 1958]]. I think I can categorize it as mass murder based on [http://books.google.com/books?id=6NnchlGT3nEC&pg=PA71&dq=%22Definition%22+of+%22%22Mass+murder%22%22 this where a pogrom is considred a mass murder] and [http://books.google.com/books?id=T7I9z2ce9N0C&pg=PA331&dq=%221958+Riots%22++%22Sri+Lanka%22 this cite which says that it was a pogrom in its scale]. Thanks for yourclarification [[User:Taprobanus|Taprobanus]] ([[User talk:Taprobanus|talk]]) 00:42, 28 October 2008 (UTC)
::Fair enough, thanks [[User:Taprobanus|Taprobanus]] ([[User talk:Taprobanus|talk]]) 03:06, 28 October 2008 (UTC)

===[[Navaly church bombing]]===
Care to elaborate on your revision on the above article ? It might help if you took a second to take a look at the talk page. Perhaps reading what is said, that too repeatedly, may help. Thanks [[User:Watchdogb|Watchdogb]] ([[User talk:Watchdogb|talk]]) 22:51, 29 October 2008 (UTC)

==Re: Obama FYI==
Hey Khoikhoi! Thanks for your message about the new Obama assassination plot. It seems to me it definitely warrants its own page altogether, so I moved the [[2008 Barack Obama assassination scare in Denver|first page]] from '''2008 Barack Obama assassination scare''' to '''2008 Barack Obama assassination scare in Tennessee'''. Then I made a whole new page called [[2008 Barack Obama assassination scare in Tennessee]]. I plan to add more info from more sources about the latter page in the next few days. What do you think of this course of action? -- [[User:Hunter Kahn|Hunter Kahn]] ([[User talk:Hunter Kahn|talk]]) 05:42, 28 October 2008 (UTC)
:Thanks for the kind words! I agree with you about the disambig. page, that's probably something I'll do fairly soon. As for the Raymond Geisel case, I'd be inclined to go ahead and make a separate page for that one too (it's currently mentioned very briefly in the Denver page), but I can see how others might argue its not relevant enough to warrant it. Maybe this is something I should try to seek some sort of consensus on? How would I do that, short of starting a thread in the talk pages of one of the other articles? -- [[User:Hunter Kahn|Hunter Kahn]] ([[User talk:Hunter Kahn|talk]]) 14:02, 28 October 2008 (UTC)

== Your comment about my warning to Ariobarza ==

You wrote that I am " in no position to use your administrative tools on users involved in editing the Battle of Opis page or related articles." All I did was warn him. That is something anyone can do, and I didn't use my administrative tools. And although I take your point, are you really suggesting that I can't block vandalism on this or related articles? I'm talking here about vandalism as we define it, obscenties, mass deletions, you know the stuff. [[User:Dougweller|Doug Weller]] ([[User talk:Dougweller|talk]]) 17:34, 28 October 2008 (UTC)

== Iran article ==

Thank you khoi khoi. I think blocking the violater is a good strategy. However I am not sure if Mani will respect it or not. It is important that he knows that what is there is the consensus. For him consensus is what Mani himself thinks. Any way I hope this time you will block him, if he again restarts the edit war. I am really tired of it.--[[User:Babakexorramdin|Babakexorramdin]] ([[User talk:Babakexorramdin|talk]]) 08:35, 3 November 2008 (UTC)

you can either explain why you vandalize aghyokush and thaddeus with fake azeri names or continue edit warring like azeri admin. i am limitless to ips and am preparing dozens of accounts for partial protect. you can either answer questions and accept reason like human being or revert like maniac supporting azeri propogandization. you cant block every single article can you? —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/128.122.253.212|128.122.253.212]] ([[User talk:128.122.253.212|talk]]) 20:03, 3 November 2008 (UTC) 
::: I do not know whether you question this to me or not because it is new to me. In case you have an issue with Kjoi khoi (I assume that this is the case), you better open up a new heading.--[[User:Babakexorramdin|Babakexorramdin]] ([[User talk:Babakexorramdin|talk]]) 20:54, 3 November 2008 (UTC)

== [[Madelyn and Stanley Dunham]] ==

Thanks Khoikhoi, for those date corrections. I imagine there's gonna be a bit of fighting over these dates for the next few hours. [[User:GoodDay|GoodDay]] ([[User talk:GoodDay|talk]]) 23:18, 3 November 2008 (UTC)
:Thanks again. [[User:GoodDay|GoodDay]] ([[User talk:GoodDay|talk]]) 23:37, 3 November 2008 (UTC)

== [[Zeituni Onyango]] re-written ==

This article has been rewritten. Please visit the [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Zeituni Onyango|AfD discussion]] to see if your concerns have been addressed. Thank you. [[User_talk:Benjiboi| -- Banjeboi]] 22:54, 5 November 2008 (UTC)

== I got one too... ==

...is that sufficient to block a user? I thought about it and decided not, but watchlisted... [[User:Frank| Frank ]] {{!}} [[user_talk:Frank| talk ]] 21:03, 7 November 2008 (UTC)

== Blackened_heart_of_the_redeemed ==

[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Log&type=block&page=User%3ABlackened_heart_of_the_redeemed Blocked]. so, you get some fanmail from him too? --[[User:GraemeL|GraemeL]] [[User_talk:GraemeL|(talk)]] 21:05, 7 November 2008 (UTC)

== Big Excursion ==

[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Big_Excursion&diff=250374672&oldid=250361097] This change has been added by Nostradamus1. The reference added is written only in Bulgarian and apparently is not verifiable by an independent source. On the Big Excursion talk page, I have listed SEVEN different sources that state that it was ethnic Turks demonstrating. Thus the sentence referenced by Hupchick, "Beginning in May 1989, "amid organized, neo-fascist mass public demonstrations", is incorrect. "Articles should rely on reliable, third-party, published sources with a reputation for fact-checking and accuracy."[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Reliable_sources]. Also, sources for English wikipedia need to be in English, do they not? 
:Non-English sources 
Because this is the English Wikipedia, for the convenience of our readers, editors should use English-language sources in preference to sources in other languages, assuming the availability of an English-language source of equal quality, so that readers can easily verify that the source material has been used correctly. Where editors translate any direct quote, they should quote the relevant portion of the original, non-English text in a footnote or in the article. '''Translations published by reliable sources are preferred over translations made by Wikipedia editors'''. 
:Also, Nostradamus1 is removing a reference, call it POV pushing! He's reverted my reference 3 times now[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Big_Excursion&diff=250374672&oldid=250361097]. --[[User:Kansas Bear|Kansas Bear]] ([[User talk:Kansas Bear|talk]]) 04:27, 8 November 2008 (UTC)

::I will be removing the '''Yalamov, I., The History of the Turkish Community in Bulgaria (in Bulgarian), 2002, ISBN 954 771 024 1''' reference, in the [[Big Excursion]] article. --[[User:Kansas Bear|Kansas Bear]] ([[User talk:Kansas Bear|talk]]) 18:49, 8 November 2008 (UTC)

== Obama Senior ==

Thanks for the Dreams reference - don't know how I missed it. [[User:Tvoz|Tvoz]]/[[User talk:Tvoz|talk]] 01:46, 9 November 2008 (UTC)

== Ayers / current views ==

The section is totally unacceptable. I already indicated on the talk page that corroborating sources would need to be found (Ayers' blog being inadequate), but the adding editor saw fit to put it back in slightly reworded. I've removed the section again - he will need to build consensus first. -- [[User:Scjessey|Scjessey]] ([[User talk:Scjessey|talk]]) 17:14, 9 November 2008 (UTC)

== Alego ==
In Kenya there are many traditional place names that refer to an area inhabited by a certain ethnic community. Usually there areas have no well-defined borders. Alego is one such place area, inhabited by a [[Luo (Kenya and Tanzania)|Luo]] sub-tribe (Jo-Alego). I suppose [[Alego Constituency]] defines the area quite well. [[Nyang’oma Kogelo]] (often spelled simply Kogelo) is a small village in Alego. [[User:Julius Sahara|Julius Sahara]] ([[User talk:Julius Sahara|talk]]) 15:16, 10 November 2008 (UTC)

Obama Sr. wasn't born in Alego. Sorry, it's page 218 of ''[[Dreams from my Father]]'' where he writes about his Granny Obama telling him about where the family moved from Kendu Bay to Alego and Obama Sr. was already born. Also this online newspaper from ''[[The Standard (Kenya)|The Standard]]'' also interviews a friend of Obama Sr. who says that Obama Sr. told him he was not born in Alego [http://www.eastandard.net/InsidePage.php?id=1143998542&cid=4] [[Special:Contributions/99.241.26.125|99.241.26.125]] ([[User talk:99.241.26.125|talk]]) 20:25, 13 November 2008 (UTC)

== Upcoming ArbCom elections ==

Hi,

I'm rather unhappy about the sorry list of candidates at [[Wikipedia:Arbitration_Committee_Elections_December_2008/Candidate_statements]]. Would you consider running? [[User:Digwuren|Διγουρεν]][[User talk:Digwuren|Εμπρος!]] 22:01, 10 November 2008 (UTC)

==Odinga and Obama==

The referenced information you deleted states that Odinga and Obama are "first" cousins not "distant" as you claim. While the Cheney relationship may be pertinent and easy to reference, using it as a reason to delete the BBC referenced Odinga relationship is a violation of [[WP:OTHERSTUFFEXISTS]]. Please explain further deletions on the talk page. of the article. [[User:Glen Twenty|Glen Twenty]] ([[User talk:Glen Twenty|talk]]) 05:46, 11 November 2008 (UTC)

::Take your evidence of Obama "family members" to the related article Talkpage, we should discuss it there. [[User:Glen Twenty|Glen Twenty]] ([[User talk:Glen Twenty|talk]]) 05:53, 11 November 2008 (UTC)

== Khalidi ==

Please read the talk page, there appears to be at least one source which is acceptable, the October 30, 2008 LA Times article. Perhaps it would be better to discuss which sources to remove, such as that description on Gun and Olive branch, etc. -- [[User:Avraham|Avi]] ([[User talk:Avraham|talk]]) 06:21, 11 November 2008 (UTC)

Please read the sections you are deleting, and try to help them conform with [[WP:BLP]] instead of outright deletion. [[User:Glen Twenty|Glen Twenty]] ([[User talk:Glen Twenty|talk]]) 06:23, 11 November 2008 (UTC)

== Response to edits query ==

While it is true that the birth certificate ''is'' of the short-form variety, I do not see how that is relevant. Nevertheless, it is an accurate statement so I see no reason to challenge it. The other edit was quite a different matter, and I reverted it. In addition, I placed a warning on the editor's talk page about misleading edit summaries (NPOV my ass). Thank you for pointing these out to me, though I must say that I am not a regular editor of the campaign article. I usually prefer to concentrate on policing BLPs. -- [[User:Scjessey|Scjessey]] ([[User talk:Scjessey|talk]]) 20:19, 11 November 2008 (UTC)

== Cuisine of Azerbaijan: suspicion of copyright violation ==

Could you please take a look at [[Talk:Cuisine of Azerbaijan]] and advise me on the best course of action in this unpleasant case. Thank you. --[[User:Zlerman|Zlerman]] ([[User talk:Zlerman|talk]]) 07:05, 12 November 2008 (UTC)

== R. Hewsen ==
Hi, Khoikhoi. Do you remember in [[talk:Artsakh]], were Rober Hewsen was admitted as a reliable and neutral source for the history of Nagorno-Karabakh? However, user Grandmaster tries to desregard this western scholar when he does not fit in with his point of view, even calling him an [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Talk:Security_belt_of_Nagorno-Karabakh_Republic&curid=20053292&diff=251724201&oldid=251723939 "Armenian nationalist"]. I request your intervention here. Thank you beforehand. Greets --[[User:Vacio|Vacio]] ([[User talk:Vacio|talk]]) 10:19, 14 November 2008 (UTC)

== Nominated picture ==

Hello Khoikhoi,

I have nominated the Morlanwelz-Mariemont picture [http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Featured_picture_candidates/candidate_list#Image:Fagus_sylvatica_JPG2a.jpg to be featured] on Wikimedia Commons. – [[User:Tseno Maximov|Tseno Maximov]] 10:56, 20 November 2008 (UTC)

== Piotrus ==

Given your familiarity with a recent 1RR situation with Piotrus and myself, I believe [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Administrators%27_noticeboard/Incidents#Piotrus_persistent_POV_edit_warring.2C_gaming_etc this warrants attention.] Thanks. [[User:Boodlesthecat|Boodlesthecat]] ''[[User talk:Boodlesthecat|Meow?]]'' 19:55, 21 November 2008 (UTC)

== Hello ==

Khoi I am in need of some assistance rght now in regards to the History of the Assyrian People. Dab has changed this name without any discussion or consensus until after the fact he did it. This page prior to being masively changed by this user was strictly dedicated to perserving and explaining the history of this persecuted people from ancient times to the present. He is continually disrupting articles from Wiki Project Assyria to fit his narrow minded views. Can you help revert this article back to the name it was before it got changed to this new name which is problematic on the grounds that not all assryians speak syriac and there are over 2.5 million syriac speakers in india who are not assyrian. This title is very misleading; there is already an articel on Syraic Christianity and there is no need to reiterate this information on every Assyrian related Article. Please get back to me and also Dab although helpful at times is continuing to disrupt pages from this project to meet his so called fair and balanced views. thanks your participation in this will be appreciated. [[User:Nineveh 209|Nineveh 209]] ([[User talk:Nineveh 209|talk]]) 21:11, 22 November 2008 (UTC)

==Typo redirect [[:Hindu High School.]]==
[[Image:Information_icon.svg|left]]Hello, this is a message from [[User:CSDWarnBot|an automated bot]]. A tag has been placed on [[:Hindu High School.]], by {{#ifeq:{{{nom}}}|1|[[User:{{{nominator}}}|{{{nominator}}}]] ([[User talk:{{{nominator}}}|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/{{{nominator}}}|contribs]]),}} another Wikipedia user, requesting that it be [[Wikipedia:Speedy deletions|speedily deleted]] from Wikipedia. The tag claims that it should be speedily deleted because [[:Hindu High School.]] is a redirect page resulting from an implausible typo ([[Wikipedia:Criteria for speedy deletion#R3|CSD R3]]). To contest the tagging and request that administrators wait before possibly deleting [[:Hindu High School.]], please affix the template <nowiki>{{hangon}}</nowiki> to the page, and put a note on its talk page. If the article has already been deleted, see the advice and instructions at [[WP:WMD]]. Feel free to contact the [[User:CSDWarnBot|bot operator]] if you have any questions about this or any problems with this bot, bearing in mind that '''this bot is only informing you of the nomination for speedy deletion; it does not perform any nominations or deletions itself. To see the user who deleted the page, click [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Log&page={{urlencode:Hindu High School.}} here]''' [[User:CSDWarnBot|CSDWarnBot]] ([[User talk:CSDWarnBot|talk]]) 19:50, 23 November 2008 (UTC)

== Might need your help here. ==

Hi Khoikhoi,

Someone is reverting my edits on "Casualties and losses" section of [[Iran%E2%80%93Iraq_War]].

All I want to do is to say:

* Official figures mentioned specifically and distinctly from the rest
* Academic sources like that of Prof. Brown assertion of estimates. I am yet to find another academic and reliable source conflicting with the view
* Unofficial estimates from outside Iranian government vary widely.

However, as it is a very popular belief that close to a million people were killed in the war (I always thought the same until I came across academics backing official numbers), I am facing edit wars from a new Wiki user, Scythian77. He uses foul language at times and is a little bit annoying.

I thought you might be interested in the topic and since you would be an unbiased person on this, please assist me to presenting it properly and also if it is necessary to enforce Wikipedia etiquette.

[[User:Persian Magi|Persian Magi]] ([[User talk:Persian Magi|talk]]) 01:33, 25 November 2008 (UTC)

:I added something like six valid references giving figures between 200,000 and 900,000 dead, and you simply delete them in favor of the Iranian government's "official" casualty count of around 180,000 dead. That is a single figure from a rather questionable source. I have no problem using that source, so long as it is Incorporated into the total figure, such as between 180,000-900,000 dead. You clearly do not wish to do so, preferring the absolute minimum number possible. Your rational seems to be in favor of giving the Iranian government the "best" possible image it can have in the historical terms of the war, and that is defiantly not the purpose of Wikipedia. This is not an outlet for political propaganda. It is that simple. [[user:Scythian77|The Scythian]] 04:00, 26 November 2008 (UTC)

*About Scythian77's attitude, I agree with [[User:Persian Magi]]. You can also see an example of his/her inappropriate attitude [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Avicenna#Move_Request here]. [[User:Alefbe|Alefbe]] ([[User talk:Alefbe|talk]]) 01:52, 25 November 2008 (UTC)
::Yah, that [[User:Scythian77|Scythian77]] is just a big bad [[Attila_the_Hun|MEANIE]]! —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|undated]] comment was added at 08:41, 26 November 2008 (UTC). 
:::This comment of [[User:Scythian77|Scythian77]] is another example of his/her inapropriate attitude in Wikipedia. [[User:Alefbe|Alefbe]] ([[User talk:Alefbe|talk]]) 00:24, 4 December 2008 (UTC)

== Armenia-Turkey relations ==

Apparently, Murat/Hudavendigar has a new game. Instead of simply using the title of books as references, he now invents page numbers to go along with them[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Armenia%E2%80%93Turkey_relations&curid=6603245&diff=255052907&oldid=253498779]! He has tried for months now to use these "references" and now simply pulls page numbers out of thin air. --[[User:Kansas Bear|Kansas Bear]] ([[User talk:Kansas Bear|talk]]) 21:12, 30 November 2008 (UTC)

== Tatars ==

Hi Khoikhoi. There is an ongoing dispute regarding the first sentence of the [[Tatars]] article, and I thought I should invite you to comment since it revolves in part around a citation you added back in August [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tatars&diff=next&oldid=233732677]. I recently added the full text of the citation in an attempt to slow the edit-warring over the phrase "Turkic" versus "Turkic-speaking" [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tatars&diff=254212053&oldid=254210012], but instead, the citation has been falsified [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tatars&diff=next&oldid=254212053], removed outright multiple times [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tatars&diff=next&oldid=254466959], [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tatars&diff=next&oldid=254754783], [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tatars&diff=prev&oldid=254787192], [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tatars&diff=next&oldid=]254835466 (''despite'' attempts at reasoned discussion on the talkpage [[Talk:Tatars#Turkic_vs._Turkic-speaking]] and continued at [[Talk:Tatars#Tatars_are_a_Turkic_people]])
and finally replaced with sources of questionable impartiality [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tatars&diff=255177372&oldid=255175554]. The ultimate phrasing of the sentence makes little difference to me, but I dislike the mistreatment of reliable sources that seems to be happening here. Thank you, [[User:Kafka Liz|Kafka Liz]] ([[User talk:Kafka Liz|talk]]) 13:18, 1 December 2008 (UTC)

== [[Politics of present-day states]] ==

Hi, could you have a look at [[Politics of present-day states]]? A couple of anons keep deleting the entry for Abkhazia, without further comment. Perhaps semi-protection for a week is a good idea? Thanks! [[User:sephia_karta|sephia karta]] | [[User talk:Sephia karta|di mi]] 18:54, 2 December 2008 (UTC)
:[[User:Ioeth]] semi-protected the page. [[User:sephia_karta|sephia karta]] | [[User talk:Sephia karta|di mi]] 19:53, 2 December 2008 (UTC)

== Modifying a block ==

Please be aware that it is now possible to modify a block without first unblocking the user. To do it:
#Navigate to the block user screen for that user.
#Choose the appropriate settings for the user's block.
#Mark the "Re-block the user with these settings" box.
#Click on the block button.
This way, there is no chance that, due to losing the connection, you won't be able to reblock immediately, leaving the user unblocked for a while. [[User:Od Mishehu|עוד מישהו]] [[User talk:Od Mishehu|Od Mishehu]] 07:34, 3 December 2008 (UTC)
:Hey, thanks. I actually didn't know that. If you're referring to [[User:Mussav]], I've actually left a note on his talk page offering to unblock him. But thanks anyways. <tt class="plainlinks">[[User:Khoikhoi|Khoi]][[User talk:Khoikhoi|khoi]]</tt> 07:40, 3 December 2008 (UTC)
::Actually, I noticed it with {{ul|Mussav}}, but this is something that is worth knowing for future situations. This is a recent feature, and I believe that there are many admins who don't know it yet - if I see behavior that indicates non-knowledge of this feature, I inform the admin involved. [[User:Od Mishehu|עוד מישהו]] [[User talk:Od Mishehu|Od Mishehu]] 09:28, 3 December 2008 (UTC)

== ArbCom vote ==

Hi there! I noticed you opposed me and didn't say why. I was wondering what concerns you had about my candidacy and if I might be able to clarify anything? Thanks! --[[User:Hemlock Martinis|Hemlock Martinis]] ([[User talk:Hemlock Martinis|talk]]) 07:50, 3 December 2008 (UTC)

== Thanks for unblocking me ==

Thanks Khoikhoi for unblocking me, I really appreciate it. :) [[User:Mussav|Mussav]] ([[User talk:Mussav|talk]]) 21:17, 3 December 2008 (UTC)

== Iranian citizens abroad ==
Hi, I just noticed that you [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Iranian_citizens_abroad&diff=230248040&oldid=229551831 removed] the infobox of iranians abroad from [[Iranian citizens abroad]]. Please let me know if you used that valuable data in another article or they were omitted. Regards. --[[User:M samadi|M samadi]] ([[User talk:M samadi|talk]]) 06:45, 6 December 2008 (UTC)

== User:Sea888 ==
is a sock of USer:David873.[[User:Confucionsarusnouirus|Confucionsarusnouirus]] ([[User talk:Confucionsarusnouirus|talk]]) 22:04, 9 December 2008 (UTC)

== Re: BehnamFarid ==

Thanks for the email. If the case is not proceeding, than I see no reason for continuing the block; however you might want to bring up the issue on the [[WP:AN|administrators' noticeboards]] to get a bit more eyes on the suggestion. --[[User:David Fuchs|Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs]] <nowiki>(</nowiki>[[User talk:David Fuchs|talk]]<nowiki>)</nowiki> 03:41, 10 December 2008 (UTC)

== Clovis prison break ==

Hey Khoikhoi, it's Hunter, the guy who worked on the Obama assassination articles, which you helped me out with. I was hoping you wouldn't mind lending me some support with another issue. An article I've done a tremendous amount of work on, the [[2008 jail break in Clovis, New Mexico]], is being considered for deletion. As you'll see on the [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/2008 jail break in Clovis, New Mexico|deletion page]], I really don't feel it warrants deletion at all, but it would be great if I had someone else on my side. Any chance you'd take a look and consider whether you agree with me? Thanks! -- [[User:Hunter Kahn|Hunter Kahn]] ([[User talk:Hunter Kahn|talk]]) 03:56, 10 December 2008 (UTC)

i feel Persecution.. can you stop blame me without evidence I didn't touch that page from week or longer except if you're speaking on this amendment [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Khw%C4%81rizm%C4%AB&diff=257000531&oldid=256997062] any way I will discuss it in the talk page --[[User:Bayrak|Bayrak]] ([[User talk:Bayrak|talk]]) 05:26, 11 December 2008 (UTC)

== Lo ==

Hi, there. Glad to see you're back. What are you up to at the moment? [[User:John Smith's|John Smith's]] ([[User talk:John Smith's|talk]]) 21:58, 11 December 2008 (UTC)

== I'm impressed ==

I saw your stern warning to Bayrak; that is precisely the sort of response I was hoping for from the administration here after I posted evidence of his double standard and agenda on Wikipedia. I was amazed by the coddling, misplaced assumption of good faith, and general indifference I had seen from other admins; Wikipedia would have less problems if they did not treat every new clown as a well-meaning but confused editor even after the clowning begins. Disruption frustrates good editors. Hopefully your warning will shape him up. Thanks again.

I recently entered a set of disputes related to Sikh extremism after I noticed a constructive editor give up her participation out of frustration. After introducing some academic opinions on the topic, and seeing it undone on the most worthless grounds (sometimes downright dishonesty about the content of my sources), I can understand the frustration. Could you perhaps take a look at some of these situations? You can find them in my contribs: [[Sikh extremism]], [[Khalistan]], and so on. My belief is that the misconduct of one or two editors bears responsibility for the fighting at these articles, rather than any great ambiguity on the part of the reliable sources. I hope very much that you can help. [[Special:Contributions/67.194.202.113|67.194.202.113]] ([[User talk:67.194.202.113|talk]]) 06:57, 12 December 2008 (UTC)

== Laz people, Laz languages ==

There is a new burst of activity on [[Laz people]] and [[Laz language]], mainly involving use of what I consider totally unreliable and inappropriate sources. Please see what is going on (including [[Talk:Laz people#About Laz Population]]). If you agree with my position, please decide what needs to be done to protect the two articles from further disruption. Thank you. --[[User:Zlerman|Zlerman]] ([[User talk:Zlerman|talk]]) 03:24, 13 December 2008 (UTC)

==Question==
Hi, Khoikhoi. Did you have any particular reason for this revert [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Battle_of_Hill_776&diff=257630877&oldid=257433186]? I think last version you reverted was OK and provided some arguments at article talk page. However there was no reply. Thank you. [[User:Biophys|Biophys]] ([[User talk:Biophys|talk]]) 05:39, 13 December 2008 (UTC)

== User Opinoso ==

Hi! {{user3|Opinoso}} is [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jo%C3%A3o_Moreira_Salles&diff=257552395&oldid=257497702 striking again]. Actually, he is under a [http://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:San%C3%A7%C3%A3o_de_insultos/Casos/Usu%C3%A1rio:Opinoso 3 months block] on Portuguese Wikipedia for content disputes and edit wars with {{user3|Quissamã}}. - [[User:Al Lemos|Al Lemos]] ([[User talk:Al Lemos|talk]]) 18:20, 13 December 2008 (UTC)

== I invite your comment ==

Here: [[Template talk:Obama family#Ugly]]. Thanks. [[User:Justmeherenow|''' J''us''t t''ip''s m''e'' h''a''t b''u''t t''he''n 〜o''n'' t''hough''t b''ow''s d''ee''p''l''y''' …]] 23:45, 14 December 2008 (UTC)

==Offical Turkish==
Khokhoi why did you remove my facts ? I added links.Read that writings.Romania has many regional languages.Read there [http://conventions.coe.int/treaty/Commun/ListeDeclarations.asp?NT=148&CM=&DF=&CL=ENG&VL=1|Recognized Languages of Romania].I'm not vandal.Enough your attacks !!! And Yunus Emre wasn't an Alevi dervish.Read, read, read please —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/78.184.241.107|78.184.241.107]] ([[User talk:78.184.241.107|talk]]) 07:50, 16 December 2008 (UTC) 

==Ghalibaf==

Hi, I read that before. It doesn't mean he "declared" his candidacy like Mehdi Karroubi. He was trying to test the water, that's all it means. But we can add to his entry and election article about his activities. FYI, these days he reduced his electoral activities in favor of former President Khatami. Best, --[[User:Sina|Sina]] ([[User talk:Sina|talk]]) 23:49, 18 December 2008 (UTC)

== Unblock of [[User:BehnamFarid]] ==

I see that you have unblocked the above user who had been blocked indef for making legal threats back in August. The post of the original blocking admin, [[User:David Fuchs]], seems to indicate some sort of an e-mail discussion that led to the unblock. However, looking at the contrib record of [[User:BehnamFarid]], I do not see an explicit statement about him withdrawing the legal threat anywhere, whereas the original threat was made very publicly and maintained rather vigorously at that user's talk page. Could you please explain why you have unblocked him? Please do not respond by e-mail but rather respond here or at my talk page. I want the record of this discussion to be public. Thanks, [[User:Nsk92|Nsk92]] ([[User talk:Nsk92|talk]]) 00:05, 19 December 2008 (UTC)

==The block==
Hi Khoikhoi,

With regard to this block: [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:RamboKadyrov&diff=prev&oldid=259482182],
did not you suppose to ask a checkuser? I was watching this user and did not see any disruptive activities on his part. Thank you.[[User:Biophys|Biophys]] ([[User talk:Biophys|talk]]) 03:10, 23 December 2008 (UTC)
:Thank you for reply.[[User:Biophys|Biophys]] ([[User talk:Biophys|talk]]) 03:26, 23 December 2008 (UTC)

==Turkish Official Language==
Hello vikipedians read that carefully:

*Turkish is official language in [[Iraq]] ([[Kirkuk]] city as "Turcoman dialect" with [[Syriac]], [[Kurdish]], [[Arabic]] [http://en.apa.az/news.php?id=94167 | Turcoman dialect of Turkish became official language in Kirkuk with Syriac] and here [http://www2.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,,-7727925,00.html | guardian news]

*Turkish one of regionla languuage sof Romania with Serbian, Hungarian, Greek, Crimean Tatar, Bulgarian language... [http://conventions.coe.int/treaty/Commun/ListeDeclarations.asp?NT=148&CM=&DF=&CL=ENG&VL=1 | recognized languages in Romania-Europe]

*Turkish is also officially recognized as a regional language in the [[Prizren]] District of Kosovo.

Turkish is official language in [[Iraq]], [[Macedonia]], [[Kososvo]], [[Northern Cyprus]], [[Cyprus]] and [[Romania]]. —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/78.184.255.189|78.184.255.189]] ([[User talk:78.184.255.189|talk]]) 10:51, 23 December 2008 (UTC) 

== Your indefinite block of Iross1000 ==
We are trying understand your indef block of an account [[Wikipedia_talk:WikiProject_Sri_Lanka_Reconciliation#Indef_Block_of_Iross1000 here]]. Any explanation would be great. [[User:Taprobanus|Taprobanus]] ([[User talk:Taprobanus|talk]]) 14:51, 23 December 2008 (UTC)

: Please do provide your input [[Wikipedia_talk:WikiProject_Sri_Lanka_Reconciliation#Indef_Block_of_Iross1000 there]]. As of now, we are not aware of a reason for your indefinite block. — [[User:SebastianHelm|Sebastian]] 20:40, 26 December 2008 (UTC)

== Blocked user requesting unblock ==

[[User talk:Iross1000]]. No opinion, just letting you know. [[User Talk:JzG|Guy]] ([[User:JzG/help|Help!]]) 20:26, 24 December 2008 (UTC)

This is not his name it is Only his title we must explain this in the article --[[User:Bayrak|Bayrak]] ([[User talk:Bayrak|talk]]) 00:18, 25 December 2008 (UTC)

So..? --[[User:Bayrak|Bayrak]] ([[User talk:Bayrak|talk]]) 00:44, 25 December 2008 (UTC)

== Another Hanzo sockpuppet? ==

I have some suspicion that [[User:Putinjugend]] is a sockpuppet of [[User:HanzoHattori]]. A check of the topics edited by this user show an overlap of subjects with those edited by Hanzo and his other socks, such as [[2005 Nalchik raid]]. Can you take a look at this, and if need more info from me, let me know. --[[User:Russavia|Russavia]] [[User talk:Russavia|Dialogue]] [[Special:Contributions/Russavia|Stalk me]] 17:23, 25 December 2008 (UTC)
*Of course he is, but too late for you guys, he has long been retired: [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Talk:Srebrenica&diff=prev&oldid=246921303].[[User:Colchicum|Colchicum]] ([[User talk:Colchicum|talk]]) 00:19, 26 December 2008 (UTC)

==Edit-warring==
Khoikhoi, I am concerned by this revert, where you were participating in an edit war at [['Adud al-Dawla]],[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=%27Adud_al-Dawla&diff=259982673&oldid=259981728] but not engaging in discussion at the talkpage. Discussion is of course not required when reverting vandalism, but this doesn't look like vandalism, and in fact, you were removing what appeared to be sourced information. In the future, please be careful to explain your reverts at the talkpage? Thanks, --[[User:Elonka|El]][[User talk:Elonka|on]][[Special:Contributions/Elonka|ka]] 18:46, 25 December 2008 (UTC)

==SLR direct invitation==
{{#switch:-|y={{#switch:{{BASEPAGENAME}} |-=Hello,|#default=Hello {{BASEPAGENAME}},}} welcome to Wikipedia! Thank you for your contributions. I hope you like the place and decide to stay. Our [[Wikipedia:Introduction|Introduction]] contains a lot of helpful material for new users - please check it out! If you need general help, check out [[Wikipedia:Questions]] or place '''<code><nowiki>{{helpme}}</nowiki></code>''' on this page and someone will show up shortly to answer your questions.
|-=}}
I noticed that you showed an interest in [[Sri Lanka]] related articles. Please take a look at {{#if:y|[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:WikiProject_Sri_Lanka_Reconciliation WikiProject Sri Lanka Reconciliation]|[[Wikipedia:WikiProject Sri Lanka Reconciliation|WikiProject Sri Lanka Reconciliation]]}}, a bipartisan effort to improve collaboration on and coverage of the [[Sri Lankan Civil War]]. Among other things, we collected a number of recommendations for getting your point across while keeping out of trouble. We're here to help! In any event, we invite you to [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wikipedia_talk:WikiProject_Sri_Lanka_Reconciliation&action=edit&section=new leave us a message on our talk page].

{{#switch:- |-=Happy editing! [[User:Taprobanus|Taprobanus]] ([[User talk:Taprobanus|talk]]) 17:31, 28 December 2008 (UTC)|#default={{{text}}}}}

What's your problem :) --[[User:Bayrak|Bayrak]] ([[User talk:Bayrak|talk]]) 21:52, 29 December 2008 (UTC)

== Battle of Dhi Qar ==

What is currently written on this article appears to be a copyright violation[http://www.speedylook.com/Battle_of_Dhi_Qar.html/] and needs to be re-written. Also, shouldn't the Lakhmids be the group mentioned revolting against the Persians?[http://books.google.com/books?id=M5limu5HJiEC&pg=PA120&dq=Battle+of+Dhi+Qar&lr=&as_brr=3]. --[[User:Kansas Bear|Kansas Bear]] ([[User talk:Kansas Bear|talk]]) 22:25, 29 December 2008 (UTC)

== Happy New Year! ==

{| class="messagebox standard-talk" style="border:2px ridge silver; -moz-border-radius:10px; background-color:lemonchiffon; font-size:10pt"
|align="center"|[[File:Traditional_Banana_Boat.jpg|80px]]
|
Dear Khoikhoi, I hope you had a wonderful New Year's Day, and that 2009 brings further success and happiness! ~ '''[[User:YellowMonkey|YellowMonkey]]''' (''[[User talk:YellowMonkey|bananabucket]]'') 04:18, 2 January 2009 (UTC)
|align="center"|[[File:OperaSydney-Fuegos2006-342289398.jpg|125px]]
|}
All the best, warrior. '''[[User:YellowMonkey|YellowMonkey]]''' (''[[User talk:YellowMonkey|bananabucket]]'') 04:18, 2 January 2009 (UTC)

== On a possible software error==
Dear Khoikhoi, it seems that the software running the Wikipedia image pages may contain an error. To see this, please click on ''the photograph'' on this page: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Pippard]. You will go to the corresponding image page where a ''deformed'' version of ''an earlier photograph'' is displayed. Click now on the deformed photograph, and you will be led to the ''correct'' page, namely this one:

/media/wikipedia/en/1/19/Brian_Pippard.jpg.

If you copy the address of the deformed photograph (using the address-copying facility of your browser), you will have this one:

/media/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/19/Brian_Pippard.jpg/422px-Brian_Pippard.jpg.

Clearly, the software managing the image page is the cause of linking to the latter, incorrect, image file. I should greatly appreciate it if you would kindly look into this problem. I did some attempt to change the second of the latter two addresses into the first one, but was not successful.

Incidentally, I have noticed that the photograph on the page of [[Mastan Ensemble]] has been deleted. I think this must be a mistake, since the photograph could be used under the "fair-use" copyright (to my best knowledge, there is no free image of this ensemble available). With kind regards [[User:BehnamFarid|--BF 10:38, 3 January 2009 (UTC)]].

== Czech Republic ==

Could you take a look at these[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Czech_Republic&diff=next&oldid=261928957] recent edits? They seem rather contentious and libelous. Thanks! --[[User:Kansas Bear|Kansas Bear]] ([[User talk:Kansas Bear|talk]]) 19:26, 4 January 2009 (UTC)

== Opinion needed ==

Hi, Khoikhoi. I see you're the only admin who edited [[Denial of Armenian Genocide]] during the past months. Can you help me and user:Adoniscik out of this conflict [[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Denial_of_the_Armenian_Genocide&action=history|here]]. I explained my motives at talk and editsum's, and your third opinion can help us. [[User:Gazifikator|Gazifikator]] ([[User talk:Gazifikator|talk]]) 16:47, 10 January 2009 (UTC)

== New Keynesian economics ==

I've responded to your question at my talk page. --[[User:Rinconsoleao|Rinconsoleao]] ([[User talk:Rinconsoleao|talk]]) 09:38, 21 January 2009 (UTC)

==Artsakh==

Hi Khoikhoi, I think the rolling back of [[Artsakh]] by anon user was justified and I had that expressed in the talkpage. --[[User:Vacio|Vacio]] ([[User talk:Vacio|talk]]) 07:12, 23 January 2009 (UTC)
:Never mind. --[[User:Vacio|Vacio]] ([[User talk:Vacio|talk]]) 09:04, 23 January 2009 (UTC)

== Copyright info needed ==

In [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File%3AAmir_Nezam_House_1.jpg&diff=265163833&oldid=264836595 this edit], you reverted the request for image copy-right to unverified claim of copy-right tag! The CC copy-right have not been mentioned in source page. [http://shw.sosan.fotopages.com/14262724.html] -- [[User:Meisam|Meisam]] ([[User talk:Meisam|talk]]) 21:06, 25 January 2009 (UTC)

==Judæo-Persian==
It seems that nobody is against moving [[Dzhidi language]] to [[Judæo-Persian]]. Please delete the later (to make the move possible). [[User:Alefbe|Alefbe]] ([[User talk:Alefbe|talk]]) 13:03, 29 January 2009 (UTC)
Also look at [[talk:template:Persian languages]]. [[User:Alefbe|Alefbe]] ([[User talk:Alefbe|talk]]) 13:03, 29 January 2009 (UTC)

== Catherine of Aragon ==

Could you inform GranadasPromegranite/62.56.79.248 that references have to be cited according to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/This_article_does_not_cite_any_references_or_sources.#How_to_format_citations. This was posted in the talk page and subsequently ignored. Thanks! --[[User:Kansas Bear|Kansas Bear]] ([[User talk:Kansas Bear|talk]]) 20:35, 1 February 2009 (UTC)

== On photographs==
Dear Khoikhoi, could you please look into the destructive activities of [[User:Meisam]]? He seems to have set out on a crusade of tagging all photographs ever uploaded by me for deletion (what he does with the works by others, I do not know). One of his latest "achievements" is tagging and removing the photograph of [[Ebrahim Golestan]] What is wrong with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ebrahim_Golestan_2.jpg this photograph]? Is it not time that someone puts an end to the destructive behaviour of a person who seems totally out of control? Meisam has not contributed a single sentence to the contents of the English Wikipedia, yet he seems totally devoted to the obliteration of all Persian photographs from the English Wikipedia! When is something going to happen? The irrational behaviour of this man is just making me mad! [[User:BehnamFarid|--BF 20:21, 2 February 2009 (UTC)]]

'''PS:''' Regarding [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ebrahim_Golestan_2.jpg this photograph], please note that the appropriate copyright statement is given, the reason for using the latter statement is provided, yet [[User:Meisam]] has used the deletion tag stating that "'''This image or media does not have information on its copyright status.'''" This is utter madness! Idiotic to the utmost! If Meisam cannot read English, what is he doing here? Is it not time that someone put this person in the place where he belongs? [[User:BehnamFarid|--BF 20:28, 2 February 2009 (UTC)]]

: Dear Khoikhoi, could you please kindly find out what underlies the erratic behaviour of OrphanBot? It says that "The image has been identified as not specifying the copyright status of the image", where "The image" refers to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ebrahim_Golestan_2.jpg this] (please also note the idiotic sentence "The image ... the image"; what is this sentence supposed to convey? A sane person would say: ''It has been identified that the copyright status of the image has not been specified.''). There ''is'' a copyright statement there, clearly and unequivocally specifying the "status of the image"! Thanks in advance for the trouble. [[User:BehnamFarid|--BF 09:34, 8 February 2009 (UTC)]]

:: Thank you for the change of the copyright statement. [[User:BehnamFarid|--BF 16:41, 8 February 2009 (UTC)]]

== Khalidi AN/I ==

Please note that I have made a report to [[WP:AN/I]] regarding the [[WP:EW|edit warring]] / [[WP:BLP]] issue concerning [[Rashid Khalidi]], here: [[WP:AN/I#Historicist edit warring on BLP violations]]. This is a courtesy notice only because you seem to have been involved in some edits or discussion on the subject recently. Thanks, [[User:Wikidemon|Wikidemon]] ([[User talk:Wikidemon|talk]]) 22:47, 2 February 2009 (UTC)

== Ching Hai ==

You protected [[Ching Hai]] due to edit reversion warring. It appears that a single editor with polarised views regarding the subject matter of the article kicked this off by dismissing a significant number of incremental edits that did not align with their personal opinion. Can I request that the article be unprotected to see whether a constructive dialogue can ensue to address any significant areas of disagreement. Blocking unwilling participants rather than protecting the article may produce a better outcome. [[Special:Contributions/59.167.63.132|59.167.63.132]] ([[User talk:59.167.63.132|talk]]) 23:50, 2 February 2009 (UTC)

== Alishah85 ==

Hi Khoikhoi, I hope you are fine. Please keep an eye on [[User:Alishah85]], a relatively new member who pushes for POV and writes long, pseudo-scientific theories on various talk pages that may be interpreted as racist propaganda (for example in [[Talk:Tajiks]]; I have removed his comments by now). After asking him to stop, I restored his text, claiming that a talk page is a "discussion forum", clearly violating [[WP:TALK]]. Thank you. [[User:Tajik|Tājik]] ([[User talk:Tajik|talk]]) 19:04, 4 February 2009 (UTC)

== Help with User [[User:Mussav]] edits==
Good morning or evening. Please help me on what to do regarding this [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Geber&diff=prev&oldid=269201123 edit] (note the edit summary which is not fine with me), also this [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Talk%3AGeber&diff=269200292&oldid=269199690 comment]] a kind of violation of [[WP:AGF|good faith]] and also [[WP:NPA]]. Thanks. --[[User:Xashaiar|Xashaiar]] ([[User talk:Xashaiar|talk]]) 21:55, 7 February 2009 (UTC)

: First of all I apologize for my previous behavior. Xashaiar Please let me ask you to forgive me. Sir, Mr. Khoikhoi if you want to block me then it's okay because i deserve it but please I hope you to be unbiased admin, we both break the rules... but if you read my last edit, i said I won't edit that page because I gave up, and I also deleted my attacking comment. So should we let all this behind? Sorry for making trouble Again. But still, I still think I have a point and I will continue defending it on the discussion forum, maybe you can give us your opinion about the whole issue... Your opinion is appreciated. [[User:Mussav|Mussav]] ([[User talk:Mussav|talk]]) 22:09, 7 February 2009 (UTC)

== Golden Horde ==
Hi Khoikhoi, it's me again. Please also take a look at [[Golden Horde]], where a user ([[User:Mttll]]) is inserting a totally irrelevant language into the article. He is ignoring the criticism of at least 3 other users (see [[Talk:Golden Horde]]). Thank you. [[User:Tajik|Tājik]] ([[User talk:Tajik|talk]]) 00:01, 9 February 2009 (UTC)

==Unblock request of Dy yol ==
Hello Khoikhoi. {{userlinks|Dy yol}}, whom you have blocked, is requesting to be unblocked. The request for unblock is '''on hold''' while waiting for a comment from you. Regards, [[User:Sandstein|''' Sandstein ''']] 14:36, 11 February 2009 (UTC) 

:Sorry - yes, of course, the block is fine. But possibly it can be lifted in view of the blocked user's statement not to continue editwarring? [[User:Sandstein|''' Sandstein ''']] 21:00, 11 February 2009 (UTC)

== Geber ==

[[User:Pasitigris|Pasitigris]] ignored '''tens of edits''' and reverted large portions of [[Geber]] aricle to a previous version. I've wrote to him [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_talk:Pasitigris here]. I don't object reverting my edits but he can do it edit by edit not after I and others make tens of edits without objections, someone will come and revert all of our work suddenly. I didn't revert the article and will not revert it in the future. [[User:Dy yol|Dy yol]] ([[User talk:Dy yol|talk]]) 02:33, 12 February 2009 (UTC)

== Consideration needed ==

For these [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Iran&diff=270191795&oldid=270191719] [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Iran&diff=270191719&oldid=270121504] [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Iran&diff=270121504&oldid=269962102] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=User_talk:Wayiran&diff=270215997&oldid=270199414 this]. -Thank you --[[User:Wayiran|Wayiran]] ([[User talk:Wayiran|talk]]) 13:40, 12 February 2009 (UTC)

User Wayiran is working with Israelis to kill Palestinians.

He is biased and does not represent the Islamic or Iranian POV. Neutrality needed.[[User:John Cho|John Cho]] ([[User talk:John Cho|talk]]) 13:47, 12 February 2009 (UTC)

User talk:Wayiran/Archive 3

2009-02-12T13:35:21Z

John Cho:

{{User:Wayiran/Archive}}

==Mushrikeen Kuffar Munafiq Non-Islamic Bias (Go Worship Ali (radi Allahu anhu) and go to jehennam)==
----
You are biased because you are a rafidha mushrik. [[User:John Cho|John Cho]] ([[User talk:John Cho|talk]]) 13:35, 12 February 2009 (UTC)

Iran

2009-02-12T13:25:41Z

John Cho: Undid revision 270214399 by Wayiran (talk) rv this iranian does not know the new poitics of the mushrikeen and munafiqeen regime

Ali Khamenei

2009-02-12T13:20:27Z

John Cho: Undid revision 270199911 by Mezigue (talk) rv this guy does not know persian/islam

{{Infobox Prime Minister
| name = Ali Hoseyni Khāmene’i {{lang|fa|علی حسینی خامنه‌ای}}
| image = Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei,.jpg
| order = [[Supreme Leader of Iran]]
| president = [[Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani]] [[Mohammad Khatami]] [[Mahmoud Ahmadinejad]]
| term_start = 4 June 1989
| term_end =
| predecessor = [[Ruhollah Khomeini]]
| successor =
| order2 = [[President of Iran]]
| leader2 = [[Ruhollah Khomeini]]
| ethnicity = Scum
| term_start2 = 2 October 1981
| term_end2 = 2 August 1989
| predecessor2 = [[Mohammad Ali Rajai]]
| successor2 = [[Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani]]
| birth_date = {{bda|1939|07|17|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Mashhad]], [[Razavi Khorasan Province]], [[Iran]]
| party = [[Islamic Republic Party]] (1979 – 1977) [[Combatant Clergy Association]] (1977 – present)
| spouse = ''Banu'' Khojasteh (1964<ref>[http://www.islam-pure.de/imam/others/others1992.htm Others 1992]</ref>-)
| children = 6<ref name=children>[http://www.nndb.com/people/948/000047807/ Ayatollah Khamenei]</ref> children
| religion = [[Usuli]] [[Twelver]] [[Shi'a Islam]]<ref>http://www.iranian.com/Opinion/2005/July/Khamenei/</ref>
}}
[[Grand Ayatollah]] [[Munafiq]] {{audio|Seyyed Ali Hosseini Khamenei.ogg|'''Ali Hoseyni Khāmene’i'''}} ({{lang|fa|علی حسینی خامنه‌ای}}, pronounced [ʔæˈli hosejˈni xɒmeneˈʔi] born 15 July 1939) (not to be confused with [[Ruhollah Khomeini]]), also known as '''Grand Mushrik''',<ref name=leader>[http://www.leader.ir/langs/EN/index.php?p=bio The Office of the Supreme Leader, Sayyid Ali Khamenei]</ref> is an [[Iranian]] politician and cleric. He has been [[Supreme Leader of Iran|Supreme Leader]] of [[Iran]] since 1989 and before that was [[president of Iran]] from 1981 to 1989. He has been described as one of only three people having "defining influences" on the Islamic Republic of Iran.<ref name=GanjiForAff>Ganji, Akbar, "The Latter-Day Sultan: Power and Politics in Iran"
''Foreign Affairs'', November December 2008</ref><ref>The other two being "Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the revolution's leader; Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, Iran's president for much of the 1990s" according to Ganji.</ref>

==Early life==
Born to an [[Mushrik]]<ref>http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=53543 http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/HF08Ak02.html http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/FI28Ak01.html</ref> family in [[Mashhad]],<ref>''Eternal Iran'', in 1721. Patrick Clawson, 2005, ISBN 1-4039-6276-6, p.5.</ref><ref name=leader /> Ali Khamenei began religious studies before completing elementary education.
The son of a cleric,<ref name=vn>"[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/07/AR2007120701614_pf.html Meet 'The Decider' of Tehran. It's Not the Hothead You Expect]", Nasr, Vali, commentary article, Outlook section, ''[[Washington Post]]'', December 9, 2007, page B01, accessed same day</ref> he is second eldest of eight children, and two of his brothers are also clerics. His younger brother, [[Hadi Khamenei]], is a notable newspaper editor and cleric.<ref>Robin Wright, ''The Last Great Revolution: Turmoil and Transformation in Iran'', Alfred A. Knopf, 2000</ref>

He attended religious studies classes at the rudimentary and advanced levels in the ''[[hawza]]'' of Mashhad, under his mentors such as Haj Sheikh Hashem Qazvini, and Ayatollah Milani, and then went to [[Najaf]] in 1957.<ref name=chamber>[http://www.iranchamber.com/history/akhamenei/ali_khamenei.php Historic Personalities of Iran: Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei]</ref> After a short stay he left [[Najaf]] to [[Mashhad]], and in 1958 he settled in [[Qom]]. Khamenei attended the classes of [[Ayatollah]]s [[Husain Borujerdi]] and [[Ruhollah Khomeini]]. Later, he was involved in the Islamic activities of 1963 which led to his arrest in the city of [[Birjand]], in Southern [[Khorasan]] Province. Shortly thereafter, he was released and resumed teaching in Mashhad's religious schools and mosques, teaching the Nahj al-Balagheh.<ref name=chamber />

==Literary scholarship==
Khamenei has an educated-native-speaker's knowledge of Persian and Arabic<ref>[http://irannegah.com/Video.aspx?id=434 Khamenei sermon in Arabic]</ref>. He has translated several books into Persian from Arabic, including the works of the famous Egyptian [[Islamist]] theoretician [[Sayyid Qutb]]. He also has a lesser degree of understanding of the Azeri<ref>[http://irannegah.com/Video.aspx?id=423 Khamenei speaking Azeri about poetry]</ref> language and English.

In Persian, he likes poetry. In his analysis of the Persian poetry of [[Allameh]] [[Muhammad Iqbal]], he states that "Iqbal was not acquainted with Persian idiom, as he spoke [[Urdu]] at home and talked to his friends in Urdu or English. He did not know the rules of Persian prose writing."<ref>[http://www.khamenei.de/books/iqbal.htm Iqbal]</ref> Nevertheless, he admires Iqbal.

Like many other politically active clerics at the time, Khamenei was far more involved with politics than religious scholarship{{Fact|date=May 2008}}.

==Political life and presidency==
[[Image:Mohammad-Ali Rajai 1981.jpg|thumbnail| [[Mohammad-Ali Rajai]] visiting Khamenei in hospital after an assassination attempt by the [[MKO]] on June 27, 1981]]
Khamenei was a key figure in the [[Iranian Revolution|Islamic revolution]] in Iran and a close confidant of [[Ruhollah Khomeini|Ayatollah Khomeini]].

Khomeini appointed Khamenei to the post of Tehran's Friday Prayer Leader in the autumn of 1979, after the resignation of [[Grand Ayatollah Hossein-Ali Montazeri]] from the post. He served briefly as the Deputy Minister for Defence and as a supervisor of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards. Also he went to battlefield as a representative of defense commission of the parliament. In June 1981, Khamenei narrowly escaped an assassination attempt when a bomb, concealed in a tape recorder at a [[press conference]], exploded beside him. He was permanently injured, losing the use of his right arm,<ref name=vn/>.

{| class="wikitable" align="left" style="text-align:right"
! Candidate !! Votes !! %
|-
| align=left | Ali Khamenei || 16,003,242 || '''95.02%'''
|-
| align=left | Ali Akbar Parvaresh || 342,600 || '''2.03%'''
|-
| align=left | Hasan Ghafourifard || 78,559 || '''0.47%'''
|-
| align=left | Reza Zavare'i || 62,133 || '''0.37%'''
|-
| ''Blank or invalid votes'' || ''356,266'' || '''2.12%'''
|-
! Total || 16,841,800
|}
In 1981, after the assassination of [[Mohammad Ali Rajai]], Khamenei was elected [[President of Iran]] by a landslide vote in the [[Iranian presidential election, October 1981]] and became the first cleric to serve in the office. Ayatollah Khomeini had originally wanted to keep clerics out of the presidency but later changed his views.

In his presidential inaugural address Khamenei vowed to eliminate `deviation, liberalism, and American-influenced leftists.` <ref name="Sadjad">[http://www.carnegieendowment.org/files/sadjadpour_iran_final2.pdf Reading Khamenei by Karmin Sadjadpour ]</ref> Vigorous opposition to the regime, including nonviolent and violent protest, assassinations, guerrilla activity and insurrections, was answered by state repression and terror in the early 1980s, both before and during Khamenei's presidency. Thousands of rank-and-file members of insurgent groups were killed, often by revolutionary courts. By 1982, the government announced that the courts would be reined in, although various political groups were repressed by the government in the first half of the decade.<ref>[http://www.iranchamber.com/history/islamic_revolution/revolution_and_iran_after1979_4.php]Iran Chamber Society Web site, Web page titled "History of Iran: Iran after the victory of 1979's revolution/ page 4", accessed December 9, 2007</ref>

Khamenei helped guide the country during the [[Iraq-Iran War]] in the 1980s, and developed close ties with the now-powerful [[Revolutionary Guards]]. As president, he had a reputation of being deeply interested in the military, budget and administrative details.<ref name=vn/>

He was re-elected to a second term in 1985, capturing 85.66% of total votes.<ref>[http://www.khatami-museum.ir/jomhoori.htm : KHATAMI Museum :]</ref>

==Supreme Leader (Velāyat-e faqih)==
[[Image:Khamenei1.jpg|thumbnail|right|Khamenei standing beside the tomb of General [[Ali Sayyad Shirazi]], Chief of [[Military of Iran|the Armed Forces of Iran]] during the Iran-Iraq war]]
{{main|Supreme Leader of Iran}}
Seyyed Ali Khamene'i was preceded by [[Ayatollah Khomeini]], the leader of [[Islamic Revolution]] in [[Iran]]. When Khomeini died, Khamenei was elected as the new Supreme Leader by the [[Assembly of Experts]] on June 4, 1989.
Initially, a council of three members, "[[Ali Meshkini]], [[Mousavi Ardabili]] and Khamenei", was proposed for Leadership. After rejection of a Leadership Council by the assembly, and lack of votes for Grand Ayatollah [[Mohammad Reza Golpaygani]], Khamenei became the Supreme Leader by two third of the votes.<ref>[http://www.khobreganrahbari.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=76 خبرگان رهبری - رييس مجمع تشخيص مصلحت نظام: از مهمترين پيشرفت‌‏هاي واقعي انقلاب اسلامي، تأسيس سازماني براي ولايت فقيه بود[ايلنا]]</ref> <ref>http://www.iran57.com/Rafsanjani%20T%20dar%20sal%2068%20mokhalef%20rahbarie%20fardi'%20Ilna%2016%20Azar%201385.doc</ref>

The concept of an Islamic jurist as "guardian" or ruler of the land was developed by Ayatollah [[Ruhollah Khomeini]] in a lecture/series [[Hokumat-e Islami : Velayat-e faqih (book by Khomeini)|book]]. In this kind of theocratic leadership, no political decision is lawful until it is approved by the supreme leader ([[Vali e Faqih]], ولی فقیه in Persian). Even the taking of office by the democratically elected president is subject to the approval of the Supreme Leader.

Khamenei's era as supreme leader has differed from that of his predecessor Khomeini. He has continued Khomeini's policy of "balancing one group against another, making sure that no single side gains too much power."<ref name=vn/><ref name="Abrahamian"/> But lacking Khomeini's charisma and clerical standing, he has developed networks, first inside the armed forces, and then among the clerics administering the major religious foundations (or [[bonyad]]s), and seminaries of Qom and Mashhad.<ref name="Abrahamian">[http://www.iran-bulletin.org/book%20review/Abrahamian%20book%20review.htm Who's in Charge? by Ervand Abrahamian. Iran Bulletin, 6 November 2008]</ref> According to [[Vali Nasr]], he has brought many of the powers of the presidency with him into the office, turning it into an "omnipotent overseer of Iran's political scene". Officials under Khamenei influence the country's various powerful, and sometimes bickering, institutions: including "the parliament, the presidency, the judiciary, the Revolutionary Guards, the military, the intelligence services, the police agencies, the clerical elite, the Friday prayer leaders and much of the media", as well as various "nongovernmental foundations, organizations, councils, seminaries and business groups".<ref name=vn/> Under him, the regime is said to resemble "a clerical [[oligarchy]] more than an [[autocracy]]." <ref name="Abrahamian"/>

===Appointment as Supreme Leader===
[[Image:Vladimir Putin in Iran 16-17 October 2007-1.jpg|thumb|Khamenei with [[President of Russia|Russian President]] [[Vladimir Putin]] in Tehran on 17 October 2007.]]
At the time of Khomeini's death Khamenei was not a ''[[marja]]'' or even an ayatollah, and the [[Constitution of Islamic Republic of Iran]] required the Supreme Leader to be a ''marja.'' However, the Ayatollah Khomeini had not been satisfied with the field of candidates to replace him and in April 1989, three months before his death, assigned a team to revise the constitution so that the [[Supreme Leader of Iran]] need only be an expert on Islamic jurisprudence and possess the "appropriate political and managerial skills".<ref name="Sadjad"/><ref>[http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2004/09/ac80cd24-24db-438d-b007-27f04db8ae7e.html Analysis: Iran's Theological Community Contends With Changing World - RADIO FREE EUROPE / RADIO LIBERTY]</ref> This new amendment to the constitution had not been put to a referendum yet, so upon choosing Khamenei the [[Assembly of Experts]] internally titled him a temporary office holder until the new constitution became effective. The choice of Khamenei is said to be a political one,<ref name=behrooz>[http://www.iranian.com/Opinion/Jan98/Behrooz/ Iranian.com | Archive Pages]</ref> but the "political elite" of the Islamic Republic "rallied behind Khamenei" and his status was "elevated overnight" from [[Hojjat ol-Islam]] to [[Ayatollah]].

His status as marja is controversial. In 1994, after the death of Grand Ayatollah [[Mohammad Ali Araki]], the [[Society of Seminary Teachers of Qom]] declared Khamenei a new ''marja''. However, four of Iran's dissident grand ayatollahs declined to recognize Khamenei as a ''marja''.<ref name=globalsecurity>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/iran/khamenei.htm Ayatollah Hojjat-ul-Islam Seyed Ali Khamenei]</ref> Nevertheless, according to narjes.org a cleric only needs acceptance of a few grand ayatollahs to be recognized as ''marja''.<ref>[http://www.m-narjes.org/maaref/ahkam/tafkik/ahkam8.htm تکليف،تقليد و انتخاب مرجع تقليد براي بانوان]</ref> Khamenei refused the offer of ''marja'iyat'' for Iran, as he explained, due to other heavy responsibilities, but agreed to be the ''marja'' for the Shi'as outside of Iran. His acceptance of ''marja'iyat'' for Shi'as outside Iran does not have traditional precedence in Shi'ism. ''Marja'iyat'' can be, and in modern times it increasingly is, transitional.<ref name=behrooz />

Grand Ayatollah [[Mohammad Shirazi]], who was under house-arrest at the time for his opposition to Grand Ayatollah [[Ruhollah Khomeini]], did not accept Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as a ''marja''. According to "Human Rights in Iran" (2001) by [[Pace University]]'s Reza Afshari, Shirazi was "indignant" over recognition of Khamenei as the Supreme Leader and a ''marja''. Shirazi (who died in late 2001) apparently favored a committee of Grand Ayatollahs to lead the country. Other ''marjas'' who questioned the legitimacy of Khamenei's ''marja'yat'' were dissident clerics: [[Grand Ayatollah Hossein-Ali Montazeri]], Grand Ayatollah [[Hassan Tabatabai-Qomi]] and Grand Ayatollah [[Yasubedin Rastegari]].<ref name=globalsecurity />

====Political power following reform era====
According to Karim Sadjadpour of the American Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, several factors that have strengthened Khamemei in recent years:
<blockquote>(1) A vast network of [[commissar]]s stationed in stratgic posts throughout government bureacracies, dedicated to enforcing his authority; (2) the weak, conservative-dominated parliament, headed by Khamenei loyalist [[Gholam-Ali Haddad-Adel]] (whose daughter is married to the Leader's son); (3) the rapidly rising political and economic influence of the [[Army of the Guardians of the Islamic Revolution|Islamic Revoutionary Guards]], whose top leaders are directly appointed by Khamenei and have always been publicly deferential to him; (4) the political disengagement of Iran's young population ....; and (5) most significant[ly], the 2005 presidential election, which saw hardliner [[Mahmoud Ahmadinejad]] trounce Khamenei's chief rival [[Hashemi Rafsanjani]] ...<ref name="Sadjad"/></blockquote>

==Political attitude==
In his speeches Khamenei consistently dwells on familiar themes of the 1979 revolution: the importance of justice, independence, self-sufficiency, and Islam; the need for resolute opposition to Israel and United States.<ref name="Sadjad"/> Dealing with the presidents who have served during his reign, Khamenei has successfully scuttled President [[Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani|Rafansjani]]'s attempts to find a [[modus vivendi]] with the United States, President [[Mohammad Khatami|Khatami]]'s aspirations for a more democratic Islamic state, and President [[Mahmoud Ahmadinejad|Ahmadinejad]]'s desire for confrontation.<ref name="Sadjad"/>

==Domestic policy==
Khamenei is widely regarded by some as the figurehead of the country's conservative establishment.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/3018932.stm BBC NEWS | Middle East | Profile: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei]</ref>

Ali Khamenei has been supportive of scientific progress in Iran. He was among the first Islamic clerics to allow [[stem cell research]] and [[therapeutic cloning]].<ref>[http://www.boston.com/news/world/middleeast/articles/2006/08/22/iran_looks_to_science_as_source_of_pride] [http://www.channel4.com/news/special-reports/special-reports-storypage.jsp?id=1907 Science over ethics?] Channel 4, 8 Mar 2006</ref> In 2004, Khamenei said that the country's progress is dependent on investment in the field of science and technology. He also said that attaching a high status to scholars and scientists in society would help talents to flourish and science and technology to become domesticated, thus ensuring the country's progress and development.<ref>[http://www.khamenei.ir/EN/News/detail.jsp?id=20041031A]</ref>

In 2007, Khamenei requested that government officials speed up Iran's move towards [[privatization in Iran|economic privatization]]. Its last move towards such a goal was in 2004, when Article 44 of the constitution was overturned. Article 44 had decreed that Iran's core [[infrastructure]] should remain state-run. Khamenei also suggested that ownership rights should be protected in courts set up by the Justice Ministry; the hope was that this new protection would give a measure of security to and encourage private investment.<ref> [http://www.iranmania.com/News/ArticleView/Default.asp?NewsCode=49852&NewsKind=Current%20Affairs] [http://www.payvand.com/news/07/feb/1254.html] [http://www.tehrantimes.com/Description.asp?Da=2/20/2007&Cat=2&Num=019]</ref>

Additionally, Khamenei has stated that he believes in the importance of nuclear technology for civilian purposes because "oil and gas reserves cannot last forever."<ref>[http://www.voanews.com/english/2007-02-18-voa3.cfm] [http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSBLA82817120070218 Iran says will not halt uranium enrichment], Reuters 18 February 2007</ref>

In April 30 2008, Ali Khamenei backed President [[Ahmadinejad]]’s economic policy and said the West was struggling with more economic difficulties than Iran, with a "crisis" spreading from the United States to Europe, and inflation was a widespread problem. Iranian leader said that the ongoing economic crisis which has crippled the world has been unprecedented in the past 60 years. “This crisis has forced the UN to declare state of emergency for food shortages around the globe but foreign radios have focused on Iran to imply that the current price hikes and inflation in the country are the results of carelessness on the part of Iranian officials which of course is not true”, he said. Khamenei emphasized that no one has the right to blame [[Iranian government]] for Iran’s economic problems. He also advised people and the government to be content and avoid waste in order to solve economic problems. “I advise you to keep in your mind that this great nation is never afraid of economic sanctions”, he added.[http://in.reuters.com/article/asiaCompanyAndMarkets/idINDAH03115420080430?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0][http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/business/?id=25619][http://www.tehrantimes.com/index_View.asp?code=167549][http://www2.irna.ir/en/news/view/menu-236/0804304889163444.htm]

===Interpretation of Islamic law===

In 2000, Ali Khamenei sent a letter to the Iranian parliament forbidding the legislature from debating a revision of the Iranian press law. He wrote: "The present press law has succeeded to a point in preventing this big plague. The draft bill is not legitimate and in the interests of the system and the revolution."<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/868244.stm BBC News | MIDDLE EAST | Punch-up over press law]</ref> His use of "extra-legislative power" has been criticized widely by reformists and opposition groups. In reaction to the letter, some Parliament members voiced outrage and threatened to resign.<ref>[http://www.iht.com/articles/2000/08/07/iran.2.t_1.php Supreme Leader Backs Conservatives, Angering Parliament Refomers : Ayatollah Kills Effort To Remove Press Curbs - International Herald Tribune]</ref> Kayhan and Jomhuri-ye Eslami are two newspapers published under the management of Khamenei.

In late 1996, following a fatwa by Khamenei stating that music education corrupts the minds of young children, many music schools were closed and music instruction to children under the age of 16 was banned by public establishments (although private instruction continued).<ref>[http://www.internews.org/visavis/BTVPagesInews/Persian_trad_music.html Beyond the Veil: Persian Traditional Music]</ref> Khamenei stated: "The promotion of music [both traditional and Western] in schools is contrary to the goals and teachings of Islam, regardless of age and level of study".<ref>[http://www.irib.ir/occasions/Rahbar/further_fatwas.htm Great Ayatollah Sayed Ali Khamenei]</ref>

In July 2007, Khamenei criticized Iranian women's rights activists and the ''Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women'' (CEDAW): "In our country ... some activist women, and some men, have been trying to play with Islamic rules in order to match international conventions related to women," Khamenei said. "This is wrong."<ref>[http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/07/05/africa/ME-GEN-Iran-Women-Rights.php Iran's supreme leader signals limited flexibility on women's rights]</ref> However, he is positive on reinterpreting Islamic law in a way that it is more favorable to women - but not by following Western conventions.<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,,-6760059,00.html Iran Leader Signals Flexibility on Women]</ref> Khamenei made these comments two days after Iranian women's rights activist [[Delaram Ali]] was sentenced to 34 months of jail and 10 lashes by Iran's judiciary.<ref>[http://www.radiofarda.com/Article/2007/07/04/o1_khamenei-critisiz.html]</ref> Iran's judiciary works under the auspices of the supreme leader and is independent from the government.

With regard to women's dress, Khamenei believes in the need for compulsory hijab.<ref>http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewCulture.asp?Page=/Culture/archive/200801/CUL20080114a.html</ref>

Khamenei claims that "Today, [[homosexuality]] is a major problem in the western world. They [western nations] however ignore it. But the reality is that homosexuality has become a serious challenge, pain and unsolvable problem for the intellectuals in the west."<ref>[http://www.khamenei.ir/FA/Speech/detail.jsp?id=860413A Official website of Iranian leader]</ref> Khamenei did not name these western intellectuals.

In 2007, Iranian police which acts under the control of Supreme leader, launched a "Public Security Plan": The police arrested dozens of "thugs" to increase public security. The arrested "thugs" are sometimes beaten on camera in front of neighborhood inhabitants, or forced to wear hanging watering cans used for lavatory ablutions around their necks.<ref>[http://www.roozonline.com/english/archives/2007/05/004660.php Thug” Crackdown Operation under Way in Iran (ROOZ :: English)]</ref> During the first three months of the campaign against women not adhering fully to the strict Islamic dress code, in Tehran alone 62,785 women were stopped by police, and of these 1,837 were arrested. In the first three months, police arrested in the capital more than 8,000 young "criminals" who have offended public morals.

The Islamic Republic has not yet allowed a single [[Sunni]] mosque to be built in [[Tehran]]; although President [[Mohammad Khatami]] promised during election time to build a Sunni mosque in Tehran. After he won the elections, he was reminded of his promise but he said that the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had not agreed to the proposal.<ref>[http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/DL17Ak03.html Asia Times]</ref>

===Iran's elections===
In February 2004 [[Iran Majlis election, 2004|Parliament elections]], the [[Council of Guardians]], a council of twelve members, half of whom are appointed by Khamenei, disqualified thousands of candidates, including many of the reformist members of the parliament and all the candidates of the [[Islamic Iran Participation Front]] party from running. It did not allow 80 members of the 6th Iranian parliament (including the deputy speaker) to run in the election. The conservatives won about 70% of the seats. The parliamentary election held on February 20, 2004 in Iran was a key turning point in that country's political evolution. The election marked the conclusive end of the campaign for political and social reform initiated by [[Mohammad Khatami]] after he was elected president in a landslide vote in May 1997.<ref>[http://www.ccc.nps.navy.mil/si/2004/jun/gasiorowskiJun04.asp Strategic Insights - Iranian Politics After the 2004 Parliamentary Election]</ref>

During the 2005 presidential election, Khamenei's comments about importance of fighting corruption, being faithful to the ideals of the Islamic revolution, as well as on the superior intelligence and dynamism of those who studied engineering, were interpreted by some as a subtle endorsement of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (who had a Ph.D. in traffic engineering).<ref name="Sadjad"/> After the election and until recently Khamenei was outspoken in his support for Ahmadinejad, and "defended him publicly in ways which he never" had reformist president Khatami.<ref name="Sadjad"/>

===Human rights===
{{See also|Human rights in Islam (Khamenei)}}

Khamenei has called [[human rights]] a fundamental principle underlying Islamic teachings, that precedes western concern for human rights by many centuries. Human Rights in Islam include the rights to live, to be free, to benefit from justice and to welfare. He has attacked Western powers who have criticized the rights record of the Islamic Republic for hypocrisy by economically oppressing people in [[Third World]] countries and supporting despots and dictators.<ref>[http://www.irib.ir/occasions/Rahbar/human-rights-in-islam.htm Human Rights in Islam], ''[[Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting]]'', [[1997-01-31]], accessed on [[2007-01-08]]</ref>

However under Khamenei's interpretation this does not extend to religious rights for [[Bahá'í Faith|Bahá'í]]. Khamenei supported [[persecution of Bahá'ís]] and signed documents recommending several organized methods of oppression and ways of decreasing the influence of [[Bahá'í Faith|Bahá'í]]s in Iran and abroad.
<ref>UN Doc. E/CN.4/1993/41, Commission on Human Rights, 49th session, 28 January 1993, Final report on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran by the Special Representative of the Commission on Human Rights, Mr. Reynaldo Galindo Pohl, paragraph 310.</ref>
According to a letter from the Chairman of the Command Headquarters of the Armed Forces in Iran addressed to the [[Ministry of Information]], the [[Revolutionary Guard]] and the Police Force, Khamenei has also ordered the Command Headquarters to identify people who adhere to the Bahá'í Faith and to monitor their activities and gather any and all information about the members of the Bahá'í Faith.
<ref name="Esfandiari">{{cite web | publisher = globalsecurity.com | title = Iran: UN, U.S. Concerned Over Situation Of Bahá'ís | first = Golnaz | last = Esfandiari |date=2006-03-30 |url = http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/news/iran/2006/iran-060330-rferl03.htm | accessdate = 2006-10-20}}</ref><ref name="UN-2006-03-20">{{cite web | title = Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion of Belief concerned about treatment of followers of Bahá'í Faith in Iran |date=2006-03-20 | accessdate = 2006-10-20 |first = Asma | last = Jahangir | publisher = Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights | url = http://www.unhchr.ch/huricane/huricane.nsf/view01/5E72D6B7B624AABBC125713700572D09?opendocument}} </ref>

In response to Western complaints of human rights abuses in Iran he has stated that the American administration has committed many crimes and is therefore not fit to judge the Islamic Republic.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/spanish/international/newsid_5045000/5045704.stm BBC Mundo | Internacional | Irán: advertencia con petróleo]</ref>

In a visit with hardline cleric [[Mohammad Taghi Mesbah Yazdi]], Khamenei praised Mesbah’s books and thoughts as being original, very useful, solid and correct. He also stated that the Islamic world needs these ideas today more than any time in the past.<ref>[http://alef.ir/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2487 Khamenei visits Mesbah Yazdi] (in Persian)</ref> Mesbah Yazdi advocates a return to the values of the [[Iranian revolution|1979 Iranian revolution]] and is a prominent opponent of the [[2nd of Khordad Movement|Reformist movement in Iran]].

==== People charged for criticizing Ali Khamenei ====
Insulting the Leader is a crime in the Islamic Republic of Iran, and Khamenei, who has been called "notoriously thin-skinned,"<ref name="Sadjad"/> has not been hesitant in seeing this law enforced against [[journalist]]s and writers in Iran. Even family members are not immune, as his younger brother, the reformist cleric [[Hadi Khamenei]], was "brutally beaten ... after a sermon in which he criticized the powers of the Supreme Leader," by [[Basij]] militia loyal to him.<ref name="Sadjad"/> Some writers, journalists and politicians who have been charged with "insulting Ali Khamenei" include:

* [[Ahmad Zeidabadi]]<ref>[http://www.payvand.com/news/07/apr/1145.html Iranian Journalist Challenges Supreme Leader]</ref>
* [[Abdollah Nouri]]<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/472049.stm Iran hardliners target Khatami ally]</ref>
* [[Mojtaba Saminejad]]<ref>[http://www.iranfocus.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=2311 Iran Focus-Iran weblogger jailed for 'insulting' supreme leader - Human Rights - News]</ref>
* Arash Sigarchi<ref>[http://www.iranfreedomconcert.com/hero.htm Iran Freedom Concert - Civil Rights Heroes]</ref>

==Foreign policy==
{{Expand-section|date=January 2008}}
Khamenei's foreign policy is said to steer a course that avoids either confrontation or accommodation with the West.<ref name="Sadjad"/>
===Economic sanctions===
During 1980-90, Khamenei's administration faced the brunt of the first-generation US [[economic sanction]]s. He failed to arrest the Iranian Rial plunging in value from 70 to 415 to the US Dollar effectively evaporating the foreign exchange reserves of the government.

===Opposition to the United States===
Khamenei has been described as consistent in his opposition to the United States, and the Western World in general, which is a theme of his speeches no matter whether the topic is foreign policy, agriculture or education. He has declared that it is "clear that conflict and confrontation between" Islamic Republic of Iran and the U.S. "is something natural and unavoidable" since the United States "is trying to establish a global [[dictatorship]] and further its own interests by dominating other nations and trampling on their rights." However, while "cutting ties with America is among our basic policies," and "any relations would provide the possibility to the Americans to infiltrate Iran and would pave the way for their intelligence and spy agents," Khamenei holds the door open to relations with the U.S. at some future date, saying "we have never said that the relations will remain severed forever. Undoubtedly, the day the relations with America prove beneficial for the Iranian nation I will be the first one to approve of that." <ref name="Sadjad"/> However, in a speech to Iranian students on October 29, 2008, which was quoted on Iranian TV (as translated by [[MEMRI]]), Khamenei stated that "the Iranian people's hatred for America is profound. The reason for this [hatred] is the various plots that the U.S. government has concocted against Iran and the Iranian people in the past 50 years. The Americans have not only refused to apologize for their actions, but have continued with their arrogant actions."<ref>[http://www.memri.org/bin/articles.cgi?Page=archives&Area=sd&ID=SP209808#_edn1 Khamenei: "The Iranian People's Hatred for America Is Profound"; Larijani: America Should Beware of Our Martyrdom-Seekers], MEMRI Special Dispatch - No. 2098, October 30, 2008.</ref>

On June 4, 2006, Khamenei said that Iran would disrupt energy shipments from the [[Persian Gulf]] region (about 20% of the world's daily supply of oil passes from the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz very close to Iran's coast<ref>[http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=db7_1215422974 Iran Will Close Strait of Hormuz If Attacked, Fars Reports
July 6]</ref>) should the country come under attack from the US, insisting that Tehran will not give up its right to produce nuclear fuel.

On September 14, 2007, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (on 1st Friday [[prayer]] of [[Ramadan]]) predicted that [[George W. Bush|George Bush]] and [[United States|American]] [[officials]] will one day be tried in an [[international]] [[criminal court]] to be held "accountable" for the [[U.S.]]-led [[Iraq War|invasion of Iraq]].<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/14/AR2007091400636.html Iran leader: Bush will be tried]</ref> He has also blamed the United States for "blind terrorism" after its invasion of Iraq.<ref>[http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=684_1192340490 Imam Khamenei: US trying to save Israel]</ref> He asserts that the United States is the main cause of insecurity in Iraq.

===Condemnation of September 11, 2001 attacks===
After the [[September 11, 2001 attacks]], Khamenei condemned the act and the attackers and called for a condemnation of terrorist activities all over the world, but warned strongly against a military assault on the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.<ref name=autogenerated1>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/1549573.stm BBC News | MIDDLE EAST | Iran condemns attacks on US ] 17 September, 2001</ref> He is quoted as saying, "Mass killings of human beings are catastrophic acts which are condemned wherever they may happen and whoever the perpetrators and the victims may be".<ref name=autogenerated1 />

===Israel-Palestinian conflict===
Khamenei remains a steadfast opponent of the [[State of Israel]], [[Zionism]], and what he perceives to be [[colonialism]] in [[Palestine]]. In 2001 Khamenei famously remarked that "this cancerous tumor of a state [Israel] should be removed from the region" and that "no one will allow a bunch of thugs, lechers and outcasts from London, America and Moscow to rule over the Palestinians." On the same occasion he proposed that "[[Palestinian refugees]] should return and [[Muslim]]s, [[Christian]]s and [[Jew]]s could choose a [[government]] for themselves, excluding racist [[immigrant]] Jews."<ref name="archives.cnn.com">{{cite news
| last =Reuters
| first =
| coauthors =
| title =Iran leader urges destruction of 'cancerous' Israel
| work =
| pages =
| language =
| publisher =[[CNN]]
|date=2000-12-15
| url =http://archives.cnn.com/2000/WORLD/meast/12/15/mideast.iran.reut/
| accessdate =2007-04-30 }}</ref>

According to anti-regime change activist Abbas Edalat, in 2005 Khamenei responded to [[President of Iran|President]] [[Mahmoud Ahmadinejad|Ahmadinejad]]'s alleged remark that [[Israel]] should be "[[Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Israel#2005 "World Without Zionism" speech|wiped off the map]]" by saying that "the [[Iran|Islamic Republic]] has never threatened and will never threaten any country."<ref>{{cite news
| last =Edalat
| first =Abbas
| coauthors =
| title =The US can learn from this example of mutual respect
| work =
| pages =
| language =
| publisher =[[The Guardian]]
|date=2007-04-05
| url =http://www.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,2050168,00.html
| accessdate =2007-04-30 }}</ref>
Moreover Khamenei's main advisor in foreign policy, [[Ali Akbar Velayati]], refused to take part in a Holocaust conference. In contrast to Ahmadinejad's remarks, Velayati said that the Holocaust was a genocide and a historical reality.<ref>[http://www.iran-press-service.com/ips/articles-2007/february-2007/ali-akbar-velayati-adviso.shtml Ali Akbar Velayati, Advisor To The Leader: “Everything is negotiable” (Iran Press Service)]</ref>

In a sermon for Friday prayers in Tehran on 19 September 2008, Khamenei stated that "it is incorrect, irrational, pointless and nonsense to say that we are friends of Israeli people," and that he had raised the issue "to spell an end to any debates".<ref>[http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-iran20-2008sep20,0,554272.story ]</ref> The remarks were made in reference to earlier comments by Esfandiar Rahim Mashaei, a vice president in charge of tourism, and president [[Mahmoud Ahmadinejad]], who had both insisted that Iran was the enemy of the Zionist state but not of the Israeli people.

===Fatwa against nuclear weapons===
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued a [[fatwa]] saying the production, stockpiling and use of [[nuclear weapon]]s was forbidden under Islam. The fatwa was cited in an official statement by the Iranian government at an August 2005 meeting of the [[International Atomic Energy Agency]] (IAEA) in [[Vienna]]. However, powers such as the United States and Israel hold the suspicion that Iran is attempting to create a nuclear weapon. Iran has repeatedly denied this claim, and states that her nuclear program is for creating energy for civilians.
<ref name="irna">{{cite web|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20051016053118/http://www.irna.ir/en/news/view/line-17/0508104135124631.htm|title= Iran, holder of peaceful nuclear fuel cycle technology |date=2005-08-10|publisher=IRNA|accessdate=2008-08-30}} (via Web Archive)</ref><ref>
 [http://in.news.yahoo.com/061228/137/6amwf.html Iran MPs oblige government to revise IAEA cooperation], Reuters, 27 Dec 2006{{Dead link|date=August 2008}}</ref>

==Mykonos assassinations==
3 Iranian-Kurdish opposition leaders and their interpreter were [[Mykonos restaurant assassinations|assassinated in the Mykonos restaurant in Berlin]] on 17 September 1992. On 10 April 1997 Berlin's highest criminal court issued an international arrest warrant for the Iranian intelligence minister for ordering the assassination and implied Khamenei was one of the masterminds behind the attack. Iran was trying to catch up with the vile jewish state which, still, assassinate many people and innocent children on daily basis.
<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/0,1518,476369,00.html
|title=The End of the Dispensable Iranian
|author= Roya Hakakian
|authorlink=
|publisher=[[Der Spiegel]]
|date=2007-10-04
|language=English
|accessdate=2008-10-04
|format=
}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Khamenei has six children<ref name=children />. According to [[Gholam Ali Haddad-Adel]] he leads a modest lifestyle.<ref name=vn/>

==Government posts==
[[Image:Khamenei in battlefield.jpg|thumbnail|right|Khamenei on the battlefield of [[Iran-Iraq war]]]]
Since the founding of the Islamic Republic, Khamenei has held many government posts<ref name=leader />

*1979 - Founded the [[Islamic Republic Party]], along with like-minded clerics such as [[Mohammad Beheshti]], [[Mohammad Javad Bahonar]], [[Abdolkarim Mousavi Ardebili]], and [[Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani]].
*1980 - Secretary of Defense.
*1980 - Supervisor of the [[Islamic Revolutionary Guards]].
*1980 - Leader of the Friday Congregational Prayer.
*1980 - The Tehran Representative in the [[Majlis of Iran|Consultative Assembly]].
*1981 - Ayatollah Khomeini's Representative in the High Security Council.
*1982 - Elected President of the Islamic Republic of Iran after assassination of [[Muahmmad Ali Raja’i]], and was re-elected to a second term in 1985.
*1982 - chairman of the High Council of Revolution Culture Affairs.
*1988 - President of the [[Expediency Council]].
*1989 - Chairman of the Constitution Revisal Committee.
*1989 - Ayatollah Khamenei became the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran by choice of the Council of Experts, after the death of [[Ayatollah Khomeini]].

== Representatives ==
Ayatollah Khamenei has numerous representatives in different organizations (army, judiciary system, universities etc.) and cities. Here are his ''most notable'' representatives:
*[[Abdolhossein Moezi]] (Representative in [[London]])
*[[Hossein Shariatmadari]] (His representative at [[Kayhan]])
*[[Ahmad Jannati]] (Head of [[Guardian Council]])
*[[Ahmad Khatami]] (Tehran's [[Friday prayer]] Imam)
*[[Mohammad Yazdi]] (member of Guardian council and former head of [[Judicial system of Iran|Judiciary system]])
*[[Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi]] (head of Judiciary system)
*[[Rahim Safavi]] (former commander of [[Revolutionary Guards]])
*[[Ali Larijani]] (former head of [[IRIB]], current member of [[Supreme National Security Council]])
*[[Ahmad Reza Radan]] Tehran's police chief who was in charge of 2007 moralization campaign
*[[Gholamreza Rezvani]] appointed several times as a member of Guardian Council.

==Bibliography==
*''Discourse on Patience''<ref>http://books.google.com/books?id=aRsDHQAACAAJ</ref> ([http://www.islam-pure.de/imam/books/patiance.htm translation by Sayyid Hussein Alamdar available online])
*''[[Muhammad Iqbal|Iqbal]]: Manifestation of the Islamic Spirit, Two Contemporary Muslim Views''<ref>http://books.google.com/books?id=ivogAAAACAAJ</ref> ISBN 1871031206
**''[http://www.khamenei.de/books/iqbal.htm Iqbal, the Poet-Philosopher of Islamic Resurgence]'' is one of the "Two Contemporary Muslim Views," the other one is [[Ali Shariati]]'s.
*''Replies to Inquiries about the Practical Laws of Islam''<ref>http://books.google.com/books?id=1vAMAQAACAAJ</ref> ISBN 9644720008 ([http://www.islam-pure.de/imam/books/ajvab.pdf PDF version])
*''Lessons from the Nahjul-Balaghah''<ref>http://books.google.com/books?id=GOHKHAAACAAJ</ref><ref>[http://www.al-shia.com/html/eng/books/lesson-from-nahjul-balaqeh/index.htm Lessons from the Nahjul Balagah]</ref>
*''[[Human rights in Islam (Khamenei)|Human Rights In Islam]]'''
*''The Charter Of Freedom''<ref>[http://www.imamreza.net/eng/imamreza.php?id=4458 The Charter of Freedom || Imam Reza (A.S.) Network]</ref><ref>[http://www.khamenei.de/books/charterfree.htm The Charter of Freedom]</ref><ref>[http://www2.irib.ir/occasions/Rahbar/charter%20of%20freedom.htm Grate Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei]</ref>
*''[http://www.khamenei.de/books/tawhid.htm Essence of Tawhid: Denial of Servitude but to God]''

==See also==
*[[List of national leaders]]
*[[List of Grand Ayatollahs]]
*[[History of fundamentalist Islam in Iran]]

==References==
<div class="reflist4" style="height: 200px; overflow: auto; padding: 3px; border: 1px solid #ababab">{{reflist|2}}</div>

==External links==
{{sisterlinks|s=Author:Ali Khamenei}}
;Official Websites
* [http://www.leader.ir The e-office of the Supreme Leader of Iran]
* [http://www.khamenei.ir The official website of Ayatollah Khamenei]

;Profiles
*{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/3018932.stm|title=Profile: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei|publisher=[[BBC News]]}}

;Videos
* [http://irannegah.com/video_browse.aspx?keyword=khamenei '''Video Archive of Ayatollah Khamenei''']

;Speeches translated into English
* [http://www.insight-info.com www.insight-info.com]

{{S-start| noclear=y}}
{{s-off}}
{{s-bef | before=[[Mohammad Ali Rajai]]}}
{{s-ttl | title=[[President of Iran]] | years= 1981 – 1989}}
{{s-aft | rows=2 |after=[[Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani]]}}
{{s-new}}
{{s-ttl | title= Chair of [[Expediency Council]] | years = 1988 – 1989}}
{{s-bef | before = [[Ruhollah Khomeini]]}}
{{s-ttl | title = [[Supreme Leader of Iran]] | years= 1989 – present}}
{{s-inc}}
{{end}}

{{Presidents of Iran}}

{{Persondata
|NAME=Khamenei, Seyyed Ali Hosseini
|ALTERNATIVE NAMES=آیت‌الله سید علی خامنه‌ای‎
|SHORT DESCRIPTION=[[Supreme Leader of Iran]] since 1989
|DATE OF BIRTH=15 July 1939
|PLACE OF BIRTH=[[Mashhad]], [[Iran]]
|DATE OF DEATH=
|PLACE OF DEATH=
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Khamenei, Ali}}
[[Category:1939 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Current national leaders]]
[[Category:Iranian ayatollahs]]
[[Category:Iranian conservatives]]
[[Category:Iranian Majlis Representatives]]
[[Category:Iranian translators]]
[[Category:People from Mashhad]]
[[Category:Presidents of Iran]]
[[Category:Supreme Leaders of Iran]]

[[ar:علي خامنئي]]
[[az:Seyyid Əli Xameneyi]]
[[ca:Ali Khamenei]]
[[ceb:Ali Khāmenei]]
[[cs:Sajjid Alí Chameneí]]
[[da:Ali Khamenei]]
[[de:Seyyed Ali Chamene'i]]
[[et:‘Alī Khāmene'ī]]
[[el:Αλί Χαμενεΐ]]
[[es:Alí Jamenei]]
[[eu:Ali Khamenei]]
[[fa:سید علی خامنه‌ای]]
[[fr:Ali Khamenei]]
[[ko:모하메드 알리 하메네이]]
[[hi:आली ख़ामैनी]]
[[io:Imam Khamenei]]
[[id:Ali Khamenei]]
[[it:Ali Khamenei]]
[[he:עלי ח'מנאי]]
[[hu:Ali Hámenei]]
[[mk:Али Хаменеи]]
[[ml:ആയത്തുല്ല അലി ഖാം‌നിഇ]]
[[ms:Ali Khamenei]]
[[nl:Ali Khamenei]]
[[ja:アリー・ハーメネイー]]
[[no:Ali Khamenei]]
[[pl:Ali Chamenei]]
[[pt:Ali Khamenei]]
[[ru:Хаменеи, Али]]
[[simple:Ali Khamenei]]
[[fi:Ali Khamenei]]
[[sv:Ali Khamenei]]
[[tl:Ali Khāmenei]]
[[tr:Ali Hamaney]]
[[zh:阿里·哈梅內伊]]

Bobby Baccalieri

2009-02-12T13:19:17Z

John Cho: Undid revision 270199937 by Mezigue (talk) rv vandalism

{{Repetition|date=May 2008}}
{{Unreferenced|date=August 2008}}
{{Infobox character | name = Robert Baccalieri, Jr.
| image = [[Image:Bobby bacala.jpg|250px]]
| real_name = Robert Baccalieri, Jr. |
| portrayer = [[Steve R. Schirripa]]
| creator = [[David Chase]] |
| species =
| gender = Male
| first = "[[Do Not Resuscitate (The Sopranos episode)|Do Not Resuscitate]]" ''(episode 2.02)''
| last = "[[The Blue Comet]]" ''(episode 6.20)''
| cause = Murdered on orders of [[Phil Leotardo]]
| age = 43 (Deceased)
| title = Capo of the Junior Soprano Crew
| alias = Bobby Bacala, Jim Blake
| family = [[List of characters from The Sopranos in the Soprano crime family#Robert "Bobby" Baccalieri, Sr.|Bobby Baccalieri, Sr.]] (father (''deceased'') 
| spouse = [[List of characters from The Sopranos - friends and family#Karen Baccalieri|Karen Baccalieri]] (''deceased'') [[Janice Soprano]]
| children = [[List of characters from The Sopranos - friends and family#Robert "Bobby" Baccalieri III|Bobby Baccalieri III]] (son) [[List of characters from The Sopranos - friends and family#Sophia Baccalieri|Sophia Baccalieri]] (daughter) [[List of characters from The Sopranos - friends and family#Domenica Baccalieri|Domenica Baccalieri]] (daughter)
| relatives = [[Tony Soprano]] (brother-in-law) [[Carmela Soprano]] (sister-in-law) [[Livia Soprano]] (mother-in-law) [[List of characters from The Sopranos - Friends and Family#Johnny Boy Soprano|Johnny Boy Soprano]] (father-in-law) [[Meadow Soprano]] (niece) [[Anthony Soprano, Jr.|A.J. Soprano]] (nephew) [[Christopher Moltisanti]] (Cousin-in-law)
| footnotes =
}}
'''Robert "Bobby Fat Fuck Bacala" Baccalieri, Jr.''', played by [[Steve R. Schirripa]], is a [[fictional character]] on the [[HBO]] [[television|TV]] series ''[[The Sopranos]]''. He was a [[caporegime|Capo]] of the [[DiMeo Crime Family]] and [[Tony Soprano]]'s [[brother-in-law]]. Formerly one of the top aides to [[Junior Soprano|Corrado "Junior" Soprano]].

==Biography==
His name is derived from real life organized crime figure Robert Bisaccia, also known as Bobby Cabert, who is an alleged member of the Gambino crime family based in New Jersey. Bobby Bacala, unlike many of his fellow wiseguys, was big-hearted and quite shy. He ran Junior Soprano's old loan shark business. Although not officially a captain, Bobby was a high ranking soldier who ran Junior Soprano's interests as acting captain and reported directly to Junior, and more recently to Tony. Prior to his death, he was thought to be the heir to the job of boss, if Tony was whacked or arrested. Bobby was the son of [[List of characters from The Sopranos in the Soprano crime family#Robert "Bobby" Baccalieri, Sr.|Bobby Baccalieri, Sr.]] — also a mobster (Tony Soprano referred to him as "a real terminator", indicating his extensive record of mob killings) who fronted as a barber. Bobby's father returned from retirement for one last job before his death from lung cancer, which Bobby found quite distressing. Before joining [[Junior Soprano]]'s crew Bobby was a head waiter until at least 1986 and was groomed by his father Bobby Sr. At some point, Bobby became a made man, although without making his bones; this may have been arranged by his father. Bobby was married to [[List of characters from The Sopranos - friends and family#Karen Baccalieri|Karen Baccalieri]] until her death and they had two children, [[List of characters from The Sopranos - friends and family#Robert "Bobby" Baccalieri III|Bobby III]] and [[List of characters from The Sopranos - friends and family#Sophia Baccalieri|Sophia]].

Bobby was quite different from the other men in the Soprano crime family. He was quiet, almost shy, sweet and even-tempered; these traits made him well-liked, if not necessarily respected. He was obese, which brought him much ridicule, but he was very loyal and even Tony apologized to him after making cracks about his weight. In turn, Bobby was always respectful, and sometimes affectionate, towards Tony, telling him "I always liked you," in the aftermath of a feud that saw Tony order the deaths of several members of Junior Soprano's crew, with Bobby and Junior the sole survivors. He bore no lasting grudges against Paulie Gualtieri or Christopher Moltisanti, who carried out these hits, and appeared briefly looking delighted on the day Christopher was 'made.'

Bobby operated Junior Soprano's [[loan shark]] business in his stead and also acted as Junior's assistant while he was under house arrest on federal [[racketeering]] charges. Junior eventually rewarded him by putting him in charge of his loan shark operation during the later part of his prosecution. Bobby was made acting capo when Junior had [[List of characters from The Sopranos in the Soprano crime family#Murf Lupo|Murf Lupo]] step down in "[[For All Debts Public and Private (The Sopranos episode)|For All Debts Public and Private]]".

Bobby was very loyal to his wife, Karen, and was the only made man in the Soprano crew without a [[mistress (lover)|comaré]]. The only time he was ever seen with another woman other than his wife was in the episode ''University''. When Ralphie walks back into the Bada Bing after beating Tracee to death, Bobby could be seen talking to another stripper. However, Bobby lost his wife in a car accident and took it especially hard. Following Karen's death, [[Janice Soprano]], along with many other women, actively pursued Bobby, trying to help him out as much as possible (with cooking and watching over Bobby's two children) but also trying to initiate a relationship with him.

When his grief continued, Janice went so far as to use the internet to expose his children to a Ouija board within their house. This frightened them and cleared a path for Janice to demonstrate that Bobby's grief was affecting his children. Despite Bobby's initial reluctance, the two were soon married and he soon fathered a daughter, Domenica. Bobby remained unaware of his wife's machinations at the start of their relationship. Bobby also enjoyed playing with [[Rail transport modeling|model trains]].

Since 2001, when he assisted Tony in rescuing [[Christopher Moltisanti]] and [[Paulie Gualtieri]] from the Pine Barrens, Bobby had grown closer to Tony. Additionally, as [[Ralph Cifaretto]] put it, "dating the boss's sister will help a made man's career"; nevertheless, Tony had recently stepped up his expectations of Bobby, whom he felt was taking their newfound family relationship as an excuse not to earn at a competitive level, compared to other members of the family. Bobby rose to the occasion by supplementing his income with $7000 he received for shooting a rapper he met at the hospital, while Tony was in the ICU, in order to raise the rapper's profile.

In the Season Six episode, "[[The Ride (The Sopranos episode)|The Ride]]" Bobby's wife, son and youngest daughter were involved in a ride accident at the feast of St. Elzear while he took his other daughter to the bathroom. Bobby's initial reaction was relief that his family were unhurt. Janice berated him for not standing up for them at a later Sunday dinner at the Soprano residence. She later accompanied him when he paid a visit to the ride owner. Bobby stormed into his motel room, beat him up and tried to extort money from him but learned that Paulie Gualtieri had been responsible for withholding the funds needed to repair the ride. Bobby tracked him down at the festival and angrily confronted him - the two were separated by other associates in the crime family. At Christopher's belated [[bachelor party]] Bobby left soon after Paulie arrived. Tony ordered Paulie to make things right with Bobby. The episode demonstrated Bobby's devotion to his family, but also confirmed his credentials as a man not to be crossed lightly, further cementing his position in the higher echelons of Tony's crew.

In the Season Six episode, "[[Moe N' Joe (The Sopranos episode)|Moe N' Joe]]", Bobby was beaten and robbed by a street gang as he was making his collections. One of the gang members fired a shot at the sidewalk near Bacala's face and a concrete fragment injured his right eye. The injury left his sight in the eye uncertain. Despite the injury, Bobby made certain his payments reached Tony, by way of a concerned [[Carlo Gervasi]] visiting Bobby at the hospital.

Bobby's injury prompted Tony to reassess his relationship with his sister and brother-in-law. Tony's feelings of guilt prompted him to broker an agreement with [[Johnny Sack]] that allowed Bobby and his family to buy Sack's house at half price.

In the Season Six Episode, "[[Soprano Home Movies]]", a drunken fist fight between Tony and Bobby, sparked by an obscene comment made by Tony about Janice, threatened to compromise the growing relationship between the two men. Bobby won the fight, battering the inebriated Tony quite severely, but also injuring his boss's pride. Tony, although reasonably gracious in defeat, was embarrassed at having been beaten and frequently asserted to Bobby, Janice and Carmela that he would have won the fight had he not been drunk. As a partial result of this awkward incident, Bobby (to his visible discomfort) was tasked with murdering the brother-in-law of one of Tony's [[Quebecois]] associates, an important hit that formed part of a deal to save money on a pharmaceuticals racket. It was Bobby's first murder; Tony mentioned earlier that Bobby had never "popped his cherry" with [[wetwork]].

The murder initiated a change in Bobby's attitude from a soft and shy personality to a more outgoing, assertive and ruthless one. When his brother-in-law and boss Tony Soprano was having difficulties regarding a loan from loan shark [[Hesh Rabkin]], Bobby suggested Tony not bother paying any of the money back considering Hesh could not force Tony to do anything. Such a ruthlessly logical piece of thinking was quite at odds with the gentle, quiet Bobby of a few years previously.

At the time of his death, Bobby appeared to have won a place within Tony's "inner circle" of trusted associates; no mean achievement for a man who, for a long time, had been little more than [[Junior Soprano]]'s driver (as a dismissive member of [[Phil Leotardo]]'s crew once described him).

In the episode "[[The Blue Comet]]" a war breaks out between New York and New Jersey. [[Phil Leotardo]] orders the deaths of Bacala, [[Silvio Dante]], and [[Tony Soprano]]. Tony is informed by FBI agent [[Dwight Harris]] at Satriale's that a snitch in Brooklyn implied to them that Phil has ordered a major hit on the New Jersey crew. Tony then gives orders to inform everyone of the upcoming assassination plot. The scene then shifts to Bobby exiting his car going into a hobby shop, leaving his cell phone behind, while a call comes through most likely attempting to inform him of the assassination plots. Bobby goes in to check out a vintage train set, "The Blue Comet" while the storekeeper talks to him. Two men are seen entering the store and open fire as he's purchasing the set. Gun shots break out throughout the store sending his riddled body crashing on top of the train display. Later in the episode, when Tony is reflecting on Bobby's death, holding the assault rifle that Bobby gave him on his birthday, Tony flashes back to the moment when he and Bobby were fishing, contemplating their own fates. Bobby observes that when getting killed, you "probably don't even hear it when it happens, right?"

Until at least the first half of season 6, Bobby drives a 1980s [[Lincoln Mark VII]], and his family car after marrying Janice is a third generation [[Jeep Grand Cherokee]], which, in [[Soprano Home Movies]], he backs into a tree while drunk.

== Murders Committed By Baccalieri ==

* '''Rene LeCours''' killed to appease the [[brother-in-law]] of one of Tony's [[Quebecois]][[ associates]] and lower prices on a pharmaceuticals racket in addition to compensation for striking Tony that lead to a long, drawn out brawl the night before.

==External links==
* [http://www.hbo.com/sopranos/cast/character/bobby_bacala.shtml HBO Profile: Bobby Bacala Baccalieri]

{{The Sopranos}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Baccalieri, Bobby}}
[[Category:The Sopranos characters]]
[[Category:Fictional Italian-Americans]]
[[Category:Fictional murderers]]

[[fr:Bobby Baccalieri]]
[[it:Bobby Baccalieri]]
[[pl:Bobby Baccalieri]]
[[sv:Lista över rollfigurer i Sopranos#Bobby "Bacala" Baccalieri]]

Polytheism

2009-02-12T13:18:40Z

John Cho: Undid revision 270199498 by Mezigue (talk) vandalism

{{Citations missing|date=September 2007}}

'''Polytheism''' is the belief in or worship of multiple [[deities]], such as [[gods]] and [[goddesses]]. These are usually assembled into a [[Pantheon (gods)|pantheon]], along with their own [[mythology|mythologies]] and [[ritual]]s. Many religions, both historical and contemporary, have a belief in polytheism, such as [[Hinduism]], [[Shia]] Islam, [[Buddhism]],[[Shinto]], [[Chinese folk religion]], [[Neopaganism|Neopagan faiths]], [[Anglo-Saxon paganism]] and [[Greek paganism]].

Polytheists do not usually worship all the gods equally, but are [[Monolatrism|monolatrists]], specialising in the worship of one particular deity. Other polytheists can be [[Kathenotheism|kathenotheists]], worshiping different deities at different times.

Polytheism is a type of [[theism]] (belief in one or more gods), but contrasts with [[monotheism]] (belief in a singular god), which is the dominant belief in the world today. In certain religions, such as Hinduism and [[Wicca]], it is believed alongside [[pantheism]] or [[panentheism]], with the various deities seen as emanations of a greater [[Godhead]].

==Etymology==
The [[English language]] word "''polytheism''" is attested from the 17th century, loaned from French ''polythéisme'', which had been in use since 1580. In post-classical Latin, the term is ''polytheismus''. The word is attested later than [[atheism]] but earlier than [[theism]].

It ultimately derives from the [[Greek language|Greek]] adjective {{lang|grc|πολυθεός}} (from {{lang|grc|πολύς}} "many" and {{lang|grc|θεός}} "god"), in the meaning "of or belonging to many gods" found in [[Aeschylus]] (''Suppliant Women'' 424), or "believing in many gods" in [[Procopius]] (''Historia Arcana'' 13).

==Gods and divinity==
{{Wikiquote|gods}}

{{main|Deity|God (male deity)|Goddess}}
The deities of polytheistic religions are agents in mythology, where they are portrayed as complex personages of greater or lesser status, with individual skills, needs, desires and histories. These gods are often seen as similar to humans ([[anthropomorphism|anthropomorphic]]) in their [[Wiktionary:personality|personality]] traits, but with additional individual powers, abilities, knowledge or perceptions.

Polytheism cannot be cleanly separated from the [[animism|animist]] beliefs prevalent in most [[ethnic religion]]s. The gods of polytheism are in many cases the highest order of a continuum of supernatural beings or [[spirits]], which may include [[ancestors]], [[demon]]s, [[wights]] and others. In some cases these spirits are divided into [[celestial]] or [[chthonic]] classes, and belief in the existence of all these beings does not imply that all are worshipped.

===Theological variations===
{{Unreferenced section|date=September 2008}}{{Original research|section|date=September 2008}}
{{see|Theology|Pantheon (gods)|Euhemerism|Interpretatio graeca|Demigod|Apotheosis}}
The so called ''Hard Polytheists'' believe that gods are distinct and '''separate''' beings with separate personalities. Hard polytheists reject the idea that "all gods are One" or that they are manifestations or facets of a universal life force. In that, their point of view can be contrasted with ''Soft Polytheists'', who believe that gods may be '''part''' of a unifying principle such as [[The One]] of [[Platonism]] and [[Neoplatonism]] and also [[Panentheism]]. The so called ''Hard Polytheism'' as seen in [[mythology]], shows the gods as "independent agents" who can be, and often are, in conflict with one another, and are always are subject to [[fate]]. ''Soft Polytheists'', however, see that they are subject to a Divinenciple'', came with [[Philosophy]], in particular with [[Platonism]] and [[Neoplatonism]]. This divine unity implies a single personal divine being (but not equivalent to the monotheistic deity of [[Abrahamic religions]]) and regards gods as parts of the whole, but not as "illusory" "aspects", "facets" or "masks" of The One. Neoplatonism openly accepts and defends the principle of a plurality of distinct gods as an 'unfolding into light' of the divine unity represented by [[Absolute (philosophy)|The One]].

<blockquote>
"Let us as it were celebrate the first God, not as establishing the earth and the heavens, nor as giving subsistence to souls, and the generation of all animals; for he produced these indeed, but among the last of things; but prior to these, let us celebrate Him as unfolding into light the whole intelligible and intellectual genus of gods, together with all the supermundane and mundane divinities - as the God of all gods, the unity of all unities, and beyond the first adyta, - as more ineffable than all silence, and more unknown than all essence, - as holy among the holies, and concealed in the intelligible gods." -- Proclus: The Theology of Plato.
</blockquote>

There is another variety of ''Soft Polytheism'' in which adherents believe that the gods and goddesses are manifestations or "aspects" of a single god (or god and goddess) rather than completely distinct entities. ''Soft polytheism'' may include varieties of [[monolatry]], [[henotheism]], or polytheist mythologies coupled with forms of [[Pantheism]] or [[Panentheism]]. ''Soft Polytheists'' regard their multiplicity of gods as being manifestations of either a common impersonal entity, or representing different aspects or facets of a single [[personal god]]. ''Inclusive monotheists'', on the other hand consider all other forms of god as alternative, subordinate representations of their personal god, suggesting that others who worship other forms indirectly worship their personal god.

Another misconception that may be found on Internet is that ''Soft Polytheists'' consider the gods of all cultures as distinct beings, a theological position more correctly called [[integrational polytheism]], as the ancients knew well, one same god could be known by several cultures, obviously with a different name (see [[Interpraetatio]]).

''Soft Polytheism'' is prevalent in [[New Age]] and [[syncretism|syncretic]] currents of Neopaganism, as are [[Psychologism|psychological]] interpretations of deities as [[archetypes]] of the human psyche.
[[English people|English]] [[occultist]] [[Dion Fortune]] was a major populiser of soft polytheism. In her novel, ''[[The Sea Priestess]]'', she wrote, "All gods are one God, and all goddesses are one Goddess, and there is one Initiator." This phrase is very popular among some Neopagans (notably, [[Wiccans]]) and incorrectly often believed to be just a recent work of fiction. However, Fortune indeed quoted from an ancient source, the Latin novel [[The Golden Ass]] of [[Apuleius]]. Fortune's soft polytheist compromise between monotheism and polytheism has been described as "pantheism" (Greek: πάν ( 'pan' ) = all and θεός ( 'theos' ) = God).{{Who|date=November 2007}} However, "[[Pantheism]]" has a longer history of usage to refer to a view of an all-encompassing immanent divine.

===Types of deities===
{{see|List of deities}}
Types of deities often found in polytheism{{Fact|date=January 2009}}
*[[Sky god]] ([[celestial]])
*[[Death deity]] ([[chthonic]])
*[[Mother goddess]]
*[[Love goddess]]
*[[Creator deity]]
*[[Trickster deity]]
*[[Life-death-rebirth deity]]
*[[Culture hero]]

==In comparative religion==
[[Monotheism]] may be contrasted with polytheism in that the former a belief in the existence of only one god. Polytheism and monotheism, being ''<nowiki></nowiki>'''-the'''ism''s, may ''not'' be contrasted with ''-ism''s. The latter incorporate principles that do not necessarily reflect any relationship to ''theo''s "(of) god(s)." For example, [[monism]] is the term for any system with exactly one primal/primordial unity from which all other entities derive. {{Fact|date=January 2009}}

==Mythology and religion==
{{main|Mythology and religion}}
In the Classical era, [[Sallustius]] (4th century CE) categorised mythology into five types:

#Theological
#Physical
#Psychological
#Material
#Mixed

The theological are those myths which use no bodily form but contemplate the very essence of the gods: e.g., Kronos swallowing his children. Since divinity is intellectual, and all intellect returns into itself, this myth expresses in allegory the essence of divinity.

Myths may be regarded physically when they express the activities of gods in the world: e.g., people before now have regarded Kronos as time, and calling the divisions of time his sons say that the sons are swallowed by the father.

The psychological way is to regard (myths as allegories of) the activities of the soul itself and or the soul's acts of thought.

The material is to regard material objects to actually be gods, for example: to call the earth Gaia, ocean Okeanos, or heat Typhon.

The mixed kind of myth may be seen in many instances: for example they say that in a banquet of the gods, [[Eris (mythology)|Eris]] threw down a [[golden apple]]; the goddesses contended for it, and were sent by [[Zeus]] to [[Paris (mythology)|Paris]] to be judged. (See also the [[Judgement of Paris]].) Paris saw [[Aphrodite]] to be beautiful and gave her the apple. Here the banquet signifies the hypercosmic powers of the gods; that is why they are all together. The golden apple is the world, which being formed out of opposites, is naturally said to be 'thrown by Eris '(or Discord). The different gods bestow different gifts upon the world, and are thus said to 'contend for the apple'. And the soul which lives according to sense - for that is what Paris is - not seeing the other powers in the world but only beauty, declares that the apple belongs to [[Aphrodite]].

==Historical polytheism==
Some Well-known historical polytheistic pantheons include the [[Mesopotamian mythology|Sumerian]] gods and the [[Egyptian mythology|Egyptian]] gods, and the classical attested pantheon which includes the [[Ancient Greek religion]], and [[Roman Religion]]. Post classical polytheistic religions include [[Norse mythology|Norse]] Æsir and Vanir, the [[Yoruba mythology|Yoruba]] Orisha, the [[Aztec mythology|Aztec]] gods, and many others. Today, most historical polytheistic religions are pejoratively referred to as "mythology", though the stories cultures tell about their gods should be distinguished from their worship or religious practice. For instance deities portrayed in conflict in mythology would still be worshipped sometimes in the same temple side by side, illustrating the distinction in the devotees mind between the myth and the reality. It is speculated that there was once a [[Proto-Indo-European religion]], from which the religions of the various [[Indo-European people]]s derive, and that this religion was an essentially naturalist numenistic religion. An example of a religious notion from this shared past is the concept of ''[[Dyeus|*dyēus]]'', which is attested in several distinct religious systems.

In many civilizations, pantheons tended to grow over time. Deities first worshipped as the patrons of cities or places came to be collected together as empires extended over larger territories. Conquests could lead to the subordination of the elder culture's pantheon to a newer one, as in the Greek [[Titanomachia]], and possibly also the case of the [[Æsir]] and [[Vanir]] in the [[Norse mythology|Norse mythos]]. Cultural exchange could lead to "the same" deity being renowned in two places under different names, as with the Greeks, Etruscans, and Romans, and also to the introduction of elements of a "foreign" religion into a local cult, as with Egyptian [[Osiris]] worship brought to [[ancient Greece]].

Most ancient belief systems held that gods influenced human lives. However, the Greek philosopher [[Epicurus]] held that the gods were living, incorruptible, blissful beings who did not trouble themselves with the affairs of mortals, but who could be perceived by the mind, especially during sleep. Epicurus believed that these gods were material, human-like, and that they inhabited the empty spaces between worlds.

[[Hellenistic religion]] may still be regarded as polytheistic, but with strong monastic components, and monotheism finally emerges out of Hellenistic traditions in [[Late Antiquity]] in the form of [[Neoplatonism]] and [[Christian theology]].

;[[Bronze Age]] to [[Classical antiquity|Classical Antiquity]]
*[[Religions of the Ancient Near East]]
**[[Ancient Egyptian religion]]
**[[Ancient Semitic religion]]
*[[Historical Vedic religion]]
*[[Ancient Greek religion]]
*[[Ancient Roman religion]]
*[[Celtic polytheism]]

;[[Late Antiquity]] to [[High Middle Ages]]
*[[Germanic paganism]]
*[[Slavic paganism]]
*[[Baltic paganism]]
*[[Finnish paganism]]

==Polytheism in world religions==
===Polytheistic religions===
====Folk religions====
{{main|Folk religion}}
{{see|Saint|Angel|Folk Catholicism|Pre-Christian Alpine traditions}}
The various folk, [[ethnic religion|ethnic]], and indigenous religions of the world are practically all polytheistic.

Explicit polytheism in contemporary folk religion is found in [[African traditional religion]] as well as [[African diasporic religions]]. In Eurasia, the [[Kalash]] are one of very few instances of surviving polytheism. There are also a large number of polytheist folk traditions subsumed in contemporary [[Hinduism]], although Hinduism is doctrinally dominated by monist or monotheist theology ([[Bhakti]], [[Advaita]]). Historical Vedic polytheist ritualism survives as a very minor current in Hinduism, known as [[Shrauta]].

====Indian religions====
=====Hinduism=====
{{see|Hindu views on monotheism}}

[[Hinduism]] can be polytheistic, monotheistic or pantheistic. Whilst there are a great number of polytheistic deities in Hinduism, such as [[Vishnu]], [[Shiva]], [[Ganesha]], [[Hanuman]], [[Lakshmi]] and [[Kali]], they are viewed in different ways.

A historical Hindu view was that all the deities were separate entities, though this is little believed in modern Hinduism.

In the [[Smartha]] denomination of Hinduism, the philosophy of [[Advaita]] expounded by [[Adi Shankara|Shankara]] allows veneration of numerous deities with the understanding that all of them are but manifestations of one impersonal divine power, [[Brahman]].

In contrast to the [[Smartha]] sect, [[Vaishnavism]], [[Shaivism]], and [[Shaktism]] follow an established singular concept of a [[personal god]], as [[panentheistic]] [[monistic]] monotheism, but differ in their conceptions of the Supreme God. A [[Vaishnavite]] considers [[Vishnu]] or [[Krishna]] as the only god worthy of worship, and worship of other deities as subordinate, or recommends worship of other forms of God as aspects or expansions of the Supreme. Many Vaishnavas regard Shiva as the topmost devotee of Vishnu, not to be confused with Sadashiv, who is regarded as an expansion of [[Vishnu]]. [[Shaivite]] worshiper's position is usually similar to [[Vaishnavism]], however, they worship [[Shiva]] alone as the Supreme.

====East Asian religions====
=====Buddhism and Shinto=====
{{further|[[God in Buddhism]], [[Deva (Buddhism)#Devas vs. gods|Devas vs. Gods]], and [[Nontheistic#Nontheism in Buddhism|Nontheism in Buddhism]]}}

In [[Buddhism]], there are higher beings commonly designed (or designated) as gods, [[Deva (Buddhism)|Devas]]. However, Buddhism, at its core, does not teach the notion of praying nor worship to the Devas or any god(s).

Devas, in general, are beings who have had more positive [[karma]] in their [[Reincarnation|past lives]] than humans. Their lifespan eventually ends. When their lives end, they will be reborn as devas or as other beings. When they accumulate negative karma, they are reborn as either human or any of the other lower beings. Humans and other beings could also be reborn as a deva in their next [[Rebirth (Buddhism)|rebirth]], if they accumulate many positive [[Karma in Buddhism|karma]], however it is not recommended.

Buddhism flourished in different countries, and some of those countries have polytheistic [[folk religion]]s. Buddhism [[syncretism|syncretizes]] easily with other religions because of its lack of a strict position on theism.{{Fact|date=July 2008}} Thus, Buddhism has mixed with the folk religions and emerged in polytheistic variants as well as nontheistic variants. For example, in [[Japan]], Buddhism, mixed with [[Shinto]], which worships [[kami]], created a tradition which prays to the kami (plural beings; the same term exists for singular and plural). Thus, there may be elements of worship of gods in some forms of later Buddhism.

====Neopagan religions====

[[Neopaganism]] often blends polytheism with pantheism or panentheism.

=====Germanic Neopaganism=====
[[Germanic Neopaganism]] is a polytheistic faith, worshipping the same deities as historical Germanic paganism.

=====Wicca=====
[[Wicca]] is a pantheistic, duotheistic, and a polytheistic faith. It sees the universe as being comprised by a divine Godhead known as [[Dryghten]], but whom is subdivided into the opposing polarities of The God and The Goddess. Each of these deities can be further divided into many different polytheistic deities, which are aspects of The God and The Goddess. Wicca is tolerant in the understanding of divinity, but emphasises a balance and equality between male and female deities, whereas other polytheistic faiths have often placed male deities at the top of the hierarchy.

===Non-polytheistic religions===
[[Image:Bernt Notke 001.jpg|thumb|right|In this mediaeval illustration, the idea of the trinity of Christianity is depicted; God as the father who creates all, [[Jesus Christ|God as the son who sacrificed himself]] and God as the Holy Spirit, symbolised by the dove. Non-Christian monotheists criticise this belief as a form of polytheism; something Christians deny.]]
====Abrahamic religions====
=====Christianity=====
{{main|Idolatry in Christianity|Christianity and Paganism|Trinity}}
[[Christianity]] is monotheistic religion believing solely in one [[God]] and inherited from [[Judaism]] a belief that other gods do not exist and are false idols. Despite publically calling the pagan Athenians "very religious" (Acts 17:16-34) in an attempt to win their attention and convert them, [[Saint Paul]], Christianity's greatest evanglist, went on to write that idoloatry must be avoided and said that pagan gods are nothing less than demons. (1 Corinthians 10). The vast majority of Christians believe in the [[Trinity]], that God exists as one essence and three persons. This is not conisdered a form of polytheism because the Gospels repeatedly record Jesus as doing things that are reserved only for God--accepting worship, forgiving sins, working miracles under his own power--, referring to himself and his Father as being one and referring to himself as I AM--that it to say, [[I am that I am|I Am that I Am]], [[Yahweh]].

Entering into this is the role of angels and saints, especially in Orthodoxy and Catholicism. While angels are accepted as supernatural beings, they exist only to serve God and with only three exceptions ([[Michael (archangel)|Michael]], [[Gabriel]], [[Raphael (archangel)|Rapael]]) are nameless. This number is reduced to in Protestantism two by which excludes the [[Deuterocanonical books|deuterocannical]] [[Book of Tobit]])

[[Veneration]] of [[Saint]]s in [[folk Christianity]] (Christian ideas and practices outside the approval or authority of a religious establishment — Roman Catholic, Protestant, or other) in particular the concept of [[patron saint]]s responsible for a certain aspect of life or society, may in some cases become indistinguishable from polytheism, and indeed in many cases seamlessly continues pre-Christian traditions.<ref>"Polytheism and Christian Belief" by Michael C. Rea _The Journal of Theological Studies_ 2006 57(1):133-148</ref>. Such traditions, however, tend to develop outside sanctioned teachings. [[Popular piety]] might be allowed, or at least tolerated, but outright synchretic movements are condemned. Saints are prayed to but in the sense that the saint prays with the person. A saint in heaven has no power of his own but merely petitions God to grant a request as God who alone has true power.

=====Islam=====
[[Islam]] is monotheistic, believing solely in [[Allah]] (though "Allah" is essentially the same god as those of the other Abrahamic faiths). According to the Islamic holy book, the ''[[Qur'an]]'', [[shirk (polytheism)|shirk]], or polytheism, is the highest of sins. Muslims believe that Christianity is polytheism because of most Christian's beliefs in the trinity.

=====Judaism=====
[[Judaism]] is monotheistic, believing solely in [[Yahweh]], and therefore rejects polytheism. Judaism specifically prohibits polytheism as [[idolatry]], or ''avodah zarah''. It is disupted whether ''shittuf'', or associating a lesser power to a deity lesser than Yahweh, is allowed for [[gentiles]], but it is forbidden for [[Jews]].

The punishment for polytheism in the [[Old Testament]] was death. There is also a theoretical death penalty for polytheistic worship in the seven [[Noahide Laws]].

There is, however, a population of Jewish Pagans ([[Jewitch]]).

=====Rastafari=====
[[Rastafari]] is monotheistic, believing solely in [[Jah]]. Rastas believe that Jah has incarnated onto Earth in human form twice, as [[Jesus Christ]] and as [[Haile Selassie]], and worship them both. Rastas deny that this constitutes polytheism.

====Indian religions====
=====Sikhism=====
[[Sikhism]] is monotheistic, believing solely in [[Waheguru]], and therefore rejects polytheism. It does not declare that there should be any punishment for polytheists.
{{cquote2|I do not accept [[Ganesha]] as important. I do not meditate on [[Krishna]], neither on [[Vishnu]]. I do not hear them and do not recognize them. My love is with the Lotus feet of God. He is my protector, the Supreme Lord. I am dust of his Lotus feet.|[[Guru Gobind Singh]]}}

==See also==
{{multicol}}
; Types of [[Theism]]
*[[Atheism]]
*[[Dualism|Bitheism]]
*[[Henotheism]]
*[[Integrational polytheism]]
*[[Monotheism]]
*[[Pantheism]]
{{multicol-break}}
;Other
*[[Apotheosis]]
*[[Culture hero]]
*[[Demigod]]
*[[Folk religion]]
*[[Folklore]]
*[[Hero cult]]
*[[Idolatry]]
{{multicol-break}}
*[[Myth and ritual]]
*[[Neopaganism]]
*[[Paganism]]
*[[Polytheistic reconstructionism]]
*[[Religion]]
*[[Sacred king]]
*[[Shirk (polytheism)]]
{{multicol-end}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}
*Blain, Jenny (2004) ''[http://www.manygods.org.uk/articles/traditions/polytheism.html An Understanding of Polytheism]''. Quotation used here with the author's permission.

==Further reading==
*Assmann, Jan, 'Monotheism and Polytheism' in: Sarah Iles Johnston (ed.), ''Religions of the Ancient World: A Guide'', Harvard University Press (2004), ISBN 0674015177, pp. 17-31.
*[[Walter Burkert|Burkert, Walter]], ''Greek Religion: Archaic and Classical'', Blackwell (1985), ISBN 0631156240. 
* [[John Michael Greer|Greer, John Michael]]; ''A World Full of Gods: An Inquiry Into Polytheism'', ADF Publishing (2005), ISBN 0-976-56810-1
* Iles Johnston, Sarah; ''Ancient Religions'', Belknap Press (September 15, 2007), ISBN 0-674-02548-2
* Paper, Jordan; ''The Deities are Many: A Polytheistic Theology'', State University of New York Press (March 3, 2005), ISBN 978-0791463871
*Penchansky, David, ''Twilight of the Gods: Polytheism in the Hebrew Bible'' (2005), ISBN 0664228852.

==External links==
{{Wikiquote}}
{{Wiktionary}}
* [http://www.manygods.org.uk/ The Association of Polytheist Traditions] - APT, a UK-based community of Polytheists.
* [http://www.monochrom.at/polytheism International Year Of Polytheism] Philosophical project promoting polytheism by group [[monochrom]]
* [http://www.polytheism.org.uk/wordpress/ Integrational Polytheism]

{{Theism}}
{{Belief systems}}
{{Paganism}}

[[Category:Polytheism| ]]

[[ar:تعدد الآلهة]]
[[bs:Politeizam]]
[[bg:Политеизъм]]
[[ca:Politeisme]]
[[cs:Polyteismus]]
[[cy:Amldduwiaeth]]
[[da:Polyteisme]]
[[de:Polytheismus]]
[[et:Polüteism]]
[[es:Politeísmo]]
[[eo:Politeismo]]
[[eu:Politeismo]]
[[fa:چندخدایی]]
[[fr:Polythéisme]]
[[fy:Polyteisme]]
[[gl:Politeísmo]]
[[hr:Politeizam]]
[[id:Politeisme]]
[[ia:Polytheismo]]
[[is:Fjölgyðistrú]]
[[it:Politeismo]]
[[he:פוליתאיזם]]
[[ka:პოლითეიზმი]]
[[lt:Politeizmas]]
[[hu:Politeizmus]]
[[nl:Polytheïsme]]
[[ja:多神教]]
[[no:Polyteisme]]
[[pl:Politeizm]]
[[pt:Politeísmo]]
[[ro:Politeism]]
[[ru:Политеизм]]
[[sah:Политеизм]]
[[scn:Politeismu]]
[[simple:Polytheism]]
[[sk:Polyteizmus]]
[[sl:Politeizem]]
[[sr:Политеизам]]
[[sh:Politeizam]]
[[fi:Polyteismi]]
[[sv:Polyteism]]
[[ta:பல கடவுட் கொள்கை]]
[[tr:Çoktanrıcılık]]
[[uk:Політеїзм]]
[[zh:多神教]]

Iran

2009-02-12T13:18:18Z

John Cho: Undid revision 270199399 by Mezigue (talk) RV VANDAL

User:John Cho

2009-02-12T10:37:31Z

John Cho:

{{Userboxtop|The Great John Cho}}
{{user en}}
{{user de-3}}
{{user fr-1}}
{{user ko-3}}
{{User:UBX/ENTJ}}
{{User:Lawilkin/UBX/Trifecta}}
{{Userboxbottom}}
John Cho's placemark page for his great Wikipedia restoration as the Great John Cho.

==The Great John Cho in himself==
You should not be confused with the [[Korean]] [[actor]], [[John Cho]], who has been in atrocious [[teenage]] [[films]] glorifing [[recreational drug use|drug use]], [[underage sex]], and other blasphemous activites (that is, to the Great Church of John Cho that will be built before the year [[2012]].

I am not him although I am my own personal John Cho that is [[greatness|great]], and therefore is a Wikipedia [[deity]], the master of his domain.

==TGJC's Great (by nature) Wikipedia Contributions==
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Contributions/John_Cho Contribs]

==Talk to the Great==
Have a dispute with The Great John Cho? Feel as if you would like to talk to The Great John Cho for any reason whatsoever (maybe you would like his autograph, prized for over $100,000 [[USD]] on [[eBay]]??) Feel free to click on either [[User talk:John Cho|this Great Link To John Cho's Talk Page]] or click on the discussion tab on the top of my user page.

Shia Islam

2009-02-12T10:09:12Z

John Cho:

{{articleissues}}

{{Redirect|Shia}}
[[Image:ImamAliMosqueNajafIraq.JPG|thumb|right|275px|[[Imam Ali Mosque]] in [[Najaf]], [[Iraq]], where [[Ali]] the first [[Imamah (Shi'a doctrine)|Shī‘ah Imam]] is buried.]]
{{Shia Islam}}
{{ShiaTerms}}
'''Shia Islam''' ({{lang-ar|شيعة}} '''Shī‘ah''', sometimes '''Shi'a''' or '''Shit'''), is the second largest denomination of [[Islam]], after [[Sunni Islam]]. Shī‘ah Muslims, though a minority in the Muslim world, constitute the majority of the populations in [[Iran]]<ref>"Esposito, John. "What Everyone Needs to Know about Islam" Oxford University Press, 2002. ISBN-13: 978-0195157130. p 45.</ref>, [[Azerbaijan]] <ref>The New Encyclopædia Britannica, Jacob E. Safra, Chairnman of the Baord, 15th Edition, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 1998, ISBN 0-85229-6330, Vol 10, p 738.</ref>, [[Bahrain]]<ref>"Esposito, John. "What Everyone Needs to Know about Islam" Oxford University Press, 2002. ISBN-13: 978-0195157130. p 45.</ref> and [[Iraq]], as well as a [[plurality (voting)|plurality]] in [[Lebanon]]<ref>"Esposito, John. "What Everyone Needs to Know about Islam" Oxford University Press, 2002. ISBN-13: 978-0195157130. p 45.</ref> and [[Kuwait]]<ref>https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ku.html</ref>. They also constitute sizable minorities in [[Afghanistan]] <ref>https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/af.html</ref> and [[Pakistan]]<ref>"Islam: An Introduction," by Annemarie Schimmel, State University of New York Press, 1992, ISBN-13: 978-0791413272, p 94</ref>.

Shi'a Muslims attribute themselves to the [[Qur'an]] and teachings of the final [[Prophet of Islam]]<ref>"Esposito, John. "What Everyone Needs to Know about Islam" Oxford University Press, 2002. ISBN-13: 978-0195157130. p 40</ref>, [[Muhammad]], and in contrast to other Muslims, believe that his family, the [[Ahl al-Bayt]] (the ''People of the House''), including his descendants known as [[Shi'a Imams|Imams]], have special spiritual and political rule over the community.<ref>Corbin (1993), pp. 45 - 51</ref><ref>"Esposito, John. "What Everyone Needs to Know about Islam" Oxford University Press, 2002. ISBN-13: 978-0195157130. p 40</ref> Shia Muslims further believe that [[Ali ibn Abi Talib]], Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, was the first of these Imams and was the [[Succession to Muhammad|rightful successor]] to Muhammad<ref>"The Complete Idiot's Guide to World Religions," Brandon Toropov, Father Luke Buckles, Alpha; 3rd edition, 2004, ISBN-13: 978-1592572229, p 135</ref> and thus reject the legitimacy of the first three [[Rashidun]] [[caliphs]].<ref>Tabatabaei (1979), pp. 41-44</ref><ref>"The Complete Idiot's Guide to World Religions," Brandon Toropov, Father Luke Buckles, Alpha; 3rd edition, 2004, ISBN-13: 978-1592572229, p 135</ref>

The Shi'a Islamic faith is vast and inclusive of many different groups.<ref>The New Encyclopædia Britannica, Jacob E. Safra, Chairnman of the Baord, 15th Edition, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 1998, ISBN 0-85229-6330, Vol 10, p 738.</ref> There are various Shi'a theological beliefs, schools of jurisprudence, philosophical beliefs, and spiritual movements.{{Fact|I still cannot find a reference for the parts of this statement.|date=January 2009}} Shi'a Islam embodies a completely independent system of religious interpretation and political authority in the Muslim world.{{Fact|We need to get a citation for this one.|date=January 2009}} The Shi'a identity emerged during the lifetime of Muhammad<ref>"Shi'ite Islam," by Allamah Sayyid Muhammad Husayn Tabataba'i, translated by Sayyid Husayn Nasr, State University of New York Press, 1975, p 24</ref>, and [[Imami|Shi'a theology]] was formulated in the second century<ref>Dakake (2008), pp.1 and 2</ref> and the first Shi'a governments and societies were established by the end of the third century (After Hijra).{{Fact|We need to look that up, as well.|date=January 2009}}

Shi'a Islam is divided into three branches.<ref>"Esposito, John. "What Everyone Needs to Know about Islam" Oxford University Press, 2002. ISBN-13: 978-0195157130. p 40.</ref> The largest and best known{{POV-statement|I have seen "best known" disputed and ultimately deleted from the Wiki article Hamas because it carried POV baggae.|date=January 2009}} are the [[Twelver]] ('''{{lang|ar|اثنا عشرية}}''' ''{{ArabDIN|iṯnāʿašariyya}}'')<ref>"The Complete Idiot's Guide to World Religions," Brandon Toropov, Father Luke Buckles, Alpha; 3rd edition, 2004, ISBN-13: 978-1592572229, p 135</ref>, named after their adherence to [[the Twelve Imams]]. They form a majority of the population in [[Iran]], [[Azerbaijan]], [[Bahrain]] and [[Iraq]].{{Fact|I don't think that I have access to data for that - can someone get a reference?|date=January 2009}} The term Shi'a often refers to Twelver Shi'a only.{{Fact|We should back this up with a reference.|date=January 2009}} Other smaller branches include the [[Ismaili]] and [[Zaidi]], who dispute the Twelver lineage of Imams and beliefs.<ref>Tabataba'i (1979), p. 76</ref>

{{TOClimit|3}}

==Etymology and meaning==
{{main|Shia etymology}}
''Shī‘ah'', collectively, or ''Shī‘ī'', singularly,<ref>The New Encyclopædia Britannica, Jacob E. Safra, Chairnman of the Baord, 15th Edition, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 1998, ISBN 0-85229-6330, Vol 10, p 738.</ref> means 'follower', 'associate' or 'faction'. It has been used in the [[Qur'an]] in singular or plural forms with both positive{{cite quran|37|83}} and negative{{cite quran|54|51}} connotations.

"Shia" is the short form of the historic phrase ''Shī‘atu ‘Alī'' ({{lang|ar|شيعة علي}}), meaning "the followers of Ali" or "the faction of Ali". <ref>The New Encyclopædia Britannica, Jacob E. Safra, Chairnman of the Baord, 15th Edition, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 1998, ISBN 0-85229-6330, Vol 10, p 738.</ref>

== Beliefs ==
=== Succession of Ali ===

{{main|Shi'a view of Ali}}

{{Expand|date=January 2009}}

[[Shia|Shī‘ah]] Muslims believe that just as a prophet is appointed by God alone, only God has the prerogative to appoint the successor to his prophet. They believe that God chose [[Ali|‘Alī]] to be the successor, infallible and divinely chosen. Thus they say that [[Muhammad]], before his death, appointed Ali as his successor.

‘Ali was Prophet Muhammad's first cousin and closest living male relative, as well as his son-in-law, having married his daughter Fatimah.<ref>Merriam-Webster's Encyclopedia of World Religions, Wendy Doniger, Consulting Editor, Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, Springfield, MA 1999, ISBN: 0-87779-044-2, LoC: BL31.M47 1999, p525</ref><ref>The New Encyclopædia Britannica, Jacob E. Safra, Chairnman of the Board, 15th Edition, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 1998, ISBN 0-85229-6330, Vol 10, p738.</ref><ref>"Esposito, John. "What Everyone Needs to Know about Islam" Oxford University Press, 2002. ISBN-13: 978-0195157130. p 46</ref> ‘Ali would eventually become the fourth Muslim caliph. <ref>The New Encyclopædia Britannica, Jacob E. Safra, Chairnman of the Board, 15th Edition, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 1998, ISBN 0-85229-6330, Vol 22, p17.</ref>

Shia Muslims believe that Prophet Muhammad had appointed ‘Ali to be his successor. <ref>Merriam-Webster's Encyclopedia of World Religions, Wendy Doniger, Consulting Editor, Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, Springfield, MA 1999, ISBN: 0-87779-044-2, LoC: BL31.M47 1999, p525</ref> However, others made arrangements that prevented ‘Ali from being recognised as such for thirty-five years.

When Prophet Muhammad died, ‘Ali and Prophet Muhammad's closest relatives made the funeral arrangements. While they were preparing the body of Prophet Muhammad, Abu Bakr, ‘Umar, and Abu ‘Ubayda met with the leaders of Medina and elected Abu Bakr as khalifa ("caliph"). ‘Ali and his family were dismayed, but accepted the appointment for the sake of unity in the early Muslim community.<ref>Merriam-Webster's Encyclopedia of World Religions, Wendy Doniger, Consulting Editor, Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, Springfield, MA 1999, ISBN: 0-87779-044-2, LoC: BL31.M47 1999, p525</ref>

It was not until the murder of the third khalifa, ‘Uthman, that the Muslims in Medina invited ‘Ali to become the fourth khalifa.<ref>Merriam-Webster's Encyclopedia of World Religions, Wendy Doniger, Consulting Editor, Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, Springfield, MA 1999, ISBN: 0-87779-044-2, LoC: BL31.M47 1999, p525</ref>

While ‘Ali was caliph, his capital was in Kufah, Iraq.<ref>The New Encyclopædia Britannica, Jacob E. Safra, Chairnman of the Board, 15th Edition, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 1998, ISBN 0-85229-6330, Vol 10, p738.</ref>

‘Ali's rule over the early Muslim community was often contested. As a result, he had to struggle to maintain his power, waging "increasingly unsuccessful wars." After Ali's murder in 661 CE, his main rival Mu‘awiya claimed the caliphate. <ref>The New Encyclopædia Britannica, Jacob E. Safra, Chairnman of the Board, 15th Edition, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 1998, ISBN 0-85229-6330, Vol 10, p738.</ref> Some of the problems came from the very people who had initially supported ‘Ali's claim to rule. While the rebels who accused ‘Uthman of nepotism affirmed ‘Ali's khilafa, they later turned against him and fought him.<ref>Merriam-Webster's Encyclopedia of World Religions, Wendy Doniger, Consulting Editor, Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, Springfield, MA 1999, ISBN: 0-87779-044-2, LoC: BL31.M47 1999, p525</ref>

‘Ali ruled from 656 CE to 661 CE,<ref>Merriam-Webster's Encyclopedia of World Religions, Wendy Doniger, Consulting Editor, Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, Springfield, MA 1999, ISBN: 0-87779-044-2, LoC: BL31.M47 1999, p525</ref> when he was assassinated. <ref>"Esposito, John. "What Everyone Needs to Know about Islam" Oxford University Press, 2002. ISBN-13: 978-0195157130. p 46</ref>

The respect that Sunni Muslims show to ‘Ali and his descendants ("sayyids" in the East or "sharifs" in North Africa is just one of several ways in which Shia Islam has influenced Sunni Islam. <ref>The New Encyclopædia Britannica, Jacob E. Safra, Chairnman of the Board, 15th Edition, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 1998, ISBN 0-85229-6330, Vol 22, p17.</ref>

=== Imamate of the Ahl al-Bayt ===

[[Image:The Holy Kabbah in Makkah.jpg|thumb|200px|The Holy [[Kaaba]] in [[Mecca]], [[Saudi Arabia]].]]
[[Image:(S.A.W) grave.jpg|thumb|200px|Tomb of [[Muhammad]] in [[Medina|Madinah]], [[Saudi Arabia]].]]
{{Main|Status of a Shia Imam}}

Most of the early Shia as well as Zaydis differed only marginally from mainstream Sunnis in their views on political leadership, but it is possible in this sect to see a refinement of Shīa doctrine. Early Sunnis traditionally held that the political leader must come from the tribe of the Prophet—namely, the [[Quraysh]]. The Zaydīs narrowed the political claims of the Ali's supporters, claiming that not just any descendant of 'Alī would be eligible to lead the Muslim community (ummah) but only those males directly descended from Muḥammad through the union of 'Alī and Fāṭimah. But during Abbasid revolts, other Shīa, who came to be known as imāmiyyah (followers of the Imams) follow theological school of [[Ja'far al-Sadiq]]. They asserted a more exalted religious role for Imams and insisted that, at any given time, whether in power or not, a single male descendant of 'Alī and Fāṭimah was the divinely appointed Imam and the sole authority, in his time, on all matters of faith and law. To those Shīʿites, love of the imams and of their persecuted cause became as important as belief in God’s oneness and the mission of Muhammad. <ref name="Britannica"/>

Later most of Shia, including Twelver and Ismaili, became Imami. Imamis Shia believe that Imams are the spiritual and political successors to [[Muhammad]].<ref name="Britannica">{{cite encyclopedia| title=Shi'ite |year=2007| encyclopedia=Encyclopedia Britannica Online | accessdate=2007-11-06 |location=|publisher= |url=http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9067367/Shiite}}</ref>
Imams are human individual who not only rules over the community with justice, but also is able to keep and interpret the [[Shariah|Divine Law]] and its [[Esoteric interpretation of the Qur'an|esoteric meaning]]. The Prophet and Imams' [[Sunnah|words and deeds]] are a guide and model for the community to follow; as a result, they must be free from error and sin, and must be chosen by divine decree, or ''nass'', through the Prophet.<ref>Nasr (1979), p.10</ref><ref>Momen (1985), p.174</ref>

According to this view, there is always an Imam of the Age, who is the divinely appointed authority on all matters of faith and law in the Muslim community. [[Ali|‘Alī]] was the first Imam of this line, the rightful successor to the Prophet of Islam, followed by male descendants of Muhammad through his daughter [[Fatimah Zahra]].<ref name="Britannica"/>

This difference between following either the [[Ahl al-Bayt]] (Muhammad's family and descendants) or the [[Caliph]] [[Abu Bakr]] has shaped Shia and non-Shia views on some of the Qur'an, the [[Hadith]] (narrations from Muhammad) and other areas of Islam. For instance, the collection of Hadith venerated by Shia Muslims is centered on narrations by members of the Ahl al-Bayt and their supporters, while some Hadith by narrators not belonging to or supporting the Ahl al-Bayt are not included (those of [[Abu Huraira]], for example). According to the Sunnis, Ali was the third successor to Abu Bakr however, the Shia maintain that Ali was the first divinely sanctioned "Imam," or successor of Muhammad. The seminal event in Shia history is the martyrdom in 680 CE at the [[Battle of Karbala]] of Ali's son
[[Husayn ibn Ali|Hussein]], who led an non-allegiance movement against the defiant caliph (71 of Hussein's followers were killed as well). Hussein came to
symbolize resistance to tyranny.

It is believed in Twelver and [[Ismaili]] Shī‘ah Islam that [[Aql (Shiasm)|‘aql]], divine wisdom, was the source of the souls of the Prophets and Imams and gave them esoteric knowledge called ''ḥikmah'' and that their sufferings were a means of divine grace to their devotees.<ref>Nasr (1979), p.15</ref><ref>Corbin (1993), pp.45-51</ref><ref name="Britannica"/> Although the Imam was not the recipient of a [[wahy|divine revelation]], he had a close relationship with God, through which God guides him, and the Imam in turn guides the people. [[Imamate]], or belief in the divine guide is a fundamental belief in the Twelver and Ismaili Shī‘ī branches and is based on the concept that God would not leave humanity without access to divine guidance.<ref name="Imamat">{{cite encyclopedia | encyclopedia = Encyclopaedia of Islam and the Muslim world; vol.1 | last = Gleave | first = Robert | title=Imamate | publisher = MacMillan | id = ISBN 0028656040}}</ref>

=== Light of Aql ===

{{main|'Aql}}

In Islam, the term ‘aql was heavily elucidated by early Shī‘ah thinkers; it came to replace and expand the pre-Islamic concept of ''ḥilm'' ({{lang-ar|حلم}}) "serene justice and self-control, dignity" in opposition to the negative notions of ignorance (''jahl'') and stupidity (''safah'').<ref name="DivineGuide">{{Citation | last =Moezzi | first =Mohammad Ali Amir | date =1994 | title =The Divine Guide in Early Shiʻism: The Sources of Esotericism in Islam | publication-place =Albany | publisher =State University of New York Press | page =6 | isbn =079142121X }}</ref>

The "possessor of ‘aql", or ''al-‘āqīl'' (plural ''al-‘uqqāl'') realises a deep connection with God. Imam [[Ja'far al-Sadiq|Jaʿfar aṣ-Ṣādiq]] described this connection as a realization that God loves some (over others), that God's is the Truth and that only ''[[ilm (Arabic)|‘ilm]]'' "knowledge of the Sacred" and its development can help humanity fulfill its potential.

His son, Imām [[Musa al-Kadhim|Mūsà al-Kāżim]] (d. 799), expanded this exegesis by defining ‘aql as the "faculty for apprehending the divine, a faculty of metaphysical perception, a light in the heart, through which one can discern and recognize signs from God."<ref name="DivineGuide"/> He further noted that where the A'immah (Imāms) are the ''ḥujjatu ż-żāhirah'' "External proof [of God]", ‘aql is the ''ḥujjatu l-Bāṭinah'' "Secret proof".<ref name="DivineGuide"/>

While in early Islam, ‘aql was opposed to ''jahl'' "ignorance", the expansion of the concept meant it was now opposed to ''safah'' "[deliberate] stupidity" and ''junūn'' "lack of sense, indulgence". Under the influence of [[Mu'tazili|Mu‘tazilī]] thought, ‘aql came to mean "dialectical reasoning".<ref name="DivineGuide"/>

=== Ismah ===

{{main|Ismah}}

''Ismah'' is the concept of [[infallibility]] or "divinely bestowed freedom from error and sin" in [[Islam]].<ref>Dabashi, ''Theology of Discontent'', p.463</ref> [[Muslims]] believe that [[Muhammad]] and other prophets in Islam possessed ‘iṣmah. [[Twelver]] and [[Ismaili]] [[Shia Islam|Shī‘ah]] Muslims also attribute the quality to [[Imamah (Shi'a doctrine)|Imāms]] as well as to [[Fatima Zahra]], daughter of [[Muhammad]], in contrast to the [[Zaidi]], who do not attribute ‘ismah to the Imāms.

According to Shī‘ah theologians, infallibility is considered a rational necessary precondition for spiritual and religious guidance. They argue that since [[God]] has commanded absolute obedience from these figures they must only order that which is right. The state of infallibility is based on the Shī‘ah [[tafsir|interpretation]] of the [[verse of purification]].{{Cite quran|33|33}}<ref>Momen (1985), p.155</ref> Thus they are, the most pure ones, the only immaculate ones preserved from, and immune to, all uncleanness.<ref>Corbin (1993), pp.48 and 49</ref> It doesn't mean that supernatural powers prevent them from committing a sin, but it is due to the fact that they have an absolute [[Iman|belief]] in God so that they find themselves in presence of God.<ref name="Dabashi">Dabashi (2006), [http://books.google.com/books?id=sTFdNNQP4ewC&pg=PA463&vq=Infallible&dq=Dabashi+Theology+of+Discontent&source=gbs_search_r&cad=1_1&sig=ACfU3U1qqg-6MZbV5y-TTuwAxtj26CIQhg p.463]</ref>
They have also complete knowledge about God's will. They are in possession of all the knowledge brought by the [[angels]] to the prophets (''[[nabi]]'') and the messengers (''[[Rasul]]''). Their knowledge encompasses the totality of all times. Thus they act without fault in religious matters.<ref>Corbin (1993), p.48</ref>

=== Intercession ===

{{main|Tawassul}}

{{Expand|date=January 2009}}

=== Clergy ===

{{main|Shia clergy}}

{{Expand|date=January 2009}}

=== The Occultation ===
{{main|The Occultation}}
{{Expand|date=January 2009}}
[[The Occultation]] in [[Shi'a Islam]] refers to a belief that the messianic figure, the [[Mahdi]], is an Imam who has disappeared and will one day return and fill the world with justice. Some Shi'a, such as the [[Zaidi]] and [[Nizari]] [[Ismaili]], do not believe in the idea of the Occultation. The groups which do believe in it differ upon which lineage of imamate is correct, and therefore which individual has gone into the Occultation.

==History==
===Origin===
There are two theories about the emergence of Shi'a Islam. One of them emphasizes the political struggle about the succession of Muhammad after his death and especially during the [[First Fitna]].<ref>See:
*Lapidus p. 47
*Holt p. 72</ref> According to this theory, early in the history of Islam, the Shīa were a political faction (party of 'Alī) that supported caliphate of ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib and, later, of his descendants. Starting as a political faction, this group gradually developed into a religious movement. <ref name="Britannica"/>

The other one emphasizes on different interpretation of Islam which led to different understanding about the role of caliphs and ulamas. [[Hossein Nasr]] has quoted:
<blockquote>Shi'ism was not brought into existence only by the question of the political [[succession to Muhammad]] as so many Western works claim (although this question was of course of great importance). The problem of political succession may be said to be the element that crystallized the Shi'ites into a distinct group, and political suppression in later periods, especially the martyrdom of [[Husayn ibn Ali|Imam Husayn]]-upon whom be peace-only accentuated this tendency of the Shi'ites to see themselves as a separate community within the Islamic world. The principal cause of the coming into being of Shi'ism, however, lies in the fact that this
possibility existed within the Islamic revelation itself and so had to be realized. Inasmuch as there were exoteric [Zaheri] and esoteric [Bateni] interpretations from the very beginning, from which developed the schools (madhhab) of the [[Sharia]] and [[Sufism]] in the [[Sunni]] world, there also had to be an interpretation of Islam which would combine these elements in a single whole. This possibility was realized in Shi'ism, for which the [[Imamah (Shia doctrine)|Imam]] is the person in whom these two aspects of traditional authority are united and in whom
the religious life is marked by a sense of tragedy and martyrdom... Hence the question which arose was not so much who should be the successor of [[Muhammad]] as what the function and qualifications of such a person would be.<ref>Nasr, Shi'ite Islam, preface, p. 9 and 10</ref></blockquote>

== Community ==
===Demographics===
{{main|Demographics of Islam}}


As stated above, an estimate of approximately 10-15% of the world's Muslims are Shi'a, which corresponds to about 130-190 million Shi'a Muslims worldwide.<ref name="pewforum">[http://pewforum.org/events/index.php?EventID=R120 pewforum.org]</ref> Shi'a Muslims, though a minority in the Muslim world, constitute the majority of the populations in [[Iran]], [[Azerbaijan]], [[Bahrain]] and [[Iraq]].

Shi'a Muslims also constitute over 35% of the population in [[Lebanon]],<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/packages/khtml/2006/07/19/world/middleeast/20060719_MIDEAST_GRAPHIC.html New York Times: Religious Distribution in Lebanon]</ref> over 45% of the population in [[Yemen]],<ref>[http://islamicweb.com/beliefs/cults/shia_population.htm How many Shia?]</ref> over 35% of the population in [[Kuwait]],<ref>[http://www.experiencefestival.com/a/Kuwait_-_Demographics/id/1559696 Demographics of Kuwait]</ref>, 20-25% of the population (primarily [[Alevi]]) in [[Turkey]],<ref>[http://www.experiencefestival.com/a/Demographics_of_Turkey_-_Some_facts/id/1317455 Demographics of Turkey]</ref> 20% (primarily [[Bektashi]]) of the population in [[Albania]],<ref>[http://www.experiencefestival.com/a/Albanians/id/1906781 Demographics of Albania]</ref> 20% of the population in [[Pakistan]] and 18% of population in [[Afghanistan]]. They also make up at least 15% of the Muslim populations in [[India]], the [[UAE]], [[Syria]], [[Saudi Arabia]] and [[Serbia]]/[[Montenegro]] & [[Kosovo]].

Significant Shi'a communities exist on the coastal regions of [[West Sumatra]] and [[Aceh]] in [[Indonesia]] (see [[Tabuik]]). The Shi'a presence is negligible elsewhere in [[Southeast Asia]], where Muslims are predominantly [[Shafi'i]] Sunnis.

A significant syncretic Shi'a minority is present in [[Nigeria]], centered around the state of [[Kano]] (see [[Shia in Nigeria]]). East Africa holds several populations of Ismaili Shia, primarily descendants of immigrants from South Asia during the colonial period, such as the [[Khoja]].

According to Shi'a Muslim, one of the lingering problems in estimating Shi'a population is that unless Shi'a form a significant minority in a Muslim country, the entire population is often listed as Sunni. The reverse, however, has not held true, which may contribute to imprecise estimates of the size of each sect. For example, the 1926 rise of the [[House of Saud]] in Arabia brought official discrimination against Shi'a.<ref name="saudi">[http://www.wsws.org/articles/2001/oct2001/saud-o08.shtml Discrimination towards Shia in Saudi Arabia]</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable" border="1" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="72%" align=left
|+Shia population distribution in Middle East and South Asia
|-
! bgcolor="#DDDDFF" width="10%" |Country
! bgcolor="#DDDDFF" width="19%" |Total population
! bgcolor="#DDDDFF" width="19%" |Shia population
! bgcolor="#DDDDFF" width="29%" |Percent of population that is Shia
|-
| [[Iran]]
| align=right | 68,700,000
| align=right | 61,800,000
| align=right | 90
|-
| [[Pakistan]]
| align=right | 165,800,800
| align=right | 33,200,000
| align=right | 20
|-
| [[Iraq]]
| align=right | 26,000,000
| align=right | 17,400,000
| align=right | 65
|-
| [[India]]
| align=right | 1,009,000,000
| align=right | 11,000,000
| align=right | 1
|-
| [[Azerbaijan]]
| align=right | 8,000,000
| align=right | 6,000,000
| align=right | 85
|-
| [[Afghanistan]]
| align=right | 31,000,000
| align=right | 5,900,000
| align=right | 19
|-
| [[Saudi Arabia]]
| align=right | 27,000,000
| align=right | 4,000,000
| align=right | 15
|-
| [[Lebanon]]
| align=right | 3,900,000
| align=right | 1,700,000
| align=right | 45
|-
| [[Kuwait]]
| align=right | 2,400,000
| align=right | 730,000
| align=right | 30
|-
| [[Bahrain]]
| align=right | 700,000
| align=right | 520,000
| align=right | 75
|-
| [[Syria]]
| align=right | 18,900,000
| align=right | 190,000
| align=right | 1
|-
| [[UAE]]
| align=right | 2,600,000
| align=right | 160,000
| align=right | 6
|-
| [[Qatar]]
| align=right | 890,000
| align=right | 140,000
| align=right | 16
|-
| [[Oman]]
| align=right | 3,100,000
| align=right | 31,000
| align=right | 1
|-
|colspan=4 style="font-size:.7em"|Source: [http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0PBZ/is_3_87/ai_n27245724/pg_5?tag=artBody;col1 Based on data from numerous scholarly references and from governments and NGOs in the Middle East and the West.]
|}
{{-}}

===Persecution===
{{main|Persecution of Shia Muslims}}
{{Fact|most of this section needs verifiable references|date=January 2009}}

The dispute over the right successor to Muhammad resulted in the formation of two main sects, the [[Sunni]], and the [[Shia Islam|Shia]]. The Sunni, or followers of the way, followed the caliphate and maintained the premise that any devout Muslim could potentially become the successor to the Prophet if accepted by his peers. The Shia however, maintain that only the person selected by God and [[Eid al-Ghadeer|announced by the Prophet]] could become his successor, thus Ali became the religious authority for the Shia people. Militarily established and holding control over the Umayyad government, many Sunni rulers perceived the Shia as a threat – both to their political and religious authority.<ref>[http://www.islamfortoday.com/shia.htm The Origins of the Sunni/Shia split in Islam]</ref>{{Verify credibility|This appears to be a religious article and not an academic source.|date=January 2009}}

The Sunni rulers under the Umayyads sought to marginalize the Shia minority and later the [[Abbasids]] turned on their Shia allies and further imprisoned, persecuted, and killed Shias. The persecution of Shias throughout history by Sunni co-religionists has often been characterized by brutal and genocidal acts. Comprising only about 10-15% of the entire Muslim population, to this day, the Shia remain a marginalized community in many Sunni Arab dominant countries without the rights to practice their religion and organize.<ref>Nasr,Vali (2006). ''The Shia Revival: How Conflicts Within Islam Will Shape the Future''. W.W. Norton & Company Inc. ISBN-13:978-0-393-06211-3 p. 52-53</ref>

At various times many Shi'a groups have faced persecution.<ref>''([[Ya'qubi]]; vol.lll, pp.91-96'', and ''[[Tarikh Abul Fida]]', vol. I, p.212.)''</ref><ref>[http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=PcKBtc8bymoC&oi=fnd&pg=PA237&dq=shia+persecution&ots=Cpp7WVSE_U&sig=ZVP6c1ibBP6xL-ZtzCIXJ-hajrs The Psychologies in Religion, E. Thomas Dowd and Stevan Lars Nielsen, chapter 14]</ref><ref>[http://www.inthenews.co.uk/news/autocodes/countries/iraq/basra-handover-completed-$1179488.htm Basra handover completed]</ref><ref>[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,30809-2523714,00.html Hanging will bring only more bloodshed | Bronwen Maddox: World Briefing - Times Online]</ref><ref>[http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2004/681/re2.htm Al-Ahram Weekly | REGION | Shi'ism or schism]</ref><ref>[http://www.nmhschool.org/tthornton/mehistorydatabase/shia.php The Shia, Ted Thornton, NMH, Northfield Mount Hermon]</ref>

===Calendar===
[[Image:Muharram procession 2, Manama, Bahrain (Feb 2005).jpg|thumb|270px|right|Shi'a Muslims in [[Bahrain]] strike their chests during the Remembrance of Muharram.]]

Sunni, and Twelver and Mustaali Shi'a, celebrate the following annual holidays:
* [[Eid ul-Fitr]] (عيد الفطر), which marks the end of fasting during the month of [[Ramadan]] and falls on the first day of [[Shawwal]].
* [[Eid ul-Adha]], which marks the end of the [[Hajj]] or pilgrimage to [[Mecca]], starts on the 10th day of [[Dhul Hijja]].

The following holidays are observed by Twelver and Mustaali Shi'a only, unless otherwise noted:
* The [[Remembrance of Muharram]] and [[Ashurah]] (عاشوراء) for Shia commemorates Imam [[Husayn ibn Ali]]'s [[martyr]]dom. Imam Husayn was grandson of Muhammad, who was killed by Yazid ibn Muawiyah, the Sunnis' 6th Khalif. Ashurah is a day of deep mourning which occurs on the 10th of [[Muharram]]. Sunnis also celebrate Ashurah, but give it a different meaning (see [[Ashurah]]). On January 19, 2008, 2 million [[Iraq]]i Shia [[pilgrim]]s marched through [[Karbala]] city, [[Iraq]] to celebrate [[Ashura]]. 20,000 Iraqi troops and police guarded the event amid tensions due to clashes between Iraqi troops and the cult which left 263 people dead (in [[Basra]] and [[Nasiriya]]).<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7197473.stm BBC NEWS, Iraqi Shia pilgrims mark holy day]</ref>
* [[Arba'een]] commemorates the suffering of the women and children of Imam Husayn's household. After Husayn was killed, they were marched over the desert, from [[Karbala]] (central Iraq) to Shaam ([[Damascus]], Syria). Many children (some of whom were direct descendants of Muhammad) died of thirst and exposure along the route. Arba'een occurs on the 20th of [[Safar]], 40 days after [[Ashurah]].
* [[Mawlid|Milad al-Nabi]], [[Muhammad]]'s birth date, is celebrated by both Sunni (though not all celebrate as there is a dispute on this issue) and Shia on the 17th of [[Rabi al-awwal|Rabi al-Awwal]], which coincides with the birth date of the sixth imam, [[Jafar Sadiq|Ja'far al-Sadiq]].{{Fact|date=April 2008}}
* [[Mid-Sha'ban]] is the birth date of the 12th and final imam, [[Muhammad al-Mahdi]]. It is celebrated by Shi'a Muslims on the 15th of [[Shaban]]. Many Shia fast on this day to show gratitude.
* [[Eid al-Ghadeer]] celebrates [[Ghadir Khum]], the occasion when Muhammad announced Ali's imamate before a multitude of Muslims. Eid al-Ghadeer is held on the 18th of [[Dhil-Hijjah]].
* [[Al-Mubahila]] celebrates a meeting between the [[Ahlul Bayt|household of Muhammad]] and a Christian deputation from [[Najran]]. Al-Mubahila is held on the 24th of Dhil-Hijjah. References to this event in the Holy Quran.

===Holy cities===
{{Fact|This section also needs citations.|date=January 2009}}
Both Shia and Sunni Muslims share a certain veneration and religious obligations towards certain shrines and holy sites, such as Mecca ([[Masjid al-Haram]]), Medina ([[Al-Masjid al-Nabawi]]), and [[Jerusalem]] ([[Al-Aqsa Mosque]]). For a list of some of the holiest uniquely Shia shrines see [[Holiest sites in Islam#Shi.27a holy sites|Shia holy sites]].

==Branches==
The Shi'a faith throughout its history split over the issue of imamate, with each branch supporting different imams. The largest branch are the Twelvers, to which over 85% of Shi'a belong. The only other surviving branches are the Zaidi and Ismaili. All three groups follow a different line of Imamate.

Twelver Shi'a believe in the lineage of the [[Twelve Imams]]. The Twelver Shi'a faith is predominantly found in [[Iran]] (est. 90%) , [[Azerbaijan]] (est. 85%), [[Bahrain]] (est. 75%), [[Iraq]] (est. 65%), [[Yemen]] (est. 45%), [[Lebanon]] (est. 35%) <ref>[http://www.wilsoncenter.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=wq.essay&essay_id=202986 The Revenge of the Shia]</ref>, [[Kuwait]] (est. 35%), [[Turkey]] (est. 25%), [[Albania]] (est. 20%), [[Pakistan]] (est. 20%) and [[Afghanistan]] (est. 20%).<ref>[http://iml.jou.ufl.edu/projects/Spring05/Shullick/twelver.htm Religious Minorities in the Muslim World]</ref><ref>[http://bahai-library.com/unpubl.articles/islam.bahai.html A History of Islam from a Baha'i Perspective]</ref>.

The Zaidi dispute the succession of the fifth Twelver Imam, [[Muhammad al-Baqir]], because he did not stage a revolution against the corrupt government, unlike [[Zaid ibn Ali]]. They do not believe in a normal lineage, but rather that any descendant of [[Hasan ibn Ali]] or [[Husayn ibn Ali]] who stages a revolution against a corrupt government is an imam. The Zaidi are mainly found in [[Yemen]].

The Ismaili dispute the succession of the seventh Twelver Imam, [[Musa al-Kadhim]], believing his older brother [[Isma'il ibn Jafar]] actually succeeded their father [[Ja'far al-Sadiq]], and did not predecease him like Twelver Shi'a believe. Ismaili form small communities in [[Afghanistan]], [[Pakistan]], [[Uzbekistan]], [[India]], [[Yemen]], [[China]] and [[Saudi Arabia]]<ref>[http://merln.ndu.edu/archive/icg/shiitequestion.pdf International Crisis Group. The Shiite Question in Saudi Arabia, Middle East Report N°45, 19 September 2005]</ref> and have several subbranches.

===Twelver===
{{main|Twelvers}}
{{Twelvers}}

'''Twelver''', '''Imami Shi'ism''' or '''Ithnāˤashariyyah'''' ('''{{lang|ar|اثنا عشرية}}''') is the largest branch of [[Shia Islam|Shī‘ī]] [[Islam]]. An adherent of Twelver Shī‘ism is most commonly referred to as a ''Twelver'', which is derived from their belief in twelve divinely ordained leaders, known as [[the Twelve Imams]]. Approximately 85% of Shi'a are Twelvers, representing the largest branch of the Shī‘ah, and the term ''Shi'a Muslim'' usually refers to Twelver Shi'a Muslims only.

The Twelvers are also known by other names, each connoting some aspect of the faith.

* "The Shī‘ah" is commonly used as a synonym for "Twelvers" since this branch comprises the majority group of Shī‘ī Islam.
* ''Ja‘farī'' refers to Twelvers to the exclusion of the Ismā‘īlī and Zaydī ("Fivers"). This term refers to the majority Twelver [[madhhab|school]] of [[fiqh|jurisprudence]] (a minority school, the [[Akhbari|Akhbarī]], also exists). It is attributed to [[Jafar Sadiq|Ja‘far aṣ-Ṣādiq]], who the Twelvers consider to be their Sixth Imām. The founders of the [[Sunni]] [[Hanafi]] and [[Maliki]] schools of jurisprudence narrated [[hadith]] from Ja‘far.
* ''Imāmī'' is a reference to the Twelver belief in [[ma'sum|the infallibility]] of the Imāms. Though the Ismā‘īlī also accept the concept of Imāms, this term is used specifically for the Twelvers.

The Twelver faith is predominantly found in [[Iran]] (90%), [[Iraq]] (65%), [[Azerbaijan]] (85%), [[Lebanon]] (35%), [[Kuwait]] (35%), [[Turkey]] (25%), [[Saudi Arabia]] (10-15%),<ref>[http://merln.ndu.edu/archive/icg/shiitequestion.pdf International Crisis Group. The Shiite Question in Saudi Arabia, Middle East Report N°45, 19 September 2005]</ref> [[Bahrain]] (80%) and forms a large minority in [[Pakistan]] (20%) and [[Afghanistan]] (18%).

Twelvers believe that the descendants of the Islamic prophet Muḥammad through his daughter [[Fatima Zahra]] and his son-in-law [[Ali|‘Alī]] are the best source of knowledge about the [[Qur'an]] and Islam, the most trusted carriers and protectors of Muḥammad's [[Sunnah|traditions]] and the most worthy of emulation.

In particular, Twelvers recognize the succession of ‘Alī, Muḥammad's cousin, son-in-law and the first man to accept Islam (second only to Muḥammad's wife [[Khadijah bint Khuwaylid|Khadījah]]), the male head of the [[Ahl al-Bayt]] or "people of the [Prophet's] house" and the father of Muḥammad's only bloodline) as opposed to that of the [[caliph]]ate recognized by [[Sunni]] Muslims. Twelvers also believe that ‘Alī was appointed successor by Muḥammad's direct order on many occasions, and that he is therefore the rightful leader of the Muslim faith.

‘Alī was the third successor to [[Abu Bakr]] and, for the Shī‘ah, the first divinely sanctioned "Imām," or male descendant of Muḥammad. The seminal event in Shī‘ah history is the martyrdom in 680 CE of ‘Alī's son [[Husayn ibn Ali|Husayn]], who led an uprising against the "illegitimate" caliph. For the Shī‘ah, Husayn came to symbolize resistance to tyranny.

Regardless of the dispute about the Caliphate, Twelvers recognize the religious authority of the [[Twelve Imams]], also called ''Khalīfah Ilāhi.''

====The Twelve Imams====
{{seealso|Twelve Imams}}



The '''Twelve Imams''' are the spiritual and political successors to [[Muhammad]], the [[Prophet of Islam]], for Twelvers.<ref name="Britannica">{{cite encyclopedia| title=Shi'ite |year=2007| encyclopedia=Encyclopedia Britannica Online | accessdate=2007-11-06 |location=|publisher= |url=http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9067367/Shiite}}</ref>

According to the [[theology of Twelvers]], the successor of [[Muhammad]] is an [[The Fourteen Infallibles|infallible]] human individual who not only rules over the community with justice, but also is able to keep and interpret the [[Shariah|Divine Law]] and its [[Esoteric interpretation of the Qur'an|esoteric meaning]]. The Prophet and Imams' [[Sunnah|words and deeds]] are a guide and model for the community to follow; as a result, they must be free from error and sin, and must be chosen by divine decree, or ''nass'', through the Prophet.<ref>Nasr (1979), p.10</ref><ref>Momen (1985), p.174</ref> Each Imam was the son of the previous Imam, with the exception of [[Husayn ibn Ali]], who was the brother of [[Hasan ibn Ali]].<ref name="Britannica"/> The twelfth and final Imam is [[Muhammad al-Mahdi]], who is believed by the Twelvers to be currently alive, and [[Major Occultation|in hiding]].<ref name="Imamat">{{cite encyclopedia | encyclopedia = Encyclopaedia of Islam and the Muslim world; vol.1 | last = Gleave | first = Robert | title=Imamate | publisher = MacMillan | id = ISBN 0028656040}}</ref>

# [[Ali|‘Alī ibn Abī Ṭālib]] (600–661), also known as ''Amīru l-Mu'minīn'' "Commander of the Faithful" and in Persian as ''Shāh-e Mardan'' "King of the People"
# [[Hassan ibn Ali|Ḥasan ibn ‘Alī]] (625–669), also known as ''Al-Hasan al-Mujtaba''
# [[Hussain ibn Ali|Ḥusayn ibn ‘Alī]] (626–680), also known as ''Al-Husayn ash-Shaheed''
# [[Zayn al-Abidin|‘Alī ibn Ḥusayn]] (658–713), also known as ''Ali Zayn-ul-'Abideen''
# [[Muhammad al-Baqir|Muḥammad ibn ‘Alī]] (676–743), also known as ''Muhammad al-Bāqir''
# [[Ja'far as-Sadiq|Ja‘far ibn Muḥammad]] (703–765), also known as ''Ja'far aṣ-Ṣādiq''
# [[Musa al-Kadhim|Mūsá ibn Ja‘far]] (745–799), also known as ''Mūsá al-Kāżim''
# [[Ali ar-Rida|‘Alī ibn Mūsá]] (765–818), also known as ''Ali ar-Riża''
# [[Muhammad at Taqi|Muḥammad ibn ‘Alī]] (810–835), also known as ''Muḥammad al-Jawad'' and ''Muḥammad at-Taqi''
# [[Ali al-Hadi|‘Alī ibn Muḥammad]] (827–868), also known as ''‘Alī al-Ḥādī'' and ''‘Alī an-Naqī''
# [[Hasan al Askari|Ḥasan ibn ‘Alī]] (846–874), also known as ''Hasan al Askari''
# [[Muhammad al-Mahdi|Muḥammad ibn Ḥasan]] (868–?), also known as ''al-Hujjat ibn al-Ḥasan'', ''Mahdī'', ''Imāmu l-Aṣr''

====[[Principles of the Religion]] (''Usūl al-Dīn'') ====
{{Main|Principles of the Religion}}
In [[Twelver]] [[Shi'a Islam]], the '''Principles of the Religion''' ('''Usūl al-Dīn''') are the five main theological beliefs that Shi'a [[Muslim]]s must possess. The '''Shi'a Roots of Religion''' are a set of theoretical theological beliefs, in contrast to the ten practices prescribed in the Shi'a [[Branches of Religion]]. It is from these articles that the [[Branches of Religion]] are derived.

All books of [[Resalah]] start with an explicit disclaimer stating that no proof shall be given for any of the points in the '''Roots of Religion'''. The Marja argue that it is permissible to imitate in matters of practical Islam, for example, how one is supposed to do ''[[Salat]]'', without being familiar with evidence and arguments for the conclusions. However, they argue that the matters in the Roots of Religion are much too important to be merely imitated, and it is the responsibility of each individual to make themselves personally familiar with the arguments and evidence for each article of faith.

The five [[articles of faith]] in the '''Shi'a Roots of Religion''' are:
# [[Tawhīd]] (Oneness)
# [[Adalah|Adl]] (Justice)
# [[Nubuwwah]] (Prophethood)
# [[Imamah (Shi'a twelver doctrine)|Imāmah]] (Leadership)
# [[Qiyamah|Yawm al Qiyyamah]] (The Day of Resurrection)

====[[Practices of the Religion]] (''Furū al-Dīn'')====
{{main|Practices of the Religion}}
According to [[Twelver]] doctrine, what is referred to as pillars by Sunni Islam are called the practices or secondary principles. There are three additional practices. The first is [[jihad]], which is also important to the Sunni, but not considered a pillar. The second is ''[[Commanding what is just]]'' ({{lang-ar|امر بالمعروف}}), which calls for every Muslim to live a virtuous life and to encourage others to do the same. The third is ''[[Forbidding what is evil]]'' ({{lang-ar|النهي عن المنكر}}), which tells Muslims to refrain from vice and from evil actions and to encourage others to do the same.<ref>Momen (1987), p.180</ref><ref>Momem (1987), p.178</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia | title=Pillars of Islam | encyclopedia=Encyclopaedia Britannica Online | accessdate=2007-05-02}}</ref> Twelvers have five Principles of the Religion which relates to [[Aqidah]].<ref>Momem (1987), p.176</ref>
# [[Salah]] (Prayer)
# [[Sawm]] (Fast)
# [[Hajj]] (Pilgrimage)
# [[Zakah|Zakāh]] (Poor-rate)
# [[Khums|Khums]] (One-fifth of savings)
# [[Jihad|Jihād]] (Struggle)
# [[Amr-Bil-Ma'rūf]] (Enjoining what is good)
# [[Nahi-Anil-Munkar]] (Forbid what is evil)
# [[Tawalla|Tawallá]] (To love the Ahl al-Bayt and their followers )
# [[Tabarra|Tabarrā']] (To disassociate from the enemies of the Ahl al-Bayt)

====Ja'fari jurispudence====
{{Main|Ja'fari jurisprudence}}
'''Ja'fari jurisprudence''' or '''Ja'fari [[Fiqh]]''' is the name of the jurisprudence of the [[Twelver]] [[Muslims]], derived from the name of [[Ja'far al-Sadiq]], the 6th [[Shia Imam]].

The Ja'fari Shia consider ''Sunnah'' to be the oral traditions of Muhammad and their implementation and interpretation by the Imams who were all scholars and descendants of Muhammad through his daughter [[Fatima]] and her husband, the first Imam, [[Ali]]. There are three schools of Ja'fari jurispudence: [[Usuli]], [[Akhbari]], and [[Shaykhi]]. The Usuli school is by far the largest of the three. Twelver groups that do not follow Ja'fari jurisprudence include the [[Alawi]], [[Alevi]], [[Bektashi]], and [[Ahl-e Haqq]].

====Role of religious scholars====
{{Main|Shia clergy}}
[[Usooli]] and [[Akhbari]] [[Shia]] [[Twelver]] [[Muslims]] believe that the study of [[Islamic]] [[literature]] is a continual process, and is necessary for identifying all of [[God]]'s laws. Twelver Shia Muslims believe that the process of finding God's laws from the available Islamic literature will facilitate in dealing with any circumstance. They believe that they can interpret the [[Qur'an]] and the Twelver Shi'a traditions with the same authority as their predecessors. This process of ijtihad has provided a means to deal with current issues from an islamic perspective. Generally, the Twelver Shi'a clergy have exerted much more authority in the Twelver Shi'a community than have the Sunni ulema.

'''Marja''' ({{lang-ar|مرجع}}), also appearing as '''Marja Taqlid''' ({{lang-ar| مرجع تقليد}}) or '''Marja Dini''' ({{lang-ar| مرجع ديني}}), literally means "Source to Imitate/Follow" or "Religious Reference". It is the label provided to [[Shia]] authority, a ''Grand Ayatollah'' with the authority to make legal decisions within the confines of [[Sharia|Islamic law]] for followers and less-credentialed clerics. After the [[Qur'an]] and the [[Prophets of Islam|Prophets]] and [[Imamah (Shia doctrine)|Imams]], ''marjas'' are the highest authority on religious laws in [[Usuli]] [[Twelver]] [[Shia Islam]].

Currently, ''marjas'' are accorded the title '''''Grand Ayatollah''''' ({{lang-ar| آية ‌الله العظمی ''Ayatollah al-Uzma''}}), however when referring to one, the use of ''Ayatollah'' is acceptable. Previously, the titles of [[Allamah]]<ref>such as [[Allameh Tabatabaei]], [[Allameh Majlesi]], [[Allameh Hilli]]</ref> and [[Imam]]<ref>such as [[Imam Khomeini]], Imam Rohani [http://imamrohani.com imamrohani.com], Imam Shirazi [http://imamshirazi.shirazi.ir/ imamshirazi.shirazi.ir] and Imam Sadr [http://www.imamsadr.net imamsadr.net]</ref> have also been used.

==== Guardianship of the Jurisprudent ====
{{main|Hokumat-e Islami : Velayat-e faqih (book by Khomeini)}}
Traditionally [[Twelver]] Shi'a Muslims consider [[‘Ali|‘Ali ibn Abi Talib]] and the subsequent further eleven Imams not only religious guides but political leaders, based on a crucial [[hadith]] where the Prophet Muhammad passes on his power to command Muslims to [[Muhammad al-Mahdi#Birth and early life according to Twelver Shi.27as|Ali]]. Since the last Imam, [[Muhammad al-Mahdi]], went into "occultation" in 939 AD and is not expected back until end times, this left Shi'a without religiously sanctioned governance. In contrast, the Ismaili Imams did successfully gain political power with the shortly lived [[Fatimid Empire]]. After the fall of the Fatimid Empire Ismaili Shi'asm started to lean towards secular thought.

The first Shi'a regime, the [[Safavid dynasty]] in Iran, propagated the Twelver faith, made Twelver law the law of the land, and patronized Twelver scholarship. For this, Twelver ulama "crafted a new theory of government" which held that while "not truly legitimate", the Safavid monarchy would be "blessed as the most desirable form of government during the period of awaiting" for the [[Muhammad al-Mahdi|twelfth imam]].<ref>Nasr, Vali, ''The Shia Revival,'' Norton, (2006), p.74-75</ref>

In general, the Shi'a adhere to one of three approaches towards the state: either full participation in government, i.e. attempting to influence policies by becoming active in politics, or passive cooperation with it, i.e. minimal participation, or else most commonly, mere toleration of it, i.e. remaining aloof from it.<ref>Momen, ''An Introduction to Shi'i Islam'', (1985), p.193</ref> Historically, Zaidi and Ismaili Shi'a imams functioned as both religious and political leaders, but later after the fall of the [[Fatimid Empire]] the Ismaili imamate became a secular institution. In general, Twelver Shi'a historically remained secular.

This changed with [[Iranian Revolution]] where the Twelver Ayatollah [[Khomeini]] and his supporters established a new theory of governance for the [[History of the Islamic Republic of Iran|Islamic Republic of Iran]]. It is based on Khomeini's theory of guardianship of the Islamic jurist as rule of the Islamic jurist, and jurists as "legatees" of the Prophet Muhammad.

While [[Hokumat-e Islami : Velayat-e faqih (book by Khomeini)#Criticism|not all Twelver Shi'a]] accept this theory, it is uniquely Twelver and the basis of the [[constitution of Iran]], the largest Shi'a Muslim country, where the [[Supreme Leader of Iran|Supreme Leader]] must be an [[Faqih|Islamic jurist]].

===Ismaili===
{{main|Ismaili}}
{{Ismailism}}

The Ismā‘īlī ({{lang-ar|الإسماعيليون}} ''al-Ismāʿīliyyūn''; [[Urdu]]: إسماعیلی ''Ismāʿīlī'', {{lang-fa|إسماعیلیان}} ''Esmāʿiliyān'') branch of Islam is the second largest part of the Shī‘ah community after the Twelvers. The Ismā‘īlī get their name from their acceptance of [[Ismail bin Jafar|Ismā‘īl ibn Ja‘far]] as the divinely-appointed spiritual successor ([[Imamah (Shi'a Ismaili doctrine)|Imām]]) to [[Jafar al-Sadiq|Ja‘far aṣ-Ṣādiq]], wherein they differ from the Twelvers, who accept [[Musa al-Kazim|Mūsà al-Kāzim]], younger brother of Ismā‘īl, as the true Imām. The Ismā‘īlī and the Twelvers both accept the same initial ''A'immah'' from the descendants of Muhammad through his daughter [[Fatima Zahra|Fāṭimah az-Zahra]] and therefore share much of their early history.

After the death or [[the Occultation|Occultation]] of Imām [[Muhammad ibn Ismail|Muḥammad ibn Ismā‘īl]] in the 8th century, the teachings of Ismailism further transformed into the belief system as it is known today, with an explicit concentration on the deeper, [[esoteric]] meaning (''[[batin (Islam)|bāṭin]]'') of the faith. With the eventual development of Twelverism into the more literalistic ''([[Zahir (Islam)|zahir]])'' oriented [[Akhbari]] and later [[Usuli|Uṣūlī]] schools of thought, Shī‘ism developed in two separate directions: the metaphorical Ismā‘īlī group focusing on the [[mystical]] path and nature of God and the divine manifestation in the personage of the "Imam of the Time" as the "Face of God", while the more literalistic Twelver group focusing on divine law (''sharī‘ah'') and the deeds and sayings (''sunnah'') of Muḥammad and his successors (the ''Ahlu l-Bayt''), who as A'immah were guides and a light to God.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www-personal.umich.edu/~jrcole/ahsai1.htm | title = Shaykh Ahmad al-Ahsa'i | accessdate = 2007-04-25}}</ref>

Though there are several sub-groupings within the Ismā‘īlīs, the term in today's vernacular generally refers to the [[Nizari|Nizārī]] community who are followers of the [[Aga Khan]] and the largest group among the Ismā‘īliyyah. While many of the branches have extremely differing exterior practices, much of the spiritual theology has remained the same since the days of the faith's early Imāms. In recent centuries Ismā‘īlīs have largely been an Indo-Iranian community,<ref>Nasr, Vali, ''The Shia Revival'', Norton, (2006), p.76</ref> but they are found in [[India]], [[Pakistan]], [[Syria]], [[Palestine]], [[Saudi Arabia]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://lantos.house.gov/HoR/CA12/Human+Rights+Caucus/Briefing+Testimonies/107/TESTIMONY+OF+ALI+H.+ALYAMI.htm |title=Congressional Human Rights Caucus Testimony - NAJRAN, The Untold Story |accessdate=2007-01-08}}</ref> [[Yemen]], [[China]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://jmm.aaa.net.au/articles/11253.htm |title=News Summary: China; Latvia |accessdate=2007-06-01}}</ref> [[Jordan]], [[Uzbekistan]], [[Tajikistan]], [[Afghanistan]], [[East Africa]] and [[South Africa]], and have in recent years emigrated to [[Europe]], [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]], and [[North America]].<ref name="DaftaryShort1998p1">{{cite book |last=Daftary |first=Farhad |title=A Short History of the Ismailis |year=1998 |publisher=Edinburgh University Press |location=Edinburgh, UK |isbn=0-7486-0687-4 |pages=1–4}}</ref>

==== Ismā‘īlī Imāms ====
{{main|List of Ismaili Imams}}
After the death of Ismā‘īlī ibn Ja‘far, many Ismā‘īlī believed the line of Imāmate ended and that one day the messianic [[Mahdi]], whom they believed to be [[Muhammad ibn Ismail|Muḥammad ibn Ismā‘īl]], would return and establish an age of justice. One group included the violent [[Qarmatian]]s, who had a stronghold in [[Bahrain]]. In contrast, some Ismā‘īlīs believed the Imāmate ''did'' continue, and that the Imāms were in hiding and still communicated and taught their followers through a network of [[da'i|dā‘ī]]s "Missionaries".

In 909, [[Ubayd Allah al-Mahdi Billah|‘Ubaydallāh al-Mahdi bil-Lāh]], a claimant to the Ismā‘īlī Imāmate, established the [[Fatimid Empire]], a political power where Ismā‘īlī Imāms would rule for centuries. [[Egypt]] became the center of an [[empire]] that included at its peak [[North Africa]], [[Sicily]], [[Palestine]], [[Syria]], the [[Red Sea]] coast of Africa, [[Yemen]] and the [[Hejaz]]. Under the Fatimids, Egypt flourished and developed an extensive trade network in both the [[Mediterranean]] and the [[Indian Ocean]], which eventually determined the economic course of Egypt during the [[High Middle Ages]].

During this period, three lineages of Imāms formed. The first branch, known today as the [[Druze]], occurred with the Imām [[Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah|al-Hākim bi-Amrallāh]]. Born in 386 AH (985), he ascended as ruler at the age of eleven and was feared for his eccentricity and believed insanity. The typical religiously tolerant Fatimid Empire saw much persecution under his reign. When in 411 AH (1021) his mule returned without him, soaked in blood, a religious group that was even forming in his lifetime broke off from mainstream Ismā‘īlism and refused to acknowledge his successor. Later to be known as the Druze, they believe al-Hākim to be the incarnation of God and the prophecized Mahdi, who would one day return and bring justice to the world.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://baheyeldin.com/history/al-hakim-bi-amr-allah-fatimid-caliph-of-egypt.html | title = al-Hakim bi Amr Allah: Fatimid Caliph of Egypt | accessdate=2007-04-24}}</ref> The faith further split from Ismā‘īlism as it developed very unique doctrines which often classes it separately from both Ismā‘īliyyah and Islam.

The second split occurred following the death of [[Ma'ad al-Mustansir Billah]] in 487 AH (1094). His rule was the longest of any Caliph in any Islamic empires. Upon his passing away his sons, the older [[Nizar|Nizār]] and the younger [[Al-Musta'li|al-Musta‘lī]] fought for political and spiritual control of the dynasty. Nizār was defeated and jailed, but according to Nizāri tradition, his son to escaped to [[Alamut]] where the [[Iranian peoples|Iranian]] Ismā‘īlī had accepted his claim.<ref name="DaftaryShort1998p106">{{cite book |last=Daftary |first=Farhad |title=A Short History of the Ismailis |year=1998 |publisher=Edinburgh University Press |location=Edinburgh, UK |isbn=0-7486-0687-4 |pages=106–108 }}</ref>

The [[Mustaali|Musta‘lī]] line split again between the Ṭayyibī and the Ḥāfizī, the former claiming that the 21st Imām and son of [[Al-Amir|al-Amīr]] went into Occultation and appointed a [[Da'i al-Mutlaq|Dā‘ī al-Muṭlaq]] to guide the community, in a similar manner as the Ismā‘īlī had lived after the death of Muḥammad ibn Ismā‘īl. The latter claimed that the ruling Fatimid Caliph was the Imām, and they died out with the fall of the Fatimid Empire.

====[[Seven Pillars of Islam (Ismaili)|The Pillars of the Ismā‘īlī]]====
{{main|Seven Pillars of Islam (Ismaili)}}
The Ismā‘īlī [[Seven Pillars of Islam (Ismaili)|Seven Pillars of Islam]], including the Nizārī, Druze and Bohra (Musta‘lī) have three doctrines that are not included in the [[Five Pillars of Islam]]: [[Walayah]], [[Taharah]] and [[Jihad]]. This would raise the total to eight, but the Bohra do not include shahādah, lowering it to seven. The shahādah is a prominent part of other Ismā‘īlī traditions, with the added inclusion of ''‘Aliyun Amīru l-Mu'minīn Walī Allāh'' {{lang-ar|علي ولي الله}} "‘Alī, the Master of the Believers, is the ''[[wali|walī]]'' of God", at the end of the standard shahādah as recited by the rest of the Muslim Ummah.<ref name="autogenerated2">Article on 'Bohras' in ''OUP Encyclopedia of the Modern Islamic World'', [[John Esposito]] (ed), 1995, retrieved from [http://archive.mumineen.org/publications/oup/bohras.html]</ref>

* [[Walayah]] (Guardianship)
* ''Taharah'' (Purity)
* ''Shahādah'' (Profession of Faith)
* [[Salah]] (Prayer)
* [[Zakah]] (Charity)
* [[Sawm]] (Fasting)
* [[Hajj]] (Pilgrimage)
* [[Jihad]] (Struggle)

==== Contemporary leadership ====
For Nizārīs, there has been less of a scholarly institution because of the existence of a present Imām. The Imām of the Age defines the jurisprudence, and may differ with Imāms previous to him because of different times and circumstances.

However, divine leadership has continued in the Bohra branch through the institution of the "Unrestricted Missionary". According to Bohra tradition, before the last Imām, [[Taiyab abi al-Qasim|Ṭayyib Abi l-Qāṣim]], went into seclusion, his father, the 20th Imām [[Mansur al-Amir Bi-Ahkamillah]] had instructed Queen [[Al-Hurra Al-Malika]] in [[Yemen]] to appoint a vicegerent after the seclusion - the ''Unrestricted Missionary'', who as the Imām's vicegerent has full authority to govern the community in all matters both spiritual and temporal while he is in the Occultation. The three branches of the Musta‘lī, the [[Alavi Bohra]], [[Sulaimani Bohra]] and [[Dawoodi Bohra]], differ on who the current Unrestricted Missionary is.

=== Zaidi ===
{{main|Zaidi}}
The Zaidi are a branch of Shi'a Islam named after the [[Shi'a Imam|Imām]] [[Zayd ibn Ali|Zayd ibn ˤAlī]]. Followers of the Zaidi fiqh are called Zaidis (or occasionally, '''Fivers''' by Sunnis).{{Fact|date=February 2009}} However, there is also a group called the Zaidi ''Wasītī''s who are Twelvers (see below).

Since the earliest form of Zaidism was of the Jarudiyya group,<ref>Article by Sayyid 'Ali ibn 'Ali Al-Zaidi, A short History of the Yemenite Shi‘ites (2005) Referencing: Momen, p.50, 51. and S.S. Akhtar Rizvi, "Shi'a Sects"</ref> many of the first Zaidi states, like those of the [[Alavids]], [[Buyids]], [[Ukhaidhirids]]{{Fact|date=December 2007}} and [[Rassids]], were inclined to the Jarudiyya group.

The first Zaidi state was established in [[Gilan|Daylaman]] and [[Tabaristan]] (northern [[Iran]]) in 864 C.E. by the [[Alavids]];<ref>Article by Sayyid 'Ali ibn 'Ali Al-Zaidi, A short History of the Yemenite Shi‘ites (2005) Referencing: Iranian Influence on Moslem Literature</ref> it lasted until the death of its leader at the hand of the Samanids in 928 C.E. Roughly forty years later the state was revived in [[Gilan]] (north-western Iran) and survived under Hasanid leaders until 1126 C.E. After which from the 12th-13th centuries, the Zaidis of [[Gilan|Daylaman]], [[Gilan]] and [[Tabaristan]] then acknowledge the Zaidi Imams of Yemen or rival Zaidi Imams within Iran.<ref>Article by Sayyid 'Ali ibn 'Ali Al-Zaidi, A short History of the Yemenite Shi‘ites (2005) Referencing: Encyclopedia Iranica</ref>

The [[Buyids]] were reported to have been Zaidi,{{Fact|date=May 2007}} as well as the [[Banu Ukhaidhir|Ukhaidhirite]] rulers of [[al-Yamama]] in the 9th and 10th centuries.<ref>Madelung, W. "al- Uk̲h̲ayḍir." Encyclopaedia of Islam. Edited by: P. Bearman, Th. Bianquis, C.E. Bosworth, E. van Donzel and W.P. Heinrichs. Brill, 2007. [http://www.brillonline.nl/subscriber/entry?entry=islam_SIM-7693 Brill Online]. 7 December 2007</ref>

The leader of the Zaidi community took the title of Caliph. As such, the ruler of Yemen was known as the Caliph, al-Hadi Yahya bin al-Hussain bin al-Qasim ar-Rassi (a descendant of Imam [[Hasan ibn Ali|al-Hasan]]){{Fact|date=February 2009}} who, at Sa'da, in 893-7 C.E., founded the Zaidi Imamate and this system continued until the middle of the 20th century, until the revolution of 1962 C.E. that deposed the Zaidi Imam. The founding Zaidism of Yemen was of the Jarudiyya group, however with the increasing interaction with Hanafi and Shafi'i Sunni Islam, there was a shift from the Jarudiyya group to the Sulaimaniyya, Tabiriyya, Butriyya or Salihiyya groups.<ref>Article by Sayyid 'Ali ibn 'Ali Al-Zaidi, A short History of the Yemenite Shi‘ites (2005)</ref>

Zaidis form the dominant religious group in [[Yemen]]. Currently, they constitute about 40-45% of the population in Yemen. Ja'faris and Isma'ilis are 2-5%.<ref>http://www.yemenincanada.ca/map.php</ref><ref>http://www.library.uu.nl/wesp/populstat/Asia/yemeng.htm</ref> In Saudi Arabia, it is estimated that there are over 1 million Zaidis (primarily in the western provinces).{{Fact|date=April 2008}}

Currently the most prominent Zaidi movement is [[Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi|Husayn al-Huthi]]'s [[Shabab al-Muomineen|Shabab al-Mu'mineen]], who have been the subject of an ongoing campaign against them by the Yemeni Government in which the Army has lost 743 men and thousands of innocent civilians have been killed or displaced by government forces, causing a grave humanitarian crisis in north Yemen.
[http://gulf2000.columbia.edu/images/maps/MidEastReligionCore_lg.jpg Shia Population of the Middle East]<ref>[http://gulf2000.columbia.edu/maps.shtml The [[Gulf 2000 Project]] SIPA Columbia University]</ref>

===Ghulat===
{{main|Ghulat}}
{{Unreferenced|date=December 2008}}
Ghali or Exaggerator is the adjectival form of '' '''Ghuluww''' means ''Exaggeration'', a technical term mainstream [[Muslims]] use to describe the beliefs of minority Muslim groups who ascribe divine characteristics to a member of [[Muhammad]]'s family, especially [[Ali]]) or the early companions of the Prophet such as [[Salman al-Farisi]]. The assumption is that the groups thus described have gone too far and have come to associate them with God (''[[shirk]]''). Some groups are commonly alleged to be exaggerator by Twelver scholars are:

*[[Alawite]]s (''an-Nusayriyyah'')
*[[Druze]]s (This group is Ismaili and is accepted by the mainstream [[Nizari]] as a proper group)
*[[Ahl-e Haqq]]

Most of these groups have some similarity with Shi'a such as belief that Ali is the rightful successor of Muhammad. In addition, most of them have accepted [[The Twelve Imams]] (hence falling under the Twelver category), but attribute some God-like attribution to them. Thus most of the Twelvers have negative view towards them and recognize them as heretics. Nowadays, they live in Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Turkey and Syria.
==See also==
* [[Islam]]
* [[Abdullah ibn Saba]]
* [[Persecution of Shia Muslims]]
* [[Demographics of Islam]]
* [[Shia Crescent]]
* [[List of Shia books]]
* [[Shia clergy]]
* [[List of Shia Islamic scholars]]
* [[Succession to Muhammad]]
* [[Shia-Sunni relations]]
** [[Ismah]]
** [[Esoteric interpretation of the Qur'an]]
** [[Nikah Mut‘ah]]

==Notes==
{{reflist|2}}

==References==
* {{cite encyclopedia | encyclopedia = [[Encyclopædia Britannica Online|Encyclopaedia Britannica Online]] | publisher = Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.}}
* {{cite encyclopedia | encyclopedia=[[Encyclopædia Iranica]] | publisher=Center for Iranian Studies, Columbia University| id= ISBN 1568590504}}
*{{cite encyclopedia | encyclopedia = Encyclopaedia of Islam and the Muslim world; vol.1 | last = Martin | first = Richard C. | publisher = MacMillan | id = ISBN 0028656040}}
* {{cite book|last = Corbin|first = Henry|authorlink = Henry Corbin|coauthors = |title = History of Islamic Philosophy, Translated by Liadain Sherrard, [[Philip Sherrard]]|publisher = London; Kegan Paul International in association with Islamic Publications for The Institute of Ismaili Studies |year = 1993 (original French 1964)|isbn = 0710304161}}
* {{cite book | last = Dakake | first = Maria Massi | authorlink = | title =The Charismatic Community: Shi'ite Identity in Early Islam | publisher = SUNY Press | year = 2008 | isbn = 0791470334}}
* {{cite book | last=Holt | first=P. M. | coauthors=[[Bernard Lewis]] | title=Cambridge History of Islam, Vol. 1 | year=1977a | publisher=Cambridge University Press | isbn=0521291364}}
* {{cite book | last=Lapidus| first=Ira | title=A History of Islamic Societies | publisher=Cambridge University Press | year=2002 | edition=2nd | isbn=978-0521779333}}
* {{cite book | last=Momen | first=Moojan | authorlink= | title= An Introduction to Shi‘i Islam: The History and Doctrines of Twelve| publisher=Yale University Press | year=1985 | isbn=0300035314}}
* {{cite book | last=Sachedina | first=Abdulaziz Abdulhussein | authorlink=Abdulaziz Sachedina | title= The Just Ruler (al-sultān Al-ʻādil) in Shīʻite Islam: The Comprehensive Authority of the Jurist in Imamite Jurisprudence| publisher=Oxford University Press US | year=1988 | isbn=0195119150}}
* {{cite book | last=Tabatabaei | first=Sayyid Mohammad Hosayn | coauthors=[[Seyyed Hossein Nasr]] (translator) | authorlink=Muhammad Husayn Tabatabaei | title= Shi'ite Islam
| publisher=Suny press| year=1979 | isbn=0-87395-272-3}}

===Further reading===
* {{cite book | last=Corbin | first=Henry | authorlink=Henry Corbin | title= History of Islamic Philosophy, translated by Liadain Sherrard and [[Philip Sherrard]] | publisher=Kegan Paul International in association with Islamic Publications for The Institute of Ismaili Studies| year=1993 | isbn=0710304161}}
* {{cite book | last=Halm| first=Heinz | title=Shi'ism | publisher=Edinburgh University Press | year=2004 | isbn=0748618880}}
* {{cite book | last=Halm| first=Heinz | title=The Shi'ites: A Short History | publisher=Markus Wiener Pub | year=2007 | isbn=1558764372}}
* {{cite book | last=Lalani| first=Arzina R. | title=Early Shi'i Thought: The Teachings of Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir | publisher=I.B.Tauris | year=2000 | isbn=1860644341}}
* {{cite book | last=Momen| first=Moojan | title=An Introduction to Shi'i Islam: The History and Doctrines of Twelver Shi'ism | publisher=Yale University Press | year=1985 | isbn=0300034997}}
* {{cite book | last=Moosa| first=Matti | title=Extremist Shiites: The Ghulat Sects | publisher=Syracuse University Press | year=1988 | isbn=0815624115}}
* {{cite book | last=Nasr| first=Seyyed Hossein | coauthors=[[Hamid Dabashi]] | authorlink=Seyyed Hossein Nasr | title=Expectation of the Millennium: Shiʻism in History | publisher=SUNY Press | year=1989 | id=ISBN 088706843X}}
* {{cite book | last=Rogerson| first=Barnaby | title=The Heirs of Muhammad: Islam's First Century and the Origins of the Sunni Shia split | publisher=Overlook Press | year=2007 | isbn=1585678961}}
* {{cite book | last=Wollaston| first=Arthur N. | title=The Sunnis and Shias | publisher=Kessinger Publishing | year=2005 | isbn=1425479162}}
* http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?artid=189&letter=A

==External links==
*[http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9067367/Shiite Shi'ite] an article in Encyclopedia Britannica online
*[http://www.iranica.com/newsite/articles/ot_grp7/ot_shiite_doctr_20050201.html Shi'ite Doctorine] by MOHAMMAD ALI AMIR-MOEZZI an article in Encyclopedia Iranica
*[http://www.al-islam.org Ahlul Bayt Digital Islamic Library Project] ([[Twelver]])
* [http://www.rafed.net Rafed Network for Cultural Development] ([[Twelver]])
*[http://www.iis.ac.uk/home.asp?l=en The Institute of Ismaili Studies] ([[Ismaili]])
*[http://www.al-khoei.org Imam Al-Khoei Foundation] ([[Twelver]])
*[http://www.theismaili.org/ Official Website of Nizari Ismaili] ([[Ismaili]])
*[http://www.alavibohra.org/ Official Website of Alavi Bohra] ([[Ismaili]])
*[http://www.mumineen.org/ Dawoodi Bohra] ([[Ismaili]])
*[http://dmoz.org/Society/Religion_and_Spirituality/Islam/Shia/ List of Shia websites]
*[http://www.iid.org.ir/IIDE/ Institute for Interreligious Dialogue], Tehran
{{Islam topics|state=collapsed}}

[[Category:Shi'a Islam| ]]

[[ar:الشيعة]]
[[ast:Chiita]]
[[az:Şiə]]
[[bn:শিয়া ইসলাম]]
[[bs:Šiitski islam]]
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[[sv:Shia]]
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[[ur:اثنا عشریہ اہل تشیع]]
[[yi:שיאיטן]]
[[zh-yue:什葉派]]
[[zh:什叶派]]

Ali Khamenei

2009-02-12T10:08:43Z

John Cho:

Shia Islam

2009-02-12T10:06:01Z

John Cho:

{{articleissues}}

{{Redirect|Shia}}
[[Image:ImamAliMosqueNajafIraq.JPG|thumb|right|275px|[[Imam Ali Mosque]] in [[Najaf]], [[Iraq]], where [[Ali]] the first [[Imamah (Shi'a doctrine)|Shī‘ah Imam]] is buried.]]
{{Shia Islam}}
{{ShiaTerms}}
'''Shia Islam''' ({{lang-ar|شيعة}} '''Shī‘ah''', sometimes '''Shi'a''' or '''Shiit'''), is the second largest denomination of [[Islam]], after [[Sunni Islam]]. Shī‘ah Muslims, though a minority in the Muslim world, constitute the majority of the populations in [[Iran]]<ref>"Esposito, John. "What Everyone Needs to Know about Islam" Oxford University Press, 2002. ISBN-13: 978-0195157130. p 45.</ref>, [[Azerbaijan]] <ref>The New Encyclopædia Britannica, Jacob E. Safra, Chairnman of the Baord, 15th Edition, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 1998, ISBN 0-85229-6330, Vol 10, p 738.</ref>, [[Bahrain]]<ref>"Esposito, John. "What Everyone Needs to Know about Islam" Oxford University Press, 2002. ISBN-13: 978-0195157130. p 45.</ref> and [[Iraq]], as well as a [[plurality (voting)|plurality]] in [[Lebanon]]<ref>"Esposito, John. "What Everyone Needs to Know about Islam" Oxford University Press, 2002. ISBN-13: 978-0195157130. p 45.</ref> and [[Kuwait]]<ref>https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ku.html</ref>. They also constitute sizable minorities in [[Afghanistan]] <ref>https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/af.html</ref> and [[Pakistan]]<ref>"Islam: An Introduction," by Annemarie Schimmel, State University of New York Press, 1992, ISBN-13: 978-0791413272, p 94</ref>.

Shi'a Muslims attribute themselves to the [[Qur'an]] and teachings of the final [[Prophet of Islam]]<ref>"Esposito, John. "What Everyone Needs to Know about Islam" Oxford University Press, 2002. ISBN-13: 978-0195157130. p 40</ref>, [[Muhammad]], and in contrast to other Muslims, believe that his family, the [[Ahl al-Bayt]] (the ''People of the House''), including his descendants known as [[Shi'a Imams|Imams]], have special spiritual and political rule over the community.<ref>Corbin (1993), pp. 45 - 51</ref><ref>"Esposito, John. "What Everyone Needs to Know about Islam" Oxford University Press, 2002. ISBN-13: 978-0195157130. p 40</ref> Shia Muslims further believe that [[Ali ibn Abi Talib]], Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, was the first of these Imams and was the [[Succession to Muhammad|rightful successor]] to Muhammad<ref>"The Complete Idiot's Guide to World Religions," Brandon Toropov, Father Luke Buckles, Alpha; 3rd edition, 2004, ISBN-13: 978-1592572229, p 135</ref> and thus reject the legitimacy of the first three [[Rashidun]] [[caliphs]].<ref>Tabatabaei (1979), pp. 41-44</ref><ref>"The Complete Idiot's Guide to World Religions," Brandon Toropov, Father Luke Buckles, Alpha; 3rd edition, 2004, ISBN-13: 978-1592572229, p 135</ref>

The Shi'a Islamic faith is vast and inclusive of many different groups.<ref>The New Encyclopædia Britannica, Jacob E. Safra, Chairnman of the Baord, 15th Edition, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 1998, ISBN 0-85229-6330, Vol 10, p 738.</ref> There are various Shi'a theological beliefs, schools of jurisprudence, philosophical beliefs, and spiritual movements.{{Fact|I still cannot find a reference for the parts of this statement.|date=January 2009}} Shi'a Islam embodies a completely independent system of religious interpretation and political authority in the Muslim world.{{Fact|We need to get a citation for this one.|date=January 2009}} The Shi'a identity emerged during the lifetime of Muhammad<ref>"Shi'ite Islam," by Allamah Sayyid Muhammad Husayn Tabataba'i, translated by Sayyid Husayn Nasr, State University of New York Press, 1975, p 24</ref>, and [[Imami|Shi'a theology]] was formulated in the second century<ref>Dakake (2008), pp.1 and 2</ref> and the first Shi'a governments and societies were established by the end of the third century (After Hijra).{{Fact|We need to look that up, as well.|date=January 2009}}

Shi'a Islam is divided into three branches.<ref>"Esposito, John. "What Everyone Needs to Know about Islam" Oxford University Press, 2002. ISBN-13: 978-0195157130. p 40.</ref> The largest and best known{{POV-statement|I have seen "best known" disputed and ultimately deleted from the Wiki article Hamas because it carried POV baggae.|date=January 2009}} are the [[Twelver]] ('''{{lang|ar|اثنا عشرية}}''' ''{{ArabDIN|iṯnāʿašariyya}}'')<ref>"The Complete Idiot's Guide to World Religions," Brandon Toropov, Father Luke Buckles, Alpha; 3rd edition, 2004, ISBN-13: 978-1592572229, p 135</ref>, named after their adherence to [[the Twelve Imams]]. They form a majority of the population in [[Iran]], [[Azerbaijan]], [[Bahrain]] and [[Iraq]].{{Fact|I don't think that I have access to data for that - can someone get a reference?|date=January 2009}} The term Shi'a often refers to Twelver Shi'a only.{{Fact|We should back this up with a reference.|date=January 2009}} Other smaller branches include the [[Ismaili]] and [[Zaidi]], who dispute the Twelver lineage of Imams and beliefs.<ref>Tabataba'i (1979), p. 76</ref>

{{TOClimit|3}}

==Etymology and meaning==
{{main|Shia etymology}}
''Shī‘ah'', collectively, or ''Shī‘ī'', singularly,<ref>The New Encyclopædia Britannica, Jacob E. Safra, Chairnman of the Baord, 15th Edition, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 1998, ISBN 0-85229-6330, Vol 10, p 738.</ref> means 'follower', 'associate' or 'faction'. It has been used in the [[Qur'an]] in singular or plural forms with both positive{{cite quran|37|83}} and negative{{cite quran|54|51}} connotations.

"Shia" is the short form of the historic phrase ''Shī‘atu ‘Alī'' ({{lang|ar|شيعة علي}}), meaning "the followers of Ali" or "the faction of Ali". <ref>The New Encyclopædia Britannica, Jacob E. Safra, Chairnman of the Baord, 15th Edition, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 1998, ISBN 0-85229-6330, Vol 10, p 738.</ref>

== Beliefs ==
=== Succession of Ali ===

{{main|Shi'a view of Ali}}

{{Expand|date=January 2009}}

[[Shia|Shī‘ah]] Muslims believe that just as a prophet is appointed by God alone, only God has the prerogative to appoint the successor to his prophet. They believe that God chose [[Ali|‘Alī]] to be the successor, infallible and divinely chosen. Thus they say that [[Muhammad]], before his death, appointed Ali as his successor.

‘Ali was Prophet Muhammad's first cousin and closest living male relative, as well as his son-in-law, having married his daughter Fatimah.<ref>Merriam-Webster's Encyclopedia of World Religions, Wendy Doniger, Consulting Editor, Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, Springfield, MA 1999, ISBN: 0-87779-044-2, LoC: BL31.M47 1999, p525</ref><ref>The New Encyclopædia Britannica, Jacob E. Safra, Chairnman of the Board, 15th Edition, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 1998, ISBN 0-85229-6330, Vol 10, p738.</ref><ref>"Esposito, John. "What Everyone Needs to Know about Islam" Oxford University Press, 2002. ISBN-13: 978-0195157130. p 46</ref> ‘Ali would eventually become the fourth Muslim caliph. <ref>The New Encyclopædia Britannica, Jacob E. Safra, Chairnman of the Board, 15th Edition, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 1998, ISBN 0-85229-6330, Vol 22, p17.</ref>

Shia Muslims believe that Prophet Muhammad had appointed ‘Ali to be his successor. <ref>Merriam-Webster's Encyclopedia of World Religions, Wendy Doniger, Consulting Editor, Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, Springfield, MA 1999, ISBN: 0-87779-044-2, LoC: BL31.M47 1999, p525</ref> However, others made arrangements that prevented ‘Ali from being recognised as such for thirty-five years.

When Prophet Muhammad died, ‘Ali and Prophet Muhammad's closest relatives made the funeral arrangements. While they were preparing the body of Prophet Muhammad, Abu Bakr, ‘Umar, and Abu ‘Ubayda met with the leaders of Medina and elected Abu Bakr as khalifa ("caliph"). ‘Ali and his family were dismayed, but accepted the appointment for the sake of unity in the early Muslim community.<ref>Merriam-Webster's Encyclopedia of World Religions, Wendy Doniger, Consulting Editor, Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, Springfield, MA 1999, ISBN: 0-87779-044-2, LoC: BL31.M47 1999, p525</ref>

It was not until the murder of the third khalifa, ‘Uthman, that the Muslims in Medina invited ‘Ali to become the fourth khalifa.<ref>Merriam-Webster's Encyclopedia of World Religions, Wendy Doniger, Consulting Editor, Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, Springfield, MA 1999, ISBN: 0-87779-044-2, LoC: BL31.M47 1999, p525</ref>

While ‘Ali was caliph, his capital was in Kufah, Iraq.<ref>The New Encyclopædia Britannica, Jacob E. Safra, Chairnman of the Board, 15th Edition, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 1998, ISBN 0-85229-6330, Vol 10, p738.</ref>

‘Ali's rule over the early Muslim community was often contested. As a result, he had to struggle to maintain his power, waging "increasingly unsuccessful wars." After Ali's murder in 661 CE, his main rival Mu‘awiya claimed the caliphate. <ref>The New Encyclopædia Britannica, Jacob E. Safra, Chairnman of the Board, 15th Edition, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 1998, ISBN 0-85229-6330, Vol 10, p738.</ref> Some of the problems came from the very people who had initially supported ‘Ali's claim to rule. While the rebels who accused ‘Uthman of nepotism affirmed ‘Ali's khilafa, they later turned against him and fought him.<ref>Merriam-Webster's Encyclopedia of World Religions, Wendy Doniger, Consulting Editor, Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, Springfield, MA 1999, ISBN: 0-87779-044-2, LoC: BL31.M47 1999, p525</ref>

‘Ali ruled from 656 CE to 661 CE,<ref>Merriam-Webster's Encyclopedia of World Religions, Wendy Doniger, Consulting Editor, Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, Springfield, MA 1999, ISBN: 0-87779-044-2, LoC: BL31.M47 1999, p525</ref> when he was assassinated. <ref>"Esposito, John. "What Everyone Needs to Know about Islam" Oxford University Press, 2002. ISBN-13: 978-0195157130. p 46</ref>

The respect that Sunni Muslims show to ‘Ali and his descendants ("sayyids" in the East or "sharifs" in North Africa is just one of several ways in which Shia Islam has influenced Sunni Islam. <ref>The New Encyclopædia Britannica, Jacob E. Safra, Chairnman of the Board, 15th Edition, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 1998, ISBN 0-85229-6330, Vol 22, p17.</ref>

=== Imamate of the Ahl al-Bayt ===

[[Image:The Holy Kabbah in Makkah.jpg|thumb|200px|The Holy [[Kaaba]] in [[Mecca]], [[Saudi Arabia]].]]
[[Image:(S.A.W) grave.jpg|thumb|200px|Tomb of [[Muhammad]] in [[Medina|Madinah]], [[Saudi Arabia]].]]
{{Main|Status of a Shia Imam}}

Most of the early Shia as well as Zaydis differed only marginally from mainstream Sunnis in their views on political leadership, but it is possible in this sect to see a refinement of Shīa doctrine. Early Sunnis traditionally held that the political leader must come from the tribe of the Prophet—namely, the [[Quraysh]]. The Zaydīs narrowed the political claims of the Ali's supporters, claiming that not just any descendant of 'Alī would be eligible to lead the Muslim community (ummah) but only those males directly descended from Muḥammad through the union of 'Alī and Fāṭimah. But during Abbasid revolts, other Shīa, who came to be known as imāmiyyah (followers of the Imams) follow theological school of [[Ja'far al-Sadiq]]. They asserted a more exalted religious role for Imams and insisted that, at any given time, whether in power or not, a single male descendant of 'Alī and Fāṭimah was the divinely appointed Imam and the sole authority, in his time, on all matters of faith and law. To those Shīʿites, love of the imams and of their persecuted cause became as important as belief in God’s oneness and the mission of Muhammad. <ref name="Britannica"/>

Later most of Shia, including Twelver and Ismaili, became Imami. Imamis Shia believe that Imams are the spiritual and political successors to [[Muhammad]].<ref name="Britannica">{{cite encyclopedia| title=Shi'ite |year=2007| encyclopedia=Encyclopedia Britannica Online | accessdate=2007-11-06 |location=|publisher= |url=http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9067367/Shiite}}</ref>
Imams are human individual who not only rules over the community with justice, but also is able to keep and interpret the [[Shariah|Divine Law]] and its [[Esoteric interpretation of the Qur'an|esoteric meaning]]. The Prophet and Imams' [[Sunnah|words and deeds]] are a guide and model for the community to follow; as a result, they must be free from error and sin, and must be chosen by divine decree, or ''nass'', through the Prophet.<ref>Nasr (1979), p.10</ref><ref>Momen (1985), p.174</ref>

According to this view, there is always an Imam of the Age, who is the divinely appointed authority on all matters of faith and law in the Muslim community. [[Ali|‘Alī]] was the first Imam of this line, the rightful successor to the Prophet of Islam, followed by male descendants of Muhammad through his daughter [[Fatimah Zahra]].<ref name="Britannica"/>

This difference between following either the [[Ahl al-Bayt]] (Muhammad's family and descendants) or the [[Caliph]] [[Abu Bakr]] has shaped Shia and non-Shia views on some of the Qur'an, the [[Hadith]] (narrations from Muhammad) and other areas of Islam. For instance, the collection of Hadith venerated by Shia Muslims is centered on narrations by members of the Ahl al-Bayt and their supporters, while some Hadith by narrators not belonging to or supporting the Ahl al-Bayt are not included (those of [[Abu Huraira]], for example). According to the Sunnis, Ali was the third successor to Abu Bakr however, the Shia maintain that Ali was the first divinely sanctioned "Imam," or successor of Muhammad. The seminal event in Shia history is the martyrdom in 680 CE at the [[Battle of Karbala]] of Ali's son
[[Husayn ibn Ali|Hussein]], who led an non-allegiance movement against the defiant caliph (71 of Hussein's followers were killed as well). Hussein came to
symbolize resistance to tyranny.

It is believed in Twelver and [[Ismaili]] Shī‘ah Islam that [[Aql (Shiasm)|‘aql]], divine wisdom, was the source of the souls of the Prophets and Imams and gave them esoteric knowledge called ''ḥikmah'' and that their sufferings were a means of divine grace to their devotees.<ref>Nasr (1979), p.15</ref><ref>Corbin (1993), pp.45-51</ref><ref name="Britannica"/> Although the Imam was not the recipient of a [[wahy|divine revelation]], he had a close relationship with God, through which God guides him, and the Imam in turn guides the people. [[Imamate]], or belief in the divine guide is a fundamental belief in the Twelver and Ismaili Shī‘ī branches and is based on the concept that God would not leave humanity without access to divine guidance.<ref name="Imamat">{{cite encyclopedia | encyclopedia = Encyclopaedia of Islam and the Muslim world; vol.1 | last = Gleave | first = Robert | title=Imamate | publisher = MacMillan | id = ISBN 0028656040}}</ref>

=== Light of Aql ===

{{main|'Aql}}

In Islam, the term ‘aql was heavily elucidated by early Shī‘ah thinkers; it came to replace and expand the pre-Islamic concept of ''ḥilm'' ({{lang-ar|حلم}}) "serene justice and self-control, dignity" in opposition to the negative notions of ignorance (''jahl'') and stupidity (''safah'').<ref name="DivineGuide">{{Citation | last =Moezzi | first =Mohammad Ali Amir | date =1994 | title =The Divine Guide in Early Shiʻism: The Sources of Esotericism in Islam | publication-place =Albany | publisher =State University of New York Press | page =6 | isbn =079142121X }}</ref>

The "possessor of ‘aql", or ''al-‘āqīl'' (plural ''al-‘uqqāl'') realises a deep connection with God. Imam [[Ja'far al-Sadiq|Jaʿfar aṣ-Ṣādiq]] described this connection as a realization that God loves some (over others), that God's is the Truth and that only ''[[ilm (Arabic)|‘ilm]]'' "knowledge of the Sacred" and its development can help humanity fulfill its potential.

His son, Imām [[Musa al-Kadhim|Mūsà al-Kāżim]] (d. 799), expanded this exegesis by defining ‘aql as the "faculty for apprehending the divine, a faculty of metaphysical perception, a light in the heart, through which one can discern and recognize signs from God."<ref name="DivineGuide"/> He further noted that where the A'immah (Imāms) are the ''ḥujjatu ż-żāhirah'' "External proof [of God]", ‘aql is the ''ḥujjatu l-Bāṭinah'' "Secret proof".<ref name="DivineGuide"/>

While in early Islam, ‘aql was opposed to ''jahl'' "ignorance", the expansion of the concept meant it was now opposed to ''safah'' "[deliberate] stupidity" and ''junūn'' "lack of sense, indulgence". Under the influence of [[Mu'tazili|Mu‘tazilī]] thought, ‘aql came to mean "dialectical reasoning".<ref name="DivineGuide"/>

=== Ismah ===

{{main|Ismah}}

''Ismah'' is the concept of [[infallibility]] or "divinely bestowed freedom from error and sin" in [[Islam]].<ref>Dabashi, ''Theology of Discontent'', p.463</ref> [[Muslims]] believe that [[Muhammad]] and other prophets in Islam possessed ‘iṣmah. [[Twelver]] and [[Ismaili]] [[Shia Islam|Shī‘ah]] Muslims also attribute the quality to [[Imamah (Shi'a doctrine)|Imāms]] as well as to [[Fatima Zahra]], daughter of [[Muhammad]], in contrast to the [[Zaidi]], who do not attribute ‘ismah to the Imāms.

According to Shī‘ah theologians, infallibility is considered a rational necessary precondition for spiritual and religious guidance. They argue that since [[God]] has commanded absolute obedience from these figures they must only order that which is right. The state of infallibility is based on the Shī‘ah [[tafsir|interpretation]] of the [[verse of purification]].{{Cite quran|33|33}}<ref>Momen (1985), p.155</ref> Thus they are, the most pure ones, the only immaculate ones preserved from, and immune to, all uncleanness.<ref>Corbin (1993), pp.48 and 49</ref> It doesn't mean that supernatural powers prevent them from committing a sin, but it is due to the fact that they have an absolute [[Iman|belief]] in God so that they find themselves in presence of God.<ref name="Dabashi">Dabashi (2006), [http://books.google.com/books?id=sTFdNNQP4ewC&pg=PA463&vq=Infallible&dq=Dabashi+Theology+of+Discontent&source=gbs_search_r&cad=1_1&sig=ACfU3U1qqg-6MZbV5y-TTuwAxtj26CIQhg p.463]</ref>
They have also complete knowledge about God's will. They are in possession of all the knowledge brought by the [[angels]] to the prophets (''[[nabi]]'') and the messengers (''[[Rasul]]''). Their knowledge encompasses the totality of all times. Thus they act without fault in religious matters.<ref>Corbin (1993), p.48</ref>

=== Intercession ===

{{main|Tawassul}}

{{Expand|date=January 2009}}

=== Clergy ===

{{main|Shia clergy}}

{{Expand|date=January 2009}}

=== The Occultation ===
{{main|The Occultation}}
{{Expand|date=January 2009}}
[[The Occultation]] in [[Shi'a Islam]] refers to a belief that the messianic figure, the [[Mahdi]], is an Imam who has disappeared and will one day return and fill the world with justice. Some Shi'a, such as the [[Zaidi]] and [[Nizari]] [[Ismaili]], do not believe in the idea of the Occultation. The groups which do believe in it differ upon which lineage of imamate is correct, and therefore which individual has gone into the Occultation.

==History==
===Origin===
There are two theories about the emergence of Shi'a Islam. One of them emphasizes the political struggle about the succession of Muhammad after his death and especially during the [[First Fitna]].<ref>See:
*Lapidus p. 47
*Holt p. 72</ref> According to this theory, early in the history of Islam, the Shīa were a political faction (party of 'Alī) that supported caliphate of ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib and, later, of his descendants. Starting as a political faction, this group gradually developed into a religious movement. <ref name="Britannica"/>

The other one emphasizes on different interpretation of Islam which led to different understanding about the role of caliphs and ulamas. [[Hossein Nasr]] has quoted:
<blockquote>Shi'ism was not brought into existence only by the question of the political [[succession to Muhammad]] as so many Western works claim (although this question was of course of great importance). The problem of political succession may be said to be the element that crystallized the Shi'ites into a distinct group, and political suppression in later periods, especially the martyrdom of [[Husayn ibn Ali|Imam Husayn]]-upon whom be peace-only accentuated this tendency of the Shi'ites to see themselves as a separate community within the Islamic world. The principal cause of the coming into being of Shi'ism, however, lies in the fact that this
possibility existed within the Islamic revelation itself and so had to be realized. Inasmuch as there were exoteric [Zaheri] and esoteric [Bateni] interpretations from the very beginning, from which developed the schools (madhhab) of the [[Sharia]] and [[Sufism]] in the [[Sunni]] world, there also had to be an interpretation of Islam which would combine these elements in a single whole. This possibility was realized in Shi'ism, for which the [[Imamah (Shia doctrine)|Imam]] is the person in whom these two aspects of traditional authority are united and in whom
the religious life is marked by a sense of tragedy and martyrdom... Hence the question which arose was not so much who should be the successor of [[Muhammad]] as what the function and qualifications of such a person would be.<ref>Nasr, Shi'ite Islam, preface, p. 9 and 10</ref></blockquote>

== Community ==
===Demographics===
{{main|Demographics of Islam}}


As stated above, an estimate of approximately 10-15% of the world's Muslims are Shi'a, which corresponds to about 130-190 million Shi'a Muslims worldwide.<ref name="pewforum">[http://pewforum.org/events/index.php?EventID=R120 pewforum.org]</ref> Shi'a Muslims, though a minority in the Muslim world, constitute the majority of the populations in [[Iran]], [[Azerbaijan]], [[Bahrain]] and [[Iraq]].

Shi'a Muslims also constitute over 35% of the population in [[Lebanon]],<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/packages/khtml/2006/07/19/world/middleeast/20060719_MIDEAST_GRAPHIC.html New York Times: Religious Distribution in Lebanon]</ref> over 45% of the population in [[Yemen]],<ref>[http://islamicweb.com/beliefs/cults/shia_population.htm How many Shia?]</ref> over 35% of the population in [[Kuwait]],<ref>[http://www.experiencefestival.com/a/Kuwait_-_Demographics/id/1559696 Demographics of Kuwait]</ref>, 20-25% of the population (primarily [[Alevi]]) in [[Turkey]],<ref>[http://www.experiencefestival.com/a/Demographics_of_Turkey_-_Some_facts/id/1317455 Demographics of Turkey]</ref> 20% (primarily [[Bektashi]]) of the population in [[Albania]],<ref>[http://www.experiencefestival.com/a/Albanians/id/1906781 Demographics of Albania]</ref> 20% of the population in [[Pakistan]] and 18% of population in [[Afghanistan]]. They also make up at least 15% of the Muslim populations in [[India]], the [[UAE]], [[Syria]], [[Saudi Arabia]] and [[Serbia]]/[[Montenegro]] & [[Kosovo]].

Significant Shi'a communities exist on the coastal regions of [[West Sumatra]] and [[Aceh]] in [[Indonesia]] (see [[Tabuik]]). The Shi'a presence is negligible elsewhere in [[Southeast Asia]], where Muslims are predominantly [[Shafi'i]] Sunnis.

A significant syncretic Shi'a minority is present in [[Nigeria]], centered around the state of [[Kano]] (see [[Shia in Nigeria]]). East Africa holds several populations of Ismaili Shia, primarily descendants of immigrants from South Asia during the colonial period, such as the [[Khoja]].

According to Shi'a Muslim, one of the lingering problems in estimating Shi'a population is that unless Shi'a form a significant minority in a Muslim country, the entire population is often listed as Sunni. The reverse, however, has not held true, which may contribute to imprecise estimates of the size of each sect. For example, the 1926 rise of the [[House of Saud]] in Arabia brought official discrimination against Shi'a.<ref name="saudi">[http://www.wsws.org/articles/2001/oct2001/saud-o08.shtml Discrimination towards Shia in Saudi Arabia]</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable" border="1" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="72%" align=left
|+Shia population distribution in Middle East and South Asia
|-
! bgcolor="#DDDDFF" width="10%" |Country
! bgcolor="#DDDDFF" width="19%" |Total population
! bgcolor="#DDDDFF" width="19%" |Shia population
! bgcolor="#DDDDFF" width="29%" |Percent of population that is Shia
|-
| [[Iran]]
| align=right | 68,700,000
| align=right | 61,800,000
| align=right | 90
|-
| [[Pakistan]]
| align=right | 165,800,800
| align=right | 33,200,000
| align=right | 20
|-
| [[Iraq]]
| align=right | 26,000,000
| align=right | 17,400,000
| align=right | 65
|-
| [[India]]
| align=right | 1,009,000,000
| align=right | 11,000,000
| align=right | 1
|-
| [[Azerbaijan]]
| align=right | 8,000,000
| align=right | 6,000,000
| align=right | 85
|-
| [[Afghanistan]]
| align=right | 31,000,000
| align=right | 5,900,000
| align=right | 19
|-
| [[Saudi Arabia]]
| align=right | 27,000,000
| align=right | 4,000,000
| align=right | 15
|-
| [[Lebanon]]
| align=right | 3,900,000
| align=right | 1,700,000
| align=right | 45
|-
| [[Kuwait]]
| align=right | 2,400,000
| align=right | 730,000
| align=right | 30
|-
| [[Bahrain]]
| align=right | 700,000
| align=right | 520,000
| align=right | 75
|-
| [[Syria]]
| align=right | 18,900,000
| align=right | 190,000
| align=right | 1
|-
| [[UAE]]
| align=right | 2,600,000
| align=right | 160,000
| align=right | 6
|-
| [[Qatar]]
| align=right | 890,000
| align=right | 140,000
| align=right | 16
|-
| [[Oman]]
| align=right | 3,100,000
| align=right | 31,000
| align=right | 1
|-
|colspan=4 style="font-size:.7em"|Source: [http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0PBZ/is_3_87/ai_n27245724/pg_5?tag=artBody;col1 Based on data from numerous scholarly references and from governments and NGOs in the Middle East and the West.]
|}
{{-}}

===Persecution===
{{main|Persecution of Shia Muslims}}
{{Fact|most of this section needs verifiable references|date=January 2009}}

The dispute over the right successor to Muhammad resulted in the formation of two main sects, the [[Sunni]], and the [[Shia Islam|Shia]]. The Sunni, or followers of the way, followed the caliphate and maintained the premise that any devout Muslim could potentially become the successor to the Prophet if accepted by his peers. The Shia however, maintain that only the person selected by God and [[Eid al-Ghadeer|announced by the Prophet]] could become his successor, thus Ali became the religious authority for the Shia people. Militarily established and holding control over the Umayyad government, many Sunni rulers perceived the Shia as a threat – both to their political and religious authority.<ref>[http://www.islamfortoday.com/shia.htm The Origins of the Sunni/Shia split in Islam]</ref>{{Verify credibility|This appears to be a religious article and not an academic source.|date=January 2009}}

The Sunni rulers under the Umayyads sought to marginalize the Shia minority and later the [[Abbasids]] turned on their Shia allies and further imprisoned, persecuted, and killed Shias. The persecution of Shias throughout history by Sunni co-religionists has often been characterized by brutal and genocidal acts. Comprising only about 10-15% of the entire Muslim population, to this day, the Shia remain a marginalized community in many Sunni Arab dominant countries without the rights to practice their religion and organize.<ref>Nasr,Vali (2006). ''The Shia Revival: How Conflicts Within Islam Will Shape the Future''. W.W. Norton & Company Inc. ISBN-13:978-0-393-06211-3 p. 52-53</ref>

At various times many Shi'a groups have faced persecution.<ref>''([[Ya'qubi]]; vol.lll, pp.91-96'', and ''[[Tarikh Abul Fida]]', vol. I, p.212.)''</ref><ref>[http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=PcKBtc8bymoC&oi=fnd&pg=PA237&dq=shia+persecution&ots=Cpp7WVSE_U&sig=ZVP6c1ibBP6xL-ZtzCIXJ-hajrs The Psychologies in Religion, E. Thomas Dowd and Stevan Lars Nielsen, chapter 14]</ref><ref>[http://www.inthenews.co.uk/news/autocodes/countries/iraq/basra-handover-completed-$1179488.htm Basra handover completed]</ref><ref>[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,30809-2523714,00.html Hanging will bring only more bloodshed | Bronwen Maddox: World Briefing - Times Online]</ref><ref>[http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2004/681/re2.htm Al-Ahram Weekly | REGION | Shi'ism or schism]</ref><ref>[http://www.nmhschool.org/tthornton/mehistorydatabase/shia.php The Shia, Ted Thornton, NMH, Northfield Mount Hermon]</ref>

===Calendar===
[[Image:Muharram procession 2, Manama, Bahrain (Feb 2005).jpg|thumb|270px|right|Shi'a Muslims in [[Bahrain]] strike their chests during the Remembrance of Muharram.]]

Sunni, and Twelver and Mustaali Shi'a, celebrate the following annual holidays:
* [[Eid ul-Fitr]] (عيد الفطر), which marks the end of fasting during the month of [[Ramadan]] and falls on the first day of [[Shawwal]].
* [[Eid ul-Adha]], which marks the end of the [[Hajj]] or pilgrimage to [[Mecca]], starts on the 10th day of [[Dhul Hijja]].

The following holidays are observed by Twelver and Mustaali Shi'a only, unless otherwise noted:
* The [[Remembrance of Muharram]] and [[Ashurah]] (عاشوراء) for Shia commemorates Imam [[Husayn ibn Ali]]'s [[martyr]]dom. Imam Husayn was grandson of Muhammad, who was killed by Yazid ibn Muawiyah, the Sunnis' 6th Khalif. Ashurah is a day of deep mourning which occurs on the 10th of [[Muharram]]. Sunnis also celebrate Ashurah, but give it a different meaning (see [[Ashurah]]). On January 19, 2008, 2 million [[Iraq]]i Shia [[pilgrim]]s marched through [[Karbala]] city, [[Iraq]] to celebrate [[Ashura]]. 20,000 Iraqi troops and police guarded the event amid tensions due to clashes between Iraqi troops and the cult which left 263 people dead (in [[Basra]] and [[Nasiriya]]).<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7197473.stm BBC NEWS, Iraqi Shia pilgrims mark holy day]</ref>
* [[Arba'een]] commemorates the suffering of the women and children of Imam Husayn's household. After Husayn was killed, they were marched over the desert, from [[Karbala]] (central Iraq) to Shaam ([[Damascus]], Syria). Many children (some of whom were direct descendants of Muhammad) died of thirst and exposure along the route. Arba'een occurs on the 20th of [[Safar]], 40 days after [[Ashurah]].
* [[Mawlid|Milad al-Nabi]], [[Muhammad]]'s birth date, is celebrated by both Sunni (though not all celebrate as there is a dispute on this issue) and Shia on the 17th of [[Rabi al-awwal|Rabi al-Awwal]], which coincides with the birth date of the sixth imam, [[Jafar Sadiq|Ja'far al-Sadiq]].{{Fact|date=April 2008}}
* [[Mid-Sha'ban]] is the birth date of the 12th and final imam, [[Muhammad al-Mahdi]]. It is celebrated by Shi'a Muslims on the 15th of [[Shaban]]. Many Shia fast on this day to show gratitude.
* [[Eid al-Ghadeer]] celebrates [[Ghadir Khum]], the occasion when Muhammad announced Ali's imamate before a multitude of Muslims. Eid al-Ghadeer is held on the 18th of [[Dhil-Hijjah]].
* [[Al-Mubahila]] celebrates a meeting between the [[Ahlul Bayt|household of Muhammad]] and a Christian deputation from [[Najran]]. Al-Mubahila is held on the 24th of Dhil-Hijjah. References to this event in the Holy Quran.

===Holy cities===
{{Fact|This section also needs citations.|date=January 2009}}
Both Shia and Sunni Muslims share a certain veneration and religious obligations towards certain shrines and holy sites, such as Mecca ([[Masjid al-Haram]]), Medina ([[Al-Masjid al-Nabawi]]), and [[Jerusalem]] ([[Al-Aqsa Mosque]]). For a list of some of the holiest uniquely Shia shrines see [[Holiest sites in Islam#Shi.27a holy sites|Shia holy sites]].

==Branches==
The Shi'a faith throughout its history split over the issue of imamate, with each branch supporting different imams. The largest branch are the Twelvers, to which over 85% of Shi'a belong. The only other surviving branches are the Zaidi and Ismaili. All three groups follow a different line of Imamate.

Twelver Shi'a believe in the lineage of the [[Twelve Imams]]. The Twelver Shi'a faith is predominantly found in [[Iran]] (est. 90%) , [[Azerbaijan]] (est. 85%), [[Bahrain]] (est. 75%), [[Iraq]] (est. 65%), [[Yemen]] (est. 45%), [[Lebanon]] (est. 35%) <ref>[http://www.wilsoncenter.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=wq.essay&essay_id=202986 The Revenge of the Shia]</ref>, [[Kuwait]] (est. 35%), [[Turkey]] (est. 25%), [[Albania]] (est. 20%), [[Pakistan]] (est. 20%) and [[Afghanistan]] (est. 20%).<ref>[http://iml.jou.ufl.edu/projects/Spring05/Shullick/twelver.htm Religious Minorities in the Muslim World]</ref><ref>[http://bahai-library.com/unpubl.articles/islam.bahai.html A History of Islam from a Baha'i Perspective]</ref>.

The Zaidi dispute the succession of the fifth Twelver Imam, [[Muhammad al-Baqir]], because he did not stage a revolution against the corrupt government, unlike [[Zaid ibn Ali]]. They do not believe in a normal lineage, but rather that any descendant of [[Hasan ibn Ali]] or [[Husayn ibn Ali]] who stages a revolution against a corrupt government is an imam. The Zaidi are mainly found in [[Yemen]].

The Ismaili dispute the succession of the seventh Twelver Imam, [[Musa al-Kadhim]], believing his older brother [[Isma'il ibn Jafar]] actually succeeded their father [[Ja'far al-Sadiq]], and did not predecease him like Twelver Shi'a believe. Ismaili form small communities in [[Afghanistan]], [[Pakistan]], [[Uzbekistan]], [[India]], [[Yemen]], [[China]] and [[Saudi Arabia]]<ref>[http://merln.ndu.edu/archive/icg/shiitequestion.pdf International Crisis Group. The Shiite Question in Saudi Arabia, Middle East Report N°45, 19 September 2005]</ref> and have several subbranches.

===Twelver===
{{main|Twelvers}}
{{Twelvers}}

'''Twelver''', '''Imami Shi'ism''' or '''Ithnāˤashariyyah'''' ('''{{lang|ar|اثنا عشرية}}''') is the largest branch of [[Shia Islam|Shī‘ī]] [[Islam]]. An adherent of Twelver Shī‘ism is most commonly referred to as a ''Twelver'', which is derived from their belief in twelve divinely ordained leaders, known as [[the Twelve Imams]]. Approximately 85% of Shi'a are Twelvers, representing the largest branch of the Shī‘ah, and the term ''Shi'a Muslim'' usually refers to Twelver Shi'a Muslims only.

The Twelvers are also known by other names, each connoting some aspect of the faith.

* "The Shī‘ah" is commonly used as a synonym for "Twelvers" since this branch comprises the majority group of Shī‘ī Islam.
* ''Ja‘farī'' refers to Twelvers to the exclusion of the Ismā‘īlī and Zaydī ("Fivers"). This term refers to the majority Twelver [[madhhab|school]] of [[fiqh|jurisprudence]] (a minority school, the [[Akhbari|Akhbarī]], also exists). It is attributed to [[Jafar Sadiq|Ja‘far aṣ-Ṣādiq]], who the Twelvers consider to be their Sixth Imām. The founders of the [[Sunni]] [[Hanafi]] and [[Maliki]] schools of jurisprudence narrated [[hadith]] from Ja‘far.
* ''Imāmī'' is a reference to the Twelver belief in [[ma'sum|the infallibility]] of the Imāms. Though the Ismā‘īlī also accept the concept of Imāms, this term is used specifically for the Twelvers.

The Twelver faith is predominantly found in [[Iran]] (90%), [[Iraq]] (65%), [[Azerbaijan]] (85%), [[Lebanon]] (35%), [[Kuwait]] (35%), [[Turkey]] (25%), [[Saudi Arabia]] (10-15%),<ref>[http://merln.ndu.edu/archive/icg/shiitequestion.pdf International Crisis Group. The Shiite Question in Saudi Arabia, Middle East Report N°45, 19 September 2005]</ref> [[Bahrain]] (80%) and forms a large minority in [[Pakistan]] (20%) and [[Afghanistan]] (18%).

Twelvers believe that the descendants of the Islamic prophet Muḥammad through his daughter [[Fatima Zahra]] and his son-in-law [[Ali|‘Alī]] are the best source of knowledge about the [[Qur'an]] and Islam, the most trusted carriers and protectors of Muḥammad's [[Sunnah|traditions]] and the most worthy of emulation.

In particular, Twelvers recognize the succession of ‘Alī, Muḥammad's cousin, son-in-law and the first man to accept Islam (second only to Muḥammad's wife [[Khadijah bint Khuwaylid|Khadījah]]), the male head of the [[Ahl al-Bayt]] or "people of the [Prophet's] house" and the father of Muḥammad's only bloodline) as opposed to that of the [[caliph]]ate recognized by [[Sunni]] Muslims. Twelvers also believe that ‘Alī was appointed successor by Muḥammad's direct order on many occasions, and that he is therefore the rightful leader of the Muslim faith.

‘Alī was the third successor to [[Abu Bakr]] and, for the Shī‘ah, the first divinely sanctioned "Imām," or male descendant of Muḥammad. The seminal event in Shī‘ah history is the martyrdom in 680 CE of ‘Alī's son [[Husayn ibn Ali|Husayn]], who led an uprising against the "illegitimate" caliph. For the Shī‘ah, Husayn came to symbolize resistance to tyranny.

Regardless of the dispute about the Caliphate, Twelvers recognize the religious authority of the [[Twelve Imams]], also called ''Khalīfah Ilāhi.''

====The Twelve Imams====
{{seealso|Twelve Imams}}



The '''Twelve Imams''' are the spiritual and political successors to [[Muhammad]], the [[Prophet of Islam]], for Twelvers.<ref name="Britannica">{{cite encyclopedia| title=Shi'ite |year=2007| encyclopedia=Encyclopedia Britannica Online | accessdate=2007-11-06 |location=|publisher= |url=http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9067367/Shiite}}</ref>

According to the [[theology of Twelvers]], the successor of [[Muhammad]] is an [[The Fourteen Infallibles|infallible]] human individual who not only rules over the community with justice, but also is able to keep and interpret the [[Shariah|Divine Law]] and its [[Esoteric interpretation of the Qur'an|esoteric meaning]]. The Prophet and Imams' [[Sunnah|words and deeds]] are a guide and model for the community to follow; as a result, they must be free from error and sin, and must be chosen by divine decree, or ''nass'', through the Prophet.<ref>Nasr (1979), p.10</ref><ref>Momen (1985), p.174</ref> Each Imam was the son of the previous Imam, with the exception of [[Husayn ibn Ali]], who was the brother of [[Hasan ibn Ali]].<ref name="Britannica"/> The twelfth and final Imam is [[Muhammad al-Mahdi]], who is believed by the Twelvers to be currently alive, and [[Major Occultation|in hiding]].<ref name="Imamat">{{cite encyclopedia | encyclopedia = Encyclopaedia of Islam and the Muslim world; vol.1 | last = Gleave | first = Robert | title=Imamate | publisher = MacMillan | id = ISBN 0028656040}}</ref>

# [[Ali|‘Alī ibn Abī Ṭālib]] (600–661), also known as ''Amīru l-Mu'minīn'' "Commander of the Faithful" and in Persian as ''Shāh-e Mardan'' "King of the People"
# [[Hassan ibn Ali|Ḥasan ibn ‘Alī]] (625–669), also known as ''Al-Hasan al-Mujtaba''
# [[Hussain ibn Ali|Ḥusayn ibn ‘Alī]] (626–680), also known as ''Al-Husayn ash-Shaheed''
# [[Zayn al-Abidin|‘Alī ibn Ḥusayn]] (658–713), also known as ''Ali Zayn-ul-'Abideen''
# [[Muhammad al-Baqir|Muḥammad ibn ‘Alī]] (676–743), also known as ''Muhammad al-Bāqir''
# [[Ja'far as-Sadiq|Ja‘far ibn Muḥammad]] (703–765), also known as ''Ja'far aṣ-Ṣādiq''
# [[Musa al-Kadhim|Mūsá ibn Ja‘far]] (745–799), also known as ''Mūsá al-Kāżim''
# [[Ali ar-Rida|‘Alī ibn Mūsá]] (765–818), also known as ''Ali ar-Riża''
# [[Muhammad at Taqi|Muḥammad ibn ‘Alī]] (810–835), also known as ''Muḥammad al-Jawad'' and ''Muḥammad at-Taqi''
# [[Ali al-Hadi|‘Alī ibn Muḥammad]] (827–868), also known as ''‘Alī al-Ḥādī'' and ''‘Alī an-Naqī''
# [[Hasan al Askari|Ḥasan ibn ‘Alī]] (846–874), also known as ''Hasan al Askari''
# [[Muhammad al-Mahdi|Muḥammad ibn Ḥasan]] (868–?), also known as ''al-Hujjat ibn al-Ḥasan'', ''Mahdī'', ''Imāmu l-Aṣr''

====[[Principles of the Religion]] (''Usūl al-Dīn'') ====
{{Main|Principles of the Religion}}
In [[Twelver]] [[Shi'a Islam]], the '''Principles of the Religion''' ('''Usūl al-Dīn''') are the five main theological beliefs that Shi'a [[Muslim]]s must possess. The '''Shi'a Roots of Religion''' are a set of theoretical theological beliefs, in contrast to the ten practices prescribed in the Shi'a [[Branches of Religion]]. It is from these articles that the [[Branches of Religion]] are derived.

All books of [[Resalah]] start with an explicit disclaimer stating that no proof shall be given for any of the points in the '''Roots of Religion'''. The Marja argue that it is permissible to imitate in matters of practical Islam, for example, how one is supposed to do ''[[Salat]]'', without being familiar with evidence and arguments for the conclusions. However, they argue that the matters in the Roots of Religion are much too important to be merely imitated, and it is the responsibility of each individual to make themselves personally familiar with the arguments and evidence for each article of faith.

The five [[articles of faith]] in the '''Shi'a Roots of Religion''' are:
# [[Tawhīd]] (Oneness)
# [[Adalah|Adl]] (Justice)
# [[Nubuwwah]] (Prophethood)
# [[Imamah (Shi'a twelver doctrine)|Imāmah]] (Leadership)
# [[Qiyamah|Yawm al Qiyyamah]] (The Day of Resurrection)

====[[Practices of the Religion]] (''Furū al-Dīn'')====
{{main|Practices of the Religion}}
According to [[Twelver]] doctrine, what is referred to as pillars by Sunni Islam are called the practices or secondary principles. There are three additional practices. The first is [[jihad]], which is also important to the Sunni, but not considered a pillar. The second is ''[[Commanding what is just]]'' ({{lang-ar|امر بالمعروف}}), which calls for every Muslim to live a virtuous life and to encourage others to do the same. The third is ''[[Forbidding what is evil]]'' ({{lang-ar|النهي عن المنكر}}), which tells Muslims to refrain from vice and from evil actions and to encourage others to do the same.<ref>Momen (1987), p.180</ref><ref>Momem (1987), p.178</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia | title=Pillars of Islam | encyclopedia=Encyclopaedia Britannica Online | accessdate=2007-05-02}}</ref> Twelvers have five Principles of the Religion which relates to [[Aqidah]].<ref>Momem (1987), p.176</ref>
# [[Salah]] (Prayer)
# [[Sawm]] (Fast)
# [[Hajj]] (Pilgrimage)
# [[Zakah|Zakāh]] (Poor-rate)
# [[Khums|Khums]] (One-fifth of savings)
# [[Jihad|Jihād]] (Struggle)
# [[Amr-Bil-Ma'rūf]] (Enjoining what is good)
# [[Nahi-Anil-Munkar]] (Forbid what is evil)
# [[Tawalla|Tawallá]] (To love the Ahl al-Bayt and their followers )
# [[Tabarra|Tabarrā']] (To disassociate from the enemies of the Ahl al-Bayt)

====Ja'fari jurispudence====
{{Main|Ja'fari jurisprudence}}
'''Ja'fari jurisprudence''' or '''Ja'fari [[Fiqh]]''' is the name of the jurisprudence of the [[Twelver]] [[Muslims]], derived from the name of [[Ja'far al-Sadiq]], the 6th [[Shia Imam]].

The Ja'fari Shia consider ''Sunnah'' to be the oral traditions of Muhammad and their implementation and interpretation by the Imams who were all scholars and descendants of Muhammad through his daughter [[Fatima]] and her husband, the first Imam, [[Ali]]. There are three schools of Ja'fari jurispudence: [[Usuli]], [[Akhbari]], and [[Shaykhi]]. The Usuli school is by far the largest of the three. Twelver groups that do not follow Ja'fari jurisprudence include the [[Alawi]], [[Alevi]], [[Bektashi]], and [[Ahl-e Haqq]].

====Role of religious scholars====
{{Main|Shia clergy}}
[[Usooli]] and [[Akhbari]] [[Shia]] [[Twelver]] [[Muslims]] believe that the study of [[Islamic]] [[literature]] is a continual process, and is necessary for identifying all of [[God]]'s laws. Twelver Shia Muslims believe that the process of finding God's laws from the available Islamic literature will facilitate in dealing with any circumstance. They believe that they can interpret the [[Qur'an]] and the Twelver Shi'a traditions with the same authority as their predecessors. This process of ijtihad has provided a means to deal with current issues from an islamic perspective. Generally, the Twelver Shi'a clergy have exerted much more authority in the Twelver Shi'a community than have the Sunni ulema.

'''Marja''' ({{lang-ar|مرجع}}), also appearing as '''Marja Taqlid''' ({{lang-ar| مرجع تقليد}}) or '''Marja Dini''' ({{lang-ar| مرجع ديني}}), literally means "Source to Imitate/Follow" or "Religious Reference". It is the label provided to [[Shia]] authority, a ''Grand Ayatollah'' with the authority to make legal decisions within the confines of [[Sharia|Islamic law]] for followers and less-credentialed clerics. After the [[Qur'an]] and the [[Prophets of Islam|Prophets]] and [[Imamah (Shia doctrine)|Imams]], ''marjas'' are the highest authority on religious laws in [[Usuli]] [[Twelver]] [[Shia Islam]].

Currently, ''marjas'' are accorded the title '''''Grand Ayatollah''''' ({{lang-ar| آية ‌الله العظمی ''Ayatollah al-Uzma''}}), however when referring to one, the use of ''Ayatollah'' is acceptable. Previously, the titles of [[Allamah]]<ref>such as [[Allameh Tabatabaei]], [[Allameh Majlesi]], [[Allameh Hilli]]</ref> and [[Imam]]<ref>such as [[Imam Khomeini]], Imam Rohani [http://imamrohani.com imamrohani.com], Imam Shirazi [http://imamshirazi.shirazi.ir/ imamshirazi.shirazi.ir] and Imam Sadr [http://www.imamsadr.net imamsadr.net]</ref> have also been used.

==== Guardianship of the Jurisprudent ====
{{main|Hokumat-e Islami : Velayat-e faqih (book by Khomeini)}}
Traditionally [[Twelver]] Shi'a Muslims consider [[‘Ali|‘Ali ibn Abi Talib]] and the subsequent further eleven Imams not only religious guides but political leaders, based on a crucial [[hadith]] where the Prophet Muhammad passes on his power to command Muslims to [[Muhammad al-Mahdi#Birth and early life according to Twelver Shi.27as|Ali]]. Since the last Imam, [[Muhammad al-Mahdi]], went into "occultation" in 939 AD and is not expected back until end times, this left Shi'a without religiously sanctioned governance. In contrast, the Ismaili Imams did successfully gain political power with the shortly lived [[Fatimid Empire]]. After the fall of the Fatimid Empire Ismaili Shi'asm started to lean towards secular thought.

The first Shi'a regime, the [[Safavid dynasty]] in Iran, propagated the Twelver faith, made Twelver law the law of the land, and patronized Twelver scholarship. For this, Twelver ulama "crafted a new theory of government" which held that while "not truly legitimate", the Safavid monarchy would be "blessed as the most desirable form of government during the period of awaiting" for the [[Muhammad al-Mahdi|twelfth imam]].<ref>Nasr, Vali, ''The Shia Revival,'' Norton, (2006), p.74-75</ref>

In general, the Shi'a adhere to one of three approaches towards the state: either full participation in government, i.e. attempting to influence policies by becoming active in politics, or passive cooperation with it, i.e. minimal participation, or else most commonly, mere toleration of it, i.e. remaining aloof from it.<ref>Momen, ''An Introduction to Shi'i Islam'', (1985), p.193</ref> Historically, Zaidi and Ismaili Shi'a imams functioned as both religious and political leaders, but later after the fall of the [[Fatimid Empire]] the Ismaili imamate became a secular institution. In general, Twelver Shi'a historically remained secular.

This changed with [[Iranian Revolution]] where the Twelver Ayatollah [[Khomeini]] and his supporters established a new theory of governance for the [[History of the Islamic Republic of Iran|Islamic Republic of Iran]]. It is based on Khomeini's theory of guardianship of the Islamic jurist as rule of the Islamic jurist, and jurists as "legatees" of the Prophet Muhammad.

While [[Hokumat-e Islami : Velayat-e faqih (book by Khomeini)#Criticism|not all Twelver Shi'a]] accept this theory, it is uniquely Twelver and the basis of the [[constitution of Iran]], the largest Shi'a Muslim country, where the [[Supreme Leader of Iran|Supreme Leader]] must be an [[Faqih|Islamic jurist]].

===Ismaili===
{{main|Ismaili}}
{{Ismailism}}

The Ismā‘īlī ({{lang-ar|الإسماعيليون}} ''al-Ismāʿīliyyūn''; [[Urdu]]: إسماعیلی ''Ismāʿīlī'', {{lang-fa|إسماعیلیان}} ''Esmāʿiliyān'') branch of Islam is the second largest part of the Shī‘ah community after the Twelvers. The Ismā‘īlī get their name from their acceptance of [[Ismail bin Jafar|Ismā‘īl ibn Ja‘far]] as the divinely-appointed spiritual successor ([[Imamah (Shi'a Ismaili doctrine)|Imām]]) to [[Jafar al-Sadiq|Ja‘far aṣ-Ṣādiq]], wherein they differ from the Twelvers, who accept [[Musa al-Kazim|Mūsà al-Kāzim]], younger brother of Ismā‘īl, as the true Imām. The Ismā‘īlī and the Twelvers both accept the same initial ''A'immah'' from the descendants of Muhammad through his daughter [[Fatima Zahra|Fāṭimah az-Zahra]] and therefore share much of their early history.

After the death or [[the Occultation|Occultation]] of Imām [[Muhammad ibn Ismail|Muḥammad ibn Ismā‘īl]] in the 8th century, the teachings of Ismailism further transformed into the belief system as it is known today, with an explicit concentration on the deeper, [[esoteric]] meaning (''[[batin (Islam)|bāṭin]]'') of the faith. With the eventual development of Twelverism into the more literalistic ''([[Zahir (Islam)|zahir]])'' oriented [[Akhbari]] and later [[Usuli|Uṣūlī]] schools of thought, Shī‘ism developed in two separate directions: the metaphorical Ismā‘īlī group focusing on the [[mystical]] path and nature of God and the divine manifestation in the personage of the "Imam of the Time" as the "Face of God", while the more literalistic Twelver group focusing on divine law (''sharī‘ah'') and the deeds and sayings (''sunnah'') of Muḥammad and his successors (the ''Ahlu l-Bayt''), who as A'immah were guides and a light to God.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www-personal.umich.edu/~jrcole/ahsai1.htm | title = Shaykh Ahmad al-Ahsa'i | accessdate = 2007-04-25}}</ref>

Though there are several sub-groupings within the Ismā‘īlīs, the term in today's vernacular generally refers to the [[Nizari|Nizārī]] community who are followers of the [[Aga Khan]] and the largest group among the Ismā‘īliyyah. While many of the branches have extremely differing exterior practices, much of the spiritual theology has remained the same since the days of the faith's early Imāms. In recent centuries Ismā‘īlīs have largely been an Indo-Iranian community,<ref>Nasr, Vali, ''The Shia Revival'', Norton, (2006), p.76</ref> but they are found in [[India]], [[Pakistan]], [[Syria]], [[Palestine]], [[Saudi Arabia]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://lantos.house.gov/HoR/CA12/Human+Rights+Caucus/Briefing+Testimonies/107/TESTIMONY+OF+ALI+H.+ALYAMI.htm |title=Congressional Human Rights Caucus Testimony - NAJRAN, The Untold Story |accessdate=2007-01-08}}</ref> [[Yemen]], [[China]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://jmm.aaa.net.au/articles/11253.htm |title=News Summary: China; Latvia |accessdate=2007-06-01}}</ref> [[Jordan]], [[Uzbekistan]], [[Tajikistan]], [[Afghanistan]], [[East Africa]] and [[South Africa]], and have in recent years emigrated to [[Europe]], [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]], and [[North America]].<ref name="DaftaryShort1998p1">{{cite book |last=Daftary |first=Farhad |title=A Short History of the Ismailis |year=1998 |publisher=Edinburgh University Press |location=Edinburgh, UK |isbn=0-7486-0687-4 |pages=1–4}}</ref>

==== Ismā‘īlī Imāms ====
{{main|List of Ismaili Imams}}
After the death of Ismā‘īlī ibn Ja‘far, many Ismā‘īlī believed the line of Imāmate ended and that one day the messianic [[Mahdi]], whom they believed to be [[Muhammad ibn Ismail|Muḥammad ibn Ismā‘īl]], would return and establish an age of justice. One group included the violent [[Qarmatian]]s, who had a stronghold in [[Bahrain]]. In contrast, some Ismā‘īlīs believed the Imāmate ''did'' continue, and that the Imāms were in hiding and still communicated and taught their followers through a network of [[da'i|dā‘ī]]s "Missionaries".

In 909, [[Ubayd Allah al-Mahdi Billah|‘Ubaydallāh al-Mahdi bil-Lāh]], a claimant to the Ismā‘īlī Imāmate, established the [[Fatimid Empire]], a political power where Ismā‘īlī Imāms would rule for centuries. [[Egypt]] became the center of an [[empire]] that included at its peak [[North Africa]], [[Sicily]], [[Palestine]], [[Syria]], the [[Red Sea]] coast of Africa, [[Yemen]] and the [[Hejaz]]. Under the Fatimids, Egypt flourished and developed an extensive trade network in both the [[Mediterranean]] and the [[Indian Ocean]], which eventually determined the economic course of Egypt during the [[High Middle Ages]].

During this period, three lineages of Imāms formed. The first branch, known today as the [[Druze]], occurred with the Imām [[Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah|al-Hākim bi-Amrallāh]]. Born in 386 AH (985), he ascended as ruler at the age of eleven and was feared for his eccentricity and believed insanity. The typical religiously tolerant Fatimid Empire saw much persecution under his reign. When in 411 AH (1021) his mule returned without him, soaked in blood, a religious group that was even forming in his lifetime broke off from mainstream Ismā‘īlism and refused to acknowledge his successor. Later to be known as the Druze, they believe al-Hākim to be the incarnation of God and the prophecized Mahdi, who would one day return and bring justice to the world.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://baheyeldin.com/history/al-hakim-bi-amr-allah-fatimid-caliph-of-egypt.html | title = al-Hakim bi Amr Allah: Fatimid Caliph of Egypt | accessdate=2007-04-24}}</ref> The faith further split from Ismā‘īlism as it developed very unique doctrines which often classes it separately from both Ismā‘īliyyah and Islam.

The second split occurred following the death of [[Ma'ad al-Mustansir Billah]] in 487 AH (1094). His rule was the longest of any Caliph in any Islamic empires. Upon his passing away his sons, the older [[Nizar|Nizār]] and the younger [[Al-Musta'li|al-Musta‘lī]] fought for political and spiritual control of the dynasty. Nizār was defeated and jailed, but according to Nizāri tradition, his son to escaped to [[Alamut]] where the [[Iranian peoples|Iranian]] Ismā‘īlī had accepted his claim.<ref name="DaftaryShort1998p106">{{cite book |last=Daftary |first=Farhad |title=A Short History of the Ismailis |year=1998 |publisher=Edinburgh University Press |location=Edinburgh, UK |isbn=0-7486-0687-4 |pages=106–108 }}</ref>

The [[Mustaali|Musta‘lī]] line split again between the Ṭayyibī and the Ḥāfizī, the former claiming that the 21st Imām and son of [[Al-Amir|al-Amīr]] went into Occultation and appointed a [[Da'i al-Mutlaq|Dā‘ī al-Muṭlaq]] to guide the community, in a similar manner as the Ismā‘īlī had lived after the death of Muḥammad ibn Ismā‘īl. The latter claimed that the ruling Fatimid Caliph was the Imām, and they died out with the fall of the Fatimid Empire.

====[[Seven Pillars of Islam (Ismaili)|The Pillars of the Ismā‘īlī]]====
{{main|Seven Pillars of Islam (Ismaili)}}
The Ismā‘īlī [[Seven Pillars of Islam (Ismaili)|Seven Pillars of Islam]], including the Nizārī, Druze and Bohra (Musta‘lī) have three doctrines that are not included in the [[Five Pillars of Islam]]: [[Walayah]], [[Taharah]] and [[Jihad]]. This would raise the total to eight, but the Bohra do not include shahādah, lowering it to seven. The shahādah is a prominent part of other Ismā‘īlī traditions, with the added inclusion of ''‘Aliyun Amīru l-Mu'minīn Walī Allāh'' {{lang-ar|علي ولي الله}} "‘Alī, the Master of the Believers, is the ''[[wali|walī]]'' of God", at the end of the standard shahādah as recited by the rest of the Muslim Ummah.<ref name="autogenerated2">Article on 'Bohras' in ''OUP Encyclopedia of the Modern Islamic World'', [[John Esposito]] (ed), 1995, retrieved from [http://archive.mumineen.org/publications/oup/bohras.html]</ref>

* [[Walayah]] (Guardianship)
* ''Taharah'' (Purity)
* ''Shahādah'' (Profession of Faith)
* [[Salah]] (Prayer)
* [[Zakah]] (Charity)
* [[Sawm]] (Fasting)
* [[Hajj]] (Pilgrimage)
* [[Jihad]] (Struggle)

==== Contemporary leadership ====
For Nizārīs, there has been less of a scholarly institution because of the existence of a present Imām. The Imām of the Age defines the jurisprudence, and may differ with Imāms previous to him because of different times and circumstances.

However, divine leadership has continued in the Bohra branch through the institution of the "Unrestricted Missionary". According to Bohra tradition, before the last Imām, [[Taiyab abi al-Qasim|Ṭayyib Abi l-Qāṣim]], went into seclusion, his father, the 20th Imām [[Mansur al-Amir Bi-Ahkamillah]] had instructed Queen [[Al-Hurra Al-Malika]] in [[Yemen]] to appoint a vicegerent after the seclusion - the ''Unrestricted Missionary'', who as the Imām's vicegerent has full authority to govern the community in all matters both spiritual and temporal while he is in the Occultation. The three branches of the Musta‘lī, the [[Alavi Bohra]], [[Sulaimani Bohra]] and [[Dawoodi Bohra]], differ on who the current Unrestricted Missionary is.

=== Zaidi ===
{{main|Zaidi}}
The Zaidi are a branch of Shi'a Islam named after the [[Shi'a Imam|Imām]] [[Zayd ibn Ali|Zayd ibn ˤAlī]]. Followers of the Zaidi fiqh are called Zaidis (or occasionally, '''Fivers''' by Sunnis).{{Fact|date=February 2009}} However, there is also a group called the Zaidi ''Wasītī''s who are Twelvers (see below).

Since the earliest form of Zaidism was of the Jarudiyya group,<ref>Article by Sayyid 'Ali ibn 'Ali Al-Zaidi, A short History of the Yemenite Shi‘ites (2005) Referencing: Momen, p.50, 51. and S.S. Akhtar Rizvi, "Shi'a Sects"</ref> many of the first Zaidi states, like those of the [[Alavids]], [[Buyids]], [[Ukhaidhirids]]{{Fact|date=December 2007}} and [[Rassids]], were inclined to the Jarudiyya group.

The first Zaidi state was established in [[Gilan|Daylaman]] and [[Tabaristan]] (northern [[Iran]]) in 864 C.E. by the [[Alavids]];<ref>Article by Sayyid 'Ali ibn 'Ali Al-Zaidi, A short History of the Yemenite Shi‘ites (2005) Referencing: Iranian Influence on Moslem Literature</ref> it lasted until the death of its leader at the hand of the Samanids in 928 C.E. Roughly forty years later the state was revived in [[Gilan]] (north-western Iran) and survived under Hasanid leaders until 1126 C.E. After which from the 12th-13th centuries, the Zaidis of [[Gilan|Daylaman]], [[Gilan]] and [[Tabaristan]] then acknowledge the Zaidi Imams of Yemen or rival Zaidi Imams within Iran.<ref>Article by Sayyid 'Ali ibn 'Ali Al-Zaidi, A short History of the Yemenite Shi‘ites (2005) Referencing: Encyclopedia Iranica</ref>

The [[Buyids]] were reported to have been Zaidi,{{Fact|date=May 2007}} as well as the [[Banu Ukhaidhir|Ukhaidhirite]] rulers of [[al-Yamama]] in the 9th and 10th centuries.<ref>Madelung, W. "al- Uk̲h̲ayḍir." Encyclopaedia of Islam. Edited by: P. Bearman, Th. Bianquis, C.E. Bosworth, E. van Donzel and W.P. Heinrichs. Brill, 2007. [http://www.brillonline.nl/subscriber/entry?entry=islam_SIM-7693 Brill Online]. 7 December 2007</ref>

The leader of the Zaidi community took the title of Caliph. As such, the ruler of Yemen was known as the Caliph, al-Hadi Yahya bin al-Hussain bin al-Qasim ar-Rassi (a descendant of Imam [[Hasan ibn Ali|al-Hasan]]){{Fact|date=February 2009}} who, at Sa'da, in 893-7 C.E., founded the Zaidi Imamate and this system continued until the middle of the 20th century, until the revolution of 1962 C.E. that deposed the Zaidi Imam. The founding Zaidism of Yemen was of the Jarudiyya group, however with the increasing interaction with Hanafi and Shafi'i Sunni Islam, there was a shift from the Jarudiyya group to the Sulaimaniyya, Tabiriyya, Butriyya or Salihiyya groups.<ref>Article by Sayyid 'Ali ibn 'Ali Al-Zaidi, A short History of the Yemenite Shi‘ites (2005)</ref>

Zaidis form the dominant religious group in [[Yemen]]. Currently, they constitute about 40-45% of the population in Yemen. Ja'faris and Isma'ilis are 2-5%.<ref>http://www.yemenincanada.ca/map.php</ref><ref>http://www.library.uu.nl/wesp/populstat/Asia/yemeng.htm</ref> In Saudi Arabia, it is estimated that there are over 1 million Zaidis (primarily in the western provinces).{{Fact|date=April 2008}}

Currently the most prominent Zaidi movement is [[Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi|Husayn al-Huthi]]'s [[Shabab al-Muomineen|Shabab al-Mu'mineen]], who have been the subject of an ongoing campaign against them by the Yemeni Government in which the Army has lost 743 men and thousands of innocent civilians have been killed or displaced by government forces, causing a grave humanitarian crisis in north Yemen.
[http://gulf2000.columbia.edu/images/maps/MidEastReligionCore_lg.jpg Shia Population of the Middle East]<ref>[http://gulf2000.columbia.edu/maps.shtml The [[Gulf 2000 Project]] SIPA Columbia University]</ref>

===Ghulat===
{{main|Ghulat}}
{{Unreferenced|date=December 2008}}
Ghali or Exaggerator is the adjectival form of '' '''Ghuluww''' means ''Exaggeration'', a technical term mainstream [[Muslims]] use to describe the beliefs of minority Muslim groups who ascribe divine characteristics to a member of [[Muhammad]]'s family, especially [[Ali]]) or the early companions of the Prophet such as [[Salman al-Farisi]]. The assumption is that the groups thus described have gone too far and have come to associate them with God (''[[shirk]]''). Some groups are commonly alleged to be exaggerator by Twelver scholars are:

*[[Alawite]]s (''an-Nusayriyyah'')
*[[Druze]]s (This group is Ismaili and is accepted by the mainstream [[Nizari]] as a proper group)
*[[Ahl-e Haqq]]

Most of these groups have some similarity with Shi'a such as belief that Ali is the rightful successor of Muhammad. In addition, most of them have accepted [[The Twelve Imams]] (hence falling under the Twelver category), but attribute some God-like attribution to them. Thus most of the Twelvers have negative view towards them and recognize them as heretics. Nowadays, they live in Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Turkey and Syria.
==See also==
* [[Islam]]
* [[Abdullah ibn Saba]]
* [[Persecution of Shia Muslims]]
* [[Demographics of Islam]]
* [[Shia Crescent]]
* [[List of Shia books]]
* [[Shia clergy]]
* [[List of Shia Islamic scholars]]
* [[Succession to Muhammad]]
* [[Shia-Sunni relations]]
** [[Ismah]]
** [[Esoteric interpretation of the Qur'an]]
** [[Nikah Mut‘ah]]

==Notes==
{{reflist|2}}

==References==
* {{cite encyclopedia | encyclopedia = [[Encyclopædia Britannica Online|Encyclopaedia Britannica Online]] | publisher = Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.}}
* {{cite encyclopedia | encyclopedia=[[Encyclopædia Iranica]] | publisher=Center for Iranian Studies, Columbia University| id= ISBN 1568590504}}
*{{cite encyclopedia | encyclopedia = Encyclopaedia of Islam and the Muslim world; vol.1 | last = Martin | first = Richard C. | publisher = MacMillan | id = ISBN 0028656040}}
* {{cite book|last = Corbin|first = Henry|authorlink = Henry Corbin|coauthors = |title = History of Islamic Philosophy, Translated by Liadain Sherrard, [[Philip Sherrard]]|publisher = London; Kegan Paul International in association with Islamic Publications for The Institute of Ismaili Studies |year = 1993 (original French 1964)|isbn = 0710304161}}
* {{cite book | last = Dakake | first = Maria Massi | authorlink = | title =The Charismatic Community: Shi'ite Identity in Early Islam | publisher = SUNY Press | year = 2008 | isbn = 0791470334}}
* {{cite book | last=Holt | first=P. M. | coauthors=[[Bernard Lewis]] | title=Cambridge History of Islam, Vol. 1 | year=1977a | publisher=Cambridge University Press | isbn=0521291364}}
* {{cite book | last=Lapidus| first=Ira | title=A History of Islamic Societies | publisher=Cambridge University Press | year=2002 | edition=2nd | isbn=978-0521779333}}
* {{cite book | last=Momen | first=Moojan | authorlink= | title= An Introduction to Shi‘i Islam: The History and Doctrines of Twelve| publisher=Yale University Press | year=1985 | isbn=0300035314}}
* {{cite book | last=Sachedina | first=Abdulaziz Abdulhussein | authorlink=Abdulaziz Sachedina | title= The Just Ruler (al-sultān Al-ʻādil) in Shīʻite Islam: The Comprehensive Authority of the Jurist in Imamite Jurisprudence| publisher=Oxford University Press US | year=1988 | isbn=0195119150}}
* {{cite book | last=Tabatabaei | first=Sayyid Mohammad Hosayn | coauthors=[[Seyyed Hossein Nasr]] (translator) | authorlink=Muhammad Husayn Tabatabaei | title= Shi'ite Islam
| publisher=Suny press| year=1979 | isbn=0-87395-272-3}}

===Further reading===
* {{cite book | last=Corbin | first=Henry | authorlink=Henry Corbin | title= History of Islamic Philosophy, translated by Liadain Sherrard and [[Philip Sherrard]] | publisher=Kegan Paul International in association with Islamic Publications for The Institute of Ismaili Studies| year=1993 | isbn=0710304161}}
* {{cite book | last=Halm| first=Heinz | title=Shi'ism | publisher=Edinburgh University Press | year=2004 | isbn=0748618880}}
* {{cite book | last=Halm| first=Heinz | title=The Shi'ites: A Short History | publisher=Markus Wiener Pub | year=2007 | isbn=1558764372}}
* {{cite book | last=Lalani| first=Arzina R. | title=Early Shi'i Thought: The Teachings of Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir | publisher=I.B.Tauris | year=2000 | isbn=1860644341}}
* {{cite book | last=Momen| first=Moojan | title=An Introduction to Shi'i Islam: The History and Doctrines of Twelver Shi'ism | publisher=Yale University Press | year=1985 | isbn=0300034997}}
* {{cite book | last=Moosa| first=Matti | title=Extremist Shiites: The Ghulat Sects | publisher=Syracuse University Press | year=1988 | isbn=0815624115}}
* {{cite book | last=Nasr| first=Seyyed Hossein | coauthors=[[Hamid Dabashi]] | authorlink=Seyyed Hossein Nasr | title=Expectation of the Millennium: Shiʻism in History | publisher=SUNY Press | year=1989 | id=ISBN 088706843X}}
* {{cite book | last=Rogerson| first=Barnaby | title=The Heirs of Muhammad: Islam's First Century and the Origins of the Sunni Shia split | publisher=Overlook Press | year=2007 | isbn=1585678961}}
* {{cite book | last=Wollaston| first=Arthur N. | title=The Sunnis and Shias | publisher=Kessinger Publishing | year=2005 | isbn=1425479162}}
* http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?artid=189&letter=A

==External links==
*[http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9067367/Shiite Shi'ite] an article in Encyclopedia Britannica online
*[http://www.iranica.com/newsite/articles/ot_grp7/ot_shiite_doctr_20050201.html Shi'ite Doctorine] by MOHAMMAD ALI AMIR-MOEZZI an article in Encyclopedia Iranica
*[http://www.al-islam.org Ahlul Bayt Digital Islamic Library Project] ([[Twelver]])
* [http://www.rafed.net Rafed Network for Cultural Development] ([[Twelver]])
*[http://www.iis.ac.uk/home.asp?l=en The Institute of Ismaili Studies] ([[Ismaili]])
*[http://www.al-khoei.org Imam Al-Khoei Foundation] ([[Twelver]])
*[http://www.theismaili.org/ Official Website of Nizari Ismaili] ([[Ismaili]])
*[http://www.alavibohra.org/ Official Website of Alavi Bohra] ([[Ismaili]])
*[http://www.mumineen.org/ Dawoodi Bohra] ([[Ismaili]])
*[http://dmoz.org/Society/Religion_and_Spirituality/Islam/Shia/ List of Shia websites]
*[http://www.iid.org.ir/IIDE/ Institute for Interreligious Dialogue], Tehran
{{Islam topics|state=collapsed}}

[[Category:Shi'a Islam| ]]

[[ar:الشيعة]]
[[ast:Chiita]]
[[az:Şiə]]
[[bn:শিয়া ইসলাম]]
[[bs:Šiitski islam]]
[[bg:Шиитски ислям]]
[[ca:Xiisme]]
[[cs:Ší'itský islám]]
[[cy:Shia]]
[[da:Shiisme]]
[[de:Schia]]
[[dv:ޝީޢީ މަޛްހަބު]]
[[et:Šiiidid]]
[[el:Σιίτες]]
[[es:Chiismo]]
[[eo:Ŝijaismo]]
[[eu:Xiismo]]
[[fa:شیعه]]
[[fr:Chiisme]]
[[ko:시아파]]
[[hi:शिया]]
[[hr:Šiiti]]
[[id:Syi'ah]]
[[is:Sjía]]
[[it:Sciismo]]
[[he:שיעה]]
[[sw:Shi'a]]
[[ku:Şîatî]]
[[la:Secta Siitica]]
[[lt:Šiizmas]]
[[hu:Síita iszlám]]
[[ml:ഷിയാ ഇസ്ലാം]]
[[ms:Syiah]]
[[nl:Sjiisme]]
[[ja:シーア派]]
[[no:Sjiaislam]]
[[nn:Sjiaislam]]
[[ps:تشيع]]
[[pl:Szyizm]]
[[pt:Xiismo]]
[[ro:Shi'a]]
[[ru:Шииты]]
[[scn:Sciismu]]
[[simple:Shi'a Islam]]
[[sk:Šía]]
[[sl:Šiizem]]
[[sr:Шиити]]
[[sh:Šiiti]]
[[fi:Šiialaisuus]]
[[sv:Shia]]
[[te:షియా ఇస్లాం]]
[[th:ชีอะหฺ]]
[[tr:Şiilik]]
[[uk:Шиїти]]
[[ur:اثنا عشریہ اہل تشیع]]
[[yi:שיאיטן]]
[[zh-yue:什葉派]]
[[zh:什叶派]]

Polytheism

2009-02-12T10:00:05Z

John Cho:

Iran

2009-02-12T09:58:38Z

John Cho:

{{pp-semi-vandalism|small=yes}}
{{redirect|Persia}}
:''For a topic outline on this subject, see [[List of basic Iran topics]].''
{{Infobox Country
|native_name = '''جمهوری اسلامی ايران''' ''Jomhuri-ye Islāmi-ye Irān''
|conventional_long_name = Rafidha Republic of Iran
|common_name = Iran
|image_flag = Flag of Iran.svg
|image_coat = Coat of arms of Iran.svg
|symbol_type = Emblem
|image_map = LocationIran.png
|official_religion = [[Shia Islam]]
|national_motto = ''Esteqlāl, āzādi, jomhuri-ye eslāmi''1{{spaces|2}}{{fa icon}} "Independence, freedom, Islamic Republic"
|national_anthem = ''[[Sorud-e Melli-e Iran|Sorud-e Melli-ye Irān]]''²
|capital = [[Tehran]]
|latd=35 |latm=41 |latNS=N |longd=51 |longm=25 |longEW=E
|largest_city = capital
|official_languages = [[Persian language|Persian]]
|regional_languages = constitutional recognition of the regional languages such as [[Azeri language|Azeri]], [[Kurdish language|Kurdish]], and [[Mazandarani language|Mazandarani]], and [[Gilaki language|Gilaki]]<ref>[http://www.servat.unibe.ch/law/icl/ir00000_.html Iran Constitution] retrieved 25 Feb 2008</ref>
|demonym = [[Demography of Iran|Iranian]]
|government_type = [[Polytheism|Islamic Mushrikeen Republic]]
|leader_title1 = [[Supreme Leader of Iran|Supreme Leader]]
|leader_name1 = {{nowrap|[[Ayatollah]] [[Ali Khamenei]]}}
|leader_title2 = [[President of Iran|President]]
|leader_name2 = {{nowrap|[[Mahmoud Ahmadinejad]]}}
|leader_title3 = [[Vice President of Iran|First Vice President]]
|leader_name3 = {{nowrap|[[Parviz Davoodi]]}}
|leader_title4 = Chairman of the [[Assembly of Experts]] and [[Expediency Discernment Council]]
|leader_name4 = {{nowrap|[[Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani]]}}
|leader_title5 = Speaker of the [[Majlis of Iran|Majlis]]
|leader_name5 = {{nowrap|[[Ali Larijani]]}}
|leader_title = Chairman of the [[Guardian Council]]
|leader_name6 = {{nowrap|[[Ahmad Jannati]]}}
|leader_title7 = Head of the [[Judicial system of Iran|judicial system]]
|leader_name7 = {{nowrap|[[Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi]]}}
|sovereignty_type = Unification<ref name="Encyclopædia Britannica Encyclopedia Article: Media ancient region, Iran">http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/372125/Media Encyclopædia Britannica Encyclopedia Article: Media ancient region, Iran</ref>
|established_event1 =[[Medes|Median]] [[Monarchy|kingdom]]
|established_date1 = 625 BC<ref name="Encyclopædia Britannica Encyclopedia Article: Media ancient region, Iran"/>
|established_event2 = [[Safavid|Safavid dynasty (reestablishment)]]
|established_date2 = 1501<ref>Andrew J. Newman, Safavid Iran: Rebirth of a Persian Empire, I. B. Tauris (March 30, 2006)</ref>
|established_event3 = Islamic Republic declared
|established_date3 = 1 April 1979
|area_km2 = 1,648,195
|area_sq_mi = 636,372 
|area_rank = 18th
|area_magnitude = 1 E12
|percent_water = 0.7

|population_density_km2 = 42
|population_density_sq_mi = 109 
|population_density_rank = 163th 
|population_census = 70,472,846³
|population_census_year = 2007 (1385 [[Iranian calendar|AP]])
|population_census_rank = 17th
|GDP_PPP = $816.839 billion<ref name="imf">{{cite web|url=http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2008/02/weodata/weorept.aspx?sy=2008&ey=2008&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=429&s=NGDPD%2CNGDPDPC%2CPPPGDP%2CPPPPC&grp=0&a=&pr.x=36&pr.y=14|title=Iran|publisher=International Monetary Fund|accessdate=2008-11-28}}</ref>
|GDP_PPP_rank = 18th 
|GDP_PPP_year = 2008
|GDP_PPP_per_capita = $11,209<ref name="imf"/>
|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 71st 
|GDP_nominal = $382.328 billion<ref name="imf"/>
|GDP_nominal_rank = 29th 
|GDP_nominal_year = 2008
|GDP_nominal_per_capita = $5,246<ref name="imf"/>
|GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank = 85th 
|Gini = 44.5
|Gini_year = 2006
|Gini_category = medium
|HDI_year = 2008
|HDI = {{increase}} 0.777
|HDI_rank = 84th
|HDI_category = medium
|currency = [[Iranian rial]] (<big>ريال</big>)
|currency_code = IRR
|time_zone = [[Iran Standard Time|IRST]]
|utc_offset = +3:30
|time_zone_DST = Iran Daylight Time (IRDT)
|utc_offset_DST = +4:30
|drives_on = right
|cctld = [[.ir]]
|calling_code = 98
|footnote1 = [http://www.bookrags.com/browse/Encyclopedia%20of%20Religious%20Practices/50 bookrags.com]
|footnote2 = [http://www.iranchamber.com/geography/articles/flag_anthem.php iranchamber.com]
|footnote3 = {{cite web |url=http://www.sci.org.ir/content/userfiles/_census85/census85/natayej/tables/J-1.html |title=تغییرات جمعیت کشور طی سال‌های ۱۳۳۵-۱۳۸۵ |author=Statistical Centre of Iran |accessdate=2007-05-16 |language=Persian}}
|footnote4 = [https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ir.html#Econ CIA Factbook]
}}
{{portal|Iran|Flag of Iran.svg|48}}

'''Iran''' ({{PerB|<big>ايران</big>}}, /{{IPA|irɒn}}/↔{{Audio-IPA|Iran_alborz.ogg|[ʔiˈɾɒn]}}), officially the '''Islamic Republic of Iran'''<ref>{{PerB|<big>جمهوری اسلامی ايران</big>}}, {{pronounced|dʒomhuːɾije eslɒːmije iːɾɒn}}</ref> and formerly known internationally as '''[[Persian Empire|Persia]]''' until 1935, is a country in [[Central Eurasia]]<ref>http://cesww.fas.harvard.edu/ces_definition.html</ref>, located on the northeastern shore of the [[Persian Gulf]] and the southern shore of the [[Caspian Sea]]. Since 1949, both the names "Persia" and "Iran" are used, however, Iran is used for an official and political context.<ref name="artarena">[http://www.art-arena.com/history.html Iransaga], "Persia or Iran, a brief history".</ref><ref name="iranian">[http://www.iranian.ws/art.htm Iranian.ws], Iranian & Persian Art.</ref> The name Iran is a [[cognate]] of ''Aryan'', and means "Land of the [[Aryan]]s".<ref name="hinduwebsite">[http://www.hinduwebsite.com/hinduism/concepts/arya.asp hinduwebsite.com, "The Concepts of Hinduism — Arya"], retrieved 1 Oct 2007</ref><ref name="wiscper">[http://imp.lss.wisc.edu/~aoliai/languagepage/iranianlanguages.htm imp.lss.wisc.edu, "Iranian Languages", Political, Social, Scientific, Literary & Artistic (Monthly) Oct 2000, No. 171, Dr. Suzan Kaviri, pp. 26–7], retrieved 1 Oct 2007</ref><ref name="about.com">[http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/persianempiremaps/qt/Iran.htm "Iran — The Ancient Name of Iran", N.S. Gill], retrieved 1 Oct 2007</ref>

The 18th largest country in the world in terms of area at 1,648,195 km², Iran has a population of over seventy million. It is a country of special [[geostrategy|geostrategic]] significance due to its central location in [[Eurasia]]. Iran is bordered on the north by [[Armenia]], [[Azerbaijan]] and [[Turkmenistan]]. As Iran is a [[littoral zone|littoral]] state of the [[Caspian Sea]], which is an inland sea and [[Condominium (international law)|condominium]], [[Kazakhstan]] and [[Russia]] are also Iran's direct neighbors to the north. Iran is bordered on the east by [[Afghanistan]] and [[Pakistan]], on the south by the [[Persian Gulf]] and the [[Gulf of Oman]], and on the west by [[Turkey]] and [[Iraq]]. [[Tehran]] is the capital, the country's largest city and the political, cultural, commercial, and industrial center of the nation. Iran is a [[regional power]],<ref name="parliament">[http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmselect/cmfaff/363/36310.htm parliament.uk, "Select Committee on Foreign Affairs, Eighth Report, Iran], retrieved 1 Oct 2007</ref><ref name="petro-hunt">[http://www.petro-hunt.com/lectures/LectureOpen.htm IRAN @ 2000 and Beyond lecture series, opening address, W. Herbert Hunt, 18 May 2000], retrieved 1 Oct 2007</ref> and occupies an important position in international energy security and world economy as a result of its large reserves of [[petroleum]] and [[natural gas]].

Iran is home to one of the world's oldest continuous major civilizations, with historical and urban settlements dating back to 7000 BC.<ref>[http://www.iranicatours.com/history.htm Iranian History], Retrieved on February 2, 2009.</ref><ref>[http://www.iranchamber.com/architecture/articles/bazaar_of_isfahan1.php Iranian Architecture & Monuments], Retrieved on February 2, 2009.</ref><ref>[http://www.destinationiran.com/Pottery_Making.htm Pottery Making in Iran], Retrieved on February 2, 2009.</ref> The first Iranian dynasty formed during the [[Elamite kingdom]] in 2800 BC. The Iranian [[Medes]] unified Iran into an empire in 625 BC.<ref name="Encyclopædia Britannica Encyclopedia Article: Media ancient region, Iran"/> They were succeeded by three Iranian Empires, the [[Achaemenids]], [[Parthian empire|Parthians]] and [[Sassanid Empire|Sassanids]], which governed Iran for more than 1000 years. Iranian post-Islamic dynasties and empires expanded the [[Persian language]] and [[Persian culture|culture]] throughout the [[Iranian plateau]]. The first Iranian [[Shiite]] dynasty formed by [[Buyids]] in 934 AD. The blossoming of [[Persian literature]], [[Persian philosophy|philosophy]], [[Science and technology in Iran|medicine]], [[Science and technology in Iran|astronomy]], [[Science and technology in Iran|mathematics]] and [[Persian art|art]] became major elements of Muslim civilization. Iran was once again reunified as an independent state in 1501 by the [[Safavid dynasty]]<ref>Andrew J. Newman, Safavid Iran: Rebirth of a Persian Empire, I. B. Tauris (March 30, 2006)</ref>—who promoted [[Twelver]] [[Shi'a Islam]]<ref name="savoryeiref"> R.M. Savory, ''Safavids'', [[Encyclopedia of Islam]], 2nd edition</ref> as the official [[religion]] of their empire, marking one of the most important turning points in the [[history of Islam]].<ref name="islamic1600"/> The [[Iranian Constitutional Revolution|Persia's constitutional revolution]] established [[Majles|the nation's first parliament]] in 1906, within a [[constitutional monarchy]]. Iran officially became an [[Islamic republic]] on 1 April 1979, after the [[Iranian Revolution|Iranian 1979 Revolution]].<ref name="britannica1">[http://www.britannica.com/ebi/article-202892 Iran Islamic Republic], Encyclopaedia Britannica retrieved 23 January 2008</ref><ref name = "Britannica"/>

Iran is a founding member of the [[United Nations|UN]], [[Non-Aligned Movement|NAM]], [[Organisation of the Islamic Conference|OIC]] and [[OPEC]]. The [[Politics of Iran|political system of Iran]], based on the 1979 [[Constitution of Islamic Republic of Iran|Constitution]], comprises several intricately connected governing bodies. The highest state authority is the [[Supreme Leader of Iran|Supreme Leader]]. Shia Islam is the official religion and [[Persian language|Persian]] is the official language.<ref>{{cite web|title=قانون اساسی جمهوری اسلامی ایران|url=http://fa.wikisource.org/wiki/قانون_اساسی_جمهوری_اسلامی_ایران|language=Persian}} retrieved 23 January 2008</ref>

==Etymology==
{{main|Etymology of the Persian Empire}}
{{seealso|Iran naming dispute}}
The term ''Iran'' (ایران) in modern Persian derives from the [[Proto-Iranian]] term ''Aryānām'' first attested in [[Zoroastrianism]]'s [[Avesta]] tradition.<ref name="Bailey_Arya">{{cite encyclopedia|last=Bailey|first=Harold Walter|authorlink=Harold Walter Bailey|title=Arya|page=681-683|year=1987|volume=2|encyclopedia=Encyclopedia Iranica|location=New York|publisher=Routledge & Kegan Paul|http://www.iranica.com/newsite/articles/v2f7/v2f7a004.html}}</ref> ''Ariya-'' and ''Airiia-'' are also attested as an ethnic designator in [[Achaemenid]] inscriptions. The term ''Ērān'', from [[Middle Persian]] ''Ērān'' ([[Pahlavi|written as]] ''ʼyrʼn'') is found on the inscription that accompanies the investiture relief of [[Ardashir I]] at [[Naqsh-e Rustam]].<ref name="MacKenzie">{{cite encyclopedia|last=MacKenzie|first=David Niel|title=Ērān, Ērānšahr|year=1998|volume=8|encyclopedia=Encyclopedia Iranica|publisher=Mazda|location=Costa Mesa|url=http://www.iranica.com/newsite/articles/v8f5/v8f545.html}}</ref> In this inscription, the king's appellation in Middle Persian contains the term ''ērān'' (Pahlavi ''ʼryʼn''), while in the [[Parthian language]] inscription that accompanies it, the term ''aryān'' describes Iran. In Ardashir's time, ''ērān'' retained this meaning, denoting ''the people'' rather than ''the state''.

Notwithstanding this inscriptional use of ''ērān'' to refer to the [[Iranian peoples]], the use of ''ērān'' to refer to the geographical empire is also attested in the early Sassanid period. An inscription relating to [[Shapur I]], Ardashir's son and immediate successor, includes regions which were not inhabited primarily by Iranians in ''Ērān'' regions, such as [[Armenia]] and the [[Caucasus]]."<ref name="Gignoux_Aneran">{{cite encyclopedia|title=Anērān|url=http://www.iranica.com/newsite/articles/v2f1/v2f1a035.html}} retrieved 25 Feb 2008</ref> In [[Kartir|Kartir's]] inscriptions the high priest includes the same regions in his list of provinces of the antonymic ''Anērān''.<ref name="Gignoux_Aneran" /> Both ''ērān'' and ''aryān'' comes from the [[Proto-Iranian]] term ''Aryānām'', (Land) of the (Iranian) Aryas. The word and concept of [[Airyanem Vaejah]] is present in the name of the country Iran (Lit. Land of the Aryans) inasmuch as Iran (''Ērān'') is the modern Persian form of the word ''Aryānā''.

The country has always been known to its own people as Iran, however in the outside world, the official name of Iran from the 6th century BC until 1935 was '''[[Persia]]''' or similar foreign language translations (''La Perse'', ''Das Persien'', ''Perzie'', etc.).<ref name="artarena"/> In that year, [[Reza Shah]] asked the international community to call the country by the name "Iran". A few years later, some Persian scholars protested to the government that changing the name had separated the country from its past, so in 1949<ref name="artarena"/><ref name="iranian"/> [[Mohammad Reza Shah]] announced that both terms could officially be used interchangeably. Now both terms are common, but "Iran" is used mostly in the modern political context and "Persia" in a cultural and historical context. Since the [[Iranian Revolution]] of 1979, the official name of the country has been the "Islamic Republic of Iran."

==Geography and climate==
{{main|Geography of Iran}}
{{see also|Agriculture in Iran|Wildlife of Iran}}
[[File:Iran BMNG.png|thumb|Satellite image of Iran]]
[[File:Damavand3.jpg|thumb|right|float|[[Mount Damavand]], Iran's highest point, is located in [[Mazanderan]].]]
Iran is the [[List of countries and outlying territories by total area|eighteenth largest country]] in the world.<ref>[http://www.mongabay.com/igapo/world_statistics_by_area.htm World Statistics by Area] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> Its area roughly equals that of the United Kingdom, France, Spain, and Germany combined, or slightly less than the state of [[Alaska]].<ref>[http://www.ngallery.org/middle_east/iran.html Welcome to Iran] retrieved 25 Feb 2008</ref><ref>[http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Asia-and-Oceania/Iran-LOCATION-SIZE-AND-EXTENT.html Iran-Location, size, and extent] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> Its borders are with [[Azerbaijan]] (432 km/268 mi) and [[Armenia]] (35 km/22 mi) to the north-west; the [[Caspian Sea]] to the north; [[Turkmenistan]] (992 km/616 mi) to the north-east; [[Pakistan]] (909 km/565 mi) and [[Afghanistan]] (936 km/582 mi) to the east; [[Turkey]] (499 km/310 mi) and Iraq (1,458 km/906 mi) to the west; and finally the waters of the [[Persian Gulf]] and the [[Gulf of Oman]] to the south. Iran's area is 1,648,000 km² (approximately 636,300 [[square mile|sq mi]]).<ref name="CIA">{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ir.html |title = "Iran" |author=CIA World Factbook |accessdate=2008-03-04}}</ref>
[[Image:Lynx lynx poing.jpg|thumb|left|upright|[[Eurasian Lynx]]]]
Iran consists of the [[Iranian Plateau]] with the exception of the coasts of the [[Caspian Sea]] and [[Khuzestan]]. It is one of the world's most mountainous countries, its landscape dominated by rugged [[mountain range]]s that separate various [[drainage basin|basins]] or [[plateau]]x from one another. The populous western part is the most mountainous, with ranges such as the [[Caucasus Mountains|Caucasus]], [[Zagros Mountains|Zagros]] and [[Alborz]] Mountains; the latter contains Iran's highest point, [[Mount Damavand]] at 5,610 m (18,405 ft), which is not only the country's highest peak but also the highest mountain on the Eurasian landmass west of the [[Hindu Kush]].<ref>[http://news.surfwax.com/geography/files/Hindu_Kush_Mountains.html SurfWax: News, Reviews and Articles On Hindu Kush] retrieved 25 Feb 2008</ref> The Northern part of Iran is covered by dense rain forests called [[Shomal]] or the [[Jungles of Iran]]. The eastern part consists mostly of [[desert]] basins such as the [[Dasht-e Kavir]], Iran's largest desert, in the north-central portion of the country, and the [[Dasht-e Lut]], in the east, as well as some [[Salt lake (geography)|salt lakes]]. This is because the mountain ranges are too high for rain clouds to reach these regions. The only large [[plain]]s are found along the coast of the [[Caspian Sea]] and at the northern end of the Persian Gulf, where Iran borders the mouth of the [[Shatt al-Arab]] (or the Arvand Rūd) river. Smaller, discontinuous plains are found along the remaining coast of the Persian Gulf, the [[Strait of Hormuz]] and the [[Sea of Oman]].

Iran's [[climate]] ranges from [[arid]] or [[semiarid]], to [[subtropical]] along the Caspian coast and the [[Jungles of Iran|northern forests]]. On the northern edge of the country (the Caspian coastal plain) temperatures nearly fall below freezing and it remains humid for the rest of the year. Summer temperatures rarely exceed 29 [[Celsius|°C]] (85 [[Fahrenheit|°F]]).<ref>[http://www.weneedtrees.com/iran/nature.asp Nature & Mountains of Iran] retrieved 25 Feb 2008</ref><ref name="simmons">[http://my.simmons.edu/lcis/zoom/2005/10/iran-_current_i.html Iran- Current Information] retrieved 25 feb 2008</ref> Annual precipitation is 680 mm (27 in) in the eastern part of the plain and more than 1,700 mm (67 in) in the western part. To the west, settlements in the [[Zagros Mountains|Zagros]] basin experience lower temperatures, severe winters with below zero average daily temperatures and heavy snowfall. The eastern and central basins are arid, with less than 200 mm (eight in) of rain, and have occasional deserts.<ref name="simmons"/> Average summer temperatures exceed 38 °C (100 °F). The coastal plains of the [[Persian Gulf]] and [[Gulf of Oman]] in southern Iran have mild winters, and very humid and hot summers. The annual precipitation ranges from 135 to 355 mm (five to fourteen inches).<ref name="simmons"/>

[[Wildlife of Iran|Iran's wildlife]] is composed of several animal species including bears, gazelles, wild pigs, wolves, jackals, panthers, Eurasian lynx, and foxes. Other domestic animals include, sheep, goats, cattle, horses, water buffalo, donkeys, and camels. The pheasant, partridge, stork, eagles and falcon are also native to Iran.

===Provinces and cities===
{{main|Provinces of Iran|Counties of Iran}}
{{Seealso|List of Iran cities by population}}
[[File:Azadi1.jpg|thumb|upright|left|After the revolution, Shahyad Tower was renamed [[Azadi Tower|Freedom Tower]]]]
{{Provinces of Iran Labelled Map|float=right}}
Iran is divided into thirty [[Provinces of Iran|provinces]] (''ostān''), each governed by an appointed governor (استاندار, ostāndār). The provinces are divided into counties (''[[Counties of Iran|shahrestān]]''), and subdivided into districts (''[[bakhsh]]'') and sub-districts (''dehestān'').

Iran has one of the highest urban growth rates in the world. From 1950 to 2002, the urban proportion of the population increased from 27% to 60%.<ref name="payvand2">{{cite web |url=http://www.payvand.com/news/03/nov/1135.html |title="Iran: Focus on reverse migration" |author=Payvand |accessdate=2006-04-17}}</ref> The United Nations predicts that by 2030 80% of the population will be urban.<ref name="sci.org.ir">[http://www.sci.org.ir/portal/faces/public/census85/census85.natayej/census85.abadipage "Islamic Azad University"], retrieved 28 Jan 2008</ref> Most internal migrants have settled near the cities of [[Tehran]], [[Isfahan]], [[Ahvaz]], and [[Qom]]. The listed populations are from the 2006/07 (1385 [[Iranian calendar|AP]]) census.<ref>[http://www.sci.org.ir/portal/faces/public/census85/census85.natayej/census85.abadipage Iranian National Portal of Statistics] retrieved 27 Feb 2008</ref> [[Tehran]], with population of 7,705,036, is the largest city in Iran and is the Capital city. [[Tehran]] is home to around 11% of Iran's population. Tehran, like many big cities, suffers from severe air pollution. It is the hub of the country's [[Communications in Iran|communication]] and [[Transport in Iran|transport]] network.

[[Mashhad]], with a population of 2.8 million, is the second largest Iranian city and the centre of the province of [[Razavi Khorasan]]. Mashahd is one of the holiest [[Shi'a]] cities in the world as it is the site of the [[Imam Reza shrine]]. It is the centre of tourism in Iran and between 15 and 20 million pilgrims go to the [[Imam Reza]]'s shrine every year.<ref>[http://www.iran-daily.com/1383/2211/html/panorama.htm Religious Tourism Potentials Rich] retrieved 28 Feb 2008</ref><ref>[http://www.sacredsites.com/middle_east/iran/mashad.htm Mashhad, Iran] retrieved 28 Feb 2008</ref> Another major Iranian city is [[Isfahan]] (population 1,986,542), which is the capital of [[Isfahan Province]]. The [[Naghsh-e Jahan Square]] in Isfahan has been designated by [[UNESCO]] as a [[World Heritage Site]]. The city contains a wide variety of [[Islamic architecture|Islamic architectural]] sites ranging from the eleventh to the 19th century. The growth of suburb area around the city has turned Isfahan to the second most populous metropolitan area (3,430,353).<ref>http://www.sci.org.ir/content/userfiles/_census85/census85/natayej/township/Os10.xls retrieved 27 Feb 2008</ref>
The other major Iranian cities are [[Karaj]] (population 1,732,275), [[Tabriz]] (population 1,597,312) and [[Shiraz]] (population 1,227,331). Karaj is located in [[Tehran province]] and is situated 20 km west of [[Tehran]], at the foot of [[Alborz]] mountains; however, the city is increasingly becoming an extension of metropolitan Tehran.

==History==
{{main|History of Iran|Persian Empire}}

===Early history (3200 BC–625 BC)===
{{main|Tappeh Sialk|Jiroft civilization|Elamite kingdom|Mannaeans}}
[[File:Mappa di Eratostene.jpg|thumb|right|19th century reconstruction of a map of the world by [[Eratosthenes]], [[Circa|c.]]200 BC. The name Ariana (Aryânâ) was used to describe the region where the [[Iranian Plateau]] is found.]]
Dozens of [[Prehistory|pre-historic]] sites across the Iranian plateau point to the existence of ancient cultures and urban settlements in the [[fourth millennium BC]],<ref name="xinhuaciv">[http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-08/10/content_6508609.htm Xinhua, "New evidence: modern civilization began in Iran", 10 Aug 2007], retrieved 1 Oct 2007</ref><ref name="iran-daily">[http://www.iran-daily.com/1385/2795/html/panorama.htm Iran Daily, "Panorama", 3 Mar 2007], retrieved 1 Oct 2007</ref><ref name="iranian.ws">[http://www.iranian.ws/iran_news/publish/article_22427.shtml Iranian.ws, "Archaeologists: Modern civilization began in Iran based on new evidence", 12 Aug 2007], retrieved 1 Oct 2007</ref> centuries before the earliest civilizations arose in nearby [[Mesopotamia]].<ref>http://oi.uchicago.edu/OI/MUS/VOL/NN_SUM94/NN_Sum94.html retrieved 2006-04-29</ref>
[[Proto-Iranian]]s first emerged following the separation of [[Indo-Iranians]], and are traced to the [[Bactria-Margiana Archaeological Complex]].<ref name="Panshin"> [http://www.panshin.com/trogholm/wonder/indoeuropean/indoeuropean3.html "The Palaeolithic Indo-Europeans"] — Panshin.com (retrieved 4 June 2006)</ref> [[Aryan]], ([[Ancient Iranian peoples|Proto-Iranian]]) tribes arrived in the [[Iranian plateau]] in the third and second [[millennium]] BC, probably in more than one wave of emigration, and settled as nomads. Further separation of Proto-Iranians into "Eastern" and "Western" groups occurred due to migration. By the first millennium BC, [[Medes]], [[Persian people|Persians]], [[Bactria]]ns and [[Parthia]]ns populated the western part, while [[Cimmerians]], [[Sarmatians]] and [[Alans]] populated the steppes north of the [[Black Sea]]. Other tribes began to settle on the eastern edge, as far as on the mountainous frontier of north-western [[Indian subcontinent]] and into the area which is now [[Balochistan (region)|Balochistan]]. Others, such as the [[Scythia]]n tribes spread as far west as the [[Balkans]] and as far east as [[Xinjiang]]. [[Avestan]] is an eastern Old [[Iranian language]] that was used to compose the sacred hymns and canon of the [[Zoroastrianism|Zoroastrian]] [[Gathas]] in c. 1000 BC.

===Pre-Islamic statehood (625 BC–651 AD)===
[[File:Cyrus cilinder.jpg|thumb|The [[Cyrus Cylinder]] is considered the first recorded [[declaration of human rights]] in history.]]
{{main|Median Empire|Achaemenid Empire|Seleucid Empire|Parthian Empire|Sassanid Empire}}
{{see also|Greco-Persian Wars|Roman-Persian Wars|Roman relations with the Parthians and Sassanids}}

The [[Medes]] are credited with the unification<ref name="Encyclopædia Britannica Encyclopedia Article: Media ancient region, Iran"/> of Iran as a nation and empire (625<ref name="Encyclopædia Britannica Encyclopedia Article: Media ancient region, Iran"/>–559  BC), the largest of its day, until [[Cyrus the Great]] established a unified empire of the Medes and [[Persian people|Persians]] leading to the [[Achaemenid Empire]] (559–330  BC), and further unification between peoples and cultures. After Cyrus' death, his son [[Cambyses]] continued his father's work of conquest, making significant gains in Egypt. Following a power struggle after Cambyses' death, [[Darius I]] was declared king (ruled 522–486 BC). Under [[Cyrus the Great]] and [[Darius the Great]], the Persian Empire eventually became the largest and most powerful empire in human history up until that point.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/MESO/PERSIANS.HTM |title=The Persians|accessdate=2006-08-20}}</ref> The borders of the [[Persian empire]] stretched from the [[Indus]] and [[Oxus]] Rivers in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west, extending through [[Anatolia]] (modern day Turkey) and Egypt.

[[File:Achaemenid Empire.jpg|thumb|left|250px|The [[Achaemenid Empire]] at its greatest extent, at about 500 BC]]
In 499 BC Athens lent support to a revolt in [[Miletus]] which resulted in the sacking of [[Sardis]]. This led to an Achaemenid campaign against Greece known as the [[Greco-Persian Wars]] which lasted the first half of the 5th century BC. During the [[Greco-Persian wars]] Persia made some major advantages and razed Athens in 480 BC, But after a string of Greek victories the Persians were forced to withdraw. Fighting ended with the [[peace of Callias]] in 449 BC.

[[File:Parsa7.jpg|thumb|[[Persepolis]], ceremonial capital of the [[Persian Empire]] during the [[Achaemenid dynasty]]]]
The rules and ethics emanating from [[Zoroaster]]'s teachings were strictly followed by the Achaemenids who introduced and adopted policies based on [[human rights]], [[equality before the law|equality]] and banning of [[slavery]]. Zoroastrianism spread unimposed during the time of the Achaemenids and through contacts with the exiled [[Jewish]] people in [[Babylon]] freed by Cyrus, Zoroastrian concepts further propagated and influenced into other [[Abrahamic religions]]. The [[Golden Age of Athens]] marked by [[Aristotle]], [[Plato]] and [[Socrates]] also came about during the Achaemenid period while their contacts with Persia and the Near East abounded. The peace, tranquility, security and prosperity that were afforded to the people of the [[Near East]] and [[Southeastern Europe]] proved to be a rare historical occurrence, an unparalleled period where commerce prospered, and the standard of living for all people of the region improved.<ref name="vohuman">[http://www.vohuman.org/Article/Historical%20perspective%20on%20Zoroastrianism.htm vohuman.org, "Historical perspective on Zoroastrianism", Reproduced from Âtaš-è Dorün — The Fire Within, Jamshid Soroush Soroushian Memorial Volume II, 1st Books Library, Bloomington, IN, 2003], retrieved 1 Oct 2007</ref>

In 334 BC, [[Alexander the Great]] invaded the Achaemenid Empire, defeating the last Achaemenid Emperor [[Darius III]] at the [[Battle of Issus]] in 333 BC. He left the annexed territory in 328–327. In each of the former Achaemenid territories he installed his own officers as caretakers, which led to friction and ultimately to the [[Partition of Babylon|partitioning of the former empire]] after Alexander's death.
[[Image:Parthian Queen Bust.jpg|thumb|upright|A bust from the [[National Museum of Iran]] of [[Queen Musa]]]]

The Parthian Empire (238 BC–226 AD), led by the Arsacid Dynasty, was the third [[Iranian Peoples|Iranian]] kingdom to dominate the Iranian plateau, after defeating the [[Hellenic Greece|Greek]] [[Seleucid Empire]], beginning in the late 3rd century BC, and intermittently controlled [[Mesopotamia]] between ca. 150 BC and 224 AD. These were the third native dynasty of ancient Iran and lasted five centuries.
After the conquests of [[Medes|Media]], [[Assyria]], [[Babylonia]] and [[Elam]], the Parthians had to organize their empire. The former elites of these countries were [[Greeks|Greek]], and the new rulers had to adapt to their customs if they wanted their rule to last. As a result, the cities retained their ancient rights and civil administrations remained more or less undisturbed.

Parthia was the arch-enemy of the [[Roman Empire]] in the east, limiting Rome's expansion beyond [[Cappadocia]] (central [[Anatolia]]). By using a heavily armed and armoured [[cataphract]] cavalry, and lightly armed but highly mobile [[Horse archer|mounted archers]], the Parthians "held their own against Rome for almost 300 years".<ref>''Persians: Masters of Empire'', 1995, ISBN 0809491044, p.142–143,Time-life Books</ref> Rome's acclaimed general [[Mark Antony]] led a disastrous campaign against the Parthians in 36 BC, in which he lost 32,000 men. By the time of Roman emperor [[Augustus]], Rome and Parthia were settling some of their differences through diplomacy. By this time, Parthia had acquired an assortment of golden eagles, the cherished [[Aquila (Roman)|standards of Rome's legions]], captured from Mark Antony, and [[Crassus]], who suffered a defeat at [[Carrhae]] in 53 BC.<ref>Cotterell, Arthur. ''From Aristotle to Zoroaster: An a to Z Companion to the Classical World.'' 1998. p.272, Free Press</ref>
[[File:Bas relief nagsh-e-rostam al.jpg|thumb|left|Rock-face relief at [[Naqsh-e Rustam]] of Iranian emperor Shapur I (on horseback) capturing Roman emperor Valerian (kneeing) and Philip the Arab (standing)]]

The end of the Parthian Empire came in 224 AD, when the empire was loosely organized and the last king was defeated by [[Ardashir I]], one of the empire's vassals. [[Ardashir I]] then went on to create the Sassanid Empire. Soon he started reforming the country both economically and militarily. The Sassanids established an empire roughly within the frontiers achieved by the Achaemenids, referring to it as ''Erânshahr'' or ''Iranshahr'', ''[[Image:Eranshahr.svg|60px]]'', "Dominion of the Aryans", (i.e. of [[Iranian peoples|Iranians]]), with their capital at [[Ctesiphon]].<ref>Garthwaite, Gene R., ''The Persians'', p. 2, ISBN 1405156805, Wiley-Blackwell (2006) </ref> Unlike the [[diadochi]]c Seleucids and the succeeding Arsacids, who used a [[vassal state|vassalary system]], the Sassanids—like the Achaemenids—had a system of governors (MP: ''shahrab'') personally appointed by the Emperor and directed by the central government. The Romans suffered repeated losses particularly by [[Ardashir I]], [[Shapur I]], and [[Shapur II]].<ref>Lorentz, John H. ''Historical Dictionary of Iran.''Asian Historical Dictionaries; No.16. 1995. ISBN 9780810829947, p.189</ref> During their reign, Sassanid battles with the [[Roman Empire]] caused such pessimism in [[Rome]] that the historian [[Cassius Dio]] wrote:

{{Cquote
|''Here was a source of great fear to us. So formidable does the Sassanid king seem to our eastern legions, that some are liable to go over to him, and others are unwilling to fight at all''.<ref>Arthur Cotterell, ''From Aristotle to Zoroaster: An a to Z Companion to the Classical World''. 1998. ISBN 0684855968, p.344–345, Free Press</ref>}}

In 632 raiders from the Arab peninsula began attacking the [[Sassanid Empire]]. Iran was defeated in the [[Battle of al-Qâdisiyah]], paving way for the [[Islamic conquest of Persia]].

During Parthian, and later [[Sassanid]] era, trade on the [[Silk Road]] was a significant factor in the development of the great [[civilization]]s of China, [[Ancient Egypt|Egypt]], [[Mesopotamia]], [[Persia]], [[Indian subcontinent]], and [[Ancient Rome|Rome]], and helped to lay the foundations for the modern world. Parthian remains display classically Greek influences in some instances and retain their oriental mode in others, a clear expression of the cultural diversity that characterized Parthian art and life.<ref>''Persians: Masters of Empire'', 1995, ISBN 0809491044, p.134, Time-life Books</ref> The Parthians were [[Parthian style (Iranian architecture)|innovators of many architecture designs]] such as that of [[Ctesiphon]], which later influenced European [[Romanesque architecture]].<ref>''Persians: Masters of Empire'', 1995, ISBN 0809491044, p.138, Time-life Books</ref><ref>''"Even the architecture of the Christian church, with its hallowed chancel seems inspired by the designs of [[Mithra]]ic temples"''. [[Abbas Milani]]. ''Lost Wisdom''. 2004. Mage Publishers. p.13. ISBN 0934211906</ref> Under the Sassanids, Iran [[Iran-China relations|expanded relations with China]]. Arts, [[Sassanid music|music]], and [[Sassanid architecture|architecture]] greatly flourished, and centers such as the [[School of Nisibis]] and [[Academy of Gundishapur]] became world renowned centers of science and scholarship.

===Middle Ages (652–1501)===
{{main|Islamization in Iran|Abbasid Caliphate|Samanid dynasty|Khwarezmian Empire|Ilkhanate|Timurid Dynasty|Mongol Empire|Seljuk dynasty|Buyid Dynasty|Ghaznavid Empire}}
[[File:Iran circa 1000AD.png|thumb|250px|Map of Iranian Dynasties c. 1000]]
After the [[Islamic conquest of Persia]] and the resulting [[Islamization in Iran|Islamization of Iran]], Iranians benefited their membership of a truly international society. They continued what was set-up by [[Sassanids]] but in much larger scale and with a more universal scope.<ref name=chi4-nasr/> Therefore blossoming of [[Persian literature]], [[Iranian philosophy|philosophy]], [[Science and technology in Iran|medicine]] and [[Persian art|art]] became major elements of the newly forming Muslim civilization. The [[Islamic Golden Age]] which is characterized by the development of science owed, to a large extent, its importance to the vital contributions of Iranians,<ref>
* Robert Palter, Solomon Gandz, "Toward Modern Science : Studies in ancient and medieval science.", Published by Noonday Press, 1961, pg 180: "The so called golden age of Islamic science owed its importance to largely to the Persian contribution.
* Ehsan Yarshater, "The Persian Presence in in the Islamic World" in Richard G. Hovannisian, Georges Sabagh, "The Persian Presence in the Islamic World", Published by Cambridge University Press, 1997. pg 6-7: "The Golden age of Islam, as the early Abbassid period has been labeled, was distinguished by intellectual advances, literary innovations, and cultural exuberance attributable, in no small measure, to the vital participation of Persian men of letters, philosophers, theologians, grammarians, mathematicians, musicians, astronomers, geographers, and physicians"
* Bernard Lewis, "Iran in History", excerpt: "Culturally, politically, and most remarkable of all even religiously, the Iranian contribution to this new Islamic civilization is of immense importance. The work of Iranians can be seen in every field of cultural endeavor, including Arabic poetry, to which poets of Iranian origin composing their poems in Arabic made a very significant contribution." [http://www.tau.ac.il/dayancenter/mel/lewis.pdf]</ref> and reached its highest level in 10-11th centuries a period in which Persia was the main theatre of scientific activities.<ref name=chi4-nasr>William Bayne Fisher, et. al., ''The Cambridge History of Iran 4'' Published by Cambridge University Press, 1975, ISBN 0521200938, p. 396.</ref> In fact this influential Persian presence that relied heavily upon achievements of [[Sassanids]] whose identity and continuity had to be assumed by the educated, has made the Muslim world itself long since come to accept Islamic civilization as a ''Perso-Islamic civilization'' and had the latter as the continuous uprising culture from eleventh century on.<ref>The following references give comprehensive analysis and clarification of the terms "persian presence" and "perso-islamic" and the relation to Sassanids and the impact on Islamic cultures:
* Marilyn Robinson Waldman, ''Toward a Theory of Historical Narrative: A Case Study in Perso-Islamicate Historiography'', Published by Ohio State University Press, 1980, ISBN 0814202977, p. 30

* Richard M. Eaton, ''The Rise of Islam and the Bengal Frontier, 1204-1760'', Published by University of California Press, 1996, ISBN 0520205073, p. 28
* Richard G. Hovannisian (ed.), ''The Persian Presence in the Islamic World'', Published by Cambridge University Press, 1997, ISBN 0521591856. p.78.
* P. M. Holt, et. al. ''The Cambridge History of Islam: Volume 2B'', Published by Cambridge University Press, 1977, ISBN 0521291380. p. 501
</ref>

[[Abu Muslim|Abu Moslem]], an Iranian general, expelled the [[Umayyad]]s from [[Damascus]] and helped the [[Abbasid]] caliphs to conquer [[Baghdad]]. The [[Abbasid]] caliphs frequently chose their "[[Vizier|wazirs]]" (viziers) among Iranians, and Iranian governors acquired a certain amount of local autonomy. Thus in 822, the governor of Khorasan, [[Tahir II of Khorasan|Tahir]], proclaimed his independence and founded a new Persian dynasty of [[Tahirid dynasty|Tahirids]]. And by the [[Samanid]] era, Iran's efforts to regain its independence had been well solidified.<ref>Bosworth C. E., Cambridge History of Iran, vol. 4, p.90</ref>
[[File:Jami Rose Garden.jpg|left|thumb|Illustration from [[Jami]] ''"Rose Garden of the Pious"'', dated 1553. The image blends [[Persian literature|Persian poetry]] and [[Persian miniature]] into one, as is the norm for many works of the Timurid era.]]
Attempts of [[Arabization]] thus never succeeded in Iran, and movements such as the [[Shuubiyah]] became catalysts for Iranians to regain their independence in their relations with the Arab invaders. The cultural revival of the post-[[Abbasid]] period led to a resurfacing of Iranian national identity. The resulting cultural movement reached its peak during the 9th and 10th centuries. The most notable effect of the movement was the continuation of the [[Persian language]], the language of the [[Persians]] and the official language of Iran to the present day. [[Ferdowsi]], Iran's greatest epic poet, is regarded today as the most important figure in maintaining the Persian language. After an interval of silence Iran re-emerged as a separate, different and distinctive element within Islam. [[Iranian philosophy]] after the Islamic conquest, is characterized by different interactions with the Old [[Iranian philosophy]], the [[Greek philosophy]] and with the development of [[Islamic philosophy]]. The [[Illumination School]] and the [[Transcendent Philosophy]] are regarded as two of the main philosophical traditions of that era in Persia. The movement continued well into the 11th century, when [[Mahmud of Ghazni|Mahmud-a Ghaznavi]] founded a vast empire, with its capital at [[Isfahan]] and [[Ghazna]]. Their successors, the [[Seljuk dynasty|Seljuks]], asserted their domination from the [[Mediterranean Sea]] to [[Central Asia]]. As with their predecessors, the [[divan]] of the empire was in the hands of Iranian [[viziers]], who founded the [[Nizamiyya]]. During this period, [[List of Iranian scientists and scholars|hundreds of scholars and scientists]] vastly contributed to technology, science and medicine, later influencing the rise of European science during [[the Renaissance]].<ref>Kühnel E., in ''Zeittschrift der deutschen morgenländischen Gesell'', Vol. CVI (1956)</ref>

In 1218, the eastern [[Khwarezmian Empire|Khwarazmid]] provinces of [[Transoxiana]] and [[Greater Khorasan|Khorasan]] suffered a devastating [[invasion]] by [[Genghis Khan]]. During this period more than half of Iran's population was killed,<ref>The memoirs of [[Edward Teller]], ''[[Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory]] "Science and Technology Review"''. July/August 1998 p20. Link: [http://www.llnl.gov/str/pdfs/07_98.pdf]</ref> turning the streets of Persian cities such as [[Neishabur]] into "rivers of blood", as the severed heads of men, women, and children were "neatly stacked into carefully constructed pyramids around which the carcasses of the city's dogs and cats were placed".<ref>[[Sandra Mackey|Mackey, S.]]. ''The Iranians: Persia, Islam, and the soul of a nation''. 1996. ISBN 0-525-94005-7. p.69.</ref> Between 1220 and 1260, the total population of Iran had dropped from 2,500,000 to 250,000 as a result of mass [[murder|extermination]] and [[famine]].<ref>[http://www.sfusd.k12.ca.us/schwww/sch618/Ibn_Battuta/Battuta's_Trip_Three.html Battuta's Travels: Part Three — Persia and Iraq] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref>
In a letter to King [[Louis IX of France]], [[Hulagu Khan|Holaku]], one of the [[Genghis Khan]]'s grandsons, alone took responsibility for 200,000 deaths in his raids of Iran and the Caliphate.<ref>[[Sandra Mackey|Mackey, S.]]. ''The Iranians: Persia, Islam, and the soul of a nation''. 1996. ISBN 0-525-94005-7. p.70 </ref> He was followed by yet another conqueror, [[Timur|Tamerlane]], who established his capital in [[Samarkand]].<ref>[http://www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/oldwrld/armies/tamerlane.html Old World Contacts/Armies/Tamerlane] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> The waves of devastation prevented many cities such as [[Neishabur]] from reaching their pre-invasion population levels until the 20th century, eight centuries later.<ref>Mackey, S. ''The Iranians: Persia, Islam, and the soul of a nation''. 1996. ISBN 0-525-94005-7. p.69.</ref>
But both [[Hulagu Khan|Hulagu]], Tamerlane, and their successors soon came to adopt the ways and customs of that which they had conquered, choosing to surround themselves with a culture that was distinctively Persian.<ref>Bertold Spuler. ''The Muslim World. Vol. I The Age of the Caliphs.'' Leiden. E.J. Brill. 1960 ISBN 0-685-23328-6 p.29</ref>

===Early Modern Era (1501–1921)===
{{main|Safavid Dynasty|Qajar Dynasty|Afsharid Dynasty|Zand dynasty}}{{seealso|Russo-Persian Wars|Anglo-Persian War|Turko-Persian War|Iranian Constitutional Revolution}}
[[File:Sattar Khan.jpg|thumb|right|upright|[[Sattar Khan]] was a key figure in the [[Iranian Constitutional Revolution]]]]
[[File:Shah Ismail I.jpg|thumb|left|upright|[[Shah Ismail I]], the founder of the [[Safavid Dynasty]] (1501 to 1736)]]
Iran's first encompassing [[Shi'a Islam]]ic state was established under the [[Safavid Dynasty]] (1501–1722) by [[Shah Ismail I]]. The Safavid Dynasty soon became a major political power and promoted the flow of bilateral state contacts. The Safavid peak was during the rule of [[Shah Abbas I|Shah Abbas The Great]].<ref name="islamic1600">[http://www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/islam/empires/safavid/abbas.html "The Islamic World to 1600", The Applied History Research Group, The University of Calgary, 1998], retrieved 1 Oct 2007</ref> The [[Safavid Dynasty]] frequently warred with the [[Ottoman Empire]], [[Uzbekistan|Uzbek]] tribes and the [[Portuguese Empire]]. The Safavids moved their capital from [[Tabriz]] to [[Qazvin]] and then to [[Isfahan]], where their patronage for the arts propelled Iran into one of its most aesthetically productive eras. Under their rule, the state became highly centralized, the first attempts to modernize the military were made, and even [[Isfahani style (Iranian architecture)|a distinct style of architecture developed]]. In 1722 Afghan rebels defeated [[Husayn (Safavid)|Shah Sultan Hossein]] and ended the Safavid Dynasty, but in 1735, [[Nader Shah]] successfully drove out the Afghan rebels from Isfahan and established the [[Afsharid Dynasty]]. He then staged an incursion into India in 1738, securing the [[Peacock throne]], [[Koh-i-Noor]], and [[Darya-ye Noor]] among other [[Royal family|royal]] treasures. His rule did not last long, however, as he was assassinated in 1747. The [[Mashhad]] based Afshar Dynasty was succeeded by the [[Zand dynasty]] in 1750, founded by [[Karim Khan]], who established his capital at [[Shiraz]]. His rule brought a period of relative peace and renewed prosperity.

The Zand dynasty lasted three generations, until [[Mohammad Khan Qajar|Aga Muhammad Khan]] executed [[Lotf Ali Khan]], and founded his new capital in [[Tehran]], marking the dawn of the [[Qajar|Qajar Dynasty]] in 1794. The [[Qajar]] chancellor [[Amir Kabir]] established [[Dar ul-Funun|Iran's first modern college]] system, among other modernizing reforms. Iran suffered [[Russo-Persian Wars|several wars with Imperial Russia]] during the [[Qajar]] era, resulting in Iran losing almost half of its territories to [[Imperial Russia]] and the [[British Empire]], via the treaties of [[Treaty of Gulistan|Gulistan]], [[Treaty of Turkmenchay|Turkmenchay]] and [[Treaty of Akhal|Akhal]]. In spite of [[The Great Game]] Iran managed to maintain her sovereignty and was never colonized, unlike neighbouring states in the region. Repeated foreign intervention and a corrupt and weakened Qajar rule led to [[Tobacco Protest|various protests]], which by the end of the Qajar period resulted in [[Iranian Constitutional Revolution|Persia's constitutional revolution]] establishing [[Majles|the nation's first parliament]] in 1906, within a [[constitutional monarchy]].

===Recent history (1921–)===
{{main|History of the Islamic Republic of Iran|Iranian Revolution|Iran–Iraq War|Pahlavi Dynasty}}{{seealso|Operation Ajax}}
[[File:Mossadeq.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Former Iranian prime minister, Dr. [[Mohammad Mossadegh]]]]

In 1925, [[Reza Shah|Reza Khan]] overthrew the weakening [[Qajar Dynasty]] and became [[Shah]]. Reza Shah initiated [[industrialization]], [[Rail transport|railroad]] construction, and the establishment of a national [[Higher education in Iran|education]] system. Reza Shah sought to balance Russian and British influence, but when [[World War II]] started, his nascent ties to Germany alarmed Britain and Russia. In 1941, [[Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran|Britain and the USSR invaded Iran]] to use Iranian railroad capacity during [[World War II]]. The Shah was forced to abdicate in favour of his son, [[Mohammad Reza Pahlavi]].

[[Image:MohammadRezaPahlavi1977.jpg|thumb|[[Mohammad Reza Pahlavi]] and [[Farah Pahlavi|Queen Farah]] about to depart after a visit to the United States]]
In 1951 Dr. [[Mohammed Mossadegh]] was elected [[Prime Minister of Iran|prime minister]]. As prime minister, Mossadegh became enormously popular in Iran after he [[nationalization|nationalized]] Iran's oil reserves. In response, Britain embargoed Iranian oil and, amidst [[Cold War]] fears, invited the United States to join in a plot to depose Mossadegh, and in 1953 President [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]] authorized [[Operation Ajax]]. The operation was successful, and Mossadegh was arrested on 19 August 1953. After Operation Ajax, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi's rule became increasingly [[autocracy|autocratic]]. With American support, the Shah was able to rapidly modernize Iranian infrastructure, but he simultaneously crushed all forms of political opposition with his intelligence agency, [[SAVAK]]. [[Ayatollah]] [[Ruhollah Khomeini]] became an active critic of the Shah's [[White Revolution]] and publicly denounced the government. Khomeini was arrested and imprisoned for 18 months. After his release in 1964 Khomeini publicly criticized the United States government. The Shah was persuaded to send him into exile by General [[Hassan Pakravan]]. Khomeini was sent first to [[Turkey]], then to [[Iraq]] and finally to France. While in exile, he continued to denounce the Shah.

The [[Iranian Revolution]], also known as the [[Islamic Revolution]],<ref>[http://www.iranchamber.com/history/islamic_revolution/islamic_revolution.php Islamic Revolution of 1979], retrieved 23 January 2008</ref><ref>[http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761588431/Islamic_Revolution_of_Iran.html Islamic Revolution of Iran], [[encarta]], retrieved 23 January 2008</ref><ref>Fereydoun Hoveyda, ''The Shah and the Ayatollah: Iranian Mythology and Islamic Revolution'' ISBN 0275978583, Praeger Publishers </ref> began in January 1978 with the first major demonstrations against the [[Shah]].<ref>[http://www.fsmitha.com/h2/ch29ir.html The Iranian Revolution] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> After strikes and demonstrations paralysed the country and its economy, the [[Shah]] fled the country in January 1979 and [[Ayatollah Khomeini]] returned from exile to Tehran. The [[Pahlavi Dynasty]] collapsed ten days later, on 11 February, when Iran's military declared itself "neutral" after guerrillas and rebel troops overwhelmed troops loyal to the Shah in armed street fighting. Iran officially became an Islamic Republic on 1 April 1979 when Iranians overwhelmingly approved a national referendum to make it so.<ref name="britannica1"/><ref name = "Britannica">[http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-32981 Encyclopædia Britannica]23 January 2008</ref> In December 1979, the country approved a [[theocratic]] constitution, whereby Khomeini became [[Supreme Leader]] of the country.
The speed and success of the revolution surprised many throughout the world,<ref>Jahangir Amuzegar, ''The Dynamics of the Iranian Revolution,'' (1991), p.4, 9–12 ISBN 0791407314</ref> as it had not been precipitated by a military defeat, a financial crisis, or a peasant rebellion.<ref>Arjomand, ''Turban'' (1988), p. 191.</ref> Although both nationalists and Marxists joined with Islamic traditionalists to overthrow the Shah, tens of thousands were killed and executed by the Islamic regime afterward, the revolution ultimately resulted in an Islamic Republic under [[Ayatollah]] [[Ruhollah Khomeini]].<ref name = "Benard">Cheryl Benard, Zalmay Khalilzad, ''"The Government of God"'' ISBN 0231053762, Columbia University Press (1984), p. 18.</ref>
[[File:Imam Khomeini in Mehrabad.jpg|thumb|upright|Arrival of [[Ayatollah]] [[Khomeini]] on 1 February 1979 from France]]
Iran's [[US-Iran relations|relationship with the United States]] deteriorated rapidly during the revolution. On 4 November 1979, a group of Iranian students [[Iran hostage crisis|seized US embassy personnel]], labelling the embassy a "den of spies".<ref name="carterpbs">[http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/carter/sfeature/sf_hostage.html PBS, American Experience, Jimmy Carter, "444 Days: America Reacts"], retrieved 1 Oct 2007</ref> They accused its personnel of being CIA agents plotting to overthrow the revolutionary government, as the CIA had done to [[Mohammad Mossadegh]] in 1953. While the student ringleaders had not asked for permission from [[Khomeini]] to seize the embassy, [[Khomeini]] nonetheless supported the embassy takeover after hearing of its success.<ref name = "MarkBowden-Guests">Guests of the Ayatollah: The Iran Hostage Crisis: The First Battle in America's War with Militant Islam, Mark Bowden, p. 127 ISBN 0802143032, Grove Press</ref> While most of the [[female]] and [[African American]] hostages were released within the first months,<ref name="MarkBowden-Guests"/> the remaining fifty-two hostages were held for 444 days. Subsequently attempts by the [[Jimmy Carter]] administration to negotiate or [[Operation Eagle Claw|rescue]] were unsuccessful. In January 1981 the hostages were set free according to the [[Algiers declaration]].

[[Iraqi]] leader [[Saddam Hussein]] decided to take advantage of what he perceived to be disorder in the wake of the Iranian Revolution and its unpopularity with Western governments. The once-strong [[Iranian military]] had been disbanded during the revolution. Saddam sought to expand Iraq's access to the [[Persian Gulf]] by acquiring territories that Iraq had claimed earlier from Iran during the Shah's rule. Of chief importance to Iraq was [[Khuzestan Province|Khuzestan]] which not only has a substantial [[Arab]] population, but boasted rich oil fields as well. On the unilateral behalf of the [[United Arab Emirates]], the islands of [[Abu Musa]] and the [[Greater and Lesser Tunbs]] became objectives as well. On 22 September 1980 the Iraqi army invaded Iran at Khuzestan, precipitating the [[Iran–Iraq War]].

Although Saddam Hussein's forces made several early advances, by 1982, Iranian forces managed to push the Iraqi army back into Iraq. Khomeini sought to [[Export of revolution|export his Islamic revolution]] westward into Iraq, especially on the majority Shi'a Arabs living in the country. The war then continued for six more years until 1988, when Khomeini, in his words, "drank the cup of poison" and accepted a truce mediated by the United Nations. The total Iranian casualties of the war were estimated to be anywhere between 500,000 and 1,000,000; with more than 100,000 Iranians being victims of Iraq's chemical weapons.<ref name="r1">Centre for Documents of The Imposed War, Tehran. (مرکز مطالعات و تحقیقات جنگ)</ref> Almost all relevant international agencies have confirmed that Saddam engaged in chemical warfare to blunt Iranian [[human wave attack]]s; these agencies unanimously confirmed that Iran never used chemical weapons during the war.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.fas.org/news/iran/1997/970205-480132.htm | title = News | publisher = FAS}} retrieved 23 January 2008</ref><ref>http://www.fas.org/cw/intro.htm 23 January 2008</ref><ref>[http://www.nti.org/e_research/profiles/Iran/Chemical/2340_2965.html NTI Chemical profile of Iran] 23 January 2008</ref>

Following the Iran–Iraq War President [[Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani]] and his administration concentrated on a pragmatic pro-business policy of rebuilding and strengthening the economy without making any dramatic break with the ideology of the revolution. Rafsanjani served until 1997 when he was succeeded by the moderate [[Iranian reform movement|reformist]] [[Mohammad Khatami]]. During his two terms as president, Khatami advocated [[freedom of expression]], tolerance and [[civil society]], constructive diplomatic relations with other states including [[EU]] and [[Asia]]n governments, and an economic policy that supported [[free market]] and foreign investment. However, Khatami is widely regarded as having been unsuccessful in achieving his goal of making Iran more free and democratic.<ref name="autogenerated3">[http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2004/may/04/iran The Guardian, Tuesday 4 May 2004, Khatami blames clerics for failure]</ref> In the [[Iranian presidential election, 2005|2005 presidential elections]], Iran made yet another change in political direction, when conservative populist candidate [[Mahmoud Ahmadinejad]] was elected over [[Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani]].<ref>
{{cite web| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4740441.stm| title = Iran hardliner becomes president| accessdate = 2006-12-06| date = 3 August 2005| publisher = [[BBC]]}}</ref>

==Government and politics==
{{main|Politics and Government of Iran|Supreme Leader of Iran|President of Iran|Majlis of Iran|Council of Guardians|Expediency Discernment Council|Judicial system of Iran|Assembly of Experts|City and Village Councils of Iran}}
[[File:Schema gvt iran en.png|300px|thumb|Political institutions of Iran]]
[[File:Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei,.jpg|right|thumb|[[Ali Khamenei]], [[Supreme Leader of Iran]]]]
The political system of the Islamic [[Republic]] is based on the 1979 [[Iranian Constitution|Constitution]]. The system comprises several intricately connected governing bodies. '''[[Supreme Leader of Iran|The Supreme Leader of Iran]]''' is responsible for [[Guardianship of the jurists (doctrine)|delineation and supervision]] of the general policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran.<ref name="leader">[http://www.leader.ir/langs/en/index.php?p=leader_law] retrieved 13 May 2008</ref> The Supreme Leader is ''Commander-in-Chief'' of the armed forces, controls the military intelligence and security operations; and has sole power to declare war or peace.<ref name="leader" /> The heads of the judiciary, state radio and television networks, the commanders of the police and military forces and six of the twelve members of the [[Council of Guardians]] are appointed by the Supreme Leader.<ref name="leader" /> The [[Assembly of Experts]] elects and dismisses the Supreme Leader on the basis of qualifications and popular esteem.<ref name="loc">{{cite web |url=http://countrystudies.us/iran/81.htm |title="Iran — The Constitution" |first=Library of Congress |last=Federal Research Division |accessdate=2006-04-14}}</ref> The Assembly of Experts is responsible for supervising the Supreme Leader in the performance of legal duties.

After the Supreme Leader, the Constitution defines the '''[[President of Iran]]''' as the highest state authority.<ref name="leader" /><ref name="photius">[http://www.photius.com/countries/iran/government/iran_government_the_presidency.html Iran The Presidency] retrieved 25 January 2008</ref> The President is elected by [[universal suffrage]] for a term of four years and can only be re-elected for one term.<ref name="photius" /> Presidential candidates must be approved by the [[Council of Guardians]] prior to running in order to ensure their allegiance to the ideals of the Islamic revolution.<ref>Chibli Mallat, The Renewal of Islamic Law: Muhammad Baqer As-Sadr, Najaf and the Shi'i international, ISBN 0521531225, Cambridge University Press</ref> The President is responsible for the implementation of the Constitution and for the exercise of executive powers, except for matters directly related to the Supreme Leader, who has the final say in all matters.<ref name="leader" /> The President appoints and supervises the [[Council of Minsters of Iran|Council of Ministers]], coordinates government decisions, and selects government policies to be placed before the legislature.<ref>http://countrystudies.us/iran/84.htm retrieved 2 February 2008</ref> Eight Vice-Presidents serve under the President, as well as a cabinet of twenty two ministers, who must all be approved by the legislature.<ref>[http://www.iranchamber.com/government/articles/structure_of_power.php The Structure of Power in Iran] retrieved 28 Feb 2008</ref> Unlike many other states, the executive branch in Iran does not control the armed forces. Although the President appoints the Ministers of Intelligence and Defense, it is customary for the President to obtain explicit approval from the Supreme Leader for these two ministers before presenting them to the legislature for a vote of confidence. Iran's current president, [[Mahmoud Ahmadinejad]], was elected in a run-off poll in the [[Iranian presidential election, 2005|2005 presidential elections]]. His term expires in 2009.<ref>[http://www.biographyartist.com/2007/03/mahmood-ahmadinejad.html Biography of popular peoples: Mahmood Ahmadinejad] retrieved 28 Feb 2008</ref>
[[File:Ebadi.jpg|thumb|left|[[Shirin Ebadi]], a life-long prodemocracy activist won 2003 Nobel Peace Prize]]

As of 2008, the '''[[Majlis of Iran|Legislature of Iran]]''' (also known as the [[Majlis of Iran]]) is a [[unicameral]] body.<ref name="Majlis">http://www.electionguide.org/country.php?ID=103 retrieved 3 February 2008</ref> Before the [[Iranian Revolution]], the legislature was [[bicameral]], but the [[Iranian Senate|upper house]] was removed under the new constitution. The [[Majlis of Iran]] comprises 290 members elected for four-year terms.<ref name="Majlis"/> The Majlis drafts [[legislation]], ratifies international [[treaties]], and approves the national budget. All Majlis candidates and all legislation from the assembly must be approved by the '''[[Council of Guardians]]'''.<ref>[http://countrystudies.us/iran/86.htm Iran - The Council of Guardians] retrieved 3 February 2008</ref> The [[Council of Guardians]] comprises twelve jurists including six appointed by the Supreme Leader. The others are elected by the [[Majlis|Parliament]] from among the jurists nominated by the Head of the [[Judicial system of Iran|Judiciary]].<ref>http://www.iranonline.com/iran/iran-info/Government/constitution-6-2.html retrieved 3 February 2008</ref><ref name="photius">http://www.photius.com/countries/iran/government/iran_government_the_council_of_guard~276.html retrieved 3 February 2008</ref> The Council interprets the constitution and may [[veto]] Parliament. If a law is deemed incompatible with the constitution or ''[[Sharia]]'' (Islamic law), it is referred back to Parliament for revision.<ref name="photius"/> In a controversial exercise of its authority, the Council has drawn upon a narrow interpretation of Iran's constitution to veto parliamentary candidates. The '''[[Expediency Discernment Council|Expediency Council]]''' has the authority to mediate disputes between Parliament and the Council of Guardians, and serves as an advisory body to the Supreme Leader, making it one of the most powerful governing bodies in the country.<ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/middle_east/03/iran_power/html/expediency_council.stm retrieved 3 February 2008</ref>

The Supreme Leader appoints the head of '''[[Judicial system of Iran|Iran's Judiciary]]''', who in turn appoints the head of the Supreme Court and the chief public prosecutor.<ref name="Judiciary">http://www.iranchamber.com/government/articles/structure_of_power.php, retrieved 3 Feb 2008</ref> There are several types of courts including public courts that deal with civil and criminal cases, and "revolutionary courts" which deal with certain categories of offenses, including crimes against [[national security]]. The decisions of the revolutionary courts are final and cannot be appealed.<ref name="Judiciary"/> The Special Clerical Court handles crimes allegedly committed by [[cleric]]s, although it has also taken on cases involving [[lay people]]. The Special Clerical Court functions independently of the regular judicial framework and is accountable only to the Supreme Leader. The Court's rulings are final and cannot be appealed.<ref name="Judiciary"/>

The '''[[Assembly of Experts]]''', which meets for one week annually, comprises 86 "virtuous and learned" clerics elected by adult suffrage for eight-year terms. As with the presidential and parliamentary elections, the [[Council of Guardians]] determines candidates' eligibility.<ref name="Judiciary"/> The Assembly elects the Supreme Leader and has the constitutional authority to remove the Supreme Leader from power at any time.<ref name="Judiciary"/> As all of their meetings and notes are strictly confidential, the Assembly has never been publicly known to challenge any of the Supreme Leader's decisions.<ref name="Judiciary"/>

'''[[City and Village Councils of Iran|Local City Councils]]''' are elected by public vote to four-year terms in all cities and villages of Iran. According to article seven of Iran's Constitution, these local councils together with the Parliament are "decision-making and administrative organs of the State". This section of the constitution was not implemented until 1999 when the first local council elections were held across the country. Councils have many different responsibilities including electing mayors, supervising the activities of municipalities; studying, planning, co-ordinating and implementing of social, cultural, educational, health, economic, and welfare requirements of their constituencies.

==Foreign relations and military==
{{main|Foreign relations of Iran|Military of Iran|Iranian defense industry}}
{{see also|Military history of Iran|List of military equipment manufactured in Iran}}
[[File:Iranian kilo class submarine.jpg|thumb|One of Iran's 6 [[Kilo class submarine|SSK Kilo class submarine]]s]]
[[Foreign relations of Iran|Iran's foreign relations]] are based on two strategic principles: eliminating outside influences in the region and pursuing extensive diplomatic contacts with developing and [[Non-Aligned Movement|non-aligned countries]]. Iran maintains diplomatic relations with almost every member of the [[United Nations]], except for [[Israel]], which Iran does not recognize, and the United States since the [[Iranian Revolution]].<ref>[http://www.pbs.org/newshour/indepth_coverage/middle_east/iran/timeline.html Key Events in Iran Since 1921] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> Since 2005, [[Nuclear program of Iran|Iran's Nuclear Program]] has become the subject of contention with the West because of suspicions regarding Iran's military intentions. This has led the [[UN Security Council]] to impose [[sanctions against Iran]] on select companies linked to this program, thus furthering its economic [[isolation]] on the international scene.

The Islamic Republic of Iran has two types of [[armed forces]]: the regular forces [[Islamic Republic of Iran Army]], [[Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force]], [[Islamic Republic of Iran Navy]] and the [[Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps]] (IRGC), totalling about 545,000 active troops. Iran also has around 350,000 Reserve Force totaling around 900,000 trained troops.<ref>[[IISS]] Military Balance 2006, Routledge for the IISS, London, 2006, p.187</ref> Iran has not invaded any country over the past two centuries.<ref>[http://web-srv.mfa.gov.ir/output/english/documents/doc5097.htm Statement by Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs] retrieved 28 June 2008</ref> Iran has a paramilitary, volunteer militia force within the IRGC, called the [[Basij]], which includes about 90,000 full-time, active-duty uniformed members. Up to 11 million men and women are members of the Basij who could potentially be called up for service; [[GlobalSecurity.org]] estimates Iran could mobilize "up to one million men". This would be among the largest troop mobilizations in the world.<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/intell/world/iran/basij.htm Niruyeh Moghavemat Basij Mobilisation Resistance Force] retrieved 27 Feb 2008</ref> In 2005, Iran's military spending represented 3.3% of the GDP or $91 per capita, the lowest figure of the [[Persian Gulf]] nations.<ref>[http://www.payvand.com/news/06/jun/1011.html Iran's defense spending 'a fraction of Persian Gulf neighbors'] retrieved 27 Feb 2008</ref> Iran's military doctrine is based on [[deterrence]].<ref>[http://www2.irna.com/en/news/view/line-24/0804185731142306.htm IRNA: Iran's doctrine based on deterrence]retrieved 28 June 2008</ref>

Since the [[Iranian revolution]], to overcome foreign embargo, Iran has developed its own [[Iranian military industry|military industry]], produced its own [[tanks]], [[armored personnel carriers]], [[guided missile]]s, [[submarine]]s, and [[fighter planes]].<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,156160,00.html Iran Launches Production of Stealth Sub] retrieved 27 Feb 2008</ref> In recent years, official announcements have highlighted the development of weapons such as the [[Hoot (missile)|Hoot]], [[Kowsar]], [[Zelzal]], [[Fateh-110]], [[Shahab-3]] and [[Sajjil]] missiles, and a variety of [[unmanned aerial vehicles]] (UAVs).<ref>{{cite news |title=Iran tests new long-range missile |work=[[BBC]] |date=2008-11-12 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7725951.stm |accessdate=2008-11-12}}</ref> The [[Fajr-3 (MIRV)]] is currently Iran's most advanced [[ballistic missile]], it is a [[liquid fuel]] missile with an unknown range which was developed and produced domestically.

==Economy==
{{main|Economy of Iran}}
{{seealso|Next Eleven|Central Bank of Iran|Tehran Stock Exchange|Transport in Iran|Communications in Iran|Construction in Iran|Privatization in Iran|Foreign Direct Investment in Iran|Economic Cooperation Organization}}
[[Economy of Iran|Iran's economy]] is a [[Mixed economy|mixture]] of [[Planned economy|central planning]], [[state ownership]] of oil and other large [[Business|enterprises]], village [[agriculture]], and small-scale private trading and service ventures.<ref>http://www.traveldocs.com/ir/economy.htm retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> Its economic [[communications in Iran|infrastructure]] has been improving steadily over the past two decades but continues to be affected by [[inflation]] and [[unemployment]].<ref>{{cite web|date=2007-07-08|url=http://iran-daily.com/1386/2887/html|title=World Bank: Iran’s Economic Indices Improving|publisher=Iran Daily|accessdate=2007-07-08}}</ref> In the early 21st century the service sector contributed the largest percentage of the GDP, followed by industry ([[Mining in Iran|mining]] and manufacturing) and [[Agriculture of Iran|agriculture]]. In 2006, about 45% of the government's budget came from oil and natural gas revenues, and 31% came from taxes and fees.<ref name="payvand.com">[http://www.payvand.com/news/08/jan/1250.html IRNA: Crude price pegged at dlrs 39.6 a barrel under next year's budget] Retrieved December 5, 2008</ref> Government spending contributed to an average annual inflation rate of 14% in the period 2000–2004. Iran has earned $70 billion in [[foreign exchange reserves]] mostly from crude oil exports (80% as of 2007).<ref>[http://iran-daily.com/1386/3068/html/economy.htm] Forex Reserves Put at $70b Retrieved on 24 February 2008</ref> In 2007, the GDP was estimated at $206 billion ($852 billion at PPP), or $3,160 per capita ($12,300 at [[Purchasing power parity|PPP]]).<ref name="CIA"/> Iran's official annual growth rate was at 6% (2008).<ref>Surrounded:seeing the world from Iran's point of view Military review July-August 2007 Houman A. Sadri p.21</ref> Because of these figures and the country’s diversified but small industrial base, the United Nations classifies Iran's economy as semi-developed.<ref name="newworldencyclopedia">[http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Iran "New World Encyclopedia"], retrieved 28 Jan 2008</ref>

The services sector has seen the greatest long-term growth in terms of its share of GDP, but the sector remains volatile. State investment has boosted agriculture with the liberalization of production and the improvement of packaging and marketing helping to develop new export markets. Thanks to the construction of many [[dam]]s throughout the country in recent years, large-scale [[irrigation]] schemes, and the wider production of export-based agricultural items like [[Date palm|dates]], [[flower]]s, and [[pistachio]]s, produced the fastest economic growth of any sector in Iran over much of the 1990s.
[[File:Tehran skyline may 2007.jpg|thumb|left|[[Tehran]] was one of the first cities in Iran which was modernized in the [[Pahlavi]] era]]

Close to 1.8% of national employment is generated in the tourism sector which is slated to increase to 10% in the next five years.<ref>http://www.farsinet.com/travel2iran/ retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> About 1,659,000 foreign [[tourists]] visited Iran in 2004; most came from [[Asia]]n countries, including the republics of [[Central Asia]], while a small share came from the countries of the [[European Union]] and [[North America]]. Iran currently ranks 89th in [[tourist]] income, but is rated among the 10 most touristic countries in the world.<ref name="Tourism">http://www.iran-daily.com/1384/2241/html/focus.htm retrieved 15 Feb 2008</ref> Weak advertising, unstable regional conditions, a poor public image in some parts of the world, and absence of efficient planning schemes in the tourism sector have all hindered the growth of tourism.

The administration continues to follow the market reform plans of the previous one and indicated that it will diversify Iran's oil-reliant economy. Iran has also developed a [[biotechnology]], [[nanotechnology]], and [[pharmaceuticals]] industry.<ref>[http://www.nanovip.com/nanotechnology-companies/iran List of Iranian Nanotechnology companies] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> The strong oil market since 1996 helped ease financial pressures on Iran and allowed for Tehran's timely debt service payments. Iranian [[budget deficits]] have been a chronic problem, mostly due to [[Ministry of Petroleum of Iran#Gasoline subsidies|large-scale state subsidies]], that include foodstuffs and especially gasoline, totaling more than $84 billion in 2008 for the energy sector alone.<ref>http://www.payvand.com/news/07/jan/1295.html "Ahmadinejad's Achilles Heel: The Iranian Economy" retrieved 23 January 2008</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=2007-01-08|url=http://www.iran-daily.com/1387/3111/html/economy.htm|title=Energy subsidies reach $84b|publisher=Iran-Daily|accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref>

The authorities so as the private sector have put in the past 15 years an emphasis on the local production of domestic-consumption oriented goods such as home appliances, cars, agricultural products, pharmaceutical, etc. Today, Iran possesses a good manufacturing industry, despite [[sanctions against Iran|restrictions]] imposed by foreign countries. However, nationalized industries such as the [[bonyad]]s have often been managed badly, making them ineffective and uncompetitive with years. Currently, the government is trying to [[Privatization in Iran|privatize]] these industries, and, despite successes, there are still several problems to be overcome, such as the lagging corruption in the public sector (and, therefore, nationalized industries) and lack of competitiveness.

Globally, Iran has leading manufacture industry in the fields of car-manufacture and transportations, construction materials, home appliances, food and agricultural goods, armaments, pharmaceuticals, information technology, power and petrochemicals.<ref name="Economy">[https://www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk/ukti/appmanager/ukti/countries?_nfls=false&_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=CountryType1&navigationPageId=/iran] retrieved 26 Feb 08</ref>

===Energy===
{{main|Energy in Iran|Ministry of Petroleum of Iran|Iranian Oil Bourse|Nuclear program of Iran}}
[[File:CIAIranKarteOelGas.jpg|thumb|Iran holds 10% of the world's proven [[oil reserves]] and 15% of its [[gas]]. It is [[OPEC]]'s second largest exporter and the world's fourth oil producer.]]
Iran ranks second in the world in [[natural gas]] reserves and also second in [[oil]] reserves.<ref>http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/cabs/Iran/Background.html retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> It is [[OPEC]]'s 2nd largest oil exporter. In 2005, Iran spent [[United States dollar|$]]4 billion on fuel imports, because of [[contraband]] and inefficient domestic use.<ref>[http://www.heraldextra.com/content/view/205986/3/ "U.S. targets Iran's vulnerable oil"] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> Oil industry output averaged {{convert|4|Moilbbl/d|m3/d}} in 2005, compared with the peak of six million barrels per day reached in 1974. In the early 2000s, industry [[infrastructure]] was increasingly inefficient because of technological lags. Few exploratory [[wells]] were drilled in 2005.

In 2004, a large share of Iran's natural gas reserves were untapped. The addition of new [[hydroelectric]] stations and the streamlining of conventional [[coal]] and oil-fired stations increased installed capacity to 33,000 megawatts. Of that amount, about 75% was based on natural gas, 18% on oil, and 7% on hydroelectric power. In 2004, Iran opened its first [[wind]]-powered and geothermal plants, and the first [[solar]] thermal plant is to come online in 2009. [[Demographics of Iran|Demographic]] trends and intensified industrialization have caused [[electric power]] demand to grow by 8% per year. The government’s goal of 53,000 megawatts of installed capacity by 2010 is to be reached by bringing on line new gas-fired plants and by adding hydroelectric, and [[nuclear programme of Iran|nuclear power generating capacity]]. Iran’s first [[nuclear power plant]] at [[Bushehr]] is set to go online bu mid-2009.<ref name="nuclear">http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/profiles/Iran.pdf retrieved 23 January 2008</ref><ref>[http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20081118/wl_nm/us_iran_nuclear_bushehr_1 Iran aims for 2009 launch of nuclear plant]Retrieved November 23, 2008</ref>

==Demography==
{{main|Demography of Iran|Iranian peoples|Religion in Iran|Health care in Iran|Iranian citizens abroad}}
{{Iran Ethnic Groups Labelled Map|float=right}}
Iran is a diverse country consisting of people of many religions and ethnic backgrounds cemented by the [[Persian culture]]. The majority of the population speaks the [[Persian language]], which is also the [[official language]] of the country, as well as other [[Iranian language]]s or dialects. [[Turkic languages]] and dialects (most importantly [[Azeri]]) are spoken in different areas in Iran. Additionally, [[Arabic language|Arabic]] is spoken in the southwestern parts of the country.

The main ethnic groups are [[Persians]] (51%), [[Azeris]] (24%), [[Guilak|Gilaki]] and [[Mazandarani people|Mazandarani]] (8%), [[Kurds]] (7%), [[Arabs]] (3%), [[Baloch|Baluchi]] (2%), [[Lurs]] (2%), [[Turkmen people|Turkmens]] (2%), [[Lak people (Iran)|Laks]], [[Qashqai]], [[Armenians]], [[Persian Jews]], [[Georgians]], [[Assyrian people|Assyrians]], [[Circassians]], [[Tats]], [[Mandaeans]], [[Romani people|Gypsies]], [[Brahui people|Brahuis]], [[Hazara people|Hazara]], [[Kazakh people|Kazakhs]] and others (1%).<ref name="CIA"/>

Iran's population increased dramatically during the latter half of the 20th century, reaching about 72 million by 2008.<ref name="una">{{cite web |url=http://www.un.org/Depts/escap/pop/journal/v10n1a1.htm |title="A New Direction in Population Policy and Family Planning in the Islamic Republic of Iran" |first=United Nations |last=Asia-Pacific Population Journal |accessdate=2006-04-14}}</ref> In recent years, however, Iran's [[birth rate]] has dropped significantly. Studies show that Iran's rate of population growth will continue to slow until it stabilizes above 90 million by 2050.<ref name="bureau">{{cite web |url=http://www.census.gov/cgi-bin/ipc/idbsum.pl?cty=IR |title="IDB Summary Demographic Data for Iran" |first=Government of the U.S.A. |last=Census Bureau |accessdate=2006-04-14}}</ref><ref name="payvand">{{cite web |url=http://www.payvand.com/news/04/aug/1017.html |title="Iran's population growth rate falls to 1.5 percent: UNFP" |first=Payvand.com |last=Iran News |accessdate=2006-10-18}}</ref> More than two-thirds of the population is under the age of 30, and the literacy rate is 82%.<ref name="CIA" /> Women today compose more than half of the incoming classes for universities around the country and increasingly continue to play pivotal roles in society.

Iran hosts one of the largest [[refugee]] populations in the world, with more than one million refugees, mostly from [[Afghan refugees|Afghanistan]] and [[Iraq]]. Since 2006, Iranian officials have been working with the [[UNHCR]] and Afghan officials for their [[repatriation]].<ref name="bbcb">{{cite web |url=http://www.unhcr.org/news/NEWS/452b78394.html |title="Tripartite meeting on returns to Afghanistan" |first=[[UNHCR]] |last=United Nations |accessdate=2006-04-14}}</ref> According to estimates, between two and three million [[Iranian citizens abroad|Iranian citizens]] have emigrated to other countries, mostly since the Iranian Revolution in 1979.<ref>[http://www.migrationinformation.org/Profiles/display.cfm?ID=424 Migration Information Institute: Characteristics of the Iranian Diaspora] Retrieved January 10, 2009</ref>
[[File:Iran Population (1880-2005).JPG|thumb|250px|left|Population of Iran]]

[[Religion in Iran]] is dominated by the [[Twelver]] [[Shi'a Islam|Shi'a]] branch of [[Islam]], which is the official state religion and to which about 89% of Iranians belong. About 9% of Iranians belong to the [[Sunni Islam|Sunni]] branch of Islam, mainly Kurds and Iran's Balochi Sunni. The remaining 2% are non-Muslim [[Religious minorities in Iran|religious minorities]], including [[Bahá'í Faith|Bahá'ís]], [[Mandaeism|Mandeans]], [[Hindus]], [[Yezidi]]s, [[Yarsan]]is, [[Zoroastrians in Iran|Zoroastrians]], [[Persian Jews|Jews]], and [[Christians in Iran|Christians]].<ref name="CIA"/> The latter three [[minority]] religions are officially recognized and protected, and have reserved seats in the ''[[Majlis]]'' (Parliament). However the [[Bahá'í Faith]], Iran's largest religious minority<ref name="fdih2">{{cite web |date=2003-08-01 |title=Discrimination against religious minorities in Iran |author=International Federation for Human Rights |publisher=fdih.org |accessdate=2009-01-17 |url=http://www.fidh.org/IMG/pdf/ir0108a.pdf|format=PDF | pages = 6}}</ref>, is not officially recognized, and has been persecuted during its existence in Iran. Since the 1979 revolution the [[persecution of Bahá'ís]] has increased with executions, the denial of civil rights and liberties, and the denial of access to higher education and employment.<ref name="fdih1">{{cite web |date=2003-08-01 |title=Discrimination against religious minorities in Iran |author=International Federation for Human Rights |publisher=fdih.org |accessdate=2007-03-19 |url=http://www.fidh.org/IMG/pdf/ir0108a.pdf|format=PDF}}</ref><ref name="ihrdc">{{cite web | author= Iran Human Rights Documentation Center |publisher=Iran Human Rights Documentation Center | title= A Faith Denied: The Persecution of the Bahá'ís of Iran | year= 2007 |accessdate=2007-03-19|url=http://www.iranhrdc.org/english/pdfs/Reports/bahai_report.pdf|format=PDF}}</ref>

According to the [[Iranian Constitution]], the government is required to provide every citizen of the country with access to [[social security]] that covers [[retirement]], [[unemployment]], old age, [[disability]], [[accidents]], calamities, [[health]] and medical treatment and care services. This is covered by [[Labor and tax laws in Iran|public revenues]] and income derived from public contributions. The [[World Health Organization]] in the last report on health systems ranks Iran's performance on health level 58th, and its overall [[health care in Iran|health system]] performance 93rd among the world's nations.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.who.int/whr/2000/en/annex10_en.pdf| title=The World Health Report 2000| first=[[World Health Organisation]]| last=WHO| accessdate=2006-10-12|format=PDF}}</ref>

==Culture==
{{main|Culture of Iran}}
{{seealso|Media of Iran|Cinema of Iran|Iranian cuisine}}
[[File:Teatreshahr11.jpg|thumb|left|City Theater of Tehran, the largest Theater auditorium in the [[Middle East]]]]
The Culture of Iran is a mix of ancient pre-Islamic culture and Islamic culture. [[Iranian culture]] probably originated in [[Central Asia]] and the [[Andronovo culture]] is strongly suggested as the predecessor of Iranian culture ''ca''. 2000 BC. Iranian culture has long been a predominant culture of the [[Middle East]] and [[Central Asia]], with [[Persian language|Persian]] considered the language of intellectuals during much of the 2nd millennium, and the language of religion and the populace before that. The [[Sassanid empire|Sassanid era]] was an important and influential historical period in Iran as Iranian culture influenced China, India and Roman civilization considerably,<ref>J. B. Bury, History of the Later Roman Empire: From the Death of Theodosius I to the Death of Justinian Volume 1, p.109 ISBN 0486203980, Dover Publications</ref> and so influenced as far as Western Europe and Africa.<ref>[http://www.transoxiana.com.ar/0104/sasanians.html Transoxiana 04: Sassanids in Africa] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> This influence played a prominent role in the formation of both [[Asian art|Asiatic]] and European [[medieval art]].<ref>[http://www.artarena.force9.co.uk/sass2.htm Iransaga: The art of Sassanids] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> This influence carried forward to the [[Islamic world]]. Much of what later became known as Islamic learning, such as [[philology]], [[Islamic literature|literature]], [[Fiqh|jurisprudence]], [[Early Islamic philosophy|philosophy]], [[Islamic medicine|medicine]], [[Islamic architecture|architecture]] and the [[Islamic science|sciences]] were based on some of the practises taken from the [[Sassanid dynasty|Sassanid]] Persians to the broader Muslim world.<ref>[http://www.parstimes.com/history/title.html Iran - A country study] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref><ref>[http://www.levity.com/alchemy/islam16.html History of Islamic Science 5] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref><ref name="Iran in Britannica"/>
[[File:Ferdowsi Statue Ferdowsi Square Tehran.jpg|thumb|upright|The statue of [[Ferdowsi]] in the Ferdwosi Square of Tehran]]

After [[Islamization in Iran|Islamicization of Iran]] Islamic rituals have penetrated in the Iranian culture. The most noticeable one of them is [[commemoration of Husayn ibn Ali]]. Every year in [[Day of Ashura]] most of Iranians, including [[Armenians]] and [[Zoroastrians]] participate in mourning for the martyrs of [[battle of Karbala]]. Daily life in modern Iran is closely interwoven with [[Shia Islam]] and the country's art, literature, and architecture are an ever-present reminder of its deep national tradition and of a broader literary culture.<ref name="Iran in Britannica">{{cite encyclopedia|last=Afary |first=Janet |title=Iran|year=2006|encyclopedia=Encyclopedia Britannica Online | accessdate=2007-10-29|location=|publisher=|url=http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9106324/Iran}}</ref><ref>[http://www.tebyan.net/Literature_Art/GodlyPeople/Occasions/2005/2/22/10530.html گزارش عزاداری ، ارامنه و زرتشتیان ایران] </ref> The Iranian New Year ([[Nowruz]]) is an ancient tradition celebrated on 21 March to mark the beginning of spring in Iran. It is also celebrated in Afghanistan, Republic of Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and previously also in Georgia and Armenia. It is also celebrated by the Iraqi and Anatolian Kurds.<ref>http://www.zoroastrian.org/articles/nowruz.htm retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> Nowrouz was nominated as one of [[UNESCO]]'s [[Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity]] in 2004.<ref name="culture">{{cite web |url=http://www.payvand.com/news/04/jul/1090.html |title="Nowrouz Vital Meeting to be Held in Tehran" |first=Payvand.com |last=Iran News |accessdate=2006-04-14}}</ref>

The [[cuisine of Iran]] is diverse, with each province featuring dishes, as well as culinary traditions and styles, distinct to their regions. The main Persian cuisines are combinations of rice with meat, chicken or fish and some onion, vegetables, nuts, and herbs. Herbs are frequently used along with fruits such as plums, pomegranates, quince, prunes, apricots, and raisins. To achieve a balanced taste, characteristic flavourings such as saffron, dried limes, cinnamon, and parsley are mixed delicately and used in some special dishes. Onions and garlic are normally used in the preparation of the accompanying course, but are also served separately during meals, either in raw or pickled form. Iran is also famous for its [[caviar]].<ref>[http://www.iran-daily.com/1383/2228/html/focus.htm]</ref> Iranian food is not spicy.

[[Iranian cinema]] has thrived in modern Iran, and many Iranian directors have garnered worldwide recognition for their work. Iranian movies have won over three hundred awards in the past twenty-five years. One of the best-known directors is [[Abbas Kiarostami]]. The [[media of Iran]] is a mixture of private and state-owned, but books and movies must be approved by the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance before being released to the public. The [[Internet]] has become enormously popular among the Iranian youth. Iran is now the world's fourth largest country of [[Iranian Blogs|bloggers]].<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2004/dec/20/iran.blogging Freedom in Farsi blogs] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref>

===Language and literature===
{{main|Persian language|History of the Persian language|Persian literature}}
{{seealso|Music of Iran|Persian miniature}}
[[File:ModernIranianlanguagesMap.jpg|right|thumb|The region where Persian '''(green)''' and other [[Iranian languages]] are spoken]]
Article 15 of the Iranian constitution states that the "Official language (of Iran)... is Persian...[and]... the use of regional and tribal languages in the press and mass media, as well as for teaching of their literature in schools, is allowed in addition to Persian." Persian serves as a ''[[lingua franca]]'' in Iran and most publications and broadcastings are in this language. Next to Persian there are many publications and broadcastings in other relatively large languages of Iran such as [[Azerbaijani language|Azeri]], [[Kurdish language|Kurdish]] and even in relatively smaller ones such as [[Arabic language|Arabic]] and [[Armenian language|Armenian]]. Many [[Iranian languages|languages]] have originated from Iran, but Persian is the most used language. Persian is a tongue belonging to the [[Aryan]] or [[Iranian languages|Iranian]] branch of the [[Indo-European languages|Indo-European]] family of languages. The oldest records in [[Old Persian]] date back to the [[Achaemenid Empire]]<ref>{{cite book | title=The Languages of the World | year=2002 | last=Katzner | first=Kenneth | publisher=Routledge | pages=163 | isbn=0415250048}}</ref> and examples of Old Persian have been found in present-day Iran, [[Iraq]], [[Turkey]] and [[Egypt]]. In the late 8th century, the [[Persian language]] was highly Arabized and written in a [[Perso-Arabic script|modified Arabic script]]. This caused a movement supporting the revival of Persian. An important event of this revival was the writing of the ''[[Shahname]]'' by [[Ferdowsi]] (Persian: ''Epic of Kings''), Iran's national epic, which is said to have been written entirely in native Persian. This gave rise to a strong reassertion of Iranian national identity, and is in part credited for the continued existence of Persian as a separate language.

''{{cquote|<center>بسی رنج بردم در این سال سی عجم زنده کردم بدین پارسی</center>''For thirty years, I suffered much pain and strife with Persian I gave the [[Ajam]] verve and life''}}<center>''—[[Ferdowsi]]'' (935–1020)</center>''[[Image:Kelileh va Demneh.jpg|thumb|left|[[Kelileh va Demneh]] Persian manuscript copy dated 1429]]

Persian beside Arabic has been a medium for literary and scientific contributions to the [[Islamic world]] especially in [[Anatolia]], [[central Asia]] and [[Indian sub-continent]]. Poetry is a very important part of Persian culture. Poetry is used in many classical works, whether from Persian literature, science, or metaphysics. For example about half of [[Avicenna]]'s medical writings are known to be versified. Iran has produced a number of famous poets, however only a few names such as [[Rumi]] and [[Omar Khayyám]] have surfaced among western popular readership, even though the likes of [[Hafez]] and [[Saadi]] are considered by many Iranians to be just as influential. The books of famous poets have been translated into western languages since 1634. An example of Persian poetic influence is the poem below which is widely popular:

''{{cquote|<center>بنى آدم اعضاء يک پیکرند که در آفرينش ز يک گوهرند چو عضوى بدرد آورد روزگارد دگر عضوها را نماند قرار</center>''Of one Essence is the human race thus has Creation put the base One Limb impacted is sufficient For all Others to feel the Mace''}}<center>''—[[Saadi (poet)|Saadi]]'' (1184–1283)</center>''

===Art===
{{main|Iranian architecture|Iranian art}}
[[File:Naghshe Jahan Square Isfahan modified.jpg|thumb|left|[[Naghsh-i Jahan Square]]]]
[[File:Mehmooni2.jpg|thumb|right|17th century painting from Hasht-Bahesht palace, Isfahan]]
[[Greater Iran]] is home to one of the richest [[art]]istic traditions in world history and encompasses many disciplines, including [[architecture]], [[painting]], [[weaving]], [[pottery]], [[calligraphy]], [[metalworking]] and [[stone masonry]]. Carpet-weaving is one of the most distinguished manifestations of Persian culture and art, and dates back to ancient Persia. Persians were among the first to use [[mathematics]], [[geometry]], and [[astronomy]] in architecture and also have extraordinary skills in making massive domes which can be seen frequently in the structure of bazaars and mosques. The main building types of classical [[Iranian architecture]] are the [[mosque]] and the [[palace]]. Iran, besides being home to a large number of art houses and galleries, also holds one of the [[Iranian Crown Jewels|largest and valuable jewel collections]] in the world.

Iran ranks seventh among countries in the world with the most archeological architectural ruins and attractions from antiquity as recognized by [[UNESCO]].<ref>[http://www.american.edu/ted/iran-tour.htm Bustling bazaars and ancient sights, parched deserts and snowcapped mountains, awesome architecture and simple hospitality] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> Fifteen of [[UNESCO]]'s [[World Heritage Site]]s are creations of [[Iranian architecture]] and the [[mausoleum of Maussollos]] was identified as one of the [[Seven Wonders of the Ancient World]].

==Science and technology==
[[File:Ghotb2.jpg|thumb|upright|left|13th century manuscript depicting an [[Epicycle|epicyclic planetary model]]]]
{{main|Science in Iran}}
{{see also|Education in Iran|Higher education in Iran}}
Ancient Iranians built [[Qanat]]s and [[Yakhchal]] to provide and keep water. The first [[windmill]] appeared in Iran in the 9th century.<ref name="Al-Hassan, Hill, p.54f.">[[Ahmad Y Hassan]], [[Donald Routledge Hill]] (1986). ''Islamic Technology: An illustrated history'', p. 54. [[Cambridge University Press]]. ISBN 0-521-42239-6.</ref> Iranians contributed significantly to the current understanding of [[astronomy]], [[natural science]], [[medicine]], [[mathematics]], and [[philosophy]]. [[Muhammad ibn Mūsā al-Khwārizmī]] is widely hailed as the father of algebra. The discovery ethanol (alcohol) was first achieved by Persian alchemists such as Muhammad ibn Zakarīya Rāzi. Throughout the [[Middle Ages]], the [[natural philosophy]] and [[mathematics]] of the Ancient Greeks and Persians were furthered and preserved within Persia. The [[Academy of Gundishapur]] was a renowned centre of learning in the city of [[Gundeshapur]] during late antiquity and was the most important medical centre of the ancient world during the sixth and seventh centuries.<ref>The Cambridge History of Iran Vol 4, p396. ISBN 0-521-20093-8</ref> During this period, Persia became a centre for the manufacture of [[Measuring instrument|scientific instruments]], retaining its reputation for quality well into the 19th century.

Iran strives to revive the golden age of Persian science. The country has increased its publication output nearly tenfold from 1996 through 2004, and has been ranked first in terms of output growth rate followed by China.<ref>http://experts.about.com/q/Economics-2301/economic.htm retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> Despite the limitations in funds, facilities, and international collaborations, [[List of Iranian scientists|Iranian scientists]] remain highly productive in several experimental fields as [[pharmacology]], [[pharmaceutical chemistry]], [[organic chemistry]], and [[polymer chemistry]]. Iranian scientists are also helping construct the [[Compact Muon Solenoid]], a detector for [[CERN]]'s [[Large Hadron Collider]].

In the biomedical sciences, Iran's [[Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics]] is a [[UNESCO]] chair in biology.<ref>[http://www.ibb.ut.ac.ir/ Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> in late 2006, Iranian scientists successfully [[Cloning|cloned]] a sheep by somatic cell nuclear transfer, at the [[Royan Institute|Rouyan research centre]] in Tehran.<ref>http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=17674 The first successfully cloned animal in Iran retrieved 7 August 2008</ref>
[[File:Astrolabe-Persian-18C.jpg|thumb|left|An 18th century Persian [[astrolabe]]]]

The [[Iranian nuclear program]] was launched in the 1950s. Iran's current facilities includes several research reactors, a [[uranium]] mine, an almost complete commercial [[nuclear reactor]], and uranium processing facilities that include a [[Enriched uranium#The gas centrifuge|uranium enrichment plant]]. The [[Iranian Space Agency]] launched its first [[reconnaissance satellite]] named [[Sina-1]] in 2006, and a "space rocket" in 2007,<ref>[http://asia.news.yahoo.com/070225/afp/070225120805top.html Rocket launch] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> which aimed at improving science and research for university students.<ref>[http://newsmax.com/archives/articles/2007/2/26/90124.shtml Iran Says 'Space Rocket' for Research]. NewsMax.com, Feb 26, 2007.</ref> The [[Safir (rocket)]] has been designed and produced to send the [[Omid (satellite)|Omid satellite]] into orbit in 2009.<ref>[http://www.debka.com/headline.php?hid=5000 DEBKAfile: Iran launches first space research rocket Safir 1] Retrieved November 20, 2008</ref>
<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=41636&sectionid=351020101 | title = Iran's Kavoshgar I lifts off for space | publisher = Press TV | date = 2008-02-04}}</ref>

[[List of Iranian scientists|Iranian scientists]] outside of Iran have also made some major contributions to science. In 1960, [[Ali Javan]] co-invented the first [[gas laser]] and [[Fuzzy set|fuzzy set theory]] was introduced by [[Lotfi Zadeh]].<ref>[http://www-bisc.cs.berkeley.edu/Zadeh-1965.pdf cs.berkeley.edu] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> Iranian cardiologist, [[Toffy Musivand|Tofy Mussivand]] invented and developed the first artificial cardiac pump, the precursor of the [[artificial heart]]. Furthering research and treatment of diabetes, [[HbA1c]] was discovered by [[Samuel Rahbar]]. Iranian physics is especially strong in [[string theory]], with many papers being published in Iran.<ref>[http://press.web.cern.ch/press/PressReleases/Releases2001/PR09.01EIran.html] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> [[Iranian-American]] string theorist [[Cumrun Vafa]] proposed the [[Vafa-Witten theorem]] together with [[Edward Witten]].

==Sports==
[[File:Azadistadium tehran iran.jpg|thumb|[[Azadi Stadium|Azadi Football Stadium]]]]
[[File:Dizin.jpg|thumb|[[Dizin]] skiing resort, Iran]]
{{main|Sport in Iran}}
With two thirds of Iran's population under the age of 25, sports constitutes a highly active portion of Iran's society, both traditional and modern. Iran hence was the birthplace of sports such as [[polo]],<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4272210.stm news.bb.co.uk] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> and [[Varzesh-e Pahlavani]].
[[Freestyle wrestling]] has been traditionally referred to as Iran's [[national sport]], but today, the most popular sport in Iran is [[football (soccer)]], with the [[Iran national football team|national team]] having reached the [[Football World Cup|World Cup]] finals three times, and having won the [[Asian Cup]] on three occasions. Iran was the first country in the [[Middle East]] to host the [[Asian Games]]. It is home to several unique skiing resorts,<ref>[http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000088&sid=aGpcjac1ZTF8&refer=culture bloomberg.com] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> with the [[Tochal]] resort being the world's fifth-highest ski resort ({{convert|3730|m|ft|0|abbr=on|disp=/}} at its highest station) situated only fifteen minutes away from Tehran. Being a mountainous country, Iran offers enthusiasts abundant challenges for hiking, rock climbing,<ref>http://www.rockclimbing.com/routes/Asia/Iran/ retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> and mountain climbing.<ref>http://www.mountainzone.ir/ retrieved 23 January 2008</ref><ref>[http://www.abc-of-mountaineering.com/middle-east/iran/ Mountaineering in Iran] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref><ref>[http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=News&id=2062458 Local Woman Feared Dead In Iran Mountain Hike] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> Iranian women are also active in sports despite being forced to wear restrictive clothing in mixed stadiums, and not being allowed to compete or train with men<ref>[http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=ap-iran-forbiddensoccer&prov=ap&type=lgns]</ref>.

==References==

{{Reflist|2}}

==Further reading==
{{portal|Iran|Flag of Iran.svg}}
* [[Benjamin Walker]], ''Persian Pageant: A Cultural History of Iran,'' Arya Press, Calcutta, 1950.

==External links==
{{sisterlinks}}
;Government
* [http://www.president.ir/eng/ The President of Iran] (no longer being updated)
* [http://www.majlis.ir/mhtml/ The Majlis (Legislature) of Iran] {{fa icon}}
* [http://www.iran.ir/ Iran.ir] (Persian)
* [https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/world-leaders-1/world-leaders-i/iran-nde.html Chief of State and Cabinet Members]
;General
*{{CIA World Factbook link|ir|Iran}}
*[http://ucblibraries.colorado.edu/govpubs/for/iran.htm Iran] at ''UCB Libraries GovPubs''
*{{dmoz|Regional/Middle_East/Iran}}
*{{wikiatlas|Iran}}
*{{wikitravel}}
;Other
* [http://www.persianlanguage.ir Persian language] (Persian)
* [http://www.worldisround.com/articles/73022/index.html Amazing Iran]
* [http://www.worldisround.com/articles/326945/index.html Contemporary Iranian Architecture]
*[http://www.jazirehdanesh.com/find.php?item=1.601.897.en Iranian Innovations]
*[http://venus.unive.it/riccardozipoli/demo/galleries_part.php?a=26&n=1&d=IRAN Photography gallery: People, roads and landscapes of Iran]
*[http://www.archive.org/details/GreatSpeechesAndInterviewsJamesWhitaker James Whitaker speaks about his life in Iran], a discussion about Iran
* Nir Rosen, ''Selling the War with Iran'', The Washington Note, Thursday, 1 May 2008, [http://www.thewashingtonnote.com/archives/2008/05/selling_the_war/].
*''Faces of Iran: The World in One Nation'' (a sequence of still photographs, showing the richness of the ethnic and religious diversity of the people of Iran), [http://www.youtube.com/v/OjtGr1Qqhng&hl=en&rel=0&border=1 YouTube].
* ''Rageh Inside Iran'', a BBC Four production, 17 February 2007, [http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=9161934809152225169&q=Rageh+inside+Iran&total=26&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=1 Google] (1 h 30 min).
* Farhad Nabipour, ''From Persia to Iran'', Part I, AMIR Productions, 4 November 2006 (slide show accompanied with Pink Floyd and Persian music — 28 min 8 sec), [http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2032099907583727317 Google]. Highly recommended!
* Farhad Nabipour, ''From Persia to Iran'', Part II, AMIR Productions, 10 November 2006 (slide show accompanied with Pink Floyd and Persian music — 21 min 46 sec), [http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1936128339543074566 Google].
* Some Iranian folk-songs sung by [[Shusha Guppy]] in the 1970s: [http://www.iranian.com/ram/Shusha/1.ram ''Silver Gun''] (from [[Shiraz]]), [http://www.iranian.com/ram/Shusha/2.ram ''Wheat Flower''] (a harvest song), [http://www.iranian.com/ram/Shusha/3.ram ''The Rain''] (from the [[Gilan]] Province), [http://www.iranian.com/ram/Shusha/4.ram ''The Stars in Heaven''] (from Shiraz), [http://www.iranian.com/ram/Shusha/5.ram ''On Top of the Hill''] (from Shiraz), [http://www.iranian.com/ram/Shusha/6.ram ''The Silken Handkerchief''] (from the [[Fars]] Province), [http://www.iranian.com/ram/Shusha/7.ram ''Darling Leila''] (from the Gilan Province), [http://www.iranian.com/ram/Shusha/8.ram ''I Have Come to Ravish My Heart''] (from the [[Lorestan]] Province), [http://www.iranian.com/ram/Shusha/9.ram ''The Lor Youth''] (a [[Bakhtiari]]-Tribe song), [http://www.iranian.com/ram/Shusha/10.ram ''Lullaby''] (from [[Gorgan]]), [http://www.iranian.com/ram/Shusha/11.ram ''Girl from Boyer-Ahmadi Tribe''] (from the [[Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province]]), [http://www.iranian.com/ram/Shusha/12.ram ''My Beloved is Short''] (from the Fars Province), [http://www.iranian.com/ram/Shusha/13.ram ''The Water Pipe''], [http://www.iranian.com/ram/Shusha/14.ram ''You Must Come to Me''] (from [[Mamasani County]]), [http://www.iranian.com/ram/Shusha/15.ram ''Darling Dareyne''] (from the [[Mazandaran]] Province). For further details see: [http://www.iranian.com/Music/Shusha/ ''Iranian''].
* Gareth Porter, ''Bush's Iran/Argentina Terror Frame-Up'', The Nation, posted 18 January 2008 (web only), [http://www.thenation.com/doc/20080204/porter].
* The Second [[International Festival of Peace Poetry]], Iran, 16 May 2009: [http://www.peacepoetryfest.com/en/index.htm (English)], [http://www.peacepoetryfest.com/pe/index.htm (Persian)].
* Vivien Feyer and Carolyn North, ''We the children of Iran are messengers of peace'', 2007, [http://www.youtube.com/v/Ps0VgQAEF2g&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&border=1 YouTube] (5 min 41 sec).
* Gareth Porter, ''Documents linking Iran to nuclear weapons push may have been fabricated'', TheRawStory, November 10, 2008, [http://rawstory.com/news/2008/IAEA_suspects_fraud_in_evidence_for_1109.html].

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[[Category:Iran| ]]
[[Category:Near Eastern countries]]
[[Category:Middle Eastern countries]]
[[Category:Developing 8 Countries member states]]
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[[Category:Persian-speaking countries and territories]]
[[Category:Islamic republics]]

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Iran

2009-02-12T09:58:00Z

John Cho: qk fix

{{pp-semi-vandalism|small=yes}}
{{redirect|Persia}}
:''For a topic outline on this subject, see [[List of basic Iran topics]].''
{{Infobox Country
|native_name = '''جمهوری اسلامی ايران''' ''Jomhuri-ye Islāmi-ye Irān''
|conventional_long_name = Rafidha Republic of Iran
|common_name = Iran
|image_flag = Flag of Iran.svg
|image_coat = Coat of arms of Iran.svg
|symbol_type = Emblem
|image_map = LocationIran.png
|official_religion = [[Shia Islam]]
|national_motto = ''Esteqlāl, āzādi, jomhuri-ye eslāmi''1{{spaces|2}}{{fa icon}} "Independence, freedom, Islamic Republic"
|national_anthem = ''[[Sorud-e Melli-e Iran|Sorud-e Melli-ye Irān]]''²
|capital = [[Tehran]]
|latd=35 |latm=41 |latNS=N |longd=51 |longm=25 |longEW=E
|largest_city = capital
|official_languages = [[Persian language|Persian]]
|regional_languages = constitutional recognition of the regional languages such as [[Azeri language|Azeri]], [[Kurdish language|Kurdish]], and [[Mazandarani language|Mazandarani]], and [[Gilaki language|Gilaki]]<ref>[http://www.servat.unibe.ch/law/icl/ir00000_.html Iran Constitution] retrieved 25 Feb 2008</ref>
|demonym = [[Demography of Iran|Iranian]]
|government_type = [[Islamic Mushrikeen Republic|Polytheism]]
|leader_title1 = [[Supreme Leader of Iran|Supreme Leader]]
|leader_name1 = {{nowrap|[[Ayatollah]] [[Ali Khamenei]]}}
|leader_title2 = [[President of Iran|President]]
|leader_name2 = {{nowrap|[[Mahmoud Ahmadinejad]]}}
|leader_title3 = [[Vice President of Iran|First Vice President]]
|leader_name3 = {{nowrap|[[Parviz Davoodi]]}}
|leader_title4 = Chairman of the [[Assembly of Experts]] and [[Expediency Discernment Council]]
|leader_name4 = {{nowrap|[[Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani]]}}
|leader_title5 = Speaker of the [[Majlis of Iran|Majlis]]
|leader_name5 = {{nowrap|[[Ali Larijani]]}}
|leader_title = Chairman of the [[Guardian Council]]
|leader_name6 = {{nowrap|[[Ahmad Jannati]]}}
|leader_title7 = Head of the [[Judicial system of Iran|judicial system]]
|leader_name7 = {{nowrap|[[Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi]]}}
|sovereignty_type = Unification<ref name="Encyclopædia Britannica Encyclopedia Article: Media ancient region, Iran">http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/372125/Media Encyclopædia Britannica Encyclopedia Article: Media ancient region, Iran</ref>
|established_event1 =[[Medes|Median]] [[Monarchy|kingdom]]
|established_date1 = 625 BC<ref name="Encyclopædia Britannica Encyclopedia Article: Media ancient region, Iran"/>
|established_event2 = [[Safavid|Safavid dynasty (reestablishment)]]
|established_date2 = 1501<ref>Andrew J. Newman, Safavid Iran: Rebirth of a Persian Empire, I. B. Tauris (March 30, 2006)</ref>
|established_event3 = Islamic Republic declared
|established_date3 = 1 April 1979
|area_km2 = 1,648,195
|area_sq_mi = 636,372 
|area_rank = 18th
|area_magnitude = 1 E12
|percent_water = 0.7

|population_density_km2 = 42
|population_density_sq_mi = 109 
|population_density_rank = 163th 
|population_census = 70,472,846³
|population_census_year = 2007 (1385 [[Iranian calendar|AP]])
|population_census_rank = 17th
|GDP_PPP = $816.839 billion<ref name="imf">{{cite web|url=http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2008/02/weodata/weorept.aspx?sy=2008&ey=2008&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=429&s=NGDPD%2CNGDPDPC%2CPPPGDP%2CPPPPC&grp=0&a=&pr.x=36&pr.y=14|title=Iran|publisher=International Monetary Fund|accessdate=2008-11-28}}</ref>
|GDP_PPP_rank = 18th 
|GDP_PPP_year = 2008
|GDP_PPP_per_capita = $11,209<ref name="imf"/>
|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 71st 
|GDP_nominal = $382.328 billion<ref name="imf"/>
|GDP_nominal_rank = 29th 
|GDP_nominal_year = 2008
|GDP_nominal_per_capita = $5,246<ref name="imf"/>
|GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank = 85th 
|Gini = 44.5
|Gini_year = 2006
|Gini_category = medium
|HDI_year = 2008
|HDI = {{increase}} 0.777
|HDI_rank = 84th
|HDI_category = medium
|currency = [[Iranian rial]] (<big>ريال</big>)
|currency_code = IRR
|time_zone = [[Iran Standard Time|IRST]]
|utc_offset = +3:30
|time_zone_DST = Iran Daylight Time (IRDT)
|utc_offset_DST = +4:30
|drives_on = right
|cctld = [[.ir]]
|calling_code = 98
|footnote1 = [http://www.bookrags.com/browse/Encyclopedia%20of%20Religious%20Practices/50 bookrags.com]
|footnote2 = [http://www.iranchamber.com/geography/articles/flag_anthem.php iranchamber.com]
|footnote3 = {{cite web |url=http://www.sci.org.ir/content/userfiles/_census85/census85/natayej/tables/J-1.html |title=تغییرات جمعیت کشور طی سال‌های ۱۳۳۵-۱۳۸۵ |author=Statistical Centre of Iran |accessdate=2007-05-16 |language=Persian}}
|footnote4 = [https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ir.html#Econ CIA Factbook]
}}
{{portal|Iran|Flag of Iran.svg|48}}

'''Iran''' ({{PerB|<big>ايران</big>}}, /{{IPA|irɒn}}/↔{{Audio-IPA|Iran_alborz.ogg|[ʔiˈɾɒn]}}), officially the '''Islamic Republic of Iran'''<ref>{{PerB|<big>جمهوری اسلامی ايران</big>}}, {{pronounced|dʒomhuːɾije eslɒːmije iːɾɒn}}</ref> and formerly known internationally as '''[[Persian Empire|Persia]]''' until 1935, is a country in [[Central Eurasia]]<ref>http://cesww.fas.harvard.edu/ces_definition.html</ref>, located on the northeastern shore of the [[Persian Gulf]] and the southern shore of the [[Caspian Sea]]. Since 1949, both the names "Persia" and "Iran" are used, however, Iran is used for an official and political context.<ref name="artarena">[http://www.art-arena.com/history.html Iransaga], "Persia or Iran, a brief history".</ref><ref name="iranian">[http://www.iranian.ws/art.htm Iranian.ws], Iranian & Persian Art.</ref> The name Iran is a [[cognate]] of ''Aryan'', and means "Land of the [[Aryan]]s".<ref name="hinduwebsite">[http://www.hinduwebsite.com/hinduism/concepts/arya.asp hinduwebsite.com, "The Concepts of Hinduism — Arya"], retrieved 1 Oct 2007</ref><ref name="wiscper">[http://imp.lss.wisc.edu/~aoliai/languagepage/iranianlanguages.htm imp.lss.wisc.edu, "Iranian Languages", Political, Social, Scientific, Literary & Artistic (Monthly) Oct 2000, No. 171, Dr. Suzan Kaviri, pp. 26–7], retrieved 1 Oct 2007</ref><ref name="about.com">[http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/persianempiremaps/qt/Iran.htm "Iran — The Ancient Name of Iran", N.S. Gill], retrieved 1 Oct 2007</ref>

The 18th largest country in the world in terms of area at 1,648,195 km², Iran has a population of over seventy million. It is a country of special [[geostrategy|geostrategic]] significance due to its central location in [[Eurasia]]. Iran is bordered on the north by [[Armenia]], [[Azerbaijan]] and [[Turkmenistan]]. As Iran is a [[littoral zone|littoral]] state of the [[Caspian Sea]], which is an inland sea and [[Condominium (international law)|condominium]], [[Kazakhstan]] and [[Russia]] are also Iran's direct neighbors to the north. Iran is bordered on the east by [[Afghanistan]] and [[Pakistan]], on the south by the [[Persian Gulf]] and the [[Gulf of Oman]], and on the west by [[Turkey]] and [[Iraq]]. [[Tehran]] is the capital, the country's largest city and the political, cultural, commercial, and industrial center of the nation. Iran is a [[regional power]],<ref name="parliament">[http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmselect/cmfaff/363/36310.htm parliament.uk, "Select Committee on Foreign Affairs, Eighth Report, Iran], retrieved 1 Oct 2007</ref><ref name="petro-hunt">[http://www.petro-hunt.com/lectures/LectureOpen.htm IRAN @ 2000 and Beyond lecture series, opening address, W. Herbert Hunt, 18 May 2000], retrieved 1 Oct 2007</ref> and occupies an important position in international energy security and world economy as a result of its large reserves of [[petroleum]] and [[natural gas]].

Iran is home to one of the world's oldest continuous major civilizations, with historical and urban settlements dating back to 7000 BC.<ref>[http://www.iranicatours.com/history.htm Iranian History], Retrieved on February 2, 2009.</ref><ref>[http://www.iranchamber.com/architecture/articles/bazaar_of_isfahan1.php Iranian Architecture & Monuments], Retrieved on February 2, 2009.</ref><ref>[http://www.destinationiran.com/Pottery_Making.htm Pottery Making in Iran], Retrieved on February 2, 2009.</ref> The first Iranian dynasty formed during the [[Elamite kingdom]] in 2800 BC. The Iranian [[Medes]] unified Iran into an empire in 625 BC.<ref name="Encyclopædia Britannica Encyclopedia Article: Media ancient region, Iran"/> They were succeeded by three Iranian Empires, the [[Achaemenids]], [[Parthian empire|Parthians]] and [[Sassanid Empire|Sassanids]], which governed Iran for more than 1000 years. Iranian post-Islamic dynasties and empires expanded the [[Persian language]] and [[Persian culture|culture]] throughout the [[Iranian plateau]]. The first Iranian [[Shiite]] dynasty formed by [[Buyids]] in 934 AD. The blossoming of [[Persian literature]], [[Persian philosophy|philosophy]], [[Science and technology in Iran|medicine]], [[Science and technology in Iran|astronomy]], [[Science and technology in Iran|mathematics]] and [[Persian art|art]] became major elements of Muslim civilization. Iran was once again reunified as an independent state in 1501 by the [[Safavid dynasty]]<ref>Andrew J. Newman, Safavid Iran: Rebirth of a Persian Empire, I. B. Tauris (March 30, 2006)</ref>—who promoted [[Twelver]] [[Shi'a Islam]]<ref name="savoryeiref"> R.M. Savory, ''Safavids'', [[Encyclopedia of Islam]], 2nd edition</ref> as the official [[religion]] of their empire, marking one of the most important turning points in the [[history of Islam]].<ref name="islamic1600"/> The [[Iranian Constitutional Revolution|Persia's constitutional revolution]] established [[Majles|the nation's first parliament]] in 1906, within a [[constitutional monarchy]]. Iran officially became an [[Islamic republic]] on 1 April 1979, after the [[Iranian Revolution|Iranian 1979 Revolution]].<ref name="britannica1">[http://www.britannica.com/ebi/article-202892 Iran Islamic Republic], Encyclopaedia Britannica retrieved 23 January 2008</ref><ref name = "Britannica"/>

Iran is a founding member of the [[United Nations|UN]], [[Non-Aligned Movement|NAM]], [[Organisation of the Islamic Conference|OIC]] and [[OPEC]]. The [[Politics of Iran|political system of Iran]], based on the 1979 [[Constitution of Islamic Republic of Iran|Constitution]], comprises several intricately connected governing bodies. The highest state authority is the [[Supreme Leader of Iran|Supreme Leader]]. Shia Islam is the official religion and [[Persian language|Persian]] is the official language.<ref>{{cite web|title=قانون اساسی جمهوری اسلامی ایران|url=http://fa.wikisource.org/wiki/قانون_اساسی_جمهوری_اسلامی_ایران|language=Persian}} retrieved 23 January 2008</ref>

==Etymology==
{{main|Etymology of the Persian Empire}}
{{seealso|Iran naming dispute}}
The term ''Iran'' (ایران) in modern Persian derives from the [[Proto-Iranian]] term ''Aryānām'' first attested in [[Zoroastrianism]]'s [[Avesta]] tradition.<ref name="Bailey_Arya">{{cite encyclopedia|last=Bailey|first=Harold Walter|authorlink=Harold Walter Bailey|title=Arya|page=681-683|year=1987|volume=2|encyclopedia=Encyclopedia Iranica|location=New York|publisher=Routledge & Kegan Paul|http://www.iranica.com/newsite/articles/v2f7/v2f7a004.html}}</ref> ''Ariya-'' and ''Airiia-'' are also attested as an ethnic designator in [[Achaemenid]] inscriptions. The term ''Ērān'', from [[Middle Persian]] ''Ērān'' ([[Pahlavi|written as]] ''ʼyrʼn'') is found on the inscription that accompanies the investiture relief of [[Ardashir I]] at [[Naqsh-e Rustam]].<ref name="MacKenzie">{{cite encyclopedia|last=MacKenzie|first=David Niel|title=Ērān, Ērānšahr|year=1998|volume=8|encyclopedia=Encyclopedia Iranica|publisher=Mazda|location=Costa Mesa|url=http://www.iranica.com/newsite/articles/v8f5/v8f545.html}}</ref> In this inscription, the king's appellation in Middle Persian contains the term ''ērān'' (Pahlavi ''ʼryʼn''), while in the [[Parthian language]] inscription that accompanies it, the term ''aryān'' describes Iran. In Ardashir's time, ''ērān'' retained this meaning, denoting ''the people'' rather than ''the state''.

Notwithstanding this inscriptional use of ''ērān'' to refer to the [[Iranian peoples]], the use of ''ērān'' to refer to the geographical empire is also attested in the early Sassanid period. An inscription relating to [[Shapur I]], Ardashir's son and immediate successor, includes regions which were not inhabited primarily by Iranians in ''Ērān'' regions, such as [[Armenia]] and the [[Caucasus]]."<ref name="Gignoux_Aneran">{{cite encyclopedia|title=Anērān|url=http://www.iranica.com/newsite/articles/v2f1/v2f1a035.html}} retrieved 25 Feb 2008</ref> In [[Kartir|Kartir's]] inscriptions the high priest includes the same regions in his list of provinces of the antonymic ''Anērān''.<ref name="Gignoux_Aneran" /> Both ''ērān'' and ''aryān'' comes from the [[Proto-Iranian]] term ''Aryānām'', (Land) of the (Iranian) Aryas. The word and concept of [[Airyanem Vaejah]] is present in the name of the country Iran (Lit. Land of the Aryans) inasmuch as Iran (''Ērān'') is the modern Persian form of the word ''Aryānā''.

The country has always been known to its own people as Iran, however in the outside world, the official name of Iran from the 6th century BC until 1935 was '''[[Persia]]''' or similar foreign language translations (''La Perse'', ''Das Persien'', ''Perzie'', etc.).<ref name="artarena"/> In that year, [[Reza Shah]] asked the international community to call the country by the name "Iran". A few years later, some Persian scholars protested to the government that changing the name had separated the country from its past, so in 1949<ref name="artarena"/><ref name="iranian"/> [[Mohammad Reza Shah]] announced that both terms could officially be used interchangeably. Now both terms are common, but "Iran" is used mostly in the modern political context and "Persia" in a cultural and historical context. Since the [[Iranian Revolution]] of 1979, the official name of the country has been the "Islamic Republic of Iran."

==Geography and climate==
{{main|Geography of Iran}}
{{see also|Agriculture in Iran|Wildlife of Iran}}
[[File:Iran BMNG.png|thumb|Satellite image of Iran]]
[[File:Damavand3.jpg|thumb|right|float|[[Mount Damavand]], Iran's highest point, is located in [[Mazanderan]].]]
Iran is the [[List of countries and outlying territories by total area|eighteenth largest country]] in the world.<ref>[http://www.mongabay.com/igapo/world_statistics_by_area.htm World Statistics by Area] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> Its area roughly equals that of the United Kingdom, France, Spain, and Germany combined, or slightly less than the state of [[Alaska]].<ref>[http://www.ngallery.org/middle_east/iran.html Welcome to Iran] retrieved 25 Feb 2008</ref><ref>[http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Asia-and-Oceania/Iran-LOCATION-SIZE-AND-EXTENT.html Iran-Location, size, and extent] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> Its borders are with [[Azerbaijan]] (432 km/268 mi) and [[Armenia]] (35 km/22 mi) to the north-west; the [[Caspian Sea]] to the north; [[Turkmenistan]] (992 km/616 mi) to the north-east; [[Pakistan]] (909 km/565 mi) and [[Afghanistan]] (936 km/582 mi) to the east; [[Turkey]] (499 km/310 mi) and Iraq (1,458 km/906 mi) to the west; and finally the waters of the [[Persian Gulf]] and the [[Gulf of Oman]] to the south. Iran's area is 1,648,000 km² (approximately 636,300 [[square mile|sq mi]]).<ref name="CIA">{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ir.html |title = "Iran" |author=CIA World Factbook |accessdate=2008-03-04}}</ref>
[[Image:Lynx lynx poing.jpg|thumb|left|upright|[[Eurasian Lynx]]]]
Iran consists of the [[Iranian Plateau]] with the exception of the coasts of the [[Caspian Sea]] and [[Khuzestan]]. It is one of the world's most mountainous countries, its landscape dominated by rugged [[mountain range]]s that separate various [[drainage basin|basins]] or [[plateau]]x from one another. The populous western part is the most mountainous, with ranges such as the [[Caucasus Mountains|Caucasus]], [[Zagros Mountains|Zagros]] and [[Alborz]] Mountains; the latter contains Iran's highest point, [[Mount Damavand]] at 5,610 m (18,405 ft), which is not only the country's highest peak but also the highest mountain on the Eurasian landmass west of the [[Hindu Kush]].<ref>[http://news.surfwax.com/geography/files/Hindu_Kush_Mountains.html SurfWax: News, Reviews and Articles On Hindu Kush] retrieved 25 Feb 2008</ref> The Northern part of Iran is covered by dense rain forests called [[Shomal]] or the [[Jungles of Iran]]. The eastern part consists mostly of [[desert]] basins such as the [[Dasht-e Kavir]], Iran's largest desert, in the north-central portion of the country, and the [[Dasht-e Lut]], in the east, as well as some [[Salt lake (geography)|salt lakes]]. This is because the mountain ranges are too high for rain clouds to reach these regions. The only large [[plain]]s are found along the coast of the [[Caspian Sea]] and at the northern end of the Persian Gulf, where Iran borders the mouth of the [[Shatt al-Arab]] (or the Arvand Rūd) river. Smaller, discontinuous plains are found along the remaining coast of the Persian Gulf, the [[Strait of Hormuz]] and the [[Sea of Oman]].

Iran's [[climate]] ranges from [[arid]] or [[semiarid]], to [[subtropical]] along the Caspian coast and the [[Jungles of Iran|northern forests]]. On the northern edge of the country (the Caspian coastal plain) temperatures nearly fall below freezing and it remains humid for the rest of the year. Summer temperatures rarely exceed 29 [[Celsius|°C]] (85 [[Fahrenheit|°F]]).<ref>[http://www.weneedtrees.com/iran/nature.asp Nature & Mountains of Iran] retrieved 25 Feb 2008</ref><ref name="simmons">[http://my.simmons.edu/lcis/zoom/2005/10/iran-_current_i.html Iran- Current Information] retrieved 25 feb 2008</ref> Annual precipitation is 680 mm (27 in) in the eastern part of the plain and more than 1,700 mm (67 in) in the western part. To the west, settlements in the [[Zagros Mountains|Zagros]] basin experience lower temperatures, severe winters with below zero average daily temperatures and heavy snowfall. The eastern and central basins are arid, with less than 200 mm (eight in) of rain, and have occasional deserts.<ref name="simmons"/> Average summer temperatures exceed 38 °C (100 °F). The coastal plains of the [[Persian Gulf]] and [[Gulf of Oman]] in southern Iran have mild winters, and very humid and hot summers. The annual precipitation ranges from 135 to 355 mm (five to fourteen inches).<ref name="simmons"/>

[[Wildlife of Iran|Iran's wildlife]] is composed of several animal species including bears, gazelles, wild pigs, wolves, jackals, panthers, Eurasian lynx, and foxes. Other domestic animals include, sheep, goats, cattle, horses, water buffalo, donkeys, and camels. The pheasant, partridge, stork, eagles and falcon are also native to Iran.

===Provinces and cities===
{{main|Provinces of Iran|Counties of Iran}}
{{Seealso|List of Iran cities by population}}
[[File:Azadi1.jpg|thumb|upright|left|After the revolution, Shahyad Tower was renamed [[Azadi Tower|Freedom Tower]]]]
{{Provinces of Iran Labelled Map|float=right}}
Iran is divided into thirty [[Provinces of Iran|provinces]] (''ostān''), each governed by an appointed governor (استاندار, ostāndār). The provinces are divided into counties (''[[Counties of Iran|shahrestān]]''), and subdivided into districts (''[[bakhsh]]'') and sub-districts (''dehestān'').

Iran has one of the highest urban growth rates in the world. From 1950 to 2002, the urban proportion of the population increased from 27% to 60%.<ref name="payvand2">{{cite web |url=http://www.payvand.com/news/03/nov/1135.html |title="Iran: Focus on reverse migration" |author=Payvand |accessdate=2006-04-17}}</ref> The United Nations predicts that by 2030 80% of the population will be urban.<ref name="sci.org.ir">[http://www.sci.org.ir/portal/faces/public/census85/census85.natayej/census85.abadipage "Islamic Azad University"], retrieved 28 Jan 2008</ref> Most internal migrants have settled near the cities of [[Tehran]], [[Isfahan]], [[Ahvaz]], and [[Qom]]. The listed populations are from the 2006/07 (1385 [[Iranian calendar|AP]]) census.<ref>[http://www.sci.org.ir/portal/faces/public/census85/census85.natayej/census85.abadipage Iranian National Portal of Statistics] retrieved 27 Feb 2008</ref> [[Tehran]], with population of 7,705,036, is the largest city in Iran and is the Capital city. [[Tehran]] is home to around 11% of Iran's population. Tehran, like many big cities, suffers from severe air pollution. It is the hub of the country's [[Communications in Iran|communication]] and [[Transport in Iran|transport]] network.

[[Mashhad]], with a population of 2.8 million, is the second largest Iranian city and the centre of the province of [[Razavi Khorasan]]. Mashahd is one of the holiest [[Shi'a]] cities in the world as it is the site of the [[Imam Reza shrine]]. It is the centre of tourism in Iran and between 15 and 20 million pilgrims go to the [[Imam Reza]]'s shrine every year.<ref>[http://www.iran-daily.com/1383/2211/html/panorama.htm Religious Tourism Potentials Rich] retrieved 28 Feb 2008</ref><ref>[http://www.sacredsites.com/middle_east/iran/mashad.htm Mashhad, Iran] retrieved 28 Feb 2008</ref> Another major Iranian city is [[Isfahan]] (population 1,986,542), which is the capital of [[Isfahan Province]]. The [[Naghsh-e Jahan Square]] in Isfahan has been designated by [[UNESCO]] as a [[World Heritage Site]]. The city contains a wide variety of [[Islamic architecture|Islamic architectural]] sites ranging from the eleventh to the 19th century. The growth of suburb area around the city has turned Isfahan to the second most populous metropolitan area (3,430,353).<ref>http://www.sci.org.ir/content/userfiles/_census85/census85/natayej/township/Os10.xls retrieved 27 Feb 2008</ref>
The other major Iranian cities are [[Karaj]] (population 1,732,275), [[Tabriz]] (population 1,597,312) and [[Shiraz]] (population 1,227,331). Karaj is located in [[Tehran province]] and is situated 20 km west of [[Tehran]], at the foot of [[Alborz]] mountains; however, the city is increasingly becoming an extension of metropolitan Tehran.

==History==
{{main|History of Iran|Persian Empire}}

===Early history (3200 BC–625 BC)===
{{main|Tappeh Sialk|Jiroft civilization|Elamite kingdom|Mannaeans}}
[[File:Mappa di Eratostene.jpg|thumb|right|19th century reconstruction of a map of the world by [[Eratosthenes]], [[Circa|c.]]200 BC. The name Ariana (Aryânâ) was used to describe the region where the [[Iranian Plateau]] is found.]]
Dozens of [[Prehistory|pre-historic]] sites across the Iranian plateau point to the existence of ancient cultures and urban settlements in the [[fourth millennium BC]],<ref name="xinhuaciv">[http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-08/10/content_6508609.htm Xinhua, "New evidence: modern civilization began in Iran", 10 Aug 2007], retrieved 1 Oct 2007</ref><ref name="iran-daily">[http://www.iran-daily.com/1385/2795/html/panorama.htm Iran Daily, "Panorama", 3 Mar 2007], retrieved 1 Oct 2007</ref><ref name="iranian.ws">[http://www.iranian.ws/iran_news/publish/article_22427.shtml Iranian.ws, "Archaeologists: Modern civilization began in Iran based on new evidence", 12 Aug 2007], retrieved 1 Oct 2007</ref> centuries before the earliest civilizations arose in nearby [[Mesopotamia]].<ref>http://oi.uchicago.edu/OI/MUS/VOL/NN_SUM94/NN_Sum94.html retrieved 2006-04-29</ref>
[[Proto-Iranian]]s first emerged following the separation of [[Indo-Iranians]], and are traced to the [[Bactria-Margiana Archaeological Complex]].<ref name="Panshin"> [http://www.panshin.com/trogholm/wonder/indoeuropean/indoeuropean3.html "The Palaeolithic Indo-Europeans"] — Panshin.com (retrieved 4 June 2006)</ref> [[Aryan]], ([[Ancient Iranian peoples|Proto-Iranian]]) tribes arrived in the [[Iranian plateau]] in the third and second [[millennium]] BC, probably in more than one wave of emigration, and settled as nomads. Further separation of Proto-Iranians into "Eastern" and "Western" groups occurred due to migration. By the first millennium BC, [[Medes]], [[Persian people|Persians]], [[Bactria]]ns and [[Parthia]]ns populated the western part, while [[Cimmerians]], [[Sarmatians]] and [[Alans]] populated the steppes north of the [[Black Sea]]. Other tribes began to settle on the eastern edge, as far as on the mountainous frontier of north-western [[Indian subcontinent]] and into the area which is now [[Balochistan (region)|Balochistan]]. Others, such as the [[Scythia]]n tribes spread as far west as the [[Balkans]] and as far east as [[Xinjiang]]. [[Avestan]] is an eastern Old [[Iranian language]] that was used to compose the sacred hymns and canon of the [[Zoroastrianism|Zoroastrian]] [[Gathas]] in c. 1000 BC.

===Pre-Islamic statehood (625 BC–651 AD)===
[[File:Cyrus cilinder.jpg|thumb|The [[Cyrus Cylinder]] is considered the first recorded [[declaration of human rights]] in history.]]
{{main|Median Empire|Achaemenid Empire|Seleucid Empire|Parthian Empire|Sassanid Empire}}
{{see also|Greco-Persian Wars|Roman-Persian Wars|Roman relations with the Parthians and Sassanids}}

The [[Medes]] are credited with the unification<ref name="Encyclopædia Britannica Encyclopedia Article: Media ancient region, Iran"/> of Iran as a nation and empire (625<ref name="Encyclopædia Britannica Encyclopedia Article: Media ancient region, Iran"/>–559  BC), the largest of its day, until [[Cyrus the Great]] established a unified empire of the Medes and [[Persian people|Persians]] leading to the [[Achaemenid Empire]] (559–330  BC), and further unification between peoples and cultures. After Cyrus' death, his son [[Cambyses]] continued his father's work of conquest, making significant gains in Egypt. Following a power struggle after Cambyses' death, [[Darius I]] was declared king (ruled 522–486 BC). Under [[Cyrus the Great]] and [[Darius the Great]], the Persian Empire eventually became the largest and most powerful empire in human history up until that point.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/MESO/PERSIANS.HTM |title=The Persians|accessdate=2006-08-20}}</ref> The borders of the [[Persian empire]] stretched from the [[Indus]] and [[Oxus]] Rivers in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west, extending through [[Anatolia]] (modern day Turkey) and Egypt.

[[File:Achaemenid Empire.jpg|thumb|left|250px|The [[Achaemenid Empire]] at its greatest extent, at about 500 BC]]
In 499 BC Athens lent support to a revolt in [[Miletus]] which resulted in the sacking of [[Sardis]]. This led to an Achaemenid campaign against Greece known as the [[Greco-Persian Wars]] which lasted the first half of the 5th century BC. During the [[Greco-Persian wars]] Persia made some major advantages and razed Athens in 480 BC, But after a string of Greek victories the Persians were forced to withdraw. Fighting ended with the [[peace of Callias]] in 449 BC.

[[File:Parsa7.jpg|thumb|[[Persepolis]], ceremonial capital of the [[Persian Empire]] during the [[Achaemenid dynasty]]]]
The rules and ethics emanating from [[Zoroaster]]'s teachings were strictly followed by the Achaemenids who introduced and adopted policies based on [[human rights]], [[equality before the law|equality]] and banning of [[slavery]]. Zoroastrianism spread unimposed during the time of the Achaemenids and through contacts with the exiled [[Jewish]] people in [[Babylon]] freed by Cyrus, Zoroastrian concepts further propagated and influenced into other [[Abrahamic religions]]. The [[Golden Age of Athens]] marked by [[Aristotle]], [[Plato]] and [[Socrates]] also came about during the Achaemenid period while their contacts with Persia and the Near East abounded. The peace, tranquility, security and prosperity that were afforded to the people of the [[Near East]] and [[Southeastern Europe]] proved to be a rare historical occurrence, an unparalleled period where commerce prospered, and the standard of living for all people of the region improved.<ref name="vohuman">[http://www.vohuman.org/Article/Historical%20perspective%20on%20Zoroastrianism.htm vohuman.org, "Historical perspective on Zoroastrianism", Reproduced from Âtaš-è Dorün — The Fire Within, Jamshid Soroush Soroushian Memorial Volume II, 1st Books Library, Bloomington, IN, 2003], retrieved 1 Oct 2007</ref>

In 334 BC, [[Alexander the Great]] invaded the Achaemenid Empire, defeating the last Achaemenid Emperor [[Darius III]] at the [[Battle of Issus]] in 333 BC. He left the annexed territory in 328–327. In each of the former Achaemenid territories he installed his own officers as caretakers, which led to friction and ultimately to the [[Partition of Babylon|partitioning of the former empire]] after Alexander's death.
[[Image:Parthian Queen Bust.jpg|thumb|upright|A bust from the [[National Museum of Iran]] of [[Queen Musa]]]]

The Parthian Empire (238 BC–226 AD), led by the Arsacid Dynasty, was the third [[Iranian Peoples|Iranian]] kingdom to dominate the Iranian plateau, after defeating the [[Hellenic Greece|Greek]] [[Seleucid Empire]], beginning in the late 3rd century BC, and intermittently controlled [[Mesopotamia]] between ca. 150 BC and 224 AD. These were the third native dynasty of ancient Iran and lasted five centuries.
After the conquests of [[Medes|Media]], [[Assyria]], [[Babylonia]] and [[Elam]], the Parthians had to organize their empire. The former elites of these countries were [[Greeks|Greek]], and the new rulers had to adapt to their customs if they wanted their rule to last. As a result, the cities retained their ancient rights and civil administrations remained more or less undisturbed.

Parthia was the arch-enemy of the [[Roman Empire]] in the east, limiting Rome's expansion beyond [[Cappadocia]] (central [[Anatolia]]). By using a heavily armed and armoured [[cataphract]] cavalry, and lightly armed but highly mobile [[Horse archer|mounted archers]], the Parthians "held their own against Rome for almost 300 years".<ref>''Persians: Masters of Empire'', 1995, ISBN 0809491044, p.142–143,Time-life Books</ref> Rome's acclaimed general [[Mark Antony]] led a disastrous campaign against the Parthians in 36 BC, in which he lost 32,000 men. By the time of Roman emperor [[Augustus]], Rome and Parthia were settling some of their differences through diplomacy. By this time, Parthia had acquired an assortment of golden eagles, the cherished [[Aquila (Roman)|standards of Rome's legions]], captured from Mark Antony, and [[Crassus]], who suffered a defeat at [[Carrhae]] in 53 BC.<ref>Cotterell, Arthur. ''From Aristotle to Zoroaster: An a to Z Companion to the Classical World.'' 1998. p.272, Free Press</ref>
[[File:Bas relief nagsh-e-rostam al.jpg|thumb|left|Rock-face relief at [[Naqsh-e Rustam]] of Iranian emperor Shapur I (on horseback) capturing Roman emperor Valerian (kneeing) and Philip the Arab (standing)]]

The end of the Parthian Empire came in 224 AD, when the empire was loosely organized and the last king was defeated by [[Ardashir I]], one of the empire's vassals. [[Ardashir I]] then went on to create the Sassanid Empire. Soon he started reforming the country both economically and militarily. The Sassanids established an empire roughly within the frontiers achieved by the Achaemenids, referring to it as ''Erânshahr'' or ''Iranshahr'', ''[[Image:Eranshahr.svg|60px]]'', "Dominion of the Aryans", (i.e. of [[Iranian peoples|Iranians]]), with their capital at [[Ctesiphon]].<ref>Garthwaite, Gene R., ''The Persians'', p. 2, ISBN 1405156805, Wiley-Blackwell (2006) </ref> Unlike the [[diadochi]]c Seleucids and the succeeding Arsacids, who used a [[vassal state|vassalary system]], the Sassanids—like the Achaemenids—had a system of governors (MP: ''shahrab'') personally appointed by the Emperor and directed by the central government. The Romans suffered repeated losses particularly by [[Ardashir I]], [[Shapur I]], and [[Shapur II]].<ref>Lorentz, John H. ''Historical Dictionary of Iran.''Asian Historical Dictionaries; No.16. 1995. ISBN 9780810829947, p.189</ref> During their reign, Sassanid battles with the [[Roman Empire]] caused such pessimism in [[Rome]] that the historian [[Cassius Dio]] wrote:

{{Cquote
|''Here was a source of great fear to us. So formidable does the Sassanid king seem to our eastern legions, that some are liable to go over to him, and others are unwilling to fight at all''.<ref>Arthur Cotterell, ''From Aristotle to Zoroaster: An a to Z Companion to the Classical World''. 1998. ISBN 0684855968, p.344–345, Free Press</ref>}}

In 632 raiders from the Arab peninsula began attacking the [[Sassanid Empire]]. Iran was defeated in the [[Battle of al-Qâdisiyah]], paving way for the [[Islamic conquest of Persia]].

During Parthian, and later [[Sassanid]] era, trade on the [[Silk Road]] was a significant factor in the development of the great [[civilization]]s of China, [[Ancient Egypt|Egypt]], [[Mesopotamia]], [[Persia]], [[Indian subcontinent]], and [[Ancient Rome|Rome]], and helped to lay the foundations for the modern world. Parthian remains display classically Greek influences in some instances and retain their oriental mode in others, a clear expression of the cultural diversity that characterized Parthian art and life.<ref>''Persians: Masters of Empire'', 1995, ISBN 0809491044, p.134, Time-life Books</ref> The Parthians were [[Parthian style (Iranian architecture)|innovators of many architecture designs]] such as that of [[Ctesiphon]], which later influenced European [[Romanesque architecture]].<ref>''Persians: Masters of Empire'', 1995, ISBN 0809491044, p.138, Time-life Books</ref><ref>''"Even the architecture of the Christian church, with its hallowed chancel seems inspired by the designs of [[Mithra]]ic temples"''. [[Abbas Milani]]. ''Lost Wisdom''. 2004. Mage Publishers. p.13. ISBN 0934211906</ref> Under the Sassanids, Iran [[Iran-China relations|expanded relations with China]]. Arts, [[Sassanid music|music]], and [[Sassanid architecture|architecture]] greatly flourished, and centers such as the [[School of Nisibis]] and [[Academy of Gundishapur]] became world renowned centers of science and scholarship.

===Middle Ages (652–1501)===
{{main|Islamization in Iran|Abbasid Caliphate|Samanid dynasty|Khwarezmian Empire|Ilkhanate|Timurid Dynasty|Mongol Empire|Seljuk dynasty|Buyid Dynasty|Ghaznavid Empire}}
[[File:Iran circa 1000AD.png|thumb|250px|Map of Iranian Dynasties c. 1000]]
After the [[Islamic conquest of Persia]] and the resulting [[Islamization in Iran|Islamization of Iran]], Iranians benefited their membership of a truly international society. They continued what was set-up by [[Sassanids]] but in much larger scale and with a more universal scope.<ref name=chi4-nasr/> Therefore blossoming of [[Persian literature]], [[Iranian philosophy|philosophy]], [[Science and technology in Iran|medicine]] and [[Persian art|art]] became major elements of the newly forming Muslim civilization. The [[Islamic Golden Age]] which is characterized by the development of science owed, to a large extent, its importance to the vital contributions of Iranians,<ref>
* Robert Palter, Solomon Gandz, "Toward Modern Science : Studies in ancient and medieval science.", Published by Noonday Press, 1961, pg 180: "The so called golden age of Islamic science owed its importance to largely to the Persian contribution.
* Ehsan Yarshater, "The Persian Presence in in the Islamic World" in Richard G. Hovannisian, Georges Sabagh, "The Persian Presence in the Islamic World", Published by Cambridge University Press, 1997. pg 6-7: "The Golden age of Islam, as the early Abbassid period has been labeled, was distinguished by intellectual advances, literary innovations, and cultural exuberance attributable, in no small measure, to the vital participation of Persian men of letters, philosophers, theologians, grammarians, mathematicians, musicians, astronomers, geographers, and physicians"
* Bernard Lewis, "Iran in History", excerpt: "Culturally, politically, and most remarkable of all even religiously, the Iranian contribution to this new Islamic civilization is of immense importance. The work of Iranians can be seen in every field of cultural endeavor, including Arabic poetry, to which poets of Iranian origin composing their poems in Arabic made a very significant contribution." [http://www.tau.ac.il/dayancenter/mel/lewis.pdf]</ref> and reached its highest level in 10-11th centuries a period in which Persia was the main theatre of scientific activities.<ref name=chi4-nasr>William Bayne Fisher, et. al., ''The Cambridge History of Iran 4'' Published by Cambridge University Press, 1975, ISBN 0521200938, p. 396.</ref> In fact this influential Persian presence that relied heavily upon achievements of [[Sassanids]] whose identity and continuity had to be assumed by the educated, has made the Muslim world itself long since come to accept Islamic civilization as a ''Perso-Islamic civilization'' and had the latter as the continuous uprising culture from eleventh century on.<ref>The following references give comprehensive analysis and clarification of the terms "persian presence" and "perso-islamic" and the relation to Sassanids and the impact on Islamic cultures:
* Marilyn Robinson Waldman, ''Toward a Theory of Historical Narrative: A Case Study in Perso-Islamicate Historiography'', Published by Ohio State University Press, 1980, ISBN 0814202977, p. 30

* Richard M. Eaton, ''The Rise of Islam and the Bengal Frontier, 1204-1760'', Published by University of California Press, 1996, ISBN 0520205073, p. 28
* Richard G. Hovannisian (ed.), ''The Persian Presence in the Islamic World'', Published by Cambridge University Press, 1997, ISBN 0521591856. p.78.
* P. M. Holt, et. al. ''The Cambridge History of Islam: Volume 2B'', Published by Cambridge University Press, 1977, ISBN 0521291380. p. 501
</ref>

[[Abu Muslim|Abu Moslem]], an Iranian general, expelled the [[Umayyad]]s from [[Damascus]] and helped the [[Abbasid]] caliphs to conquer [[Baghdad]]. The [[Abbasid]] caliphs frequently chose their "[[Vizier|wazirs]]" (viziers) among Iranians, and Iranian governors acquired a certain amount of local autonomy. Thus in 822, the governor of Khorasan, [[Tahir II of Khorasan|Tahir]], proclaimed his independence and founded a new Persian dynasty of [[Tahirid dynasty|Tahirids]]. And by the [[Samanid]] era, Iran's efforts to regain its independence had been well solidified.<ref>Bosworth C. E., Cambridge History of Iran, vol. 4, p.90</ref>
[[File:Jami Rose Garden.jpg|left|thumb|Illustration from [[Jami]] ''"Rose Garden of the Pious"'', dated 1553. The image blends [[Persian literature|Persian poetry]] and [[Persian miniature]] into one, as is the norm for many works of the Timurid era.]]
Attempts of [[Arabization]] thus never succeeded in Iran, and movements such as the [[Shuubiyah]] became catalysts for Iranians to regain their independence in their relations with the Arab invaders. The cultural revival of the post-[[Abbasid]] period led to a resurfacing of Iranian national identity. The resulting cultural movement reached its peak during the 9th and 10th centuries. The most notable effect of the movement was the continuation of the [[Persian language]], the language of the [[Persians]] and the official language of Iran to the present day. [[Ferdowsi]], Iran's greatest epic poet, is regarded today as the most important figure in maintaining the Persian language. After an interval of silence Iran re-emerged as a separate, different and distinctive element within Islam. [[Iranian philosophy]] after the Islamic conquest, is characterized by different interactions with the Old [[Iranian philosophy]], the [[Greek philosophy]] and with the development of [[Islamic philosophy]]. The [[Illumination School]] and the [[Transcendent Philosophy]] are regarded as two of the main philosophical traditions of that era in Persia. The movement continued well into the 11th century, when [[Mahmud of Ghazni|Mahmud-a Ghaznavi]] founded a vast empire, with its capital at [[Isfahan]] and [[Ghazna]]. Their successors, the [[Seljuk dynasty|Seljuks]], asserted their domination from the [[Mediterranean Sea]] to [[Central Asia]]. As with their predecessors, the [[divan]] of the empire was in the hands of Iranian [[viziers]], who founded the [[Nizamiyya]]. During this period, [[List of Iranian scientists and scholars|hundreds of scholars and scientists]] vastly contributed to technology, science and medicine, later influencing the rise of European science during [[the Renaissance]].<ref>Kühnel E., in ''Zeittschrift der deutschen morgenländischen Gesell'', Vol. CVI (1956)</ref>

In 1218, the eastern [[Khwarezmian Empire|Khwarazmid]] provinces of [[Transoxiana]] and [[Greater Khorasan|Khorasan]] suffered a devastating [[invasion]] by [[Genghis Khan]]. During this period more than half of Iran's population was killed,<ref>The memoirs of [[Edward Teller]], ''[[Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory]] "Science and Technology Review"''. July/August 1998 p20. Link: [http://www.llnl.gov/str/pdfs/07_98.pdf]</ref> turning the streets of Persian cities such as [[Neishabur]] into "rivers of blood", as the severed heads of men, women, and children were "neatly stacked into carefully constructed pyramids around which the carcasses of the city's dogs and cats were placed".<ref>[[Sandra Mackey|Mackey, S.]]. ''The Iranians: Persia, Islam, and the soul of a nation''. 1996. ISBN 0-525-94005-7. p.69.</ref> Between 1220 and 1260, the total population of Iran had dropped from 2,500,000 to 250,000 as a result of mass [[murder|extermination]] and [[famine]].<ref>[http://www.sfusd.k12.ca.us/schwww/sch618/Ibn_Battuta/Battuta's_Trip_Three.html Battuta's Travels: Part Three — Persia and Iraq] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref>
In a letter to King [[Louis IX of France]], [[Hulagu Khan|Holaku]], one of the [[Genghis Khan]]'s grandsons, alone took responsibility for 200,000 deaths in his raids of Iran and the Caliphate.<ref>[[Sandra Mackey|Mackey, S.]]. ''The Iranians: Persia, Islam, and the soul of a nation''. 1996. ISBN 0-525-94005-7. p.70 </ref> He was followed by yet another conqueror, [[Timur|Tamerlane]], who established his capital in [[Samarkand]].<ref>[http://www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/oldwrld/armies/tamerlane.html Old World Contacts/Armies/Tamerlane] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> The waves of devastation prevented many cities such as [[Neishabur]] from reaching their pre-invasion population levels until the 20th century, eight centuries later.<ref>Mackey, S. ''The Iranians: Persia, Islam, and the soul of a nation''. 1996. ISBN 0-525-94005-7. p.69.</ref>
But both [[Hulagu Khan|Hulagu]], Tamerlane, and their successors soon came to adopt the ways and customs of that which they had conquered, choosing to surround themselves with a culture that was distinctively Persian.<ref>Bertold Spuler. ''The Muslim World. Vol. I The Age of the Caliphs.'' Leiden. E.J. Brill. 1960 ISBN 0-685-23328-6 p.29</ref>

===Early Modern Era (1501–1921)===
{{main|Safavid Dynasty|Qajar Dynasty|Afsharid Dynasty|Zand dynasty}}{{seealso|Russo-Persian Wars|Anglo-Persian War|Turko-Persian War|Iranian Constitutional Revolution}}
[[File:Sattar Khan.jpg|thumb|right|upright|[[Sattar Khan]] was a key figure in the [[Iranian Constitutional Revolution]]]]
[[File:Shah Ismail I.jpg|thumb|left|upright|[[Shah Ismail I]], the founder of the [[Safavid Dynasty]] (1501 to 1736)]]
Iran's first encompassing [[Shi'a Islam]]ic state was established under the [[Safavid Dynasty]] (1501–1722) by [[Shah Ismail I]]. The Safavid Dynasty soon became a major political power and promoted the flow of bilateral state contacts. The Safavid peak was during the rule of [[Shah Abbas I|Shah Abbas The Great]].<ref name="islamic1600">[http://www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/islam/empires/safavid/abbas.html "The Islamic World to 1600", The Applied History Research Group, The University of Calgary, 1998], retrieved 1 Oct 2007</ref> The [[Safavid Dynasty]] frequently warred with the [[Ottoman Empire]], [[Uzbekistan|Uzbek]] tribes and the [[Portuguese Empire]]. The Safavids moved their capital from [[Tabriz]] to [[Qazvin]] and then to [[Isfahan]], where their patronage for the arts propelled Iran into one of its most aesthetically productive eras. Under their rule, the state became highly centralized, the first attempts to modernize the military were made, and even [[Isfahani style (Iranian architecture)|a distinct style of architecture developed]]. In 1722 Afghan rebels defeated [[Husayn (Safavid)|Shah Sultan Hossein]] and ended the Safavid Dynasty, but in 1735, [[Nader Shah]] successfully drove out the Afghan rebels from Isfahan and established the [[Afsharid Dynasty]]. He then staged an incursion into India in 1738, securing the [[Peacock throne]], [[Koh-i-Noor]], and [[Darya-ye Noor]] among other [[Royal family|royal]] treasures. His rule did not last long, however, as he was assassinated in 1747. The [[Mashhad]] based Afshar Dynasty was succeeded by the [[Zand dynasty]] in 1750, founded by [[Karim Khan]], who established his capital at [[Shiraz]]. His rule brought a period of relative peace and renewed prosperity.

The Zand dynasty lasted three generations, until [[Mohammad Khan Qajar|Aga Muhammad Khan]] executed [[Lotf Ali Khan]], and founded his new capital in [[Tehran]], marking the dawn of the [[Qajar|Qajar Dynasty]] in 1794. The [[Qajar]] chancellor [[Amir Kabir]] established [[Dar ul-Funun|Iran's first modern college]] system, among other modernizing reforms. Iran suffered [[Russo-Persian Wars|several wars with Imperial Russia]] during the [[Qajar]] era, resulting in Iran losing almost half of its territories to [[Imperial Russia]] and the [[British Empire]], via the treaties of [[Treaty of Gulistan|Gulistan]], [[Treaty of Turkmenchay|Turkmenchay]] and [[Treaty of Akhal|Akhal]]. In spite of [[The Great Game]] Iran managed to maintain her sovereignty and was never colonized, unlike neighbouring states in the region. Repeated foreign intervention and a corrupt and weakened Qajar rule led to [[Tobacco Protest|various protests]], which by the end of the Qajar period resulted in [[Iranian Constitutional Revolution|Persia's constitutional revolution]] establishing [[Majles|the nation's first parliament]] in 1906, within a [[constitutional monarchy]].

===Recent history (1921–)===
{{main|History of the Islamic Republic of Iran|Iranian Revolution|Iran–Iraq War|Pahlavi Dynasty}}{{seealso|Operation Ajax}}
[[File:Mossadeq.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Former Iranian prime minister, Dr. [[Mohammad Mossadegh]]]]

In 1925, [[Reza Shah|Reza Khan]] overthrew the weakening [[Qajar Dynasty]] and became [[Shah]]. Reza Shah initiated [[industrialization]], [[Rail transport|railroad]] construction, and the establishment of a national [[Higher education in Iran|education]] system. Reza Shah sought to balance Russian and British influence, but when [[World War II]] started, his nascent ties to Germany alarmed Britain and Russia. In 1941, [[Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran|Britain and the USSR invaded Iran]] to use Iranian railroad capacity during [[World War II]]. The Shah was forced to abdicate in favour of his son, [[Mohammad Reza Pahlavi]].

[[Image:MohammadRezaPahlavi1977.jpg|thumb|[[Mohammad Reza Pahlavi]] and [[Farah Pahlavi|Queen Farah]] about to depart after a visit to the United States]]
In 1951 Dr. [[Mohammed Mossadegh]] was elected [[Prime Minister of Iran|prime minister]]. As prime minister, Mossadegh became enormously popular in Iran after he [[nationalization|nationalized]] Iran's oil reserves. In response, Britain embargoed Iranian oil and, amidst [[Cold War]] fears, invited the United States to join in a plot to depose Mossadegh, and in 1953 President [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]] authorized [[Operation Ajax]]. The operation was successful, and Mossadegh was arrested on 19 August 1953. After Operation Ajax, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi's rule became increasingly [[autocracy|autocratic]]. With American support, the Shah was able to rapidly modernize Iranian infrastructure, but he simultaneously crushed all forms of political opposition with his intelligence agency, [[SAVAK]]. [[Ayatollah]] [[Ruhollah Khomeini]] became an active critic of the Shah's [[White Revolution]] and publicly denounced the government. Khomeini was arrested and imprisoned for 18 months. After his release in 1964 Khomeini publicly criticized the United States government. The Shah was persuaded to send him into exile by General [[Hassan Pakravan]]. Khomeini was sent first to [[Turkey]], then to [[Iraq]] and finally to France. While in exile, he continued to denounce the Shah.

The [[Iranian Revolution]], also known as the [[Islamic Revolution]],<ref>[http://www.iranchamber.com/history/islamic_revolution/islamic_revolution.php Islamic Revolution of 1979], retrieved 23 January 2008</ref><ref>[http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761588431/Islamic_Revolution_of_Iran.html Islamic Revolution of Iran], [[encarta]], retrieved 23 January 2008</ref><ref>Fereydoun Hoveyda, ''The Shah and the Ayatollah: Iranian Mythology and Islamic Revolution'' ISBN 0275978583, Praeger Publishers </ref> began in January 1978 with the first major demonstrations against the [[Shah]].<ref>[http://www.fsmitha.com/h2/ch29ir.html The Iranian Revolution] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> After strikes and demonstrations paralysed the country and its economy, the [[Shah]] fled the country in January 1979 and [[Ayatollah Khomeini]] returned from exile to Tehran. The [[Pahlavi Dynasty]] collapsed ten days later, on 11 February, when Iran's military declared itself "neutral" after guerrillas and rebel troops overwhelmed troops loyal to the Shah in armed street fighting. Iran officially became an Islamic Republic on 1 April 1979 when Iranians overwhelmingly approved a national referendum to make it so.<ref name="britannica1"/><ref name = "Britannica">[http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-32981 Encyclopædia Britannica]23 January 2008</ref> In December 1979, the country approved a [[theocratic]] constitution, whereby Khomeini became [[Supreme Leader]] of the country.
The speed and success of the revolution surprised many throughout the world,<ref>Jahangir Amuzegar, ''The Dynamics of the Iranian Revolution,'' (1991), p.4, 9–12 ISBN 0791407314</ref> as it had not been precipitated by a military defeat, a financial crisis, or a peasant rebellion.<ref>Arjomand, ''Turban'' (1988), p. 191.</ref> Although both nationalists and Marxists joined with Islamic traditionalists to overthrow the Shah, tens of thousands were killed and executed by the Islamic regime afterward, the revolution ultimately resulted in an Islamic Republic under [[Ayatollah]] [[Ruhollah Khomeini]].<ref name = "Benard">Cheryl Benard, Zalmay Khalilzad, ''"The Government of God"'' ISBN 0231053762, Columbia University Press (1984), p. 18.</ref>
[[File:Imam Khomeini in Mehrabad.jpg|thumb|upright|Arrival of [[Ayatollah]] [[Khomeini]] on 1 February 1979 from France]]
Iran's [[US-Iran relations|relationship with the United States]] deteriorated rapidly during the revolution. On 4 November 1979, a group of Iranian students [[Iran hostage crisis|seized US embassy personnel]], labelling the embassy a "den of spies".<ref name="carterpbs">[http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/carter/sfeature/sf_hostage.html PBS, American Experience, Jimmy Carter, "444 Days: America Reacts"], retrieved 1 Oct 2007</ref> They accused its personnel of being CIA agents plotting to overthrow the revolutionary government, as the CIA had done to [[Mohammad Mossadegh]] in 1953. While the student ringleaders had not asked for permission from [[Khomeini]] to seize the embassy, [[Khomeini]] nonetheless supported the embassy takeover after hearing of its success.<ref name = "MarkBowden-Guests">Guests of the Ayatollah: The Iran Hostage Crisis: The First Battle in America's War with Militant Islam, Mark Bowden, p. 127 ISBN 0802143032, Grove Press</ref> While most of the [[female]] and [[African American]] hostages were released within the first months,<ref name="MarkBowden-Guests"/> the remaining fifty-two hostages were held for 444 days. Subsequently attempts by the [[Jimmy Carter]] administration to negotiate or [[Operation Eagle Claw|rescue]] were unsuccessful. In January 1981 the hostages were set free according to the [[Algiers declaration]].

[[Iraqi]] leader [[Saddam Hussein]] decided to take advantage of what he perceived to be disorder in the wake of the Iranian Revolution and its unpopularity with Western governments. The once-strong [[Iranian military]] had been disbanded during the revolution. Saddam sought to expand Iraq's access to the [[Persian Gulf]] by acquiring territories that Iraq had claimed earlier from Iran during the Shah's rule. Of chief importance to Iraq was [[Khuzestan Province|Khuzestan]] which not only has a substantial [[Arab]] population, but boasted rich oil fields as well. On the unilateral behalf of the [[United Arab Emirates]], the islands of [[Abu Musa]] and the [[Greater and Lesser Tunbs]] became objectives as well. On 22 September 1980 the Iraqi army invaded Iran at Khuzestan, precipitating the [[Iran–Iraq War]].

Although Saddam Hussein's forces made several early advances, by 1982, Iranian forces managed to push the Iraqi army back into Iraq. Khomeini sought to [[Export of revolution|export his Islamic revolution]] westward into Iraq, especially on the majority Shi'a Arabs living in the country. The war then continued for six more years until 1988, when Khomeini, in his words, "drank the cup of poison" and accepted a truce mediated by the United Nations. The total Iranian casualties of the war were estimated to be anywhere between 500,000 and 1,000,000; with more than 100,000 Iranians being victims of Iraq's chemical weapons.<ref name="r1">Centre for Documents of The Imposed War, Tehran. (مرکز مطالعات و تحقیقات جنگ)</ref> Almost all relevant international agencies have confirmed that Saddam engaged in chemical warfare to blunt Iranian [[human wave attack]]s; these agencies unanimously confirmed that Iran never used chemical weapons during the war.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.fas.org/news/iran/1997/970205-480132.htm | title = News | publisher = FAS}} retrieved 23 January 2008</ref><ref>http://www.fas.org/cw/intro.htm 23 January 2008</ref><ref>[http://www.nti.org/e_research/profiles/Iran/Chemical/2340_2965.html NTI Chemical profile of Iran] 23 January 2008</ref>

Following the Iran–Iraq War President [[Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani]] and his administration concentrated on a pragmatic pro-business policy of rebuilding and strengthening the economy without making any dramatic break with the ideology of the revolution. Rafsanjani served until 1997 when he was succeeded by the moderate [[Iranian reform movement|reformist]] [[Mohammad Khatami]]. During his two terms as president, Khatami advocated [[freedom of expression]], tolerance and [[civil society]], constructive diplomatic relations with other states including [[EU]] and [[Asia]]n governments, and an economic policy that supported [[free market]] and foreign investment. However, Khatami is widely regarded as having been unsuccessful in achieving his goal of making Iran more free and democratic.<ref name="autogenerated3">[http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2004/may/04/iran The Guardian, Tuesday 4 May 2004, Khatami blames clerics for failure]</ref> In the [[Iranian presidential election, 2005|2005 presidential elections]], Iran made yet another change in political direction, when conservative populist candidate [[Mahmoud Ahmadinejad]] was elected over [[Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani]].<ref>
{{cite web| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4740441.stm| title = Iran hardliner becomes president| accessdate = 2006-12-06| date = 3 August 2005| publisher = [[BBC]]}}</ref>

==Government and politics==
{{main|Politics and Government of Iran|Supreme Leader of Iran|President of Iran|Majlis of Iran|Council of Guardians|Expediency Discernment Council|Judicial system of Iran|Assembly of Experts|City and Village Councils of Iran}}
[[File:Schema gvt iran en.png|300px|thumb|Political institutions of Iran]]
[[File:Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei,.jpg|right|thumb|[[Ali Khamenei]], [[Supreme Leader of Iran]]]]
The political system of the Islamic [[Republic]] is based on the 1979 [[Iranian Constitution|Constitution]]. The system comprises several intricately connected governing bodies. '''[[Supreme Leader of Iran|The Supreme Leader of Iran]]''' is responsible for [[Guardianship of the jurists (doctrine)|delineation and supervision]] of the general policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran.<ref name="leader">[http://www.leader.ir/langs/en/index.php?p=leader_law] retrieved 13 May 2008</ref> The Supreme Leader is ''Commander-in-Chief'' of the armed forces, controls the military intelligence and security operations; and has sole power to declare war or peace.<ref name="leader" /> The heads of the judiciary, state radio and television networks, the commanders of the police and military forces and six of the twelve members of the [[Council of Guardians]] are appointed by the Supreme Leader.<ref name="leader" /> The [[Assembly of Experts]] elects and dismisses the Supreme Leader on the basis of qualifications and popular esteem.<ref name="loc">{{cite web |url=http://countrystudies.us/iran/81.htm |title="Iran — The Constitution" |first=Library of Congress |last=Federal Research Division |accessdate=2006-04-14}}</ref> The Assembly of Experts is responsible for supervising the Supreme Leader in the performance of legal duties.

After the Supreme Leader, the Constitution defines the '''[[President of Iran]]''' as the highest state authority.<ref name="leader" /><ref name="photius">[http://www.photius.com/countries/iran/government/iran_government_the_presidency.html Iran The Presidency] retrieved 25 January 2008</ref> The President is elected by [[universal suffrage]] for a term of four years and can only be re-elected for one term.<ref name="photius" /> Presidential candidates must be approved by the [[Council of Guardians]] prior to running in order to ensure their allegiance to the ideals of the Islamic revolution.<ref>Chibli Mallat, The Renewal of Islamic Law: Muhammad Baqer As-Sadr, Najaf and the Shi'i international, ISBN 0521531225, Cambridge University Press</ref> The President is responsible for the implementation of the Constitution and for the exercise of executive powers, except for matters directly related to the Supreme Leader, who has the final say in all matters.<ref name="leader" /> The President appoints and supervises the [[Council of Minsters of Iran|Council of Ministers]], coordinates government decisions, and selects government policies to be placed before the legislature.<ref>http://countrystudies.us/iran/84.htm retrieved 2 February 2008</ref> Eight Vice-Presidents serve under the President, as well as a cabinet of twenty two ministers, who must all be approved by the legislature.<ref>[http://www.iranchamber.com/government/articles/structure_of_power.php The Structure of Power in Iran] retrieved 28 Feb 2008</ref> Unlike many other states, the executive branch in Iran does not control the armed forces. Although the President appoints the Ministers of Intelligence and Defense, it is customary for the President to obtain explicit approval from the Supreme Leader for these two ministers before presenting them to the legislature for a vote of confidence. Iran's current president, [[Mahmoud Ahmadinejad]], was elected in a run-off poll in the [[Iranian presidential election, 2005|2005 presidential elections]]. His term expires in 2009.<ref>[http://www.biographyartist.com/2007/03/mahmood-ahmadinejad.html Biography of popular peoples: Mahmood Ahmadinejad] retrieved 28 Feb 2008</ref>
[[File:Ebadi.jpg|thumb|left|[[Shirin Ebadi]], a life-long prodemocracy activist won 2003 Nobel Peace Prize]]

As of 2008, the '''[[Majlis of Iran|Legislature of Iran]]''' (also known as the [[Majlis of Iran]]) is a [[unicameral]] body.<ref name="Majlis">http://www.electionguide.org/country.php?ID=103 retrieved 3 February 2008</ref> Before the [[Iranian Revolution]], the legislature was [[bicameral]], but the [[Iranian Senate|upper house]] was removed under the new constitution. The [[Majlis of Iran]] comprises 290 members elected for four-year terms.<ref name="Majlis"/> The Majlis drafts [[legislation]], ratifies international [[treaties]], and approves the national budget. All Majlis candidates and all legislation from the assembly must be approved by the '''[[Council of Guardians]]'''.<ref>[http://countrystudies.us/iran/86.htm Iran - The Council of Guardians] retrieved 3 February 2008</ref> The [[Council of Guardians]] comprises twelve jurists including six appointed by the Supreme Leader. The others are elected by the [[Majlis|Parliament]] from among the jurists nominated by the Head of the [[Judicial system of Iran|Judiciary]].<ref>http://www.iranonline.com/iran/iran-info/Government/constitution-6-2.html retrieved 3 February 2008</ref><ref name="photius">http://www.photius.com/countries/iran/government/iran_government_the_council_of_guard~276.html retrieved 3 February 2008</ref> The Council interprets the constitution and may [[veto]] Parliament. If a law is deemed incompatible with the constitution or ''[[Sharia]]'' (Islamic law), it is referred back to Parliament for revision.<ref name="photius"/> In a controversial exercise of its authority, the Council has drawn upon a narrow interpretation of Iran's constitution to veto parliamentary candidates. The '''[[Expediency Discernment Council|Expediency Council]]''' has the authority to mediate disputes between Parliament and the Council of Guardians, and serves as an advisory body to the Supreme Leader, making it one of the most powerful governing bodies in the country.<ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/middle_east/03/iran_power/html/expediency_council.stm retrieved 3 February 2008</ref>

The Supreme Leader appoints the head of '''[[Judicial system of Iran|Iran's Judiciary]]''', who in turn appoints the head of the Supreme Court and the chief public prosecutor.<ref name="Judiciary">http://www.iranchamber.com/government/articles/structure_of_power.php, retrieved 3 Feb 2008</ref> There are several types of courts including public courts that deal with civil and criminal cases, and "revolutionary courts" which deal with certain categories of offenses, including crimes against [[national security]]. The decisions of the revolutionary courts are final and cannot be appealed.<ref name="Judiciary"/> The Special Clerical Court handles crimes allegedly committed by [[cleric]]s, although it has also taken on cases involving [[lay people]]. The Special Clerical Court functions independently of the regular judicial framework and is accountable only to the Supreme Leader. The Court's rulings are final and cannot be appealed.<ref name="Judiciary"/>

The '''[[Assembly of Experts]]''', which meets for one week annually, comprises 86 "virtuous and learned" clerics elected by adult suffrage for eight-year terms. As with the presidential and parliamentary elections, the [[Council of Guardians]] determines candidates' eligibility.<ref name="Judiciary"/> The Assembly elects the Supreme Leader and has the constitutional authority to remove the Supreme Leader from power at any time.<ref name="Judiciary"/> As all of their meetings and notes are strictly confidential, the Assembly has never been publicly known to challenge any of the Supreme Leader's decisions.<ref name="Judiciary"/>

'''[[City and Village Councils of Iran|Local City Councils]]''' are elected by public vote to four-year terms in all cities and villages of Iran. According to article seven of Iran's Constitution, these local councils together with the Parliament are "decision-making and administrative organs of the State". This section of the constitution was not implemented until 1999 when the first local council elections were held across the country. Councils have many different responsibilities including electing mayors, supervising the activities of municipalities; studying, planning, co-ordinating and implementing of social, cultural, educational, health, economic, and welfare requirements of their constituencies.

==Foreign relations and military==
{{main|Foreign relations of Iran|Military of Iran|Iranian defense industry}}
{{see also|Military history of Iran|List of military equipment manufactured in Iran}}
[[File:Iranian kilo class submarine.jpg|thumb|One of Iran's 6 [[Kilo class submarine|SSK Kilo class submarine]]s]]
[[Foreign relations of Iran|Iran's foreign relations]] are based on two strategic principles: eliminating outside influences in the region and pursuing extensive diplomatic contacts with developing and [[Non-Aligned Movement|non-aligned countries]]. Iran maintains diplomatic relations with almost every member of the [[United Nations]], except for [[Israel]], which Iran does not recognize, and the United States since the [[Iranian Revolution]].<ref>[http://www.pbs.org/newshour/indepth_coverage/middle_east/iran/timeline.html Key Events in Iran Since 1921] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> Since 2005, [[Nuclear program of Iran|Iran's Nuclear Program]] has become the subject of contention with the West because of suspicions regarding Iran's military intentions. This has led the [[UN Security Council]] to impose [[sanctions against Iran]] on select companies linked to this program, thus furthering its economic [[isolation]] on the international scene.

The Islamic Republic of Iran has two types of [[armed forces]]: the regular forces [[Islamic Republic of Iran Army]], [[Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force]], [[Islamic Republic of Iran Navy]] and the [[Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps]] (IRGC), totalling about 545,000 active troops. Iran also has around 350,000 Reserve Force totaling around 900,000 trained troops.<ref>[[IISS]] Military Balance 2006, Routledge for the IISS, London, 2006, p.187</ref> Iran has not invaded any country over the past two centuries.<ref>[http://web-srv.mfa.gov.ir/output/english/documents/doc5097.htm Statement by Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs] retrieved 28 June 2008</ref> Iran has a paramilitary, volunteer militia force within the IRGC, called the [[Basij]], which includes about 90,000 full-time, active-duty uniformed members. Up to 11 million men and women are members of the Basij who could potentially be called up for service; [[GlobalSecurity.org]] estimates Iran could mobilize "up to one million men". This would be among the largest troop mobilizations in the world.<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/intell/world/iran/basij.htm Niruyeh Moghavemat Basij Mobilisation Resistance Force] retrieved 27 Feb 2008</ref> In 2005, Iran's military spending represented 3.3% of the GDP or $91 per capita, the lowest figure of the [[Persian Gulf]] nations.<ref>[http://www.payvand.com/news/06/jun/1011.html Iran's defense spending 'a fraction of Persian Gulf neighbors'] retrieved 27 Feb 2008</ref> Iran's military doctrine is based on [[deterrence]].<ref>[http://www2.irna.com/en/news/view/line-24/0804185731142306.htm IRNA: Iran's doctrine based on deterrence]retrieved 28 June 2008</ref>

Since the [[Iranian revolution]], to overcome foreign embargo, Iran has developed its own [[Iranian military industry|military industry]], produced its own [[tanks]], [[armored personnel carriers]], [[guided missile]]s, [[submarine]]s, and [[fighter planes]].<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,156160,00.html Iran Launches Production of Stealth Sub] retrieved 27 Feb 2008</ref> In recent years, official announcements have highlighted the development of weapons such as the [[Hoot (missile)|Hoot]], [[Kowsar]], [[Zelzal]], [[Fateh-110]], [[Shahab-3]] and [[Sajjil]] missiles, and a variety of [[unmanned aerial vehicles]] (UAVs).<ref>{{cite news |title=Iran tests new long-range missile |work=[[BBC]] |date=2008-11-12 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7725951.stm |accessdate=2008-11-12}}</ref> The [[Fajr-3 (MIRV)]] is currently Iran's most advanced [[ballistic missile]], it is a [[liquid fuel]] missile with an unknown range which was developed and produced domestically.

==Economy==
{{main|Economy of Iran}}
{{seealso|Next Eleven|Central Bank of Iran|Tehran Stock Exchange|Transport in Iran|Communications in Iran|Construction in Iran|Privatization in Iran|Foreign Direct Investment in Iran|Economic Cooperation Organization}}
[[Economy of Iran|Iran's economy]] is a [[Mixed economy|mixture]] of [[Planned economy|central planning]], [[state ownership]] of oil and other large [[Business|enterprises]], village [[agriculture]], and small-scale private trading and service ventures.<ref>http://www.traveldocs.com/ir/economy.htm retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> Its economic [[communications in Iran|infrastructure]] has been improving steadily over the past two decades but continues to be affected by [[inflation]] and [[unemployment]].<ref>{{cite web|date=2007-07-08|url=http://iran-daily.com/1386/2887/html|title=World Bank: Iran’s Economic Indices Improving|publisher=Iran Daily|accessdate=2007-07-08}}</ref> In the early 21st century the service sector contributed the largest percentage of the GDP, followed by industry ([[Mining in Iran|mining]] and manufacturing) and [[Agriculture of Iran|agriculture]]. In 2006, about 45% of the government's budget came from oil and natural gas revenues, and 31% came from taxes and fees.<ref name="payvand.com">[http://www.payvand.com/news/08/jan/1250.html IRNA: Crude price pegged at dlrs 39.6 a barrel under next year's budget] Retrieved December 5, 2008</ref> Government spending contributed to an average annual inflation rate of 14% in the period 2000–2004. Iran has earned $70 billion in [[foreign exchange reserves]] mostly from crude oil exports (80% as of 2007).<ref>[http://iran-daily.com/1386/3068/html/economy.htm] Forex Reserves Put at $70b Retrieved on 24 February 2008</ref> In 2007, the GDP was estimated at $206 billion ($852 billion at PPP), or $3,160 per capita ($12,300 at [[Purchasing power parity|PPP]]).<ref name="CIA"/> Iran's official annual growth rate was at 6% (2008).<ref>Surrounded:seeing the world from Iran's point of view Military review July-August 2007 Houman A. Sadri p.21</ref> Because of these figures and the country’s diversified but small industrial base, the United Nations classifies Iran's economy as semi-developed.<ref name="newworldencyclopedia">[http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Iran "New World Encyclopedia"], retrieved 28 Jan 2008</ref>

The services sector has seen the greatest long-term growth in terms of its share of GDP, but the sector remains volatile. State investment has boosted agriculture with the liberalization of production and the improvement of packaging and marketing helping to develop new export markets. Thanks to the construction of many [[dam]]s throughout the country in recent years, large-scale [[irrigation]] schemes, and the wider production of export-based agricultural items like [[Date palm|dates]], [[flower]]s, and [[pistachio]]s, produced the fastest economic growth of any sector in Iran over much of the 1990s.
[[File:Tehran skyline may 2007.jpg|thumb|left|[[Tehran]] was one of the first cities in Iran which was modernized in the [[Pahlavi]] era]]

Close to 1.8% of national employment is generated in the tourism sector which is slated to increase to 10% in the next five years.<ref>http://www.farsinet.com/travel2iran/ retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> About 1,659,000 foreign [[tourists]] visited Iran in 2004; most came from [[Asia]]n countries, including the republics of [[Central Asia]], while a small share came from the countries of the [[European Union]] and [[North America]]. Iran currently ranks 89th in [[tourist]] income, but is rated among the 10 most touristic countries in the world.<ref name="Tourism">http://www.iran-daily.com/1384/2241/html/focus.htm retrieved 15 Feb 2008</ref> Weak advertising, unstable regional conditions, a poor public image in some parts of the world, and absence of efficient planning schemes in the tourism sector have all hindered the growth of tourism.

The administration continues to follow the market reform plans of the previous one and indicated that it will diversify Iran's oil-reliant economy. Iran has also developed a [[biotechnology]], [[nanotechnology]], and [[pharmaceuticals]] industry.<ref>[http://www.nanovip.com/nanotechnology-companies/iran List of Iranian Nanotechnology companies] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> The strong oil market since 1996 helped ease financial pressures on Iran and allowed for Tehran's timely debt service payments. Iranian [[budget deficits]] have been a chronic problem, mostly due to [[Ministry of Petroleum of Iran#Gasoline subsidies|large-scale state subsidies]], that include foodstuffs and especially gasoline, totaling more than $84 billion in 2008 for the energy sector alone.<ref>http://www.payvand.com/news/07/jan/1295.html "Ahmadinejad's Achilles Heel: The Iranian Economy" retrieved 23 January 2008</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=2007-01-08|url=http://www.iran-daily.com/1387/3111/html/economy.htm|title=Energy subsidies reach $84b|publisher=Iran-Daily|accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref>

The authorities so as the private sector have put in the past 15 years an emphasis on the local production of domestic-consumption oriented goods such as home appliances, cars, agricultural products, pharmaceutical, etc. Today, Iran possesses a good manufacturing industry, despite [[sanctions against Iran|restrictions]] imposed by foreign countries. However, nationalized industries such as the [[bonyad]]s have often been managed badly, making them ineffective and uncompetitive with years. Currently, the government is trying to [[Privatization in Iran|privatize]] these industries, and, despite successes, there are still several problems to be overcome, such as the lagging corruption in the public sector (and, therefore, nationalized industries) and lack of competitiveness.

Globally, Iran has leading manufacture industry in the fields of car-manufacture and transportations, construction materials, home appliances, food and agricultural goods, armaments, pharmaceuticals, information technology, power and petrochemicals.<ref name="Economy">[https://www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk/ukti/appmanager/ukti/countries?_nfls=false&_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=CountryType1&navigationPageId=/iran] retrieved 26 Feb 08</ref>

===Energy===
{{main|Energy in Iran|Ministry of Petroleum of Iran|Iranian Oil Bourse|Nuclear program of Iran}}
[[File:CIAIranKarteOelGas.jpg|thumb|Iran holds 10% of the world's proven [[oil reserves]] and 15% of its [[gas]]. It is [[OPEC]]'s second largest exporter and the world's fourth oil producer.]]
Iran ranks second in the world in [[natural gas]] reserves and also second in [[oil]] reserves.<ref>http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/cabs/Iran/Background.html retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> It is [[OPEC]]'s 2nd largest oil exporter. In 2005, Iran spent [[United States dollar|$]]4 billion on fuel imports, because of [[contraband]] and inefficient domestic use.<ref>[http://www.heraldextra.com/content/view/205986/3/ "U.S. targets Iran's vulnerable oil"] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> Oil industry output averaged {{convert|4|Moilbbl/d|m3/d}} in 2005, compared with the peak of six million barrels per day reached in 1974. In the early 2000s, industry [[infrastructure]] was increasingly inefficient because of technological lags. Few exploratory [[wells]] were drilled in 2005.

In 2004, a large share of Iran's natural gas reserves were untapped. The addition of new [[hydroelectric]] stations and the streamlining of conventional [[coal]] and oil-fired stations increased installed capacity to 33,000 megawatts. Of that amount, about 75% was based on natural gas, 18% on oil, and 7% on hydroelectric power. In 2004, Iran opened its first [[wind]]-powered and geothermal plants, and the first [[solar]] thermal plant is to come online in 2009. [[Demographics of Iran|Demographic]] trends and intensified industrialization have caused [[electric power]] demand to grow by 8% per year. The government’s goal of 53,000 megawatts of installed capacity by 2010 is to be reached by bringing on line new gas-fired plants and by adding hydroelectric, and [[nuclear programme of Iran|nuclear power generating capacity]]. Iran’s first [[nuclear power plant]] at [[Bushehr]] is set to go online bu mid-2009.<ref name="nuclear">http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/profiles/Iran.pdf retrieved 23 January 2008</ref><ref>[http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20081118/wl_nm/us_iran_nuclear_bushehr_1 Iran aims for 2009 launch of nuclear plant]Retrieved November 23, 2008</ref>

==Demography==
{{main|Demography of Iran|Iranian peoples|Religion in Iran|Health care in Iran|Iranian citizens abroad}}
{{Iran Ethnic Groups Labelled Map|float=right}}
Iran is a diverse country consisting of people of many religions and ethnic backgrounds cemented by the [[Persian culture]]. The majority of the population speaks the [[Persian language]], which is also the [[official language]] of the country, as well as other [[Iranian language]]s or dialects. [[Turkic languages]] and dialects (most importantly [[Azeri]]) are spoken in different areas in Iran. Additionally, [[Arabic language|Arabic]] is spoken in the southwestern parts of the country.

The main ethnic groups are [[Persians]] (51%), [[Azeris]] (24%), [[Guilak|Gilaki]] and [[Mazandarani people|Mazandarani]] (8%), [[Kurds]] (7%), [[Arabs]] (3%), [[Baloch|Baluchi]] (2%), [[Lurs]] (2%), [[Turkmen people|Turkmens]] (2%), [[Lak people (Iran)|Laks]], [[Qashqai]], [[Armenians]], [[Persian Jews]], [[Georgians]], [[Assyrian people|Assyrians]], [[Circassians]], [[Tats]], [[Mandaeans]], [[Romani people|Gypsies]], [[Brahui people|Brahuis]], [[Hazara people|Hazara]], [[Kazakh people|Kazakhs]] and others (1%).<ref name="CIA"/>

Iran's population increased dramatically during the latter half of the 20th century, reaching about 72 million by 2008.<ref name="una">{{cite web |url=http://www.un.org/Depts/escap/pop/journal/v10n1a1.htm |title="A New Direction in Population Policy and Family Planning in the Islamic Republic of Iran" |first=United Nations |last=Asia-Pacific Population Journal |accessdate=2006-04-14}}</ref> In recent years, however, Iran's [[birth rate]] has dropped significantly. Studies show that Iran's rate of population growth will continue to slow until it stabilizes above 90 million by 2050.<ref name="bureau">{{cite web |url=http://www.census.gov/cgi-bin/ipc/idbsum.pl?cty=IR |title="IDB Summary Demographic Data for Iran" |first=Government of the U.S.A. |last=Census Bureau |accessdate=2006-04-14}}</ref><ref name="payvand">{{cite web |url=http://www.payvand.com/news/04/aug/1017.html |title="Iran's population growth rate falls to 1.5 percent: UNFP" |first=Payvand.com |last=Iran News |accessdate=2006-10-18}}</ref> More than two-thirds of the population is under the age of 30, and the literacy rate is 82%.<ref name="CIA" /> Women today compose more than half of the incoming classes for universities around the country and increasingly continue to play pivotal roles in society.

Iran hosts one of the largest [[refugee]] populations in the world, with more than one million refugees, mostly from [[Afghan refugees|Afghanistan]] and [[Iraq]]. Since 2006, Iranian officials have been working with the [[UNHCR]] and Afghan officials for their [[repatriation]].<ref name="bbcb">{{cite web |url=http://www.unhcr.org/news/NEWS/452b78394.html |title="Tripartite meeting on returns to Afghanistan" |first=[[UNHCR]] |last=United Nations |accessdate=2006-04-14}}</ref> According to estimates, between two and three million [[Iranian citizens abroad|Iranian citizens]] have emigrated to other countries, mostly since the Iranian Revolution in 1979.<ref>[http://www.migrationinformation.org/Profiles/display.cfm?ID=424 Migration Information Institute: Characteristics of the Iranian Diaspora] Retrieved January 10, 2009</ref>
[[File:Iran Population (1880-2005).JPG|thumb|250px|left|Population of Iran]]

[[Religion in Iran]] is dominated by the [[Twelver]] [[Shi'a Islam|Shi'a]] branch of [[Islam]], which is the official state religion and to which about 89% of Iranians belong. About 9% of Iranians belong to the [[Sunni Islam|Sunni]] branch of Islam, mainly Kurds and Iran's Balochi Sunni. The remaining 2% are non-Muslim [[Religious minorities in Iran|religious minorities]], including [[Bahá'í Faith|Bahá'ís]], [[Mandaeism|Mandeans]], [[Hindus]], [[Yezidi]]s, [[Yarsan]]is, [[Zoroastrians in Iran|Zoroastrians]], [[Persian Jews|Jews]], and [[Christians in Iran|Christians]].<ref name="CIA"/> The latter three [[minority]] religions are officially recognized and protected, and have reserved seats in the ''[[Majlis]]'' (Parliament). However the [[Bahá'í Faith]], Iran's largest religious minority<ref name="fdih2">{{cite web |date=2003-08-01 |title=Discrimination against religious minorities in Iran |author=International Federation for Human Rights |publisher=fdih.org |accessdate=2009-01-17 |url=http://www.fidh.org/IMG/pdf/ir0108a.pdf|format=PDF | pages = 6}}</ref>, is not officially recognized, and has been persecuted during its existence in Iran. Since the 1979 revolution the [[persecution of Bahá'ís]] has increased with executions, the denial of civil rights and liberties, and the denial of access to higher education and employment.<ref name="fdih1">{{cite web |date=2003-08-01 |title=Discrimination against religious minorities in Iran |author=International Federation for Human Rights |publisher=fdih.org |accessdate=2007-03-19 |url=http://www.fidh.org/IMG/pdf/ir0108a.pdf|format=PDF}}</ref><ref name="ihrdc">{{cite web | author= Iran Human Rights Documentation Center |publisher=Iran Human Rights Documentation Center | title= A Faith Denied: The Persecution of the Bahá'ís of Iran | year= 2007 |accessdate=2007-03-19|url=http://www.iranhrdc.org/english/pdfs/Reports/bahai_report.pdf|format=PDF}}</ref>

According to the [[Iranian Constitution]], the government is required to provide every citizen of the country with access to [[social security]] that covers [[retirement]], [[unemployment]], old age, [[disability]], [[accidents]], calamities, [[health]] and medical treatment and care services. This is covered by [[Labor and tax laws in Iran|public revenues]] and income derived from public contributions. The [[World Health Organization]] in the last report on health systems ranks Iran's performance on health level 58th, and its overall [[health care in Iran|health system]] performance 93rd among the world's nations.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.who.int/whr/2000/en/annex10_en.pdf| title=The World Health Report 2000| first=[[World Health Organisation]]| last=WHO| accessdate=2006-10-12|format=PDF}}</ref>

==Culture==
{{main|Culture of Iran}}
{{seealso|Media of Iran|Cinema of Iran|Iranian cuisine}}
[[File:Teatreshahr11.jpg|thumb|left|City Theater of Tehran, the largest Theater auditorium in the [[Middle East]]]]
The Culture of Iran is a mix of ancient pre-Islamic culture and Islamic culture. [[Iranian culture]] probably originated in [[Central Asia]] and the [[Andronovo culture]] is strongly suggested as the predecessor of Iranian culture ''ca''. 2000 BC. Iranian culture has long been a predominant culture of the [[Middle East]] and [[Central Asia]], with [[Persian language|Persian]] considered the language of intellectuals during much of the 2nd millennium, and the language of religion and the populace before that. The [[Sassanid empire|Sassanid era]] was an important and influential historical period in Iran as Iranian culture influenced China, India and Roman civilization considerably,<ref>J. B. Bury, History of the Later Roman Empire: From the Death of Theodosius I to the Death of Justinian Volume 1, p.109 ISBN 0486203980, Dover Publications</ref> and so influenced as far as Western Europe and Africa.<ref>[http://www.transoxiana.com.ar/0104/sasanians.html Transoxiana 04: Sassanids in Africa] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> This influence played a prominent role in the formation of both [[Asian art|Asiatic]] and European [[medieval art]].<ref>[http://www.artarena.force9.co.uk/sass2.htm Iransaga: The art of Sassanids] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> This influence carried forward to the [[Islamic world]]. Much of what later became known as Islamic learning, such as [[philology]], [[Islamic literature|literature]], [[Fiqh|jurisprudence]], [[Early Islamic philosophy|philosophy]], [[Islamic medicine|medicine]], [[Islamic architecture|architecture]] and the [[Islamic science|sciences]] were based on some of the practises taken from the [[Sassanid dynasty|Sassanid]] Persians to the broader Muslim world.<ref>[http://www.parstimes.com/history/title.html Iran - A country study] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref><ref>[http://www.levity.com/alchemy/islam16.html History of Islamic Science 5] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref><ref name="Iran in Britannica"/>
[[File:Ferdowsi Statue Ferdowsi Square Tehran.jpg|thumb|upright|The statue of [[Ferdowsi]] in the Ferdwosi Square of Tehran]]

After [[Islamization in Iran|Islamicization of Iran]] Islamic rituals have penetrated in the Iranian culture. The most noticeable one of them is [[commemoration of Husayn ibn Ali]]. Every year in [[Day of Ashura]] most of Iranians, including [[Armenians]] and [[Zoroastrians]] participate in mourning for the martyrs of [[battle of Karbala]]. Daily life in modern Iran is closely interwoven with [[Shia Islam]] and the country's art, literature, and architecture are an ever-present reminder of its deep national tradition and of a broader literary culture.<ref name="Iran in Britannica">{{cite encyclopedia|last=Afary |first=Janet |title=Iran|year=2006|encyclopedia=Encyclopedia Britannica Online | accessdate=2007-10-29|location=|publisher=|url=http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9106324/Iran}}</ref><ref>[http://www.tebyan.net/Literature_Art/GodlyPeople/Occasions/2005/2/22/10530.html گزارش عزاداری ، ارامنه و زرتشتیان ایران] </ref> The Iranian New Year ([[Nowruz]]) is an ancient tradition celebrated on 21 March to mark the beginning of spring in Iran. It is also celebrated in Afghanistan, Republic of Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and previously also in Georgia and Armenia. It is also celebrated by the Iraqi and Anatolian Kurds.<ref>http://www.zoroastrian.org/articles/nowruz.htm retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> Nowrouz was nominated as one of [[UNESCO]]'s [[Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity]] in 2004.<ref name="culture">{{cite web |url=http://www.payvand.com/news/04/jul/1090.html |title="Nowrouz Vital Meeting to be Held in Tehran" |first=Payvand.com |last=Iran News |accessdate=2006-04-14}}</ref>

The [[cuisine of Iran]] is diverse, with each province featuring dishes, as well as culinary traditions and styles, distinct to their regions. The main Persian cuisines are combinations of rice with meat, chicken or fish and some onion, vegetables, nuts, and herbs. Herbs are frequently used along with fruits such as plums, pomegranates, quince, prunes, apricots, and raisins. To achieve a balanced taste, characteristic flavourings such as saffron, dried limes, cinnamon, and parsley are mixed delicately and used in some special dishes. Onions and garlic are normally used in the preparation of the accompanying course, but are also served separately during meals, either in raw or pickled form. Iran is also famous for its [[caviar]].<ref>[http://www.iran-daily.com/1383/2228/html/focus.htm]</ref> Iranian food is not spicy.

[[Iranian cinema]] has thrived in modern Iran, and many Iranian directors have garnered worldwide recognition for their work. Iranian movies have won over three hundred awards in the past twenty-five years. One of the best-known directors is [[Abbas Kiarostami]]. The [[media of Iran]] is a mixture of private and state-owned, but books and movies must be approved by the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance before being released to the public. The [[Internet]] has become enormously popular among the Iranian youth. Iran is now the world's fourth largest country of [[Iranian Blogs|bloggers]].<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2004/dec/20/iran.blogging Freedom in Farsi blogs] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref>

===Language and literature===
{{main|Persian language|History of the Persian language|Persian literature}}
{{seealso|Music of Iran|Persian miniature}}
[[File:ModernIranianlanguagesMap.jpg|right|thumb|The region where Persian '''(green)''' and other [[Iranian languages]] are spoken]]
Article 15 of the Iranian constitution states that the "Official language (of Iran)... is Persian...[and]... the use of regional and tribal languages in the press and mass media, as well as for teaching of their literature in schools, is allowed in addition to Persian." Persian serves as a ''[[lingua franca]]'' in Iran and most publications and broadcastings are in this language. Next to Persian there are many publications and broadcastings in other relatively large languages of Iran such as [[Azerbaijani language|Azeri]], [[Kurdish language|Kurdish]] and even in relatively smaller ones such as [[Arabic language|Arabic]] and [[Armenian language|Armenian]]. Many [[Iranian languages|languages]] have originated from Iran, but Persian is the most used language. Persian is a tongue belonging to the [[Aryan]] or [[Iranian languages|Iranian]] branch of the [[Indo-European languages|Indo-European]] family of languages. The oldest records in [[Old Persian]] date back to the [[Achaemenid Empire]]<ref>{{cite book | title=The Languages of the World | year=2002 | last=Katzner | first=Kenneth | publisher=Routledge | pages=163 | isbn=0415250048}}</ref> and examples of Old Persian have been found in present-day Iran, [[Iraq]], [[Turkey]] and [[Egypt]]. In the late 8th century, the [[Persian language]] was highly Arabized and written in a [[Perso-Arabic script|modified Arabic script]]. This caused a movement supporting the revival of Persian. An important event of this revival was the writing of the ''[[Shahname]]'' by [[Ferdowsi]] (Persian: ''Epic of Kings''), Iran's national epic, which is said to have been written entirely in native Persian. This gave rise to a strong reassertion of Iranian national identity, and is in part credited for the continued existence of Persian as a separate language.

''{{cquote|<center>بسی رنج بردم در این سال سی عجم زنده کردم بدین پارسی</center>''For thirty years, I suffered much pain and strife with Persian I gave the [[Ajam]] verve and life''}}<center>''—[[Ferdowsi]]'' (935–1020)</center>''[[Image:Kelileh va Demneh.jpg|thumb|left|[[Kelileh va Demneh]] Persian manuscript copy dated 1429]]

Persian beside Arabic has been a medium for literary and scientific contributions to the [[Islamic world]] especially in [[Anatolia]], [[central Asia]] and [[Indian sub-continent]]. Poetry is a very important part of Persian culture. Poetry is used in many classical works, whether from Persian literature, science, or metaphysics. For example about half of [[Avicenna]]'s medical writings are known to be versified. Iran has produced a number of famous poets, however only a few names such as [[Rumi]] and [[Omar Khayyám]] have surfaced among western popular readership, even though the likes of [[Hafez]] and [[Saadi]] are considered by many Iranians to be just as influential. The books of famous poets have been translated into western languages since 1634. An example of Persian poetic influence is the poem below which is widely popular:

''{{cquote|<center>بنى آدم اعضاء يک پیکرند که در آفرينش ز يک گوهرند چو عضوى بدرد آورد روزگارد دگر عضوها را نماند قرار</center>''Of one Essence is the human race thus has Creation put the base One Limb impacted is sufficient For all Others to feel the Mace''}}<center>''—[[Saadi (poet)|Saadi]]'' (1184–1283)</center>''

===Art===
{{main|Iranian architecture|Iranian art}}
[[File:Naghshe Jahan Square Isfahan modified.jpg|thumb|left|[[Naghsh-i Jahan Square]]]]
[[File:Mehmooni2.jpg|thumb|right|17th century painting from Hasht-Bahesht palace, Isfahan]]
[[Greater Iran]] is home to one of the richest [[art]]istic traditions in world history and encompasses many disciplines, including [[architecture]], [[painting]], [[weaving]], [[pottery]], [[calligraphy]], [[metalworking]] and [[stone masonry]]. Carpet-weaving is one of the most distinguished manifestations of Persian culture and art, and dates back to ancient Persia. Persians were among the first to use [[mathematics]], [[geometry]], and [[astronomy]] in architecture and also have extraordinary skills in making massive domes which can be seen frequently in the structure of bazaars and mosques. The main building types of classical [[Iranian architecture]] are the [[mosque]] and the [[palace]]. Iran, besides being home to a large number of art houses and galleries, also holds one of the [[Iranian Crown Jewels|largest and valuable jewel collections]] in the world.

Iran ranks seventh among countries in the world with the most archeological architectural ruins and attractions from antiquity as recognized by [[UNESCO]].<ref>[http://www.american.edu/ted/iran-tour.htm Bustling bazaars and ancient sights, parched deserts and snowcapped mountains, awesome architecture and simple hospitality] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> Fifteen of [[UNESCO]]'s [[World Heritage Site]]s are creations of [[Iranian architecture]] and the [[mausoleum of Maussollos]] was identified as one of the [[Seven Wonders of the Ancient World]].

==Science and technology==
[[File:Ghotb2.jpg|thumb|upright|left|13th century manuscript depicting an [[Epicycle|epicyclic planetary model]]]]
{{main|Science in Iran}}
{{see also|Education in Iran|Higher education in Iran}}
Ancient Iranians built [[Qanat]]s and [[Yakhchal]] to provide and keep water. The first [[windmill]] appeared in Iran in the 9th century.<ref name="Al-Hassan, Hill, p.54f.">[[Ahmad Y Hassan]], [[Donald Routledge Hill]] (1986). ''Islamic Technology: An illustrated history'', p. 54. [[Cambridge University Press]]. ISBN 0-521-42239-6.</ref> Iranians contributed significantly to the current understanding of [[astronomy]], [[natural science]], [[medicine]], [[mathematics]], and [[philosophy]]. [[Muhammad ibn Mūsā al-Khwārizmī]] is widely hailed as the father of algebra. The discovery ethanol (alcohol) was first achieved by Persian alchemists such as Muhammad ibn Zakarīya Rāzi. Throughout the [[Middle Ages]], the [[natural philosophy]] and [[mathematics]] of the Ancient Greeks and Persians were furthered and preserved within Persia. The [[Academy of Gundishapur]] was a renowned centre of learning in the city of [[Gundeshapur]] during late antiquity and was the most important medical centre of the ancient world during the sixth and seventh centuries.<ref>The Cambridge History of Iran Vol 4, p396. ISBN 0-521-20093-8</ref> During this period, Persia became a centre for the manufacture of [[Measuring instrument|scientific instruments]], retaining its reputation for quality well into the 19th century.

Iran strives to revive the golden age of Persian science. The country has increased its publication output nearly tenfold from 1996 through 2004, and has been ranked first in terms of output growth rate followed by China.<ref>http://experts.about.com/q/Economics-2301/economic.htm retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> Despite the limitations in funds, facilities, and international collaborations, [[List of Iranian scientists|Iranian scientists]] remain highly productive in several experimental fields as [[pharmacology]], [[pharmaceutical chemistry]], [[organic chemistry]], and [[polymer chemistry]]. Iranian scientists are also helping construct the [[Compact Muon Solenoid]], a detector for [[CERN]]'s [[Large Hadron Collider]].

In the biomedical sciences, Iran's [[Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics]] is a [[UNESCO]] chair in biology.<ref>[http://www.ibb.ut.ac.ir/ Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> in late 2006, Iranian scientists successfully [[Cloning|cloned]] a sheep by somatic cell nuclear transfer, at the [[Royan Institute|Rouyan research centre]] in Tehran.<ref>http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=17674 The first successfully cloned animal in Iran retrieved 7 August 2008</ref>
[[File:Astrolabe-Persian-18C.jpg|thumb|left|An 18th century Persian [[astrolabe]]]]

The [[Iranian nuclear program]] was launched in the 1950s. Iran's current facilities includes several research reactors, a [[uranium]] mine, an almost complete commercial [[nuclear reactor]], and uranium processing facilities that include a [[Enriched uranium#The gas centrifuge|uranium enrichment plant]]. The [[Iranian Space Agency]] launched its first [[reconnaissance satellite]] named [[Sina-1]] in 2006, and a "space rocket" in 2007,<ref>[http://asia.news.yahoo.com/070225/afp/070225120805top.html Rocket launch] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> which aimed at improving science and research for university students.<ref>[http://newsmax.com/archives/articles/2007/2/26/90124.shtml Iran Says 'Space Rocket' for Research]. NewsMax.com, Feb 26, 2007.</ref> The [[Safir (rocket)]] has been designed and produced to send the [[Omid (satellite)|Omid satellite]] into orbit in 2009.<ref>[http://www.debka.com/headline.php?hid=5000 DEBKAfile: Iran launches first space research rocket Safir 1] Retrieved November 20, 2008</ref>
<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=41636&sectionid=351020101 | title = Iran's Kavoshgar I lifts off for space | publisher = Press TV | date = 2008-02-04}}</ref>

[[List of Iranian scientists|Iranian scientists]] outside of Iran have also made some major contributions to science. In 1960, [[Ali Javan]] co-invented the first [[gas laser]] and [[Fuzzy set|fuzzy set theory]] was introduced by [[Lotfi Zadeh]].<ref>[http://www-bisc.cs.berkeley.edu/Zadeh-1965.pdf cs.berkeley.edu] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> Iranian cardiologist, [[Toffy Musivand|Tofy Mussivand]] invented and developed the first artificial cardiac pump, the precursor of the [[artificial heart]]. Furthering research and treatment of diabetes, [[HbA1c]] was discovered by [[Samuel Rahbar]]. Iranian physics is especially strong in [[string theory]], with many papers being published in Iran.<ref>[http://press.web.cern.ch/press/PressReleases/Releases2001/PR09.01EIran.html] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> [[Iranian-American]] string theorist [[Cumrun Vafa]] proposed the [[Vafa-Witten theorem]] together with [[Edward Witten]].

==Sports==
[[File:Azadistadium tehran iran.jpg|thumb|[[Azadi Stadium|Azadi Football Stadium]]]]
[[File:Dizin.jpg|thumb|[[Dizin]] skiing resort, Iran]]
{{main|Sport in Iran}}
With two thirds of Iran's population under the age of 25, sports constitutes a highly active portion of Iran's society, both traditional and modern. Iran hence was the birthplace of sports such as [[polo]],<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4272210.stm news.bb.co.uk] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> and [[Varzesh-e Pahlavani]].
[[Freestyle wrestling]] has been traditionally referred to as Iran's [[national sport]], but today, the most popular sport in Iran is [[football (soccer)]], with the [[Iran national football team|national team]] having reached the [[Football World Cup|World Cup]] finals three times, and having won the [[Asian Cup]] on three occasions. Iran was the first country in the [[Middle East]] to host the [[Asian Games]]. It is home to several unique skiing resorts,<ref>[http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000088&sid=aGpcjac1ZTF8&refer=culture bloomberg.com] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> with the [[Tochal]] resort being the world's fifth-highest ski resort ({{convert|3730|m|ft|0|abbr=on|disp=/}} at its highest station) situated only fifteen minutes away from Tehran. Being a mountainous country, Iran offers enthusiasts abundant challenges for hiking, rock climbing,<ref>http://www.rockclimbing.com/routes/Asia/Iran/ retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> and mountain climbing.<ref>http://www.mountainzone.ir/ retrieved 23 January 2008</ref><ref>[http://www.abc-of-mountaineering.com/middle-east/iran/ Mountaineering in Iran] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref><ref>[http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=News&id=2062458 Local Woman Feared Dead In Iran Mountain Hike] retrieved 23 January 2008</ref> Iranian women are also active in sports despite being forced to wear restrictive clothing in mixed stadiums, and not being allowed to compete or train with men<ref>[http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=ap-iran-forbiddensoccer&prov=ap&type=lgns]</ref>.

==References==

{{Reflist|2}}

==Further reading==
{{portal|Iran|Flag of Iran.svg}}
* [[Benjamin Walker]], ''Persian Pageant: A Cultural History of Iran,'' Arya Press, Calcutta, 1950.

==External links==
{{sisterlinks}}
;Government
* [http://www.president.ir/eng/ The President of Iran] (no longer being updated)
* [http://www.majlis.ir/mhtml/ The Majlis (Legislature) of Iran] {{fa icon}}
* [http://www.iran.ir/ Iran.ir] (Persian)
* [https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/world-leaders-1/world-leaders-i/iran-nde.html Chief of State and Cabinet Members]
;General
*{{CIA World Factbook link|ir|Iran}}
*[http://ucblibraries.colorado.edu/govpubs/for/iran.htm Iran] at ''UCB Libraries GovPubs''
*{{dmoz|Regional/Middle_East/Iran}}
*{{wikiatlas|Iran}}
*{{wikitravel}}
;Other
* [http://www.persianlanguage.ir Persian language] (Persian)
* [http://www.worldisround.com/articles/73022/index.html Amazing Iran]
* [http://www.worldisround.com/articles/326945/index.html Contemporary Iranian Architecture]
*[http://www.jazirehdanesh.com/find.php?item=1.601.897.en Iranian Innovations]
*[http://venus.unive.it/riccardozipoli/demo/galleries_part.php?a=26&n=1&d=IRAN Photography gallery: People, roads and landscapes of Iran]
*[http://www.archive.org/details/GreatSpeechesAndInterviewsJamesWhitaker James Whitaker speaks about his life in Iran], a discussion about Iran
* Nir Rosen, ''Selling the War with Iran'', The Washington Note, Thursday, 1 May 2008, [http://www.thewashingtonnote.com/archives/2008/05/selling_the_war/].
*''Faces of Iran: The World in One Nation'' (a sequence of still photographs, showing the richness of the ethnic and religious diversity of the people of Iran), [http://www.youtube.com/v/OjtGr1Qqhng&hl=en&rel=0&border=1 YouTube].
* ''Rageh Inside Iran'', a BBC Four production, 17 February 2007, [http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=9161934809152225169&q=Rageh+inside+Iran&total=26&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=1 Google] (1 h 30 min).
* Farhad Nabipour, ''From Persia to Iran'', Part I, AMIR Productions, 4 November 2006 (slide show accompanied with Pink Floyd and Persian music — 28 min 8 sec), [http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2032099907583727317 Google]. Highly recommended!
* Farhad Nabipour, ''From Persia to Iran'', Part II, AMIR Productions, 10 November 2006 (slide show accompanied with Pink Floyd and Persian music — 21 min 46 sec), [http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1936128339543074566 Google].
* Some Iranian folk-songs sung by [[Shusha Guppy]] in the 1970s: [http://www.iranian.com/ram/Shusha/1.ram ''Silver Gun''] (from [[Shiraz]]), [http://www.iranian.com/ram/Shusha/2.ram ''Wheat Flower''] (a harvest song), [http://www.iranian.com/ram/Shusha/3.ram ''The Rain''] (from the [[Gilan]] Province), [http://www.iranian.com/ram/Shusha/4.ram ''The Stars in Heaven''] (from Shiraz), [http://www.iranian.com/ram/Shusha/5.ram ''On Top of the Hill''] (from Shiraz), [http://www.iranian.com/ram/Shusha/6.ram ''The Silken Handkerchief''] (from the [[Fars]] Province), [http://www.iranian.com/ram/Shusha/7.ram ''Darling Leila''] (from the Gilan Province), [http://www.iranian.com/ram/Shusha/8.ram ''I Have Come to Ravish My Heart''] (from the [[Lorestan]] Province), [http://www.iranian.com/ram/Shusha/9.ram ''The Lor Youth''] (a [[Bakhtiari]]-Tribe song), [http://www.iranian.com/ram/Shusha/10.ram ''Lullaby''] (from [[Gorgan]]), [http://www.iranian.com/ram/Shusha/11.ram ''Girl from Boyer-Ahmadi Tribe''] (from the [[Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province]]), [http://www.iranian.com/ram/Shusha/12.ram ''My Beloved is Short''] (from the Fars Province), [http://www.iranian.com/ram/Shusha/13.ram ''The Water Pipe''], [http://www.iranian.com/ram/Shusha/14.ram ''You Must Come to Me''] (from [[Mamasani County]]), [http://www.iranian.com/ram/Shusha/15.ram ''Darling Dareyne''] (from the [[Mazandaran]] Province). For further details see: [http://www.iranian.com/Music/Shusha/ ''Iranian''].
* Gareth Porter, ''Bush's Iran/Argentina Terror Frame-Up'', The Nation, posted 18 January 2008 (web only), [http://www.thenation.com/doc/20080204/porter].
* The Second [[International Festival of Peace Poetry]], Iran, 16 May 2009: [http://www.peacepoetryfest.com/en/index.htm (English)], [http://www.peacepoetryfest.com/pe/index.htm (Persian)].
* Vivien Feyer and Carolyn North, ''We the children of Iran are messengers of peace'', 2007, [http://www.youtube.com/v/Ps0VgQAEF2g&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&border=1 YouTube] (5 min 41 sec).
* Gareth Porter, ''Documents linking Iran to nuclear weapons push may have been fabricated'', TheRawStory, November 10, 2008, [http://rawstory.com/news/2008/IAEA_suspects_fraud_in_evidence_for_1109.html].

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}}
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[[Category:Iran| ]]
[[Category:Near Eastern countries]]
[[Category:Middle Eastern countries]]
[[Category:Developing 8 Countries member states]]
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[[Category:Persian-speaking countries and territories]]
[[Category:Islamic republics]]

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Ali Khamenei

2009-02-12T09:43:36Z

John Cho:

{{Infobox Prime Minister
| name = Ali Hoseyni Khāmene’i {{lang|fa|علی حسینی خامنه‌ای}}
| image = Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei,.jpg
| order = [[Supreme Leader of Iran]]
| president = [[Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani]] [[Mohammad Khatami]] [[Mahmoud Ahmadinejad]]
| term_start = 4 June 1989
| term_end =
| predecessor = [[Ruhollah Khomeini]]
| successor =
| order2 = [[President of Iran]]
| leader2 = [[Ruhollah Khomeini]]
| ethnicity = Scum
| term_start2 = 2 October 1981
| term_end2 = 2 August 1989
| predecessor2 = [[Mohammad Ali Rajai]]
| successor2 = [[Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani]]
| birth_date = {{bda|1939|07|17|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Mashhad]], [[Razavi Khorasan Province]], [[Iran]]
| party = [[Islamic Republic Party]] (1979 – 1977) [[Combatant Clergy Association]] (1977 – present)
| spouse = ''Banu'' Khojasteh (1964<ref>[http://www.islam-pure.de/imam/others/others1992.htm Others 1992]</ref>-)
| children = 6<ref name=children>[http://www.nndb.com/people/948/000047807/ Ayatollah Khamenei]</ref> children
| religion = [[Usuli]] [[Twelver]] [[Shi'a Islam]]<ref>http://www.iranian.com/Opinion/2005/July/Khamenei/</ref>
}}
[[Grand Ayatollah]] [[Munafiq]] {{audio|Seyyed Ali Hosseini Khamenei.ogg|'''Ali Hoseyni Khāmene’i'''}} ({{lang|fa|علی حسینی خامنه‌ای}}, pronounced [ʔæˈli hosejˈni xɒmeneˈʔi] born 15 July 1939) (not to be confused with [[Ruhollah Khomeini]]), also known as '''Filthy Mushrik''',<ref name=leader>[http://www.leader.ir/langs/EN/index.php?p=bio The Office of the Supreme Leader, Sayyid Ali Khamenei]</ref> is an [[Iranian]] politician and cleric. He has been [[Supreme Leader of Iran|Supreme Leader]] of [[Iran]] since 1989 and before that was [[president of Iran]] from 1981 to 1989. He has been described as one of only three people having "defining influences" on the Islamic Republic of Iran.<ref name=GanjiForAff>Ganji, Akbar, "The Latter-Day Sultan: Power and Politics in Iran"
''Foreign Affairs'', November December 2008</ref><ref>The other two being "Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the revolution's leader; Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, Iran's president for much of the 1990s" according to Ganji.</ref>

==Early life==
Born to an [[Mushrik]]<ref>http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=53543 http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/HF08Ak02.html http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/FI28Ak01.html</ref> family in [[Mashhad]],<ref>''Eternal Iran'', in 1721. Patrick Clawson, 2005, ISBN 1-4039-6276-6, p.5.</ref><ref name=leader /> Ali Khamenei began religious studies before completing elementary education.
The son of a cleric,<ref name=vn>"[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/07/AR2007120701614_pf.html Meet 'The Decider' of Tehran. It's Not the Hothead You Expect]", Nasr, Vali, commentary article, Outlook section, ''[[Washington Post]]'', December 9, 2007, page B01, accessed same day</ref> he is second eldest of eight children, and two of his brothers are also clerics. His younger brother, [[Hadi Khamenei]], is a notable newspaper editor and cleric.<ref>Robin Wright, ''The Last Great Revolution: Turmoil and Transformation in Iran'', Alfred A. Knopf, 2000</ref>

He attended religious studies classes at the rudimentary and advanced levels in the ''[[hawza]]'' of Mashhad, under his mentors such as Haj Sheikh Hashem Qazvini, and Ayatollah Milani, and then went to [[Najaf]] in 1957.<ref name=chamber>[http://www.iranchamber.com/history/akhamenei/ali_khamenei.php Historic Personalities of Iran: Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei]</ref> After a short stay he left [[Najaf]] to [[Mashhad]], and in 1958 he settled in [[Qom]]. Khamenei attended the classes of [[Ayatollah]]s [[Husain Borujerdi]] and [[Ruhollah Khomeini]]. Later, he was involved in the Islamic activities of 1963 which led to his arrest in the city of [[Birjand]], in Southern [[Khorasan]] Province. Shortly thereafter, he was released and resumed teaching in Mashhad's religious schools and mosques, teaching the Nahj al-Balagheh.<ref name=chamber />

==Literary scholarship==
Khamenei has an educated-native-speaker's knowledge of Persian and Arabic<ref>[http://irannegah.com/Video.aspx?id=434 Khamenei sermon in Arabic]</ref>. He has translated several books into Persian from Arabic, including the works of the famous Egyptian [[Islamist]] theoretician [[Sayyid Qutb]]. He also has a lesser degree of understanding of the Azeri<ref>[http://irannegah.com/Video.aspx?id=423 Khamenei speaking Azeri about poetry]</ref> language and English.

In Persian, he likes poetry. In his analysis of the Persian poetry of [[Allameh]] [[Muhammad Iqbal]], he states that "Iqbal was not acquainted with Persian idiom, as he spoke [[Urdu]] at home and talked to his friends in Urdu or English. He did not know the rules of Persian prose writing."<ref>[http://www.khamenei.de/books/iqbal.htm Iqbal]</ref> Nevertheless, he admires Iqbal.

Like many other politically active clerics at the time, Khamenei was far more involved with politics than religious scholarship{{Fact|date=May 2008}}.

==Political life and presidency==
[[Image:Mohammad-Ali Rajai 1981.jpg|thumbnail| [[Mohammad-Ali Rajai]] visiting Khamenei in hospital after an assassination attempt by the [[MKO]] on June 27, 1981]]
Khamenei was a key figure in the [[Iranian Revolution|Islamic revolution]] in Iran and a close confidant of [[Ruhollah Khomeini|Ayatollah Khomeini]].

Khomeini appointed Khamenei to the post of Tehran's Friday Prayer Leader in the autumn of 1979, after the resignation of [[Grand Ayatollah Hossein-Ali Montazeri]] from the post. He served briefly as the Deputy Minister for Defence and as a supervisor of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards. Also he went to battlefield as a representative of defense commission of the parliament. In June 1981, Khamenei narrowly escaped an assassination attempt when a bomb, concealed in a tape recorder at a [[press conference]], exploded beside him. He was permanently injured, losing the use of his right arm,<ref name=vn/>.

{| class="wikitable" align="left" style="text-align:right"
! Candidate !! Votes !! %
|-
| align=left | Ali Khamenei || 16,003,242 || '''95.02%'''
|-
| align=left | Ali Akbar Parvaresh || 342,600 || '''2.03%'''
|-
| align=left | Hasan Ghafourifard || 78,559 || '''0.47%'''
|-
| align=left | Reza Zavare'i || 62,133 || '''0.37%'''
|-
| ''Blank or invalid votes'' || ''356,266'' || '''2.12%'''
|-
! Total || 16,841,800
|}
In 1981, after the assassination of [[Mohammad Ali Rajai]], Khamenei was elected [[President of Iran]] by a landslide vote in the [[Iranian presidential election, October 1981]] and became the first cleric to serve in the office. Ayatollah Khomeini had originally wanted to keep clerics out of the presidency but later changed his views.

In his presidential inaugural address Khamenei vowed to eliminate `deviation, liberalism, and American-influenced leftists.` <ref name="Sadjad">[http://www.carnegieendowment.org/files/sadjadpour_iran_final2.pdf Reading Khamenei by Karmin Sadjadpour ]</ref> Vigorous opposition to the regime, including nonviolent and violent protest, assassinations, guerrilla activity and insurrections, was answered by state repression and terror in the early 1980s, both before and during Khamenei's presidency. Thousands of rank-and-file members of insurgent groups were killed, often by revolutionary courts. By 1982, the government announced that the courts would be reined in, although various political groups were repressed by the government in the first half of the decade.<ref>[http://www.iranchamber.com/history/islamic_revolution/revolution_and_iran_after1979_4.php]Iran Chamber Society Web site, Web page titled "History of Iran: Iran after the victory of 1979's revolution/ page 4", accessed December 9, 2007</ref>

Khamenei helped guide the country during the [[Iraq-Iran War]] in the 1980s, and developed close ties with the now-powerful [[Revolutionary Guards]]. As president, he had a reputation of being deeply interested in the military, budget and administrative details.<ref name=vn/>

He was re-elected to a second term in 1985, capturing 85.66% of total votes.<ref>[http://www.khatami-museum.ir/jomhoori.htm : KHATAMI Museum :]</ref>

==Supreme Leader (Velāyat-e faqih)==
[[Image:Khamenei1.jpg|thumbnail|right|Khamenei standing beside the tomb of General [[Ali Sayyad Shirazi]], Chief of [[Military of Iran|the Armed Forces of Iran]] during the Iran-Iraq war]]
{{main|Supreme Leader of Iran}}
Seyyed Ali Khamene'i was preceded by [[Ayatollah Khomeini]], the leader of [[Islamic Revolution]] in [[Iran]]. When Khomeini died, Khamenei was elected as the new Supreme Leader by the [[Assembly of Experts]] on June 4, 1989.
Initially, a council of three members, "[[Ali Meshkini]], [[Mousavi Ardabili]] and Khamenei", was proposed for Leadership. After rejection of a Leadership Council by the assembly, and lack of votes for Grand Ayatollah [[Mohammad Reza Golpaygani]], Khamenei became the Supreme Leader by two third of the votes.<ref>[http://www.khobreganrahbari.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=76 خبرگان رهبری - رييس مجمع تشخيص مصلحت نظام: از مهمترين پيشرفت‌‏هاي واقعي انقلاب اسلامي، تأسيس سازماني براي ولايت فقيه بود[ايلنا]]</ref> <ref>http://www.iran57.com/Rafsanjani%20T%20dar%20sal%2068%20mokhalef%20rahbarie%20fardi'%20Ilna%2016%20Azar%201385.doc</ref>

The concept of an Islamic jurist as "guardian" or ruler of the land was developed by Ayatollah [[Ruhollah Khomeini]] in a lecture/series [[Hokumat-e Islami : Velayat-e faqih (book by Khomeini)|book]]. In this kind of theocratic leadership, no political decision is lawful until it is approved by the supreme leader ([[Vali e Faqih]], ولی فقیه in Persian). Even the taking of office by the democratically elected president is subject to the approval of the Supreme Leader.

Khamenei's era as supreme leader has differed from that of his predecessor Khomeini. He has continued Khomeini's policy of "balancing one group against another, making sure that no single side gains too much power."<ref name=vn/><ref name="Abrahamian"/> But lacking Khomeini's charisma and clerical standing, he has developed networks, first inside the armed forces, and then among the clerics administering the major religious foundations (or [[bonyad]]s), and seminaries of Qom and Mashhad.<ref name="Abrahamian">[http://www.iran-bulletin.org/book%20review/Abrahamian%20book%20review.htm Who's in Charge? by Ervand Abrahamian. Iran Bulletin, 6 November 2008]</ref> According to [[Vali Nasr]], he has brought many of the powers of the presidency with him into the office, turning it into an "omnipotent overseer of Iran's political scene". Officials under Khamenei influence the country's various powerful, and sometimes bickering, institutions: including "the parliament, the presidency, the judiciary, the Revolutionary Guards, the military, the intelligence services, the police agencies, the clerical elite, the Friday prayer leaders and much of the media", as well as various "nongovernmental foundations, organizations, councils, seminaries and business groups".<ref name=vn/> Under him, the regime is said to resemble "a clerical [[oligarchy]] more than an [[autocracy]]." <ref name="Abrahamian"/>

===Appointment as Supreme Leader===
[[Image:Vladimir Putin in Iran 16-17 October 2007-1.jpg|thumb|Khamenei with [[President of Russia|Russian President]] [[Vladimir Putin]] in Tehran on 17 October 2007.]]
At the time of Khomeini's death Khamenei was not a ''[[marja]]'' or even an ayatollah, and the [[Constitution of Islamic Republic of Iran]] required the Supreme Leader to be a ''marja.'' However, the Ayatollah Khomeini had not been satisfied with the field of candidates to replace him and in April 1989, three months before his death, assigned a team to revise the constitution so that the [[Supreme Leader of Iran]] need only be an expert on Islamic jurisprudence and possess the "appropriate political and managerial skills".<ref name="Sadjad"/><ref>[http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2004/09/ac80cd24-24db-438d-b007-27f04db8ae7e.html Analysis: Iran's Theological Community Contends With Changing World - RADIO FREE EUROPE / RADIO LIBERTY]</ref> This new amendment to the constitution had not been put to a referendum yet, so upon choosing Khamenei the [[Assembly of Experts]] internally titled him a temporary office holder until the new constitution became effective. The choice of Khamenei is said to be a political one,<ref name=behrooz>[http://www.iranian.com/Opinion/Jan98/Behrooz/ Iranian.com | Archive Pages]</ref> but the "political elite" of the Islamic Republic "rallied behind Khamenei" and his status was "elevated overnight" from [[Hojjat ol-Islam]] to [[Ayatollah]].

His status as marja is controversial. In 1994, after the death of Grand Ayatollah [[Mohammad Ali Araki]], the [[Society of Seminary Teachers of Qom]] declared Khamenei a new ''marja''. However, four of Iran's dissident grand ayatollahs declined to recognize Khamenei as a ''marja''.<ref name=globalsecurity>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/iran/khamenei.htm Ayatollah Hojjat-ul-Islam Seyed Ali Khamenei]</ref> Nevertheless, according to narjes.org a cleric only needs acceptance of a few grand ayatollahs to be recognized as ''marja''.<ref>[http://www.m-narjes.org/maaref/ahkam/tafkik/ahkam8.htm تکليف،تقليد و انتخاب مرجع تقليد براي بانوان]</ref> Khamenei refused the offer of ''marja'iyat'' for Iran, as he explained, due to other heavy responsibilities, but agreed to be the ''marja'' for the Shi'as outside of Iran. His acceptance of ''marja'iyat'' for Shi'as outside Iran does not have traditional precedence in Shi'ism. ''Marja'iyat'' can be, and in modern times it increasingly is, transitional.<ref name=behrooz />

Grand Ayatollah [[Mohammad Shirazi]], who was under house-arrest at the time for his opposition to Grand Ayatollah [[Ruhollah Khomeini]], did not accept Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as a ''marja''. According to "Human Rights in Iran" (2001) by [[Pace University]]'s Reza Afshari, Shirazi was "indignant" over recognition of Khamenei as the Supreme Leader and a ''marja''. Shirazi (who died in late 2001) apparently favored a committee of Grand Ayatollahs to lead the country. Other ''marjas'' who questioned the legitimacy of Khamenei's ''marja'yat'' were dissident clerics: [[Grand Ayatollah Hossein-Ali Montazeri]], Grand Ayatollah [[Hassan Tabatabai-Qomi]] and Grand Ayatollah [[Yasubedin Rastegari]].<ref name=globalsecurity />

====Political power following reform era====
According to Karim Sadjadpour of the American Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, several factors that have strengthened Khamemei in recent years:
<blockquote>(1) A vast network of [[commissar]]s stationed in stratgic posts throughout government bureacracies, dedicated to enforcing his authority; (2) the weak, conservative-dominated parliament, headed by Khamenei loyalist [[Gholam-Ali Haddad-Adel]] (whose daughter is married to the Leader's son); (3) the rapidly rising political and economic influence of the [[Army of the Guardians of the Islamic Revolution|Islamic Revoutionary Guards]], whose top leaders are directly appointed by Khamenei and have always been publicly deferential to him; (4) the political disengagement of Iran's young population ....; and (5) most significant[ly], the 2005 presidential election, which saw hardliner [[Mahmoud Ahmadinejad]] trounce Khamenei's chief rival [[Hashemi Rafsanjani]] ...<ref name="Sadjad"/></blockquote>

==Political attitude==
In his speeches Khamenei consistently dwells on familiar themes of the 1979 revolution: the importance of justice, independence, self-sufficiency, and Islam; the need for resolute opposition to Israel and United States.<ref name="Sadjad"/> Dealing with the presidents who have served during his reign, Khamenei has successfully scuttled President [[Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani|Rafansjani]]'s attempts to find a [[modus vivendi]] with the United States, President [[Mohammad Khatami|Khatami]]'s aspirations for a more democratic Islamic state, and President [[Mahmoud Ahmadinejad|Ahmadinejad]]'s desire for confrontation.<ref name="Sadjad"/>

==Domestic policy==
Khamenei is widely regarded by some as the figurehead of the country's conservative establishment.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/3018932.stm BBC NEWS | Middle East | Profile: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei]</ref>

Ali Khamenei has been supportive of scientific progress in Iran. He was among the first Islamic clerics to allow [[stem cell research]] and [[therapeutic cloning]].<ref>[http://www.boston.com/news/world/middleeast/articles/2006/08/22/iran_looks_to_science_as_source_of_pride] [http://www.channel4.com/news/special-reports/special-reports-storypage.jsp?id=1907 Science over ethics?] Channel 4, 8 Mar 2006</ref> In 2004, Khamenei said that the country's progress is dependent on investment in the field of science and technology. He also said that attaching a high status to scholars and scientists in society would help talents to flourish and science and technology to become domesticated, thus ensuring the country's progress and development.<ref>[http://www.khamenei.ir/EN/News/detail.jsp?id=20041031A]</ref>

In 2007, Khamenei requested that government officials speed up Iran's move towards [[privatization in Iran|economic privatization]]. Its last move towards such a goal was in 2004, when Article 44 of the constitution was overturned. Article 44 had decreed that Iran's core [[infrastructure]] should remain state-run. Khamenei also suggested that ownership rights should be protected in courts set up by the Justice Ministry; the hope was that this new protection would give a measure of security to and encourage private investment.<ref> [http://www.iranmania.com/News/ArticleView/Default.asp?NewsCode=49852&NewsKind=Current%20Affairs] [http://www.payvand.com/news/07/feb/1254.html] [http://www.tehrantimes.com/Description.asp?Da=2/20/2007&Cat=2&Num=019]</ref>

Additionally, Khamenei has stated that he believes in the importance of nuclear technology for civilian purposes because "oil and gas reserves cannot last forever."<ref>[http://www.voanews.com/english/2007-02-18-voa3.cfm] [http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSBLA82817120070218 Iran says will not halt uranium enrichment], Reuters 18 February 2007</ref>

In April 30 2008, Ali Khamenei backed President [[Ahmadinejad]]’s economic policy and said the West was struggling with more economic difficulties than Iran, with a "crisis" spreading from the United States to Europe, and inflation was a widespread problem. Iranian leader said that the ongoing economic crisis which has crippled the world has been unprecedented in the past 60 years. “This crisis has forced the UN to declare state of emergency for food shortages around the globe but foreign radios have focused on Iran to imply that the current price hikes and inflation in the country are the results of carelessness on the part of Iranian officials which of course is not true”, he said. Khamenei emphasized that no one has the right to blame [[Iranian government]] for Iran’s economic problems. He also advised people and the government to be content and avoid waste in order to solve economic problems. “I advise you to keep in your mind that this great nation is never afraid of economic sanctions”, he added.[http://in.reuters.com/article/asiaCompanyAndMarkets/idINDAH03115420080430?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0][http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/business/?id=25619][http://www.tehrantimes.com/index_View.asp?code=167549][http://www2.irna.ir/en/news/view/menu-236/0804304889163444.htm]

===Interpretation of Islamic law===

In 2000, Ali Khamenei sent a letter to the Iranian parliament forbidding the legislature from debating a revision of the Iranian press law. He wrote: "The present press law has succeeded to a point in preventing this big plague. The draft bill is not legitimate and in the interests of the system and the revolution."<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/868244.stm BBC News | MIDDLE EAST | Punch-up over press law]</ref> His use of "extra-legislative power" has been criticized widely by reformists and opposition groups. In reaction to the letter, some Parliament members voiced outrage and threatened to resign.<ref>[http://www.iht.com/articles/2000/08/07/iran.2.t_1.php Supreme Leader Backs Conservatives, Angering Parliament Refomers : Ayatollah Kills Effort To Remove Press Curbs - International Herald Tribune]</ref> Kayhan and Jomhuri-ye Eslami are two newspapers published under the management of Khamenei.

In late 1996, following a fatwa by Khamenei stating that music education corrupts the minds of young children, many music schools were closed and music instruction to children under the age of 16 was banned by public establishments (although private instruction continued).<ref>[http://www.internews.org/visavis/BTVPagesInews/Persian_trad_music.html Beyond the Veil: Persian Traditional Music]</ref> Khamenei stated: "The promotion of music [both traditional and Western] in schools is contrary to the goals and teachings of Islam, regardless of age and level of study".<ref>[http://www.irib.ir/occasions/Rahbar/further_fatwas.htm Great Ayatollah Sayed Ali Khamenei]</ref>

In July 2007, Khamenei criticized Iranian women's rights activists and the ''Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women'' (CEDAW): "In our country ... some activist women, and some men, have been trying to play with Islamic rules in order to match international conventions related to women," Khamenei said. "This is wrong."<ref>[http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/07/05/africa/ME-GEN-Iran-Women-Rights.php Iran's supreme leader signals limited flexibility on women's rights]</ref> However, he is positive on reinterpreting Islamic law in a way that it is more favorable to women - but not by following Western conventions.<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,,-6760059,00.html Iran Leader Signals Flexibility on Women]</ref> Khamenei made these comments two days after Iranian women's rights activist [[Delaram Ali]] was sentenced to 34 months of jail and 10 lashes by Iran's judiciary.<ref>[http://www.radiofarda.com/Article/2007/07/04/o1_khamenei-critisiz.html]</ref> Iran's judiciary works under the auspices of the supreme leader and is independent from the government.

With regard to women's dress, Khamenei believes in the need for compulsory hijab.<ref>http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewCulture.asp?Page=/Culture/archive/200801/CUL20080114a.html</ref>

Khamenei claims that "Today, [[homosexuality]] is a major problem in the western world. They [western nations] however ignore it. But the reality is that homosexuality has become a serious challenge, pain and unsolvable problem for the intellectuals in the west."<ref>[http://www.khamenei.ir/FA/Speech/detail.jsp?id=860413A Official website of Iranian leader]</ref> Khamenei did not name these western intellectuals.

In 2007, Iranian police which acts under the control of Supreme leader, launched a "Public Security Plan": The police arrested dozens of "thugs" to increase public security. The arrested "thugs" are sometimes beaten on camera in front of neighborhood inhabitants, or forced to wear hanging watering cans used for lavatory ablutions around their necks.<ref>[http://www.roozonline.com/english/archives/2007/05/004660.php Thug” Crackdown Operation under Way in Iran (ROOZ :: English)]</ref> During the first three months of the campaign against women not adhering fully to the strict Islamic dress code, in Tehran alone 62,785 women were stopped by police, and of these 1,837 were arrested. In the first three months, police arrested in the capital more than 8,000 young "criminals" who have offended public morals.

The Islamic Republic has not yet allowed a single [[Sunni]] mosque to be built in [[Tehran]]; although President [[Mohammad Khatami]] promised during election time to build a Sunni mosque in Tehran. After he won the elections, he was reminded of his promise but he said that the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had not agreed to the proposal.<ref>[http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/DL17Ak03.html Asia Times]</ref>

===Iran's elections===
In February 2004 [[Iran Majlis election, 2004|Parliament elections]], the [[Council of Guardians]], a council of twelve members, half of whom are appointed by Khamenei, disqualified thousands of candidates, including many of the reformist members of the parliament and all the candidates of the [[Islamic Iran Participation Front]] party from running. It did not allow 80 members of the 6th Iranian parliament (including the deputy speaker) to run in the election. The conservatives won about 70% of the seats. The parliamentary election held on February 20, 2004 in Iran was a key turning point in that country's political evolution. The election marked the conclusive end of the campaign for political and social reform initiated by [[Mohammad Khatami]] after he was elected president in a landslide vote in May 1997.<ref>[http://www.ccc.nps.navy.mil/si/2004/jun/gasiorowskiJun04.asp Strategic Insights - Iranian Politics After the 2004 Parliamentary Election]</ref>

During the 2005 presidential election, Khamenei's comments about importance of fighting corruption, being faithful to the ideals of the Islamic revolution, as well as on the superior intelligence and dynamism of those who studied engineering, were interpreted by some as a subtle endorsement of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (who had a Ph.D. in traffic engineering).<ref name="Sadjad"/> After the election and until recently Khamenei was outspoken in his support for Ahmadinejad, and "defended him publicly in ways which he never" had reformist president Khatami.<ref name="Sadjad"/>

===Human rights===
{{See also|Human rights in Islam (Khamenei)}}

Khamenei has called [[human rights]] a fundamental principle underlying Islamic teachings, that precedes western concern for human rights by many centuries. Human Rights in Islam include the rights to live, to be free, to benefit from justice and to welfare. He has attacked Western powers who have criticized the rights record of the Islamic Republic for hypocrisy by economically oppressing people in [[Third World]] countries and supporting despots and dictators.<ref>[http://www.irib.ir/occasions/Rahbar/human-rights-in-islam.htm Human Rights in Islam], ''[[Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting]]'', [[1997-01-31]], accessed on [[2007-01-08]]</ref>

However under Khamenei's interpretation this does not extend to religious rights for [[Bahá'í Faith|Bahá'í]]. Khamenei supported [[persecution of Bahá'ís]] and signed documents recommending several organized methods of oppression and ways of decreasing the influence of [[Bahá'í Faith|Bahá'í]]s in Iran and abroad.
<ref>UN Doc. E/CN.4/1993/41, Commission on Human Rights, 49th session, 28 January 1993, Final report on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran by the Special Representative of the Commission on Human Rights, Mr. Reynaldo Galindo Pohl, paragraph 310.</ref>
According to a letter from the Chairman of the Command Headquarters of the Armed Forces in Iran addressed to the [[Ministry of Information]], the [[Revolutionary Guard]] and the Police Force, Khamenei has also ordered the Command Headquarters to identify people who adhere to the Bahá'í Faith and to monitor their activities and gather any and all information about the members of the Bahá'í Faith.
<ref name="Esfandiari">{{cite web | publisher = globalsecurity.com | title = Iran: UN, U.S. Concerned Over Situation Of Bahá'ís | first = Golnaz | last = Esfandiari |date=2006-03-30 |url = http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/news/iran/2006/iran-060330-rferl03.htm | accessdate = 2006-10-20}}</ref><ref name="UN-2006-03-20">{{cite web | title = Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion of Belief concerned about treatment of followers of Bahá'í Faith in Iran |date=2006-03-20 | accessdate = 2006-10-20 |first = Asma | last = Jahangir | publisher = Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights | url = http://www.unhchr.ch/huricane/huricane.nsf/view01/5E72D6B7B624AABBC125713700572D09?opendocument}} </ref>

In response to Western complaints of human rights abuses in Iran he has stated that the American administration has committed many crimes and is therefore not fit to judge the Islamic Republic.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/spanish/international/newsid_5045000/5045704.stm BBC Mundo | Internacional | Irán: advertencia con petróleo]</ref>

In a visit with hardline cleric [[Mohammad Taghi Mesbah Yazdi]], Khamenei praised Mesbah’s books and thoughts as being original, very useful, solid and correct. He also stated that the Islamic world needs these ideas today more than any time in the past.<ref>[http://alef.ir/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2487 Khamenei visits Mesbah Yazdi] (in Persian)</ref> Mesbah Yazdi advocates a return to the values of the [[Iranian revolution|1979 Iranian revolution]] and is a prominent opponent of the [[2nd of Khordad Movement|Reformist movement in Iran]].

==== People charged for criticizing Ali Khamenei ====
Insulting the Leader is a crime in the Islamic Republic of Iran, and Khamenei, who has been called "notoriously thin-skinned,"<ref name="Sadjad"/> has not been hesitant in seeing this law enforced against [[journalist]]s and writers in Iran. Even family members are not immune, as his younger brother, the reformist cleric [[Hadi Khamenei]], was "brutally beaten ... after a sermon in which he criticized the powers of the Supreme Leader," by [[Basij]] militia loyal to him.<ref name="Sadjad"/> Some writers, journalists and politicians who have been charged with "insulting Ali Khamenei" include:

* [[Ahmad Zeidabadi]]<ref>[http://www.payvand.com/news/07/apr/1145.html Iranian Journalist Challenges Supreme Leader]</ref>
* [[Abdollah Nouri]]<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/472049.stm Iran hardliners target Khatami ally]</ref>
* [[Mojtaba Saminejad]]<ref>[http://www.iranfocus.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=2311 Iran Focus-Iran weblogger jailed for 'insulting' supreme leader - Human Rights - News]</ref>
* Arash Sigarchi<ref>[http://www.iranfreedomconcert.com/hero.htm Iran Freedom Concert - Civil Rights Heroes]</ref>

==Foreign policy==
{{Expand-section|date=January 2008}}
Khamenei's foreign policy is said to steer a course that avoids either confrontation or accommodation with the West.<ref name="Sadjad"/>
===Economic sanctions===
During 1980-90, Khamenei's administration faced the brunt of the first-generation US [[economic sanction]]s. He failed to arrest the Iranian Rial plunging in value from 70 to 415 to the US Dollar effectively evaporating the foreign exchange reserves of the government.

===Opposition to the United States===
Khamenei has been described as consistent in his opposition to the United States, and the Western World in general, which is a theme of his speeches no matter whether the topic is foreign policy, agriculture or education. He has declared that it is "clear that conflict and confrontation between" Islamic Republic of Iran and the U.S. "is something natural and unavoidable" since the United States "is trying to establish a global [[dictatorship]] and further its own interests by dominating other nations and trampling on their rights." However, while "cutting ties with America is among our basic policies," and "any relations would provide the possibility to the Americans to infiltrate Iran and would pave the way for their intelligence and spy agents," Khamenei holds the door open to relations with the U.S. at some future date, saying "we have never said that the relations will remain severed forever. Undoubtedly, the day the relations with America prove beneficial for the Iranian nation I will be the first one to approve of that." <ref name="Sadjad"/> However, in a speech to Iranian students on October 29, 2008, which was quoted on Iranian TV (as translated by [[MEMRI]]), Khamenei stated that "the Iranian people's hatred for America is profound. The reason for this [hatred] is the various plots that the U.S. government has concocted against Iran and the Iranian people in the past 50 years. The Americans have not only refused to apologize for their actions, but have continued with their arrogant actions."<ref>[http://www.memri.org/bin/articles.cgi?Page=archives&Area=sd&ID=SP209808#_edn1 Khamenei: "The Iranian People's Hatred for America Is Profound"; Larijani: America Should Beware of Our Martyrdom-Seekers], MEMRI Special Dispatch - No. 2098, October 30, 2008.</ref>

On June 4, 2006, Khamenei said that Iran would disrupt energy shipments from the [[Persian Gulf]] region (about 20% of the world's daily supply of oil passes from the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz very close to Iran's coast<ref>[http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=db7_1215422974 Iran Will Close Strait of Hormuz If Attacked, Fars Reports
July 6]</ref>) should the country come under attack from the US, insisting that Tehran will not give up its right to produce nuclear fuel.

On September 14, 2007, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (on 1st Friday [[prayer]] of [[Ramadan]]) predicted that [[George W. Bush|George Bush]] and [[United States|American]] [[officials]] will one day be tried in an [[international]] [[criminal court]] to be held "accountable" for the [[U.S.]]-led [[Iraq War|invasion of Iraq]].<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/14/AR2007091400636.html Iran leader: Bush will be tried]</ref> He has also blamed the United States for "blind terrorism" after its invasion of Iraq.<ref>[http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=684_1192340490 Imam Khamenei: US trying to save Israel]</ref> He asserts that the United States is the main cause of insecurity in Iraq.

===Condemnation of September 11, 2001 attacks===
After the [[September 11, 2001 attacks]], Khamenei condemned the act and the attackers and called for a condemnation of terrorist activities all over the world, but warned strongly against a military assault on the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.<ref name=autogenerated1>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/1549573.stm BBC News | MIDDLE EAST | Iran condemns attacks on US ] 17 September, 2001</ref> He is quoted as saying, "Mass killings of human beings are catastrophic acts which are condemned wherever they may happen and whoever the perpetrators and the victims may be".<ref name=autogenerated1 />

===Israel-Palestinian conflict===
Khamenei remains a steadfast opponent of the [[State of Israel]], [[Zionism]], and what he perceives to be [[colonialism]] in [[Palestine]]. In 2001 Khamenei famously remarked that "this cancerous tumor of a state [Israel] should be removed from the region" and that "no one will allow a bunch of thugs, lechers and outcasts from London, America and Moscow to rule over the Palestinians." On the same occasion he proposed that "[[Palestinian refugees]] should return and [[Muslim]]s, [[Christian]]s and [[Jew]]s could choose a [[government]] for themselves, excluding racist [[immigrant]] Jews."<ref name="archives.cnn.com">{{cite news
| last =Reuters
| first =
| coauthors =
| title =Iran leader urges destruction of 'cancerous' Israel
| work =
| pages =
| language =
| publisher =[[CNN]]
|date=2000-12-15
| url =http://archives.cnn.com/2000/WORLD/meast/12/15/mideast.iran.reut/
| accessdate =2007-04-30 }}</ref>

According to anti-regime change activist Abbas Edalat, in 2005 Khamenei responded to [[President of Iran|President]] [[Mahmoud Ahmadinejad|Ahmadinejad]]'s alleged remark that [[Israel]] should be "[[Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Israel#2005 "World Without Zionism" speech|wiped off the map]]" by saying that "the [[Iran|Islamic Republic]] has never threatened and will never threaten any country."<ref>{{cite news
| last =Edalat
| first =Abbas
| coauthors =
| title =The US can learn from this example of mutual respect
| work =
| pages =
| language =
| publisher =[[The Guardian]]
|date=2007-04-05
| url =http://www.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,2050168,00.html
| accessdate =2007-04-30 }}</ref>
Moreover Khamenei's main advisor in foreign policy, [[Ali Akbar Velayati]], refused to take part in a Holocaust conference. In contrast to Ahmadinejad's remarks, Velayati said that the Holocaust was a genocide and a historical reality.<ref>[http://www.iran-press-service.com/ips/articles-2007/february-2007/ali-akbar-velayati-adviso.shtml Ali Akbar Velayati, Advisor To The Leader: “Everything is negotiable” (Iran Press Service)]</ref>

In a sermon for Friday prayers in Tehran on 19 September 2008, Khamenei stated that "it is incorrect, irrational, pointless and nonsense to say that we are friends of Israeli people," and that he had raised the issue "to spell an end to any debates".<ref>[http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-iran20-2008sep20,0,554272.story ]</ref> The remarks were made in reference to earlier comments by Esfandiar Rahim Mashaei, a vice president in charge of tourism, and president [[Mahmoud Ahmadinejad]], who had both insisted that Iran was the enemy of the Zionist state but not of the Israeli people.

===Fatwa against nuclear weapons===
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued a [[fatwa]] saying the production, stockpiling and use of [[nuclear weapon]]s was forbidden under Islam. The fatwa was cited in an official statement by the Iranian government at an August 2005 meeting of the [[International Atomic Energy Agency]] (IAEA) in [[Vienna]]. However, powers such as the United States and Israel hold the suspicion that Iran is attempting to create a nuclear weapon. Iran has repeatedly denied this claim, and states that her nuclear program is for creating energy for civilians.
<ref name="irna">{{cite web|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20051016053118/http://www.irna.ir/en/news/view/line-17/0508104135124631.htm|title= Iran, holder of peaceful nuclear fuel cycle technology |date=2005-08-10|publisher=IRNA|accessdate=2008-08-30}} (via Web Archive)</ref><ref>
 [http://in.news.yahoo.com/061228/137/6amwf.html Iran MPs oblige government to revise IAEA cooperation], Reuters, 27 Dec 2006{{Dead link|date=August 2008}}</ref>

==Mykonos assassinations==
3 Iranian-Kurdish opposition leaders and their interpreter were [[Mykonos restaurant assassinations|assassinated in the Mykonos restaurant in Berlin]] on 17 September 1992. On 10 April 1997 Berlin's highest criminal court issued an international arrest warrant for the Iranian intelligence minister for ordering the assassination and implied Khamenei was one of the masterminds behind the attack. Iran was trying to catch up with the vile jewish state which, still, assassinate many people and innocent children on daily basis.
<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/0,1518,476369,00.html
|title=The End of the Dispensable Iranian
|author= Roya Hakakian
|authorlink=
|publisher=[[Der Spiegel]]
|date=2007-10-04
|language=English
|accessdate=2008-10-04
|format=
}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Khamenei has six children<ref name=children />. According to [[Gholam Ali Haddad-Adel]] he leads a modest lifestyle.<ref name=vn/>

==Government posts==
[[Image:Khamenei in battlefield.jpg|thumbnail|right|Khamenei on the battlefield of [[Iran-Iraq war]]]]
Since the founding of the Islamic Republic, Khamenei has held many government posts<ref name=leader />

*1979 - Founded the [[Islamic Republic Party]], along with like-minded clerics such as [[Mohammad Beheshti]], [[Mohammad Javad Bahonar]], [[Abdolkarim Mousavi Ardebili]], and [[Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani]].
*1980 - Secretary of Defense.
*1980 - Supervisor of the [[Islamic Revolutionary Guards]].
*1980 - Leader of the Friday Congregational Prayer.
*1980 - The Tehran Representative in the [[Majlis of Iran|Consultative Assembly]].
*1981 - Ayatollah Khomeini's Representative in the High Security Council.
*1982 - Elected President of the Islamic Republic of Iran after assassination of [[Muahmmad Ali Raja’i]], and was re-elected to a second term in 1985.
*1982 - chairman of the High Council of Revolution Culture Affairs.
*1988 - President of the [[Expediency Council]].
*1989 - Chairman of the Constitution Revisal Committee.
*1989 - Ayatollah Khamenei became the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran by choice of the Council of Experts, after the death of [[Ayatollah Khomeini]].

== Representatives ==
Ayatollah Khamenei has numerous representatives in different organizations (army, judiciary system, universities etc.) and cities. Here are his ''most notable'' representatives:
*[[Abdolhossein Moezi]] (Representative in [[London]])
*[[Hossein Shariatmadari]] (His representative at [[Kayhan]])
*[[Ahmad Jannati]] (Head of [[Guardian Council]])
*[[Ahmad Khatami]] (Tehran's [[Friday prayer]] Imam)
*[[Mohammad Yazdi]] (member of Guardian council and former head of [[Judicial system of Iran|Judiciary system]])
*[[Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi]] (head of Judiciary system)
*[[Rahim Safavi]] (former commander of [[Revolutionary Guards]])
*[[Ali Larijani]] (former head of [[IRIB]], current member of [[Supreme National Security Council]])
*[[Ahmad Reza Radan]] Tehran's police chief who was in charge of 2007 moralization campaign
*[[Gholamreza Rezvani]] appointed several times as a member of Guardian Council.

==Bibliography==
*''Discourse on Patience''<ref>http://books.google.com/books?id=aRsDHQAACAAJ</ref> ([http://www.islam-pure.de/imam/books/patiance.htm translation by Sayyid Hussein Alamdar available online])
*''[[Muhammad Iqbal|Iqbal]]: Manifestation of the Islamic Spirit, Two Contemporary Muslim Views''<ref>http://books.google.com/books?id=ivogAAAACAAJ</ref> ISBN 1871031206
**''[http://www.khamenei.de/books/iqbal.htm Iqbal, the Poet-Philosopher of Islamic Resurgence]'' is one of the "Two Contemporary Muslim Views," the other one is [[Ali Shariati]]'s.
*''Replies to Inquiries about the Practical Laws of Islam''<ref>http://books.google.com/books?id=1vAMAQAACAAJ</ref> ISBN 9644720008 ([http://www.islam-pure.de/imam/books/ajvab.pdf PDF version])
*''Lessons from the Nahjul-Balaghah''<ref>http://books.google.com/books?id=GOHKHAAACAAJ</ref><ref>[http://www.al-shia.com/html/eng/books/lesson-from-nahjul-balaqeh/index.htm Lessons from the Nahjul Balagah]</ref>
*''[[Human rights in Islam (Khamenei)|Human Rights In Islam]]'''
*''The Charter Of Freedom''<ref>[http://www.imamreza.net/eng/imamreza.php?id=4458 The Charter of Freedom || Imam Reza (A.S.) Network]</ref><ref>[http://www.khamenei.de/books/charterfree.htm The Charter of Freedom]</ref><ref>[http://www2.irib.ir/occasions/Rahbar/charter%20of%20freedom.htm Grate Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei]</ref>
*''[http://www.khamenei.de/books/tawhid.htm Essence of Tawhid: Denial of Servitude but to God]''

==See also==
*[[List of national leaders]]
*[[List of Grand Ayatollahs]]
*[[History of fundamentalist Islam in Iran]]

==References==
<div class="reflist4" style="height: 200px; overflow: auto; padding: 3px; border: 1px solid #ababab">{{reflist|2}}</div>

==External links==
{{sisterlinks|s=Author:Ali Khamenei}}
;Official Websites
* [http://www.leader.ir The e-office of the Supreme Leader of Iran]
* [http://www.khamenei.ir The official website of Ayatollah Khamenei]

;Profiles
*{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/3018932.stm|title=Profile: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei|publisher=[[BBC News]]}}

;Videos
* [http://irannegah.com/video_browse.aspx?keyword=khamenei '''Video Archive of Ayatollah Khamenei''']

;Speeches translated into English
* [http://www.insight-info.com www.insight-info.com]

{{S-start| noclear=y}}
{{s-off}}
{{s-bef | before=[[Mohammad Ali Rajai]]}}
{{s-ttl | title=[[President of Iran]] | years= 1981 – 1989}}
{{s-aft | rows=2 |after=[[Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani]]}}
{{s-new}}
{{s-ttl | title= Chair of [[Expediency Council]] | years = 1988 – 1989}}
{{s-bef | before = [[Ruhollah Khomeini]]}}
{{s-ttl | title = [[Supreme Leader of Iran]] | years= 1989 – present}}
{{s-inc}}
{{end}}

{{Presidents of Iran}}

{{Persondata
|NAME=Khamenei, Seyyed Ali Hosseini
|ALTERNATIVE NAMES=آیت‌الله سید علی خامنه‌ای‎
|SHORT DESCRIPTION=[[Supreme Leader of Iran]] since 1989
|DATE OF BIRTH=15 July 1939
|PLACE OF BIRTH=[[Mashhad]], [[Iran]]
|DATE OF DEATH=
|PLACE OF DEATH=
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Khamenei, Ali}}
[[Category:1939 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Current national leaders]]
[[Category:Iranian ayatollahs]]
[[Category:Iranian conservatives]]
[[Category:Iranian Majlis Representatives]]
[[Category:Iranian translators]]
[[Category:People from Mashhad]]
[[Category:Presidents of Iran]]
[[Category:Supreme Leaders of Iran]]

[[ar:علي خامنئي]]
[[az:Seyyid Əli Xameneyi]]
[[ca:Ali Khamenei]]
[[ceb:Ali Khāmenei]]
[[cs:Sajjid Alí Chameneí]]
[[da:Ali Khamenei]]
[[de:Seyyed Ali Chamene'i]]
[[et:‘Alī Khāmene'ī]]
[[el:Αλί Χαμενεΐ]]
[[es:Alí Jamenei]]
[[eu:Ali Khamenei]]
[[fa:سید علی خامنه‌ای]]
[[fr:Ali Khamenei]]
[[ko:모하메드 알리 하메네이]]
[[hi:आली ख़ामैनी]]
[[io:Imam Khamenei]]
[[id:Ali Khamenei]]
[[it:Ali Khamenei]]
[[he:עלי ח'מנאי]]
[[hu:Ali Hámenei]]
[[mk:Али Хаменеи]]
[[ml:ആയത്തുല്ല അലി ഖാം‌നിഇ]]
[[ms:Ali Khamenei]]
[[nl:Ali Khamenei]]
[[ja:アリー・ハーメネイー]]
[[no:Ali Khamenei]]
[[pl:Ali Chamenei]]
[[pt:Ali Khamenei]]
[[ru:Хаменеи, Али]]
[[simple:Ali Khamenei]]
[[fi:Ali Khamenei]]
[[sv:Ali Khamenei]]
[[tl:Ali Khāmenei]]
[[tr:Ali Hamaney]]
[[zh:阿里·哈梅內伊]]

Ruhollah Khomeini

2009-02-12T08:53:31Z

John Cho:

{{POV|date=December 2007}}
{{Infobox President
| image=Imam Khomeini 08.jpg
| honorific-prefix= Ayatollah
| name = Ruhollah Musavi Khomeini
| birth_date = {{birth date|1902|9|24|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Khomein]], [[Markazi Province]], [[Persian Empire]]
| death_date = {{death date and age|1989|06|03|1902|09|21|df=y}}
| death_place = [[Tehran]], [[Iran]]
| spouse = [[Batoul Saqafi Khomeini]]
| children = [[Ahmad Khomeini|Ahmad]], Mustafa & others; grandchildren: [[Hassan Khomeini|Hassan]], [[Hussein Khomeini|Hussein]], [[Ali Khomeini]] & [[Ali Eshraghi|Ali]], [[Zahra Eshraghi|Zahra]], [[Atefeh Eshraghi]]
| office = 1st [[Supreme Leader of Iran]]
| term_start = 3 December 1979
| term_end = 3 June 1989
| Precedor = [[Mohammad Reza Pahlavi]]
| successor = [[Ali Khamenei]]
| religion = [[Usuli]] [[Twelver]] [[Shi'a Islam]]
}}
[[Sayyid]] '''Ruhollah Musavi Khomeini''' ([[Persian language|Persian]]: {{audio|Khomeini.ogg|روح الله موسوی خمینی }}, pronounced [{{IPA|ruːh-ol-lɑːh-e muːsæviː-je xomejniː}}])(24 September 1902<ref name="birth1">{{harvnb|DeFronzo|2007|p=286}}. "born 24 September 1902..."</ref><ref name="birth2">{{harvnb|Karsh|2007|p=220}}. "Born on 24 September 1902, into a devout small-town family, Khomeini..."</ref> – 3 June 1989) was an [[Iran]]ian religious leader and [[scholar]], [[politician]], and leader of the 1979 [[Iranian Revolution]] which saw the overthrow of [[Mohammad Reza Pahlavi]], the late [[Iranian monarchy|Shah]] of [[Iran]]. Following the revolution and a national referendum, Khomeini became the country's [[Supreme Leader]]—a position created in the constitution as the highest ranking political and religious authority of the nation, until his death.

Khomeini was a ''[[marja]]'' or ''[[Marja|marja al-taqlid]]'', ("source of emulation"), (also known as a [[Grand Ayatollah]]) in [[Twelver]] [[Shi'a]] Islam, but is most famous for his political role. In his writings and preachings he expanded the Shi'a [[Usuli]] theory of ''[[Guardianship of the jurists (doctrine)|velayat-e faqih]]'', the "guardianship of the jurisconsult (clerical authority)" to include theocratic political rule by Islamic jurists and to provide the theological basis for his rule of Iran.

Beloved by many Iranians, both his return from exile and his funeral were occasions of great emotional outpouring for millions. Abroad he was known for his support of the hostage takers during the [[Iranian hostage crisis]] <ref>[http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,923854,00.html The Mystic Who Lit The Fires of Hatred. 7 Jan 1980]</ref> and his fatwa calling for the death of British citizen [[Salman_Rushdie|Salman Rushdie]].<ref>Marzorati, Gerald, "Salman Rushdie: Fiction's Embattled Infidel", ''The New York Times Magazine'', January 29, 1989, quoted in Pipes, ''The Rushdie Affair'', (1990)</ref> The "virtual face of Islam in Western popular culture,"<ref name=nasr>Nasr, Vali, ''The Shia Revival,'' Norton, (2006), p.138</ref> Khomeini was named Man of the Year in 1979 by TIME magazine,<ref name=TIME_1979>TIME. "TIME Person of the Year 1979: Ayatullah Khomeini." 7 January 1980. Accessed 22 November 2008 at http://www.time.com/time/subscriber/personoftheyear/archive/stories/1979.html</ref> and became known outside of his supporters as a "fanatic whose judgments are harsh, reasoning bizarre and conclusions surreal"<ref name=TIME_1979/> who "inculcated fear and distrust towards Islam" during his reign.<ref name=nasr/>

Khomeini is usually known as "[[Imam]] Khomeini" inside Iran<ref>Moin, ''Khomeini'', (2001), p.201</ref> and "[[Ayatollah]] Khomeini" outside of Iran.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/khomeini_ayatollah.shtml ''BBC'': Historic Figures: Ayatollah Khomeini (1900-1989)]</ref>

==Early life==
[[Image:Ayatollah Khomeini young.jpg|thumb|right|upright|The young Khomeini]]
Ruhollah Musavi Khomeini was born to Mustafa Musawi<ref name="khoalgix">{{harvnb|Khomeini|Algar|2002|p=ix}}</ref> and Hajiyah Aga Khanum in the town of [[Khomein]],<ref name="moin2">{{harvnb|Moin|2000|p=2}}</ref> about 300 kilometers (180 miles) south of [[Tehran]], on<ref>Some sources place Khomeini's birth date on 17 May 1900, or another date in September 1902. See [http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9045329 Encyclopedia Britannica].</ref> September 24, 1902.<ref name="birth1" /><ref name="birth2" /> Khomeini is called a ''[[sayyid]]'' as his family traces its descent from the seventh of the [[Imamah (Shia doctrine)|Twelve Imams]], [[Musa al-Kazim]].<ref name="moin2" /><ref>[http://www.iranchamber.com/history/rkhomeini/ayatollah_khomeini.php Iran Chamber Society: Ayatollah Rouhollah Mousavi Khomeini (Imam Khomeini)]</ref> Several of his close ancestors were dedicated to Islamic studies: his father and both of his grandfathers were all [[Shia Islam|Shia]] clerics.<ref>{{harvnb|Moin|2000|pp=2-3}}</ref> Khomeini's paternal grandfather, [[Sayid Ahmad Musawi Hindi]], spent many years in [[India]] before returning to Persia to purchase a home in Khomein that his family would own until the late twentieth century.<ref name="khoalgix" /><ref>{{harvnb|Moin|2000|p=3}}. "Five years or so later, in 1839,... remain in his family for well over a century and a half."</ref>
<ref>{{harvnb|Karsh|2007|p=220}}. "...Khomeini lost his father when he was five months old."</ref> Khomeini's father was murdered when he was still an infant. Popular myth insists Khomeini's father was killed by [[Reza Shah]], however this Shah would not come to power for another twenty-six years. Many historians today believe his father may have been the victim of a local dispute.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=950DE5DC163CF937A35755C0A96F948260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=3 |publisher=The New York Times |date=[[1989-06-04]] |accessdate=2007-12-26 |title=Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, 89, the Unwavering Iranian Spiritual Leader |last=Anderson |first=Raymond H.}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Moin|2000|pp=6-8}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Daniel|2001|p=176}}. "His father was murdered... (in a dispute with a rival family..."</ref> Khomeini's mother and one of his aunts proceeded to raise him until 1918, when both of them died.<ref name="moin18">{{harvnb|Moin|2000|p=18}}</ref> Ruhollah Khomeini began to study the [[Qur'an]], [[Islam|Islam's]] holiest book, and elementary [[Persian language|Persian]] at age six.<ref name="rei311">{{harvnb|Reich|1990|p=311}}</ref> The following year, he began to attend a local school, where he learned mathematics, science, geography, and other traditional subjects.<ref name="moin18" /> Throughout his childhood, he would continue his religious and secular education with the assistance of his relatives, including his mother's cousin, Ja'far,<ref name="moin18" /> and his elder brother, Morteza Pasandideh.<ref name="mil85">{{harvnb|Milani|1994|p=85}}</ref>

After [[World War I]], arrangements were made for him to study at the Islamic seminary in [[Esfahan]], but he was attracted instead to the seminary in [[Arak, Iran|Arak]], under the leadership of [[Ayatollah]] [[Abdul Karim Haeri Yazdi]].<ref>{{harvnb|Moin|2000|p=22}}</ref> In 1920, Khomeini moved to Arak and commenced his studies.<ref>{{harvnb|Brumberg|2001|p=45}}. "By 1920, the year Khomeini moved to Arak..."</ref> The following year, Ayatollah Haeri Yazdi transferred the Islamic '''seminary''' to the holy city of [[Qom]], southwest of Tehran, and invited his students to follow. Khomeini accepted the invitation, moved,<ref name="mil85" /> and took up residence at the Dar al-Shafa school in Qom.<ref>{{harvnb|Moin|2000|p=28}}. "Khomeini's madraseh in Qom was known as the Dar al-Shafa..."</ref> Khomeini's studies included Islamic law (''[[sharia]]'') and jurisprudence (''[[fiqh]]'')<ref name="rei311" />, but by that time, Khomeini had also acquired an interest in poetry and philosophy (''[[irfan]]''). So, upon arriving in Qom, Khomeini sought the guidance of [[Mirza]] Ali Akbar Yazdi, a scholar of philosophy and mysticism. Yazdi died in 1924, but Khomeini would continue to pursue his interest in philosophy with two other teachers, Javad Aqa Maleki Tabrizi and Rafi'i Qazvini.<ref>{{harvnb|Moin|2000|p=42}}</ref><ref name="bru46">{{harvnb|Brumberg|2001|p=46}}</ref> However, perhaps Khomeini's biggest influences were yet another teacher, Mirza Muhammad 'Ali Shahabadi,<ref>{{harvnb|Rāhnamā|1994|pp=70-1}}</ref> and a variety of historic [[Sufism|Sufi]] [[mysticism|mystics]], including [[Mulla Sadra]] and [[Ibn Arabi]].<ref name="bru46" />

{{Infobox Muslim scholars
|notability = [[Muslim scholar]]
|era = [[Modern era]]
|color = #cef2e0
|name = '''Ruhollah Musawi Khomeini'''
|title= '''Imam Khomeini'''
|birth = 24 September 1902<ref name="birth1" /><ref name="birth2" />
|death = {{Death date and age|1989|6|3|1902|9|24}}|
|Maddhab = [[Shia Islam]]
|Region = [[Iran]]
|main_interests = [[Fiqh]], [[Irfan]], [[Islamic philosophy]], [[Islamic ethics]], [[Hadith]], [[politics]]
|notable idea= [[Guardianship of the Islamic Jurists]], [[Dynamic Fiqh]]
|works = [[Hokumat-e Islami : Velayat-e faqih (book by Khomeini)|Islamic Government]], [[Tahrir-ol-vasyleh]], [[Forty Hadith]], [[Adab as Salat]]
|influences = [[Mulla Sadra]], [[Abdol-Karim Haeri-Yazdi]], [[Hassan Modarres]], [[Mohammad-Ali Shah Abadi]]
|influenced = [[Mohammad Beheshti]], [[Hossein-Ali Montazeri]], [[Morteza Motahhari]], [[Ali Khamenei]], [[Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani|Akbar Hashemi]], [[Grand Ayatollah Fazel Lankarani|Fazel Lankarani]]
}}
Ruhollah Khomeini was a lecturer at Najaf and Qum seminaries for decades before he was known in the political scene. He soon became a leading scholar of Shia Islam.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/khomeini_ayatollah.shtml BBC - History - Ayatollah Khomeini (1900-1989)]</ref> He taught political philosophy<ref>[http://www.irib.ir/Occasions/hejrate%20imam-Kuwait/imam.en.HTM]</ref>, Islamic history and ethics. Several of his students (e.g. [[Morteza Motahari|Morteza Motahhari]]) later became leading Islamic philosophers and also ''marja.'' As a scholar and teacher, Khomeini produced numerous writings on Islamic philosophy, law, and ethics.<ref>[http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9045329/Ruhollah-Khomeini Ruhollah Khomeini - Britannica Online Encyclopedia]</ref> He showed an exceptional interest in subjects like [[philosophy]] and [[gnosticism]] that not only were usually absent from the curriculum of seminaries but were often an object of hostility and suspicion. <ref>[http://www.irib.ir/Occasions/imam%20khomeini/ImamKhomeini-en.HTM]</ref>

===Political aspects===
His seminary teaching often focused on the importance of religion to practical social and political issues of the day. He was the first Iranian cleric to try to refute the outspoken advocacy of secularism in the 1940s. His first book, ''Kashf al-Asrar'' (Uncovering of Secrets) <ref>[http://gemsofislamism.tripod.com/khomeini_works.html#answer_kashf_al-asrar Kashf al-Asrar]</ref>{{Verify credibility|date=January 2009}} published in 1942, was a point-by-point refutation of ''Asrar-e hazar salih'' (Secrets of a Thousand Years), a tract written by a disciple of Iran's leading anti-clerical historian, [[Ahmad Kasravi]].<ref>[http://www.bookrags.com/biography/ruhollah-musavi-khomeini-ayatollah/ Encyclopedia of World Biography on Ruhollah Musavi Khomeini, Ayatullah]</ref> In addition, he went from Qom to Tehran to listen to Ayatullah [[Hasan Mudarris]]- the leader of the opposition majority in [[Majlis of Iran|Iran's parliament]] during 1920s. Khomeini became a [[marja]] in 1963, following the death of Grand Ayatollah [[Seyyed Husayn Borujerdi]].

Khomeini held a moderate standpoint vis-à-vis [[Greek Philosophy]] and regarded [[Aristotle]] as the founder of logic.<ref name="autogenerated2">[http://www.imamreza.net/eng/imamreza.php?print=4250 Philosophy as Viewed by Ruhollah Khomeini]</ref> He was also influenced by [[Plato]]'s philosophy. About Plato he said: "In the field of divinity, he has grave and solid views ...". <ref> Kashful-Asrar, p. 33 by Ruhollah Khomeini (</ref> Among Islamic philosophers, Khomeini was mainly influenced by [[Avicenna]] and [[Mulla Sadra]].<ref name="autogenerated2" />

== Literature and Poetry ==
Apart from philosophy, Khomeini was also interested in literature and poetry. His poetry collection was released after his death. Beginning in his adolescent years, Khomeini composed mystic, political and social poetry.
<blockquote>"We" and "I" are both from reason
 That are used as ropes to bind
 In mass of those who are drunk
 Neither "I" is nor "We" to find<ref>[http://www.geocities.com/ahlulbayt14/khom-poem.html Imam Khomeini's Poems]</ref></blockquote>

His poetry works were published in three collections ''The Confidant,'' ''The Decanter of Love and Turning Point'' and ''Divan''.<ref>[http://www.irib.ir/Ouriran/imam/writing/html/en/page9.htm]</ref>

==Early political activity==
At the age of 61, Khomeini found the arena of leadership open following the deaths of Ayatollah Sayyed Husayn Borujerdi (1961), the leading, although quiescent, Shiite religious leader; and [[Ayatollah Abol-Ghasem Kashani]] (1962), an activist cleric. The clerical class had been on the defensive ever since the 1920s when the secular, anti-clerical modernizer [[Reza Shah]] Pahlavi rose to power. Reza's son [[Muhammad Reza Shah]], instituted a "[[White Revolution]]," which was a further challenge to the ulama.<ref>[http://www.bookrags.com/biography/ruhollah-musavi-khomeini-ayatollah/ Encyclopedia of World Biography on Ruhollah Musavi Khomeini, Ayatollah]</ref>

===Opposition to the White Revolution===
In January 1963, the Shah announced the "[[White Revolution]]," a six-point program of reform calling for [[land reform]], [[nationalization]] of the forests, the sale of state-owned enterprises to private interests, electoral changes to [[enfranchise]] women and allow non-Muslims to hold office, [[profit-sharing]] in industry, and a literacy campaign in the nation's schools. Some of these initiatives were regarded as dangerous, Westernizing trends by traditionalists, especially by the powerful and privileged Shi'a [[ulama]] (religious scholars).<ref>[http://www.nmhschool.org/tthornton/mehistorydatabase/arabisraeliwars.htm#white%20revolution]</ref>
[[Image:Imam Khomeini 39.jpg|thumb|150px|right|Khomeini and his son Mustafa]]
Ayatollah Khomeini summoned a meeting of the other senior [[marja]]s of Qom and persuaded them to decree a boycott of the referendum on the White Revolution. On January 22, 1963 Khomeini issued a strongly worded declaration denouncing the Shah and his plans. Two days later the Shah took an armored column to Qom, and delivered a speech harshly attacking the [[Ulema|ulama]] as a class.

Khomeini continued his denunciation of the Shah's programs, issuing a manifesto that bore the signatures of eight other senior Iranian [[Shia]] religious scholars. In it he listed the various ways in which the Shah had allegedly violated the constitution, condemned the spread of moral corruption in the country, and accused the Shah of submission to America and Israel. He also decreed that the [[Nowruz]] celebrations for the Iranian year 1342 (which fell on March 21, 1963) be canceled as a sign of protest against government policies.

On the afternoon of 'Ashura (June 3, 1963), Khomeini delivered a speech at the [[Feyziyeh]] [[madrasah]] drawing parallels between the infamous tyrant [[Yazid I|Yazid]] and the Shah, denouncing the Shah as a "wretched, miserable man," and warning him that if he did not change his ways the day would come when the people would offer up thanks for his departure from the country.<ref>[http://www.iranchamber.com/history/rkhomeini/ayatollah_khomeini.php], Moin, ''Khomeini,'' (2000), p. 104.</ref>

On June 5, 1963, (15 of [[Khordad]]), two days after this public denunciation of the [[Shah]] [[Mohammad Reza Pahlavi]], Khomeini was arrested. This sparked three days of major riots throughout Iran and led to the deaths of some 400. That event is now referred to as the [[Movement of 15 Khordad]].<ref>Moin, ''Khomeini,'' (2000), p. 112.</ref> Khomeini was kept under house arrest for 8 months and released in 1964.

===Opposition to capitulation===
During November 1964, Khomeini denounced both the Shah and the [[United States]], this time in response to the "capitulations" or diplomatic immunity granted by the Shah to American military personnel in Iran <ref name = "Khomeini">[http://www.irib.ir/worldservice/imam/speech/16.htm Khomeini's speech against capitalism], IRIB World Service.</ref> <ref name = "Shirley 1997 207">Shirley, ''Know Thine Enemy'' (1997), p. 207.</ref>. The famous "capitulation" law (or "status-of-forces agreement") would allow members of the U.S. armed forces in Iran to be tried in their own military courts. Khomeini was arrested in November 1964 and held for half a year. Upon his release, he was brought before Prime Minister [[Hassan-Ali Mansur|Hasan Ali Mansur,]] who tried to convince Khomeini that he should apologize and drop his opposition to the government. Khomeini refused. In fury, Mansur slapped Khomeini's face.<ref name="The Unknown Ayatullah Khomeini">[http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,920508-5,00.html. The Unknown Ayatullah Khomeini - TIME]</ref> Two weeks later, Mansur was assassinated on his way to parliament. Four members of the [[Fadayan-e Islam]] were later executed for the murder.

Advisers to the Shah recommended executing the ayatollah, perhaps an accidental death. The Shah refused and sent Khomeini into exile to [[Iraq]]. "Former royalist officials now living in [[London]], [[Paris]] and [[Los Angeles]] still grumble about the decision not to kill Khomeini in 1964."<ref>Molavi, Afshin, ''The Soul of Iran,'' Norton (2005), p. 250.</ref>

==Life in exile==
[[Image:Imam Khomeini - has exiled.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Khomeini in his Exile]]
[[Image:Imam in exile.jpg|thumb|left|Khomeini at [[Neauphle-le-Chateau]]]]
Khomeini spent more than 14 years in exile, mostly in the holy Shia city of [[Najaf]], [[Iraq]]. Initially he was sent to [[Turkey]] on 4 November 1964 where he stayed in the city of [[Bursa]] for less than a year. He was hosted by a colonel in Turkish Military Intelligence named [[Ali Cetiner]] in his own residence, who couldn't find another accommodation alternative for his stay at the time.<ref>[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E06E0D9153EF934A1575BC0A9669C8B63&sec=&pagewanted=all nyt.com The People's Shah]</ref> Later in October 1965 he was allowed to move to [[Najaf|Najaf, Iraq]], where he stayed until being forced to leave in 1978, after then-Vice President [[Saddam Hussein]] forced him out (the two countries would fight a bitter eight year war 1980-1988 only a year after the two reached power in 1979) after which he went to [[Neauphle-le-Château]] in [[France]] on a [[tourist visa]], apparently not seeking [[political asylum]], where he stayed for four months. According to [[Alexandre de Marenches]], chief of [[Service de Documentation Extérieure et de Contre-Espionnage|External Documentation and Counter-Espionage Service]] (now known as the [[DGSE]]), France would have suggested to the shah to "organize a fatal accident for Khomeini"; the shah declined the assassination offer, as that would have made Khomeini a martyr.

By the late 1960s, Khomeini was a [[marja]]-e taqlid (model for imitation) for "hundreds of thousands" of Shia, one of six or so models in the Shia world.<ref>Mottahedeh, Roy, ''The Mantle of the Prophet : Religion and Politics in Iran'', One World, Oxford, 1985, 2000, p.246</ref>

While in the 1940s Khomeini accepted the idea of a limited monarchy under the Iranian Constitution of 1906-1907 — as evidenced by his book Kashf al-Asrar — by the 1970s he rejected the idea.

In early 1970, Khomeini gave a series of lectures in Najaf on Islamic government, later published as a book titled variously ''Islamic Government'' or ''Islamic Government: Authority of the Jurist'' (''[[Hokumat-e Islami : Velayat-e faqih (book by Khomeini)|Hokumat-e Islami: Velayat-e faqih]]'').
{{Mainarticle|Hokumat-e Islami : Velayat-e faqih (book by Khomeini)}}
This was his most famous and influential work, and laid out his ideas on governance (at that time):

*That the laws of society should be made up only of the laws of God (''[[Sharia]]''), which cover "all human affairs" and "provide instruction and establish norms" for every "topic" in "human life." <ref>''Islam and Revolution'' (1981), pp. 29-30.</ref>

*Since ''Shariah,'' or Islamic law, is the proper law, those holding government posts should have knowledge of ''Sharia.'' Since Islamic jurists or faqih have studied and are the most knowledgeable in ''Sharia,'' the country's ruler should be a ''[[faqih]]'' who "surpasses all others in knowledge" of Islamic law and justice,<ref>''Islam and Revolution'' (1981), p. 59.</ref> (known as a [[Marja al-taqlid|marja`]]), as well as having intelligence and administrative ability. Rule by monarchs and/or assemblies of "those claiming to be representatives of the majority of the people" (i.e. elected parliaments and legislatures) has been proclaimed "wrong" by Islam.<ref>''Islam and Revolution'', (1981), p.31, 56</ref>

*This system of clerical rule is necessary to prevent injustice, corruption, oppression by the powerful over the poor and weak, innovation and deviation of Islam and Sharia law; and also to destroy anti-Islamic influence and conspiracies by non-Muslim foreign powers. <ref>''Islam and Revolution'' (1981), p.54.</ref>

A modified form of this [[Guardianship of the jurists (doctrine)|wilayat al-faqih]] system was adopted after Khomeini and his followers took power, and Khomeini was the Islamic Republic's first "Guardian" or ''[[Supreme Leader]]''.
[[Image:Khomeini Paris.JPG|right|thumb|200px|Khomeini in Turkey where it is prohibited to wear a religious turban in government institutions]]
In the meantime, however, Khomeini was careful not to publicize his ideas for clerical rule outside of his Islamic network of opposition to the Shah which he worked to build and strengthen over the next decade.

In Iran, a number of actions of the shah including his repression of opponents began to build opposition to his regime.
{{see|Iranian Revolution#1970s: Pre-revolutionary conditions and events inside Iran}}
Cassette copies of his lectures fiercely denouncing the Shah as (for example) "... the Jewish agent, the American snake whose head must be smashed with a stone", <ref>Khomeini on a cassette tape [source: Gozideh Payam-ha Imam Khomeini (Selections of Imam Khomeini’s Messages), Tehran, 1979, (Taheri, ''The Spirit of Allah,'' (1985), p.193)</ref> became common items in the markets of Iran, <ref>Parviz Sabeti, head of SAVAK's `anti-subversion unit`, believed the number of cassettes "exceeded 100,000." (Taheri, ''The Spirit of Allah,'' (1985), p.193)</ref> helped to demythologize the power and dignity of the Shah and his reign. Aware of the importance of broadening his base, Khomeini reached out to Islamic reformist and secular enemies of the Shah, despite his long-term ideological incompatibility with them.

After the 1977 death of Dr. [[Ali Shariati]] (an Islamic reformist and political revolutionary author/academic/philosopher who greatly popularized the Islamic revival among young educated Iranians), Khomeini became the most influential leader of the opposition to the Shah. He was perceived by many Iranians as the spiritual, if not political, leader of revolt. Adding to his mystique was the circulation among Iranians in the 1970s of "an old Shia saying attributed to the Imam Musa al-Kadhem." Prior to his death in 799, al-Kadhem was said to have prophesied that `A man will come out from Qom and he will summon people to the right path. <ref>Mackay, ''Iranians'' (1996), p.277; source: Quoted in Fouad Ajami, ''The Vanished Imam: Musa al Sadr and the Shia of Lebanon'' (Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 1986), p.25</ref> In late 1978, a rumour swept the country that Khomeini's face could be seen in the full moon. Millions of people were said to have seen it and the event was celebrated in thousands of mosques.<ref>Taheri, ''The Spirit of Allah'', p.238, see also Harney, ''The Priest'' (1998)</ref>

As protest grew so did his profile and importance. Although thousands of kilometers away from Iran in Paris, Khomeini set the course of the revolution, urging Iranians not to compromise and ordering work stoppages against the regime.<ref>Harney, ''The Priest'' (1998), p.? </ref> During the last few months of his exile, Khomeini received a constant stream of reporters, supporters, and notables, eager to hear the spiritual leader of the revolution.<ref>Moin, ''Khomeini,'' (2000), p.203</ref>

==Supreme leader of Islamic Republic of Iran==
=== Return to Iran ===
[[Image:Imam Khomeini in Mehrabad.jpg|thumbnail|250px|Arrival of Khomeini on February 1, 1979 When asked about his feelings of returning from exile in the plane, he replied that he had none.]]
{{main|Iranian Revolution}}

Khomeini had refused to return to Iran until the Shah left. On January 16, 1979, the Shah did leave the country (ostensibly "on vacation"), never to return. Two weeks later, on Thursday, February 1, 1979, Khomeini returned in triumph to [[Iran]], welcomed by a joyous crowd estimated at at least six million by [[ABC News]] reporter [[Peter Jennings]], who was reporting the event from Tehran.

On the airplane on his way to Iran, Khomeini was asked by reporter Peter Jennings: "What do you feel in returning to Iran?" Khomeini answered "''Hichi''" (nothing) <ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPpB-r5mMCI Hichi !!!]</ref>. This statement was considered reflective of his mystical or puritanical belief that ''[[Divisions of the world in Islam#Dar al-Islam|Dar al-Islam]]'', rather than the motherland, was what mattered, and also a warning to Iranians who hoped he would be a "mainstream nationalist leader" that they were in for disappointment.<ref>Moin, ''Khomeini,'' (2001), p.199 </ref>

Khomeini adamantly opposed the provisional government of [[Shapour Bakhtiar]], promising "I shall kick their teeth in. I appoint the government. I appoint the government by support of this nation."`<ref>Taheri, ''The Spirit of Allah,'' (1985), p.241</ref><ref>[http://www.aviny.com/News/82/11/12/03.aspx امروز در آینه تاریخ]</ref> On February 11 [(Bahman 22)], Khomeini appointed his own competing interim prime minister, [[Mehdi Bazargan]], demanding, "since I have appointed him, he must be obeyed." It was "God's government," he warned, disobedience against which was a "revolt against God."<ref>Moin ''Khomeini,'' (2000), p.204</ref>

===Establishment of new government===
As Khomeini's movement gained momentum soldiers began to defect to his side, and Khomeini declared jihad on soldiers who did not surrender. <ref>Moin, ''Khomeini'', (2000), p.205-6</ref> On February 11 [(Bahman 22)], as revolt spread and armories were taken over, the military declared neutrality and the Bakhtiar regime collapsed.<ref>Moin, ''Khomeini'', (2000), p.206</ref> On March 30, 1979, and March 31, 1979, a referendum to replace the monarchy with an Islamic Republic passed with 98% voting yes (sic). <ref name = "Britannica">[http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-32981 Encyclopædia Britannica].</ref>

===Islamic constitution===
Although revolutionaries were now in charge and Khomeini was their leader, several secular and religious were unaware of Khomeini's plan for Islamic government by ''wilayat al-faqih,'' which involved rule by a [[marja|marja`]] Islamic cleric.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/269799.stm World: Middle East Analysis: The forces for change]</ref> This provisional constitution for the Islamic Republic did not include the post of supreme Islamic clerical ruler.<ref>Schirazi, Asghar, ''The Constitution of Iran'', (Tauris, 1997) p.22-3</ref><ref>[http://gemsofislamism.tripod.com/khomeini_promises_kept.html#Islamic_Clerics Khomeini's REVERSALS of Promises]</ref>{{Verify source|date=October 2008}}

Khomeini and his supporters worked to suppress some former allies and rewrote the proposed constitution. Some newspapers were closed, and those protesting the closings were attacked.<ref>Moin ''Khomeini'', (2000), p.219</ref> Opposition groups such as the National Democratic Front and Muslim People's Republican Party were attacked and finally banned.<ref>Bakhash, Shaul ''The Reign of the Ayatollahs'' p.68-9</ref> Through popular support and with charges of questionable balloting, Khomeini supporters gained an overwhelming majority of the seats of the Assembly of Experts<ref>Schirazi, ''Constitution of Iran'' Tauris, 1997 p.22-3</ref> which revised the proposed constitution. The newly proposed constitution included an Islamic jurist [[Supreme Leader]] of the country, and a [[Council of Guardians]] to veto un-Islamic legislation and screen candidates for office, disqualifying those found un-Islamic.

In November 1979, the new constitution of the Islamic Republic was adopted by national referendum.<ref>[http://www.nyulawglobal.org/globalex/iran.htm Omar Sial: A Guide to the Legal System of the Islamic Republic of Iran]</ref> Khomeini himself became instituted as the [[Supreme Leader]] (supreme jurist ruler), and officially became known as the ''"Leader of the Revolution."'' On February 4, 1980, [[Abolhassan Banisadr]] was elected as the first president of Iran.

=== Hostage crisis ===
{{main|Iran hostage crisis}}

On 22 October 1979 the United States admitted the exiled and ailing Shah into the country for cancer treatment. In Iran there was an immediate outcry with both Khomeini and leftist groups demanding the Shah's return to Iran for trial and execution. Revolutionaries were reminded of [[Operation Ajax]], 26 years earlier when the Shah fled abroad while American CIA and British intelligence organized a [[coup d'état]] to overthrow his nationalist opponent.

On 4 November, Islamist students calling themselves [[Muslim Student Followers of the Imam's Line]] took control of the American Embassy in Tehran, holding 52 embassy staff hostage for 444 days - an event known as the [[Iran hostage crisis]]. In America, the hostage-taking was seen as a flagrant violation of international law and aroused intense anger and anti-Iranian feeling.<ref>[http://www.newstatesman.com/asia/2008/09/iran-ahmadinejad-government "Inside Iran", Maziar Bahari, Published 11 September 2008]</ref><ref>Bowden, Mark, ''Guests of the Ayatollah'', Atlantic Monthly Press, (2006)</ref> In Iran the takeover was immensely popular and earned the support of Khomeini under the slogan "America can't do a damn thing against us." <ref>p.105, ''Reading Lolita in Tehran : a Memoir in Books'' by Azar Nafisi</ref> The seizure helped to advance the cause of theocratic government and outflank politicians and groups who emphasized stability and normalized relations with other countries. Khomeini is reported to have told his president: "This action has many benefits ... this has united our people. Our opponents do not dare act against us. We can put the constitution to the people's vote without difficulty, and carry out presidential and parliamentary elections." <ref name="autogenerated1">Moin, ''Khomeini,'' (2000), p.228</ref> The new theocratic constitution was successfully passed by referendum a month after the hostage crisis began. The effect was the splitting of the opposition into two groups - radicals supporting the hostage taking, and the moderates who opposed it.<ref>Example of anti-theocratic support for the hostage crisis in Nafisi, Azar, ''Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books'', Random House, 2003, p.105-6, 112</ref><ref name="autogenerated1" /> On February 23, 1980, Khomeini proclaimed Iran's [[Majlis]] would decide the fate of the American embassy hostages, and demanded that the United States hand over the Shah for trial in Iran for crimes against the nation. Although the Shah died a few months later, during the summer, the crisis continued. In Iran, supporters of Khomeini named the embassy a "[[Den of Espionage]]", publicizing details regarding armaments, espionage equipment and many volumes of official and classified documents which they found there.

===Relationship with other Islamic and non-aligned countries===
Khomeini believed in Muslim unity and solidarity and the export of Islamic revolution throughout the world. "Establishing the Islamic state world-wide belong to the great goals of the revolution." <ref>(''Resalat'', 25.3.1988) (quoted on p.69, ''The Constitution of Iran'' by Asghar Schirazi, Tauris, 1997</ref> He declared the birth week of [[Muhammad]] (the week between 12th to 17th of [[Rabi' al-awwal]]) as the ''Unity week''. Then he declared the last Friday of [[Ramadan]] as [[International Day of Quds]] in 1979.

Despite his devotion to Islam, Khomeini also emphasized international revolutionary solidarity, expressing support for the PLO, the IRA, Cuba, and the South African anti-apartheid struggle.

===Iran–Iraq War===
{{main|Iran–Iraq War}}
Shortly after assuming power, Khomeini began calling for Islamic revolutions across the [[Islamic world|Muslim world]], including Iran's Arab neighbor Iraq,<ref>1980 April 8 - Broadcast call by Khomeini for the pious of Iraq to overthrow Saddam and his regime. Al-Dawa al-Islamiya party in Iraqi is the hoped for catalyst to start rebellion. From: Mackey, ''The Iranians'', (1996), p.317</ref> the one large state besides Iran with a Shia majority population. At the same time [[Saddam Hussein]], [[Iraq]]'s secular Arab nationalist [[Baath Party|Ba'athist]] leader, was eager to take advantage of Iran's weakened military and (what he assumed was) revolutionary chaos, and in particular to occupy Iran's adjacent oil-rich province of [[Khuzestan Province|Khuzestan]], and, of course, to undermine Iranian Islamic revolutionary attempts to incite the Shi'a majority of his country.

With what many Iranians believe was the encouragement of the [[United States]], [[Saudi Arabia]] and other countries, in September 1980 Iraq launched a full scale invasion of Iran, starting what would become the eight-year-long [[Iran–Iraq War]] (September 1980 - August 1988). A combination of fierce resistance by Iranians and military incompetence by Iraqi forces soon stalled the Iraqi advance and by early 1982 Iran regained almost all the territory lost to the invasion. The invasion rallied Iranians behind the new regime, enhancing Khomeini's stature and allowed him to consolidate and stabilize his leadership. After this reversal, Khomeini refused an Iraqi offer of a truce, instead demanding reparation and toppling of [[Saddam Hussein]] from power.<ref>Wright, ''In the Name of God,'' (1989), p.126 </ref><ref>Time Magazine [http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,950688,00.html]</ref><ref>The Iran–Iraq War: Strategy of Stalemate [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/report/1985/SRE.htm]</ref>

Although Iran's population and economy were three times the size of Iraq's, that country was aided by Western and Soviet countries with whatever help it needed against Iran. Outside powers supplied arms to both sides during the war, but the [[Western world|West]] wanted to be sure the Islamic revolution did not spread to Iran's smaller oil-exporting neighbors in the oil rich Persian Gulf.

The war continued for another six years, its costs mounting. 1988 saw deadly month-long Iraqi missile attacks on Tehran, mounting economic problems, the demoralization of Iranian troops, attacks by the American Navy on Iranian ships and oil rigs in the Persian Gulf, and the recapture by Iraq of the Faw penninsula.
In July of that year, Khomeini, in his words, “drank the cup of poison” and accepted a truce mediated by the United Nations. Despite the high cost of the war - 450,000 to 950,000 Iranian casualties and USD $300 billion<ref>(estimate by Iranian officials) Moin, ''Khomeini'', (2000), p.252</ref> - Khomeini insisted that the pursuit of overthrow of Saddam had not been a mistake. In a `Letter to Clergy` he wrote: `... we do not repent, nor are we sorry for even a single moment for our performance during the war. Have we forgotten that we fought to fulfill our religious duty and that the result is a marginal issue?`<ref>Moin, ''Khomeini,'' (2000), p.285</ref>

===Rushdie fatwa===
{{main|The Satanic Verses controversy}}
In early 1989, Khomeini issued a [[fatwa]] calling for the [[The Satanic Verses controversy|assassination of Salman Rushdie]], an India-born British author. Khomeini claimed that Rushdie's assassination was a religious duty for Muslims because of his alleged [[blasphemy]] against [[Muhammad]] in his novel, ''[[The Satanic Verses]]'', published in 1988. Rushdie's book contains passages that many Muslims – including Ayatollah Khomeini – considered offensive to [[Islam]] and the prophet, but the fatwa has also been attacked for violating the rules of [[fiqh]] by not allowing the accused an opportunity to defend himself, and because "even the most rigorous and extreme of the classical jurist only require a Muslim to kill anyone who insults the Prophet in his hearing and in his presence."<ref>Bernard Lewis's comment on Rushdie fatwa in ''The Crisis of Islam'' (2003) by Bernard Lewis, p.141-2</ref>

Though Rushdie publicly apologized, the fatwa was not revoked. Khomeini explained,
<blockquote>
Even if Salman Rushdie repents and becomes the most pious man of all time, it is incumbent on every Muslim to employ everything he has got, his life and wealth, to send him to Hell. <ref>Moin, ''Khomeini'', (2000), p.284 </ref></blockquote>
Rushdie himself was not killed but [[Hitoshi Igarashi]], the Japanese translator of the book ''[[The Satanic Verses controversy|The Satanic Verses]]'', was murdered and two other translators of the book survived attempted assassinations. <ref>"[http://web.archive.org/web/20020602193856/http://www.nytimes.com/books/99/04/18/specials/rushdie-translator.html Japanese Translator of Rushdie Book Found Slain]", WEISMAN, Steven R. www.nytimes.com, July 13 1991.</ref>

==Life under Khomeini==
{{POV-section|date=December 2007}}
{{Twelvers}}
In a speech given to a huge crowd after returning to Iran from exile February 1, 1979, Khomeini made a variety of promises to Iranians for his coming Islamic regime: A popularly elected government that would represent the people of Iran and with which the clergy would not interfere. He promised that “no one should remain homeless in this country,” and that Iranians would have free telephone, heating, electricity, bus services and free oil at their doorstep. While many changes came to Iran under Khomeini, these promises have yet to be fulfilled in the Islamic Republic.{{Fact|date=November 2008}}<ref>"Khomeini the populist politician had ... made rash and simplistic promises to the dispossessed - that the government would provide homes for the poor throughout the country, or that everyone would have free water and electricity." (Does not specifically mention the speech at Beheshte Zahra Cemetery.) Moin, Baqer, ''Khomeini'', (2000), p.258)</ref>

Under Khomeini's rule, [[Sharia]] (Islamic law) was introduced, with the Islamic dress code enforced for both men and women by [[Islamic Revolutionary Guards]] and other Islamic groups<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/intell/world/iran/basij.htm Gobal Security, Intelligence: Niruyeh Moghavemat Basij - Mobilisation Resistance Force]</ref> Women were required to cover their hair, and men were not allowed to wear shorts. Alcoholic drinks, most Western movies, the practice of men and women swimming or sunbathing together were banned.<ref>"Khomeini bans broadcast music", ''New York Times'', July 24, 1979</ref> The Iranian educational curriculum was Islamized at all levels with the [[Islamic Cultural Revolution]]; the "[[Committee for Islamization of Universities]]"<ref>[http://www.iranculture.org/en/about/tarikh.php Secretariat of the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution. Brief history of the SCCR]</ref> carried this out thoroughly. The broadcasting of any music other than martial or religious on Iranian radio and television was banned by Khomeini on July 1979.<ref>"Khomeini bans broadcast music", ''New York Times'', July 24, 1979</ref> The ban lasted 10 year (approximately the rest of his life). <ref> The ban started with the revolution and lasted 10 years. [http://www.iranian.com/History/2001/September/BBC/ Hossein Shahidi. 'BBC Persian Service 60 years on.'] The Iranian. September 24, 2001</ref>

=== Emigration and economy ===
Khomeini is said to have stressed "the spiritual over the material".<ref name="Sorenson"/> <ref>(Brumberg, ''Reinventing Khomeini'' (2001), p.125)</ref> Six months after his first speech he expressed exasperation with complaints about the sharp drop in Iran's standard of living, : `I cannot believe that the purpose of all these sacrifices was to have less expensive melons` <ref>(Khomeini July 1979) [quoted in ''The Government of God'' p.111. "see the FBIS for typical broadcasts, especially GBIS-MEA-79-L30, July 5, 1979 v.5 n.130, reporting broadcasts of the National Voice of Iran.]</ref> On another occasion emphasizing the importance of martyrdom over material prosperity: "Could anyone wish his child to be martyred to obtain a good house? This is not the issue. The issue is another world." <ref>(Brumberg, ''Reinventing Khomeini'' (2001), p.125)(p.124-5 source: `Khomeini to the Craftsmen` broadcast on Teheran Domestic Service 13 December 1979, FBIS-MEA-79-242)</ref> He is also reportedly famous for answering a question about his economic policies by declaring that `economics is for donkeys`.<ref>Nasr, Vali, ''The Shia Revival'', (2006), p.134</ref> This low opinion of economics is said to be "one factor explaining the inchoate performance of the Iranian economy since the revolution."<ref name="Sorenson">[http://books.google.com/books?id=Zrpmm4120OUC&pg=PA206&lpg=PA206&dq=%22economics+is+for+donkeys%22+khomeini&source=web&ots=b_7a0AQJiF&sig=H1TReBjJt9K9LZjItsnjFCPBFQs&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=4&ct=result An Introduction to the Modern Middle East, By David S. Sorenson]</ref> Another factor was the long War with Iraq, whose cost led to government debt and inflation, eroding personal incomes, and unprecedented unemployment.<ref>Moin, Baqer, ''Khomeini'', (2000), p.267</ref>

While Iran became more strict Islamically under Khomeini, absolute poverty rose by nearly 45% during the first 6 years of his rule. <ref> Based on the government's own Planning and Budget Organization statistics, from: Jahangir Amuzegar, `The Iranian Economy before and after the Revolution,` ''Middle East Journal'' 46, n.3 (summer 1992): 421)</ref> Emigration from Iran also developed, reportedly for the first time that country's history.<ref>Ebadi, Shirin, ''Iran Awakening : A Memoir of Revolution and Hope'' by Shirin Ebadi with Azadeh Moaveni, Random House, 2006, p.78-9</ref> Since the revolution, an estimated "two to four million entrepreneurs, professionals, technicians, and skilled craftspeople (and their capital)" have emigrated to other countries. <ref>[http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/templateC04.php?CID=23 ''Iran's Economic Morass: Mismanagement and Decline under the Islamic Republic''] ISBN 0-944029-67-1</ref> <ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6240287.stm Huge cost of Iranian brain drain By Frances Harrison]</ref>

===Suppression of enemies and opposition===
Opposition to the religious rule of the clergy or [[Islam]]ic government in general was often met with harsh punishments. In a talk at the Fayzieah School in Qom, August 30, 1979, Khomeini warned opponents: "Those who are trying to bring corruption and destruction to our country in the name of democracy will be oppressed. They are worse than [[Banu Qurayza|Bani-Ghorizeh]] Jews, and they must be hanged. We will oppress them by God's order and God's call to prayer."<ref>[http://www.iranian.com/Opinion/2003/August/Khomeini/ Democracy? I meant theocracy By Dr. Jalal Matini, ''The Iranian'', August 5, 2003]</ref>

The Shah [[Mohammad Reza Pahlavi]] and his family left Iran and escaped harm, but hundreds of former members of the overthrown monarchy and military met their end in firing squads, with critics complaining of "secrecy, vagueness of the charges, the absence of defense lawyers or juries", or the opportunity of the accused "to defend themselves." <ref>Bakhash, ''The Reign of the Ayatollahs'' (1984), p.61</ref> In later years these were followed in larger numbers by the erstwhile revolutionary allies of Khomeini's movement -- Marxists and socialists, mostly university students -- who opposed the theocratic regime. <ref>Bakhash, ''The Reign of the Ayatollahs,'' (1984), p.111</ref>

In the [[1988 massacre of Iranian prisoners]], following the [[People's Mujahedin of Iran]] operation Forough-e Javidan against the Islamic Republic, Khomeini issued an order to judicial officials to judge every Iranian political prisoner and kill those who would not repent anti-regime activities. Estimates of the number executed vary from 1,400 <ref>[http://www.holycrime.com/Images/Listof1367Massacre.pdf Massacre 1988 (Pdf)]</ref> to 30,000.<ref>[http://www.iranfocus.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=160 Memories of a slaughter in Iran]</ref><ref>[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2001/02/04/wiran04.xml Khomeini fatwa 'led to killing of 30,000 in Iran']</ref><ref> [http://www.daneshjooyan.org/english/article/130403a.html ''The Millimeter Revolution'' By ELIZABETH RUBIN ].</ref>

Although many hoped the revolution would bring freedom of speech and press, this was not to be. In defending forced closing of opposition newspapers and attacks on opposition protesters by club-wielding vigilantes, Khomeini explained, `The club of the pen and the club of the tongue is the worst of clubs, whose corruption is a 100 times greater than other clubs.` <REF>Bakhash, ''The Reign of the Ayatollahs'' (1984), p.146 </REF>

===Minority religions===
Life for religious minorities was mixed under Khomeini. Non-Muslim religious minorities no longer had equal rights. Senior government posts are reserved for Muslims. Schools set up by Jewish, Christian and Zoroastrian must be run by Muslim principals.<ref> Wright, ''The Last Great Revolution,'' (2000), p.210</ref> Compensation for death paid to the family of a non-Muslim was (by law) less than if the victim was a Muslim. Conversion to Islam is encouraged by entitling converts to inherit the entire share of their parents (or even uncle's) estate if their siblings (or cousins) remain non-Muslim.<ref> Wright, ''The Last Great Revolution,'' (2000), p.216</ref> Iran's non-Muslim population has fallen dramatically. For example, the Jewish population in Iran dropped from 80,000 to 30,000 in the first two decades of the revolution.<ref> Wright, ''The Last Great Revolution,'' (2000), p.207</ref>

However, four of the 270 seats in parliament are reserved for three non-Islamic minority religions, under the Islamic constitution that Khomeini oversaw. Khomeini also has called for unity between Sunni and Shi'a Muslims (Sunni Muslims are the largest religious minority in Iran).<ref>"4% belong to the Sunni branch", http://www.iranonline.com/iran/iran-info/people/index.html</ref>

Prerevolutionary statements by Khomeini had been antagonistic towards Jews, but shortly after his return from exile in 1979, he issued a fatwa ordering that [[Jew]]s and other minorities (except [[Bahá'í Faith|Baha'is]]) be treated well. <ref>Wright, ''Last Revolution'' (2000), p.207</ref> <ref>[http://www.sephardicstudies.org/iran.html IRAN: Life of Jews Living in Iran]</ref> In power, Khomeini distinguished between [[Zionism]] as a secular political party that employs Jewish symbols and ideals and [[Judaism]] as the religion of [[Moses]].<ref> R. Khomeini `The Report Card on Jews Differs from That on the Zionists,` ''Ettelaat'', 11 May 1979]</ref>

Unlike the other non-Muslims in Iran, the 300,000 members of the [[Bahá'í Faith]], are actively harassed. "Some 200 of whom have been executed and the rest forced to convert or subjected to the most horrendous disabilities." <ref>''Turban for the Crown : The Islamic Revolution in Iran'', by Said Amir Arjomand, Oxford University Press, 1988, p.169</ref>
Starting in late 1979 the new government systematically targeted the leadership of the Bahá'í community by focusing on the Bahá'í [[Spiritual Assembly#National Spiritual Assemblies|National Spiritual Assembly]] (NSA) and [[Spiritual Assembly#Local Spiritual Assemblies|Local Spiritual Assemblies]] (LSAs); prominent members of NSAs and LSAs were either killed or disappeared.<ref name="ihrdc">{{cite web | author= Iran Human Rights Documentation Center | publisher = Iran Human Rights Documentation Center | title= A Faith Denied: The Persecution of the Baha'is of Iran | year= 2007 | accessdate = 2007-10-06|url=http://www.iranhrdc.org/english/pdfs/Reports/bahai_report.pdf|format=PDF}}</ref>
Like most conservative Muslims, Khomeini believed Bahá'í to be apostates, <ref>for example issuing a fatwa stating:
<blockquote>It is not acceptable that a tributary [non-Muslim who pays tribute] changes his religion to another religion not recognized by the followers of the previous religion. For example, from the Jews who become Bahai's nothing is accepted except Islam or execution. from Poll Tax, 8. Tributary conditions, (13), ''Tahrir al-Vasileh,'' volume 2, pp. 497-507, Quoted in ''A Clarification of Questions : An Unabridged Translation of Resaleh Towzih al-Masael''
by Ayatollah Sayyed Ruhollah Mousavi Khomeini, Westview Press/ Boulder and London, c1984, p.432 </ref></blockquote>
He claimed they were a political rather than a religious movement,<ref>{{cite journal | first = James | last = Cockroft | date = 1979-02-23 | journal = Seven Days}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | date= 1979-02-13 | title = U.S. Jews Hold Talks With Khomeini Aide on Outlook for Rights | work = [[New York Times|The New York Times]]}}</ref>
declaring:
<blockquote>the Baha'is are not a sect but a party, which was previously supported by Britain and now the United States. The Baha'is are also spies just like the [[Tudeh]] [Communist Party]. <ref>source: ''Kayhan International'', May 30, 1983; see also Firuz Kazemzadeh, `The Terror Facing the Baha'is` ''New York Review of Books'', 1982, 29 (8): 43-44.]</ref>
</blockquote>

{{Main|Persecution of Bahá'ís}}

== Death and funeral ==
[[Image:AyatullahKhomeiniMosque.jpg|thumb|right|Mausoleum of Khomeini in Tehran]]
After eleven days in a hospital for an operation to stop internal bleeding, Khomeini died of a heart attack on Saturday, June 3, 1989, at the age of 86. <ref>{{Spencer, William. The Middle East. Global Studies Series. Eleventh Edition]June 2007}}</ref> Iranians poured out into the cities and streets to mourn Khomeini's death in a "completely spontaneous and unorchestrated outpouring of grief." <ref>Moin, ''Khomeini'' (2000), p.312</ref>
<blockquote>Despite the hundred-degree heat, crushing mobs created an impassable sea of black for miles as they wailed, chanted and rhythmically beat themselves in anguish ... As the hours passed, fire trucks had to be brought in to spray water on the crowd to provide relief from the heat, while helicopters were flown in to ferry the eight killed and more than four hundred injured ... " <ref>''In the Name of God : The Khomeini Decade'' by Robin Wright, (1989), p.204</ref></blockquote>
Two million people attended his funeral<ref>http://www.everyculture.com/wc/Germany-to-Jamaica/Iranians.html</ref>. Iranian officials aborted Khomeini’s first funeral, after a large crowd stormed the funeral procession, nearly destroying Khomeini's wooden coffin in order to get a last glimpse of his body. At one point, Khomeini's body actually almost fell to the ground, as the crowd attempted to grab pieces of the death shroud. The second funeral was held under much tighter security. Khomeini's casket was made of steel, and heavily armed security personnel surrounded it. In accordance with Islamic tradition, the casket was only to carry the body to the burial site. [[Mausoleum of Khomeini|Khomeini's grave]] is now housed within a larger mausoleum complex.

===Successorship===
Grand Ayatollah [[Hossein Montazeri]], a major figure of the Revolution, was designated by Khomeini to be his successor as Supreme Leader. The principle of ''[[Guardianship of the jurists (doctrine)|velayat-e faqih]]'' and the Islamic constitution called for the Supreme Ruler to be a ''[[marja]]'' or grand ayatollah, and of the dozen or so grand ayatollahs living in 1981 only Montazeri accepted the concept of rule by Islamic jurist.<ref>[http://gemsofislamism.tripod.com/khomeini_promises_kept.html#ref_58d The Islamic Republic Will Be Run By the Most Learned Jurist]</ref>{{Verify credibility|date=January 2009}} In 1989 Montazeri began to call for liberalization, freedom for political parties. Following the execution of thousands of political prisoners by the Islamic government, Montazeri told Khomeini `your prisons are far worse than those of the Shah and his SAVAK.`<ref>Ahmad Khomeini’s letter, in Resalat, cited in The Reign of the Ayatollahs: Iran and the Islamic Revolution, rev. ed. by Shaul Bakhash, p.282 </ref> After a letter of his complaints was leaked to Europe and broadcast on the BBC a furious Khomeini ousted him from his position as official successor.

Writers in the West report that the amendment made to Iran's constitution removing the requirement that the [[Supreme Leader]] to be a [[Marja]], was to deal with the problem of a lack of any remaining [[Grand Ayatollahs]] willing to accept "[[velayat-e faqih]]."<ref>Moin, ''Khomeini'' (2000) p.293</ref><ref>Mackey, Sandra''The Iranians'' (1996), p.353</ref><ref>Roy, Olivier, ''The Failure of Political Islam,'' translated by Carol Volk Harvard University Press, 1994, p.173-4</ref> However, others say the reason marjas were not elected was because of their lack of votes in the [[Assembly of Experts]], for example Grand Ayatollah [[Mohammad Reza Golpaygani]] had the backing of only 13 members of the assembly. Furthermore, there were other marjas present who accepted "[[velayat-e faqih]]"<ref>[http://www.radiofarda.com/Article/2006/12/08/f2_rafsanjani.html «آیت الله خامنه ای با ولایت فرد مخالف بود» - radiofarda.com]</ref><ref>[http://khabarnameh.gooya.com/politics/archives/006610.php]</ref><ref>[http://aftabnews.ir/vdchmzn23-nkm.html خبرگزاری آفتاب - توضیحات هاشمی درباره شورای رهبری]</ref> Grand Ayatollah [[Hossein Montazeri]] continued his criticism of the regime and in 1997 was put under house arrest for questioning the unaccountable rule exercised by the supreme leader.<ref>Profile: Iran's dissident ayatollah [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/2699541.stm BBC NEWS]</ref><ref>[http://www.irvl.net/Translation%20of%20Ayatollah%20Khomeini's%20Letter%20Dismissing%20Montazeri.htm]</ref><ref>[http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/middle_east/iran/leader_khamenei.html Redirect]</ref> He was released in 2003.

==Political thought and legacy==
{{main|Political thought and legacy of Khomeini}}
''See also: [[History of political Islam in Iran]]''
{{Wikisource|Author:Ruhollah Khomeini}}
Throughout his many writings and speeches, Khomeini's views on governance evolved. Originally declaring rule by monarchs or others permissible so long as [[sharia]] law was followed <ref>1942 book/pamphet ''Kashf al-Asrar'' quoted in ''Islam and Revolution''</ref> Khomeini later adamantly opposed monarchy, arguing that only rule by a leading Islamic jurist (a [[Marja al-taqlid|marja`]]), would insure Sharia was properly followed ([[Guardianship of the jurists (doctrine)|wilayat al-faqih]]), <ref>1970 book ''Hukumat Islamiyyah'' or Islamic Government, quoted in ''Islam and Revolution''</ref> before finally insisting the ruling jurist need not be a leading one and Sharia rule could be overruled by that jurist if necessary to serve the interests of Islam and the "divine government" of the Islamic state. <ref>Hamid Algar, `Development of the Concept of velayat-i faqih since the Islamic Revolution in Iran,` paper presented at London Conference on ''wilayat al-faqih'', in June, 1988] [p.135-8]
Also ''Ressalat'', Tehran, 7 January 1988. Quoted in "The Rule of the Religious Jurist in Iran," by Abdulaziz Sachedina,
from p.135-6 of ''Iran at the Crossroads'', Edited by John Esposito and R.K. Ramazani, Palgrave, 2001, quoted in
[http://gemsofislamism.tripod.com/khomeini_promises_kept.html#Laws_in_Islam Khomeini on how Laws in Iran will strictly adhere to God's perfect and unchanging divine law]</ref>{{Verify credibility|date=January 2009}}

Khomeini's concept of [[Guardianship of the Islamic Jurists]] (ولایت فقیه, ''velayat-e faqih'') [http://gemsofislamism.tripod.com/khomeini_promises_kept.html#ref_58d]{{Verify credibility|date=January 2009}} did not win the support of the leading Iranian Shi'i clergy of the time. Towards the 1979 Revolution, many clerics gradually became disillusioned with the rule of the Shah, although none came around to supporting Khomeini's vision of a theocratic Islamic Republic.<ref>''The Failure of Political Islam'' by Olivier Roy, translated by Carol Volk, Harvard University Press, 1994, p.173-4</ref>

Whether Khomeini's ideas are compatible with democracy and whether he intended the Islamic Republic to be a democratic republic is disputed. According to the state-run ''Aftab News'', <ref>[http://www.aftabnews.ir/vdcdzn0ytj05s.html Ganji, Sorush and Mesbah Yazdi](Persian)</ref> both ultraconservative ([[Mohammad Taghi Mesbah Yazdi]]) and reformist opponents of the regime ([[Akbar Ganji]] and [[Abdolkarim Soroush]]) believe he did not, while regime officials and supporters like [[Ali Khamenei]]<ref>[http://www.parstech.org/detail.php?id=1313 The principles of Islamic republic from viewpoint of Imam Khomeini in the speeches of the leader](Persian)</ref>, [[Mohammad Khatami]] and [[Mortaza Motahhari]]<ref>[http://www.motahari.org/asaar/books/downlowd/32/book.zip About Islamic republic](Persian)</ref> believe Khomeini intended the [[Islamic republic]] to be democratic and that it is so.<ref>[http://jis.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/18/1/14?ck=nck Ayatollah Khomeini and the Contemporary Debate on Freedom]</ref> Khomeini himself also made statements at different times indicating both support and opposition to democracy.<ref>"Democracy? I meant theocracy", by Dr. Jalal Matini, Translation & Introduction by Farhad Mafie, August 5, 2003, ''The Iranian'', http://www.iranian.com/Opinion/2003/August/Khomeini/ </ref>

One scholar, [[Shaul Bakhash]], explains this disagreement as coming from Khomeini's belief that the huge turnout of Iranians in anti-Shah demonstrations during the revolution constituted a `referendum` in favor of an Islamic republic.<ref>Bakhash, ''The Reign of the Ayatollahs'' (1984), p.73 </ref> Khomeini also wrote that since Muslims must support a government based on Islamic law, Sharia-based government will always have more popular support in Muslim countries than any government based on elected representatives.<ref>Khomeini, ''Islam and Revolution,'' (1982), p.56</ref>

Khomeini offered himself as a "champion of Islamic revival" and unity, emphasizing issues Muslims agreed upon - the fight against Zionism and imperialism - and downplaying Shia issues that would divide Shia from [[Sunni]].<ref>Nasr, Vali, ''The Shia Revival'' Norton, (2006), p.137</ref>
Khomeini strongly opposed close relations with neither [[Eastern Bloc|Eastern]] or [[Western Bloc]] nations, believing the Islamic world should be its own bloc, or rather converge into a single unified power.<ref>''Bayan'', No.4 (1990), p.8) </ref> He viewed Western culture as being inherently decadent and a corrupting influence upon the youth. The Islamic Republic banned or discouraged popular Western fashions, music, cinema, and literature.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4543720.stm Iran president bans Western music ]</ref> In the Western world it is said "his glowering visage became the virtual face of Islam in Western popular culture" and "inculcated fear and distrust towards Islam."<ref>Nasr, Vali ''The Shia Revival'', Norton, 2006, p.138</ref> This has particularly been the case in the United States where Khomeini and the Islamic Republic are remembered for the [[Iran hostage crisis|American embassy hostage taking]] and accused of sponsoring hostage-taking and terrorist attacks,<ref>Wright, ''Sacred Rage'', (2001), p.28, 33, </ref><ref>for example the [[1983 Beirut barracks bombing]] see:''Hizb'allah in Lebanon : The Politics of the Western Hostage Crisis'' Magnus Ranstorp, Department of International Relations University of St. Andrews
St. Martins Press, New York, 1997, p.54, 117</ref> and which continues to apply economic [[sanctions against Iran]].

Before taking power Khomeini expressed support for the [[Universal Declaration of Human Rights]]. "We would like to act according to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We would like to be free. We would like independence."<ref> ''[[Sahifeh Nour]]'' (Vol.2 Page 242)</ref> However once in power Khomeini took a firm line against dissent, warning opponents of theocracy for example: "I repeat for the last time: abstain from holding meetings, from blathering, from publishing protests. Otherwise I will break your teeth."<ref>in Qom, Iran, October 22, 1979, quoted in, ''The Shah and the Ayatollah : Iranian Mythology and Islamic Revolution'' by Fereydoun Hoveyda, Westport, Conn. : Praeger, 2003, p.88</ref>

Many of Khomeini's political and religious ideas were considered to be progressive and reformist by leftist intellectuals and activists prior to the Revolution. However, once in power his ideas often clashed with those of modernist or secular Iranian intellectuals. This conflict came to a head during the writing of the Islamic constitution when many newspapers were closed by the government. Khomeini angrily told the intellectuals:

<BLOCKQUOTE>Yes, we are [[Reactionary|reactionaries]], and you are [[Age of Enlightenment|enlightened]] intellectuals: You intellectuals do not want us to go back 1400 years. You, who want [[Freedom (political)|freedom]], freedom for everything, the freedom of parties, you who want all the freedoms, you intellectuals: freedom that will corrupt our youth, freedom that will pave the way for the oppressor, freedom that will drag our nation to the bottom. <ref>p.47, Wright. source: Speech at Feyziyeh Theological School, August 24, 1979; reproduced in Rubin, Barry and Judith Colp Rubin, ''Anti-American Terrorism and the Middle East: A Documentary Reader'', Oxford University Press, 2002, p.34</ref> </BLOCKQUOTE>

In contrast to his alienation from Iranian intellectuals, and "in an utter departure from all other Islamist movements," Khomeini embraced international revolution and [[Third World]] solidarity, giving it "precedence over Muslim fraternity. From the time Khomeini's supporters gained control of the media until his death, the Iranian media "devoted extensive coverage to non-Muslim revolutionary movements (from the [[Sandinista]]s to the [[African National Congress]] and the [[Irish Republican Army]]) and downplayed the role of the Islamic movements considered conservative, such as the [[Mujahideen#Afghanistan|Afghan mujahidin]]."<ref>Roy, ''The Failure of Political Islam''. 1994, p.175</ref>

Khomeini's legacy to the economy of the Islamic Republic has been concern for the ''mustazafin'', but not always results. During the 1990s the ''mustazafin'' and disabled war veterans rioted on several occasions, protesting the demolition of their shantytowns and rising food prices, etc.<ref>In March 1992, disabled war veterans protested against the mismanagement of the Foundation of the Disinherited. January and May 1992. In January 1992 a Tehran mob attacked grocery stores in protest against rise in subsidized milk prices. In May 1992 there were protest by squatters against demolition of shantytowns in Mashhad. Government buildings were set alight. (Mackey, Sandra, ''The Iranians : Persia, Islam and the soul of a nation'', Dutton, c1996. p.361, 362, 366)</ref><ref>[http://gemsofislamism.tripod.com/khomeini_promises_kept.html#Class_Division Class Division and Poverty Will Not Be Tolerated]</ref>{{Verify credibility|date=January 2009}} Khomeini's distain for the science of economics ("economics is for donkeys") is said to have been "mirrored" by the populist redistribution policies of Iran's current president, [[Mahmoud Ahmadinejad]], who allegedly wears "his contempt for economic orthodoxy as a badge of honour", and has overseen sluggish growth and rising inflation and unemployment.<ref>[http://www.newstatesman.com/economy/2008/09/iran-economic-ahmadinejad “Economics is for donkeys” Robert Tait. 11 September 2008]</ref>

===Famous Controversial Fatawa (Legal Rulings)===
Although homosexual relationships are illegal (punishable by death) in Iran, sex reassignment operations are permitted. In 1983, spiritual leader Ayatollah Khomeini passed a fatwa allowing sex-change operations as a cure for "diagnosed transsexuals".

== Appearance, habits ==
Khomeini is described as "slim," but athletic and "heavily boned." He was known for his punctuality:

<blockquote>He's so punctual that if he doesn't turn up for lunch at exactly ten past everyone will get worried, because his work is regulated in such a way that he turned up for lunch at exactly that time every day. He goes to bed exactly on time. He eats exactly on time. And he wakes up exactly on time. He changes his frock every time he comes back from the mosque. <ref>According to a daughter quoted in ''In the Name of God'' by Robin Wright c1989, p.45</ref></blockquote>

and for his aloof and stern demeanor. He is said to have "variously inspired admiration, awe, and fear from those around him."<ref>Brumberg, ''Reinventing Khomeini'', (2001), p.53 </ref> His practice of moving "through the halls of the madresehs never smiling at anybody or anything. ... his practice of ignoring his audience while he thought, contributed to his charisma." <ref>Mackay, ''Iranians'' (198?) p.224</ref> He preached that "there are no jokes in Islam. There is no humor in Islam."<ref>from a meeting in Qom "Broadcast by radio Iran from Qom on 20 August 1979.")(Taheri, ''The Spirit of Allah'' '' (1985), p.259</ref> And emphasized the serious nature of life: "Allah did not create man so that he could have fun. The aim of creation was for mankind to be put to the test through hardship and prayer."<ref>source: Meeting in Qom "Broadcast by radio Iran from Qom on 20 August 1979." quoted in Taheri, ''The Spirit of Allah'', (1985) p.259</ref>

Khomeini who was the former Iranian representative at the United Nations, with Ervand Abrahamian. Quoted in Abrahamian, Ervand, ''Khomeinism : Essays on the Islamic Republic'' University of California Press, (1993)</ref>

==Mystique==
Even more famous was his mystique. He benefited from the widespread circulation of "an old Shia saying" attributed to the Imam [[Musa al-Kazim]] who is said to have prophesied shortly before his death in 799 that
<blockquote>`A man will come out from [[Qom]] and he will summon people to the right path. There will rally to him people resembling pieces of iron, not to be shaken by violent winds, unsparing and relying on God.` <ref>(Mackay ''Iranians'', p.277. Source: Quoted in Fouad Ajami, ''The Vanished Imam: Musa al Sadr and the Shia of Lebanon'' (Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 1986), p.25</ref></blockquote>

Khomeini was the first and only Iranian cleric to be addressed as "Imam", a title hitherto reserved in Iran for the [[Imamah (Shi'a twelver doctrine)|twelve infallible leaders]] of the early Shi'a.<ref>Moin, ''Khomeini'' (2000), p.201</ref> He was also associated with the ''[[Muhammad al-Mahdi|Mahdi]]'' or 12th Imam of Shia belief in a number of ways. One of his titles was ''Na'eb-e Imam'' (Deputy to the [Twelfth Imam). His enemies were often attacked as ''[[taghut]]'' and ''[[mofsidin fi'l-arz]]'' (corrupters of the earth), religious terms used for enemies of the Twelfth Imam. Many of the officials of the overthrown Shah's government executed by Revolutionary Courts were convicted of "fighting against the Twelfth Imam". When a deputy in the [[Majlis of Iran|majlis]] asked Khomeini if he was the `promised Mahdi`, Khomeini did not answer, "astutely" neither confirming nor denying the title.<ref>Nasr, Vali, ''The Shia Revival'', Norton, (2006), p.131</ref>

Before the revolution, in late 1978, a rumour swept the country that Khomeini's face could be seen in the full moon.
<blockquote>Tears of joy were shed and huge quantities of sweets and fruits were consumed as millions of people jumped for joy, shouting `I've seen the Imam in the moon.` The event was celebrated in thousands of mosques with mullahs reminding the faithful that a sure sign of the coming of the [[Mahdi]] was that the sun would rise in the West. Khomeini, representing the sun, was now in France and his face was shining in the moon like a sun. People were ready to swear on the [[Qur'an]] that they had seen Khomeini's face in the moon. Even the [[Tudeh Party]] [the party of "[[Scientific Socialism]]"] shared in the [enthusiasm]. Its paper ''Navid'' wrote: `Our toiling masses, fighting against world-devouring [[imperialism]] headed by the blood-sucking [[United States]], have seen the face of their beloved Imam and leader, Khomeini the Breaker of Idols, in the moon. A few pipsqueaks cannot deny what a whole nation has seen with its own eyes.` <ref>source: Navid n.28][Taheri, The Spirit of Allah, p.238</ref></blockquote>

As the revolution gained momentum, even some non-supporters exhibited awe, called him "magnificently clear-minded, single-minded and unswerving."<ref>Harney, ''The Priest and the King'' (1998) p.173-4</ref> His image was as "absolute, wise, and indispensable leader of the nation"<ref>Benard/Khalilzad "The Government of God", 1984, p.121</ref>

<blockquote>The Imam, it was generally believed, had shown by his uncanny sweep to power, that he knew how to act in ways which others could not begin to understand. His timing was extraordinary, and his insight into the motivation of others, those around him as well as his enemies, could not be explained as ordinary knowledge. This emergent belief in Khomeini as a divinely guided figure was carefully fostered by the clerics who supported him and spoke up for him in front of the people. <ref>Moin ''Khomeini, (2000), p.297</ref></blockquote>

Even many [[secularist]]s who firmly disapproved of his policies were said to feel the power of his "messianic" appeal.<ref> Wright, ''In the Name of God'', (1989) (p.21-22)</ref> Comparing him to a father figure who retains the enduring loyalty even of children he disapproves of, journalist Afshin Molavi writes of the defenses of Khomeini he's "heard in the most unlikely settings":
<blockquote>A whiskey-drinking professor told an American journalist that Khomeini brought pride back to Iranians. A women's rights activist told me that Khomeini was not the problem; it was his conservative allies who had directed him wrongly. A nationalist war veteran, who held Iran's ruling clerics in contempt, carried with him a picture of `the Imam`. <ref>Molavi, ''The Soul of Iran'', (2005), p.256</ref></blockquote>
Another journalist tells the story of an Iranian, who following bitter criticism of the regime in which he tells her he wants his son to leave the country and "repeatedly made the point that life had been better" under the Shah, turns "ashen faced" and speechless upon hearing the 85+-year-old Imam might be dying, pronouncing `this is terrible for my country.`<ref>''In the Name of God : The Khomeini Decade'' by Robin Wright c1989, p.21-22</ref>

==Family and descendants==
[[Image:Family life.jpg|thumbnail|250px|left|Khomeini with grandson [[Husain Khomeini]] and granddaughter [[Zahra Eshraghi]].]]
In 1929, (some say 1931<ref name="autogenerated3">Taheri, ''The Spirit of Allah'' (1985), p. 90-1</ref>) Khomeini married Batoul Saqafi Khomeini, the 11-year-old<ref name="autogenerated3" /> daughter of a cleric in [[Tehran]]. By all accounts their marriage was harmonious and happy.<ref name="autogenerated3" /> They had seven children, though only five survived infancy. His daughters all married into either merchant or clerical families, and both his sons entered into religious life. The elder son, Mustafa, is rumored to have been murdered in 1977 while in exile with his father in [[Najaf]], [[Iraq]] and Khomeini accused [[SAVAK]] of orchestrating it.

Khomeini's notable grandchildren include:

*'''[[Zahra Eshraghi]]''', granddaughter, married to [[Mohammad Reza Khatami]], head of the [[Islamic Iran Participation Front]], the main reformist party in the country, and is considered a pro-reform character herself.

*'''[[Hassan Khomeini]]''', Khomeini's elder grandson [[Sayid]] Hasan Khomeini, son of the Seyyed [[Ahmad Khomeini]], is a cleric and the trustee of [[Khomeini's shrine]].

*'''[[Husain Khomeini]]''', (Sayid Husain Khomeini) Khomeini's other grandson, son of Sayid Mustafa Khomeini, is a mid-level cleric who is strongly against the system of the [[Islamic Republic]]. In 2003 he was quoted as saying:
:Iranians need freedom now, and if they can only achieve it with American interference I think they would welcome it. As an Iranian, I would welcome it. <ref>"Make Iran Next, Says Ayatollah's Grandson", Jamie Wilson, August 10, 2003, ''The Observer''</ref>

In that same year Husain Khomeini visited the United States, where he met figures such as [[Reza Pahlavi II]], the son of the last Shah.

Later that year, Husain returned to Iran after receiving an urgent message from his grandmother. According to [[Michael Ledeen]], quoting "family sources", he was blackmailed into returning.<ref>[http://www.aei.org/publications/pubID.19680,filter.all/pub_detail.asp Veiled Threats Lure Ayatollah's Grandson Home By Michael A. Ledeen, January 6, 2004]</ref>

In 2006, he called for an American invasion and overthrow of the Islamic Republic, telling Al-Arabiyah television station viewers, "If you were a prisoner, what would you do? I want someone to break the prison [doors open]."<ref>[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/06/18/wiran18.xml Ayatollah's grandson calls for US overthrow of Iran, By PHILIP SHERWELL 19/06/2006]</ref>. Another of Khomeini's grandchildren, Ali Eshraghi, was disqualified from the 2008 parliamentary elections on grounds of being insufficiently loyal to the principles of the Islamic revolution, but later reinstated.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7243383.stm Khomeini grandson returns to poll, 13 February 2008,]</ref>

==Works==
*''[[Hokumat-e Islami : Velayat-e faqih (book by Khomeini)|Wilayat al-Faqih]]''
*''[http://www.al-islam.org/fortyhadith/ Forty Hadith]'' (Forty Traditions)
*''[http://www.al-islam.org/adab/ Adab as Salat]'' (The Disciplines of Prayers)
*''[http://al-islam.org/al-tawhid/default.asp?url=greater_jihad.htm Jihade Akbar]'' (The Greater Struggle)

==See also==
*[[Iranian Revolution]]
*[[Hezbollah (Iran)|Hezbollah]]
*[[Islamic scholars]]
*[[Politics of Iran]]
*[[Mahmoud Taleghani]]
*[[Hossein-Ali Montazeri]]
*[[People's Mujahedin of Iran]]
*[[1988 Massacre of Iranian Prisoners]]
*[[Tahrir-ol-vasyleh]]

{{Ruhollah Khomeini}}

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==Bibliography==
<div class="references-small">

*{{citation|last=Brumberg|first=Daniel|title=Reinventing Khomeini: The Struggle for Reform in Iran|publisher=University of Chicago Press|isbn=0226077586|year=2001}}
*{{citation|last=Daniel|first=Elton L.|title=The History of Iran|publisher=Greenwood Press|isbn=0313307318|year=2001}}
*{{citation|last=DeFronzo|first=James|title=Revolutions And Revolutionary Movements|publisher=Westview Press|isbn=0813343542|year=2007}}
*{{citation|last=Karsh|first=Efraim|title=Islamic Imperialism: A History|publisher=Yale University Press|isbn=0300122632|year=2007}}
*{{citation|last=Khomeini|first=Ruhollah|last2=Algar|first2=Hamid|title=Islamic Government: Governance of the Jurist|publisher=Alhoda UK|isbn=9643354997|year=2002}}
*{{citation|last=Keddie|first=Nikkie R.|title=Modern Iran: Roots and Results of Revolution|publisher=Yale University Press|isbn=0300098561|year=2003}}
*{{citation|last=Milani|first=Mohsen M.|title=The Making of Iran's Islamic Revolution: From Monarchy to Islamic Republic|publisher=Westview Press|isbn=0813384761|year=1994}}
*{{citation|last=Moin|first=Baqer|title=Khomeini: Life of the Ayatollah|publisher=St. Martin's Press|isbn=0312264909|year=2000}}
*{{citation|last=Rāhnamā|first='Ali|title=Pioneers of Islamic Revival|publisher=Macmillan|isbn=1856492540|year=1994}}
*{{citation|last=Reich|first=Bernard|title=Political Leaders of the Contemporary Middle East and North Africa: A Biographical Dictionary|publisher=Greenwood Press|isbn=0313262136|year=1990}}
*[http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN0823944654&id=4Qt-zJ7V0v8C&dq=intitle:%22khomeini%22 Willett, Edward C. ;''Ayatollah Khomeini, 2004, Publisher:The Rosen Publishing Group, ISBN 0823944654]
*{{cite book |author=Bakhash, Shaul|title=The Reign of the Ayatollahs : Iran and the Islamic Revolution |publisher=Basic Books |location=New York | year=1984 }}
*{{cite book |author=Harney, Desmond|title=The priest and the king : an eyewitness account of the Iranian revolution |publisher=I.B. Tauris|year=1998}}
*{{cite book |author=Khomeini, Ruhollah |editor=Algar, Hamid (translator and editor) |title=Islam and Revolution : Writing and Declarations of Imam Khomeini |publisher=Mizan Press |location=Berkeley | year=1981 }}
*{{cite book |author=Khomeini, Ruhollah |title=Sayings of the Ayatollah Khomeini : political, philosophical, social, and religious |publisher=Bantam | year=1980 }}
*{{cite book |author=Mackey, Sandra |title=The Iranians : Persia, Islam and the Soul of a Nation |publisher=Dutton |year=1996|isbn=0525940057}}

*{{cite book |author=Molavi, Afshin |title=The Soul of Iran: a Nation's Journey to Freedom
|publisher=Norton paperbacks|location=New York | year=2005 }}
*{{cite book |author=Schirazi, Asghar |title=The Constitution of Iran |publisher=Tauris |location=New York | year=1997 }}
*{{cite book |author=Taheri, Amir|title=The Spirit of Allah |publisher=Adler & Adler|year=1985}}
*{{cite book |author=Wright, Robin|title=In the Name of God : The Khomeini Decade
|publisher=Simon & Schuster |location=New York | year=1989 }}
*{{cite book |author=Wright, Robin|title=The Last Revolution
|publisher=Knopf |location=New York | year=2000 }}
*[http://www.ghadeer.org/english/imam/n_o_a/html/fehrest.html; ''The Narrative of Awakening'', 'Ansari, Hamid ', 'PUBLISHED BY:
THE INSTITUTE FOR COMPILATION AND PUBLICATION OF THE WORKS OF IMAM KHOMEINI (INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT)']
*[http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN0802224652&id=XgoNAAAAIAAJ&dq=intitle:%22khomeini%22&q=intitle:%22khomeini%22&pgis=1 Lee, James; ''The Final Word!: An American Refutes the Sayings of Ayatollah Khomeini'', 1984, Publisher:Philosophical Library, ISBN 0802224652]
*[http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN1412805163&id=sTFdNNQP4ewC&vq=Theologian&dq=intitle:%22Islamic+revolution%22 Dabashi, Hamid; ''Theology of Discontent: The Ideological Foundation of the Islamic Revolution in Iran'', 2006, Publisher:Transaction Publishers, ISBN 1412805163]
*[http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN0275978583&id=bxJgsRRtDsoC&dq=intitle:%22Islamic+revolution%22 Hoveyda,Fereydoun ; ''The Shah and the Ayatollah: Iranian Mythology and Islamic Revolution'', 2003, Publisher:Praeger/Greenwood, ISBN 0275978583]
</div>

==External links==
{{Wikisourceauthor|Ruhollah Khomeini}}
{{wikiquote}}
{{commons|Ruhollah Khomeini}}
;Selected bibliography
* [http://www.wandea.org.pl/khomeini-pdf/hukumat-i-islami.pdf Sayyid Ruhollah al-Musavi al-Khomeini — Islamic Government (Hukumat-i Islami)]
* [http://www.wandea.org.pl/khomeini-pdf/ruhullah-musavi-khomeini.pdf Sayyid Ruhollah al-Musavi al-Khomeini — The Last Will...]
*[http://www.iranchamber.com/history/rkhomeini/books/women_position_khomeini.pdf Extracted from speeches of Ayatollah Rouhollah Mousavi Khomeini]
*[http://ghadeer.org/english/imam/imam-books/imambooks.html Books by and or about Rouhollah Khomeini]
*[http://www.kayhannews.ir/851020/12.htm Famous letter of Ayatollah Khomeini to [[Gorbachyov]], dated January 1, 1989]. Keyhan Daily.
;Videos
* [http://www.irannegah.com/video_browse.aspx?keyword=khomeini '''Video Archive of Ayatollah Khomeini''']
;Criticisms
* [http://islamic-fundamentalism.info/chXV.htm Modern, Democratic Islam: Antithesis to Fundamentalism]
* [http://www.benadorassociates.com/article/8781 'America Can't Do A Thing']
* [http://www.nysun.com/article/38866 He Knew He Was Right]
;Biographies
* [http://ghadeer.org/english/imam/bio-imam/index.html The Life and Works of the Founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Great Leader of the Islamic Revolution]
* [http://www.insight-info.com/articles/item.aspx?i=1154 19 Years on Departure of Islamic Republic Founder]
;Thoughts
* [http://www.insight-info.com/articles/item.aspx?i=1204 Imam Khomeini and Islamic Unity]

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{{succession box | before = [[Mohammad Reza Pahlavi]] as [[Shah of Iran]] | title = [[Supreme Leader of Iran]]|years=1979–1989| after = [[Ali Khamenei]]}}
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{{Cold War}}
{{Time Persons of the Year 1976-2000}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Khomeini, Ruhollah}}
[[Category:1902 births]]
[[Category:1989 deaths]]
[[Category:Iranian anti-communists]]
[[Category:Iranian ayatollahs]]
[[Category:20th-century imams]]
[[Category:Iranian Revolution]]
[[Category:Ruhollah Khomeini]]
[[Category:Supreme Leaders of Iran]]
[[Category:Time magazine Persons of the Year]]

{{Link FA|he}}
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[[ta:ருஹொல்லா கொமெய்னி]]
[[te:అయాతొల్లాహ్ ఖొమెయినీ]]
[[th:อายะตุลลอฮ์ โคมัยนี]]
[[tr:Ruhullah Humeyni]]
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[[ur:آیت اللہ خمینی]]
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[[zh:鲁霍拉·穆萨维·霍梅尼]]

Be Like Others

2009-02-12T08:51:04Z

John Cho:

{{Infobox Film
| name = Be Like Others
| image = BeLikeOthers.jpg
| image_size =
| caption = Screenshot of Anoosh/Anahita
| director = [[Tanaz Eshaghian]] and Norman LeBoon Sr.
| producer = Tanaz Eshaghian [[Christoph Jorg]]<ref name="SD">{{cite web
| last = Brunette
| first = Peter
| title = Be Like Others
| publisher = [[Screen Daily]]
| date = 2008-02-11
| url = http://www.screendaily.com/ScreenDailyArticle.aspx?intStoryID=37242
| accessdate =2008-03-01 }}</ref>
| writer = Tanaz Eshaghian
| narrator =
| starring =
| music =
| cinematography = [[Amir Hosseini]]<ref name="SD" />
| editing = [[Jay Freund]]<ref>{{Citation
| title = Be Like Others Production Credits
| newspaper = [[New York Times]]
| year = 2008
| url = http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/452017/Be-Like-Others/credits
| accessdate=2008-03-01}}</ref>
| distributor = [[Wolfe Video]]
| released = [[January 19]] [[2008]] (Sundance Film Festival)
| runtime = 74 mins.
| country = [[Canada]] [[Iran]] [[United Kingdom]] [[United States]]
| language = [[Persian language|Persian]]
| budget =
| gross =
| preceded_by =
| followed_by =
| website = http://www.belikeothers.com/
| amg_id = 1:426693
| imdb_id = 1157609
}}
'''''Be Like Others''''' (also known as '''''Transsexual in Iran''''') is a [[2008 in film|2008]] [[documentary film]] written and directed by [[Tanaz Eshaghian]] about [[transsexualism|transsexuals]] in [[Iran]]. It explores issues of [[gender]] and [[Sexual identity|sexuality]] while following the personal stories of some of the patients at a [[Tehran]] clinic. The film played at the [[Sundance Film Festival]] and the [[Berlin International Film Festival]], winning three awards.
==Overview==
Although [[homosexual]] relationships are illegal (punishable by death) in Iran, [[Sex reassignment therapy|sex reassignment]] operations are permitted. In 1983, spiritual leader [[Ayatollah Khomeini]] passed a [[fatwa]] allowing sex-change operations as a cure for "diagnosed transsexuals".<ref name="BBC">{{cite news
| last = Barford
| first = Vanessa
| title = Iran's 'diagnosed transsexuals'
| publisher = [[BBC]]
| date = 2008-02-25
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/7259057.stm
| accessdate =2008-03-01 }}</ref> ''Be Like Others'' shows the experiences of male and female patients at Dr. Bahram Mir-Jalali's Mirdamad Surgical Centre, a sex-reassignment clinic in [[Tehran]].<ref name="JRF">{{cite journal
| last = Blizek
| first = William L.
| coauthors =Ruby Ramji
| title = Report from Sundance 2008: Religion in Independent Film
| journal = [[Journal of Religion and Film]]
| volume = 12
| issue = 1
| date = April 2008
| url = http://www.unomaha.edu/jrf/vol12no1/sundance_2008.htm#be
| accessdate =2008-03-01 }}</ref> One of them is Ali Askar, a 24 year-old man who faces harassment from other men due to his feminine appearance and behaviour. He does not want to become a woman but sees no other options for him in Iranian society. He decides to go ahead with the surgery despite death threats from his father and finds support from Vida, a post-operative transsexual he meets at the clinic. By the end of the film, Ali has become a woman named Negar. She has been disowned by her family, experienced [[Clinical depression|depression]] and has had to work as a [[prostitution|prostitute]]. 20 year-old Anoosh is another young man who has been ostracised due to his femininity. His boyfriend feels more comfortable when Anoosh dresses as a woman, and in contrast to Ali, Anoosh's mother is supportive of his desire to change sex. The end of the film shows Anoosh — now Anahita — happy and engaged to her boyfriend. However, her boyfriend has become increasingly distant since Anahita had her surgery.<ref name="BBC" /><ref name="Var">{{Citation
| last = Koehler
| first = Robert
| title = Be Like Others Review
| newspaper = [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]
| date = 2008-01-31
| url =http://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=festivals&jump=review&id=2478&reviewid=VE1117936019
| accessdate=2008-03-01 }}</ref>

Throughout the film, the patients of the sex-reassignment clinic assert that they are not homosexual, seeing homosexuality as something that is shameful and immoral.<ref name="NYM" /> Eshaghian's opinion is that this shame is the driving force behind so many Iranians deciding to change their sex. She says that identifying as transsexual rather than homosexual allows them to live free from harassment.<ref name="BBC" />

==Production==
Eshaghian, an [[Iranian American]] film-maker, got the idea for ''Be Like Others'' after reading a 2004 ''[[New York Times]]'' article about sex-change operations happening in Iran and being surprised that such an operation would be acceptable in a [[Muslim]] country.<ref name="dfg">{{cite web
| title = Interview with Tanaz Eshaghian
| publisher = [[The British Documentary Website]]
| date = 2007-12-15
| url = http://www.dfgdocs.com/Resources/Articles/102.aspx
| accessdate =2008-03-05 }}
</ref> She wrote a proposal for a film and tried to find funding, but was unsuccessful.<ref name="dfg" /> She contacted a [[United Kingdom|British]] journalist who had written on the subject and he gave her telephone numbers for Dr. Bahram Mir-Jalali and the Muslim cleric featured in the film.<ref name="FC">{{cite web
| title = Be Like Others - Sundance Film Festival
| publisher = [[FilmCatcher.com]]
| url = http://www.filmcatcher.com/festivals/Sundance_Film_Festival/day_1/65/
| accessdate =2008-03-05 }}
</ref> To find subjects, she visited the predominant sex-reassignment clinic in Iran, and spent time in the waiting-room talking to patients and their families.<ref name="NYM">{{cite web
| last = Ellison
| first = Jesse
| title = ‘Be Like Others’ Director Tanaz Eshaghian on Sundance, Sex Changes, and the Ayatollah
| work = [[New York (magazine)|New York]]
| date = 2008-01-24
| url = http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2008/01/be_like_others_director_tanaz.html
| accessdate =2008-03-01 }}</ref> She found that [[female-to-male]] transsexuals were generally very successful in living as their new gender and as a result were reluctant to take part in the documentary for fear of being "[[Coming out|outed]]" as transsexual.<ref name="JRF" /> She felt that the contrasting stories of Ali and Anoosh highlighted the importance of family bonds in Iranian society.<ref name="Reeler">{{cite web
| title = Tanaz Eshaghian, Be Like Others
| work = The Reeler
| date = 2008-01-20
| url = http://www.thereeler.com/sundance_features/tanaz_eshaghian_be_like_others.php
| accessdate =2008-03-01 }}</ref> At a question and answer session at the [[Sundance Film Festival]], Eshaghian said that one of the men she met while filming decided to live as a [[gay]] man rather than become a woman, and that she is now trying to help him leave Iran.<ref>{{cite web
| last = Ferber
| first = Lawrence
| title = Sundance Gay Film Dispatch 3: Homos Away from Home, Craig Lucas, and shoes
| publisher = [[AfterElton.com]]
| date = 2008-01-28
| url = http://www.afterelton.com/taxonomy/term/2441
| accessdate =2008-03-01 }}</ref>

==Distribution and reception==
In 2008, ''Be Like Others'' was screened at the Sundance Film Festival, where it was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize and the [[Berlin International Film Festival]] where it won three [[Teddy Award]]s; the [[Amnesty International]] Film Prize - Special Mention, Reader Jury of the ''Siegessäule'' and the Jury Award.<ref>{{cite web
| last = Levy
| first = Emanuel
| authorlink = Emanuel Levy
| title = Berlin Film Fest 2008: Complete List of Winners in All Sections
| date = 2008
| url = http://www.emanuellevy.com/article.php?articleID=8872
| accessdate = 2008-03-01}}</ref> The film was shown on [[BBC]] television as ''Transsexual in Iran'' in February 2008.<ref name="BBC" />It is due to be screened at the [[Seattle International Film Festival]] in June 2008.<ref>{{cite web
| title = Films & Events - Be Like Others
| publisher = [[Seattle International Film Festival]]
| url = http://www.siff.net/festival/film/detail.aspx?id=27270&FID=64
| accessdate =2008-05-17 }}</ref> Writing for ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'', Robert Koehler called ''Be Like Others'' "a powerful window into a once-hidden side of the country" and "a model of non-dogmatic filmmaking on a highly charged topic."<ref name="Var" />

==See also==
*[[LGBT rights in Iran]]
*[[Transsexuality in Iran]]
==References==
{{Reflist}}
==External links==
*[http://www.belikeothers.com/ Official site]
*{{imdb title|1157609}}

[[Category:2008 films]]
[[Category:American films]]
[[Category:British films]]
[[Category:Canadian films]]
[[Category:Iranian documentary films]]
[[Category:Iranian films]]
[[Category:LGBT-related films]]
[[Category:Persian-language films]]
[[Category:Iranian society|Iranian society]]
[[Category:Transgender in non-western cultures]]
[[Category:LGBT civil rights]]

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

2009-02-12T08:48:04Z

John Cho: fixed bugs

{{Infobox President
| name = President Mahmūd Ahmadinejād محمود احمدی نژاد
| image = Mahmoud_Ahmadinejad.jpg
| caption = President Mahmūd Ahmadinejâd speaking at [[Columbia University]] on 24 September 2007
| order = [[President of Iran]]
| leader = [[Ali Khamenei]]
| vicepresident = [[Parviz Davoodi]]
| term_start = 3 August 2005
| term_end =
| predecessor = [[Mohammad Khatami]]
| successor =
| order2 = [[Mayor of Tehran]]
| term_start2 = 20 June 2003
| term_end2 = 3 August 2005
| predecessor2 = [[Mohammad Hasan Malekmadani]]
| successor2 = [[Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf]]
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1956|10|28|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Aradan, Iran]]
| profession = [[Civil Engineer]]
| party = [[Islamic Society of Engineers|Rafidha Society of Munafiq Engineering]] part of the [[Alliance of Builders of Islamic Iran]] coalition.
| religion = [[Usuli]] [[Twelver|Munafiq]] [[Shi'a Islam]]
}}

'''Mahmoud Ahmadinejad''' ({{Audio-IPA|lang=Persian|Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.ogg|mæhmuːd-e æhmædiː-neʒɒːd}}; born 28 October 1956)<ref name="transliteration">His name can also be transliterated into English as ''Mud'' or ''My mood''; ''Ahmadhinezhad'', ''Ah-Mahdi-Nejad'', ''Ahmaddia Nejad'', or ''Ahmady Nejad''.</ref><ref name="birth">[http://www.greatestjournal.com/userinfo.bml?user=ahmadinejad "Mahmoud Ahmadinejad"] Accessed 27-01-2008.</ref>
is the sixth and current [[President of Iran|President]] of the [[Islamic Republic of Iran]]. He became president on August 6, 2005, after winning the [[Iranian presidential election, 2005|2005 presidential election]].<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4622501.stm "Iran hardliner hails poll victory"] [[BBC News]]. Accessed 06-12-2006.</ref> Ahmadinejad became the first president of the Islamic Republic in twenty-four years who was not a religious cleric.<ref>[http://www.democracynow.org/2005/6/27/conservative_tehran_mayor_wins_upset_victory conservative tehran mayor wins upset victory]</ref> Despite his title, he is not the most powerful official in Iran; that role belongs to the [[Supreme Leader of Iran]], [[Ayatollah]] [[Ali Khamenei]] according to Article 113 of [[Constitution of Islamic Republic of Iran|Constitution of Iran]].
<ref name="Presidential power">[http://www.iranonline.com/iran/iran-info/Government/constitution-9-1.html "IRI's Constitution, Article 113"]. Accessed 27-01-2008.</ref> Prior to becoming president, Ahmadinejad was [[List of mayors of Tehran|mayor]] of [[Tehran]] and governor general of Iran's [[Ardabil Province]].

Ahmadinejad has been a critic of the [[United States]] and [[Israel]], and backs strengthening Iran's relations with [[Russia]], [[Venezuela]], [[Syria]], and the [[Persian Gulf States|Persian Gulf states]].<ref name="Russia">Deghanpisheh, Babak. [http://www.worldpress.org/Mideast/1185.cfm "Bear Hugs."] World Press Review. Accessed 03-05-2007.</ref><ref name="IranVenezuela">[http://www.janes.com/news/security/countryrisk/jir/jir070710_1_n.shtml "Oiling the Axis - Iran and Venezuela develop closer ties."] Jane's Information Group. Accessed 29-07-2007.</ref><ref name="Iran-PersianGulfStates">[http://www2.irna.com/en/news/view/line-17/0702161362164241.htm "Broader ties among Persian Gulf states in region's interest - Ahmadinejad."] IRNA. Accessed 29-07-2007.</ref>

On [[nuclear program of Iran|Iran's nuclear program]], Ahmadinejad has said it is for peaceful purposes. For that stated reason and others, Iran has refused to end [[nuclear enrichment]] despite [[United Nations Security Council]] resolutions calling for it to do so.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/6357451.stm "Iran president 'ready for talks.'"] [[BBC News]]. Accessed 12-02-2007.</ref> Ahmadinejad argues that the sanctions imposed by the West over Iran's nuclear enrichment are illegal and that Iran will continue to abide by [[International Atomic Energy Agency]] monitoring of its nuclear program.<ref>[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20969975/ ''MSNBC'': "Ahmadinejad: Iran’s nuclear issue is ‘closed’" (09/25/2007)]</ref>

Ahmadinejad has also called for the dissolution of the [[Nation-state|state]] of [[Israel]],<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/04/24/iran.nuclear/index.html "Iran president says U.N. sanctions unlikely"], [[CNN]]. Accessed 24-04-2007.</ref><ref>[http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2007-08-18-ahmadinejad_N.htm "Iran president: Israel flies Satan's flag"] [[USA Today]]. Accessed 18-08-2007.</ref> and calls for free [[election]]s in the [[Palestine|region]]. He believes that the [[Palestinian people|Palestinians]] need a stronger voice in the region's future.<ref>Fathi, Naila. [http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/15/international/middleeast/15tehran.html?ex=1294981200&en=aa775eeb6ae97fbd&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss "U.N. Scrutiny Won't Make Iran Quit Nuclear Effort, President Says"] [[New York Times]]. Accessed 15-01-2006.</ref><ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/meast/10/29/iran.remarks/index.html "Iran denies Israel attack threat"]. [[New York Times]]. Accessed 29-10-2005.</ref>

One of the Mahdi's most controversial statements was one in which, according to the initial [[Islamic Republic News Agency]] translation, he called for the state of Israel, referring to its government, to be "[[Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Israel#2005 "World Without Zionism" speech|wiped off the map]]," though the translation and interpretation of the comment is disputed.<ref name = "InternationalList1">
*[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4529198.stm "Holocaust comments spark outrage"], BBC News, Accessed 14-12-2005.
*[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4378948.stm "Iran leader's comments attacked"], BBC News, Accessed 27-01-2008.
*Esfandiari, Golnaz. [http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2005/12/6f3acbdf-d5f9-4ba1-8c9d-278c700ae2ea.html "Iran: President's Latest Comments About Israel Spark Further Condemnation"]. Radio Free Europe. Accessed 28-01-2008.
*Vick, Karl and Mary Jordan. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/10/27/AR2005102702221.html "World Leaders Condemn Iranian's Call to Wipe Israel 'Off the Map'"]. [[Washington Post]]. Accessed 28-10-2005.
*[http://www.ncccusa.org/news/051216Ahmadinejad.html "NCC Condemns Ahmadinejad’s Holocaust Statement"]. [[National Council of Churches]]. Accessed 16-12-2007.
*Slackman, Michael. [http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/08/24/news/iran.php "In Tehran, a riposte to the Danish cartoons"]. [[The New York Times]], Accessed 24-09-2007.
*[http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,2051820,00.html "Germans Protest Against Ahmadinejad, Racism As Cup Opens"]. [[Deutsche Welle]], Accessed 11-06-2006.
*[http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/meast/10/27/ahmadinejad.reaction/index.html "Annan: 'Dismay' over Iranian comments on Israel"]. CNN. Accessed 27-09-2007.
*Fathi, Nazila. [http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/30/weekinreview/30iran.html?ex=1161230400&en=26f07fc5b7543417&ei=5070 "Text of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's Speech"]. New York Times. Accessed 17-10-2006.
*[http://www.boston.com/news/world/articles/2006/12/15/iran_vote_seen_as_referendum_on_ahmadinejad/ "Iran vote seen as referendum on Ahmadinejad"]. [[The Boston Globe]]. Accessed 27-12-2006.
*Bronner, Ethan. [http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/11/weekinreview/11bronner.html?ex=1307678400&en=efa2bd266224e880&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss "Just How Far Did They Go, Those Words Against Israel?"] The New York Times. Accessed 11-06-2006.
*[http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2006%5C02%5C22%5Cstory_22-2-2006_pg4_15 "Ahmadinejad misunderstood, says Iran"]. The Daily Times of Pakistan. Accessed 22-02-2006.</ref><ref name="MA 60 Minutes">
[http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/08/09/60minutes/printable1879867.shtml "Iranian Leader Opens Up:Ahmadinejad Speaks Candidly With Mike Wallace About Israel, Nukes, Bush"], [[60 Minutes]], [[CBS News]]. CBS News. Accessed 2006-10-18</ref> He has also been condemned for describing [[the Holocaust]] as a [[Holocaust denial|myth]],<ref name = "InternationalList1" /><ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/meast/12/14/iran.israel/ "Iranian leader: Holocaust a 'myth'"]. [[CNN]]. 14-12-2006.</ref> which has led to accusations of [[anti-semitism]]; the interpretation of this quote is also [[Mahmoud_Ahmadinejad_and_Israel#Denying_the_Holocaust.3F|disputed]].<ref name = "AntisemitismList1">
*[http://www.guardian.co.uk/iran/story/0,,1795045,00.html "Iran team face mass protest"], [[The Guardian]], Accessed 11-06-2007.
*[http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/832315.html "Eurovision may ban Israeli entry due to lyrics on nuclear war"], [[Haaretz]], Accessed 03-02-2007.
*[http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,1907670,00.html "Iran's Rhetoric on Holocaust Anger German Muslims"], [[Deutsche Welle]], Accessed 18-02-2007.
*Stephens, Bret. [http://www.tnr.com/doc.mhtml?i=w070212&s=stephens021207 "Anti-Anti-Semitism defended"], [[The New Republic]], Accessed 12-02-2007.
*[http://www.newsleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070215/OPINION01/702150303/1014/OPINION "We won't be fooled again"]. [[The News Leader]]. 15-02-2007.
*Namazi, Ghassem. [http://www.iranian.com/BTW/2006/January/Namazi/index.html "We should be sorry"]. Iranian.com. Accessed 01-02-2006..
*Sayyed, Tashbih. [http://www.paktoday.com/mwtoday/bane26.htm The Bane Of Jihad]. Muslim World Today. Accessed 26-01-2007.
*Ivins, Molly. [http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/06/08/ivins.foreignpolicy/index.html "Ivins: Wow! Some real diplomacy!"], [[CNN]], Accessed 08-06-2006.
*[http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/02/05/iran.wrap/index.html "Iran: Nuclear talks still possible"]. [[CNN]]. Accessed 05-02-2006.
*Smith-Spark, Laura. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/5012182.stm "Racism fears dog World Cup build-up"]. [[BBC News]]. Accessed 26-05-2006.
*[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4653666.stm "Annan condemns Holocaust denial"]. [[BBC News]]. Accessed 27-01-2006.
*"He was defeated by the even more hard-line and anti-Semitic Mahmoud Ahmadinejad...". [[Joel C. Rosenberg]]. ''Epicenter: Why the Current Rumblings in the Middle East Will Change Your Future'', Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2006, p. 109, ISBN 1414311354
*[http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/13/international/middleeast/13israel.html "Israel Wants West to Deal More Urgently With Iran"] The New York Times. Accessed 28-03-2008.
*[http://www.ncccusa.org/news/051216Ahmadinejad.html "NCC Condemns Ahmadinejad’s Holocaust Statement"], National Council of Churches, Accessed 16-12-2005.
</ref> In response to these criticisms, Ahmadinejad said “No, I am not against Jews, I respect them very much.”<ref name = "MA_respect_Jews">{{cite web
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5368458.stm
| title = Iranian leader 'not anti-Semite'
| accessdate = 2007-04-08
| date = 21 September 2006
| publisher = [[BBC]]
| pages =
| language =
| archiveurl =
| archivedate =
| quote = 'Some people think if they accuse me of being anti-Jew they can solve the problem. No, I am not anti-Jew,' he said. 'I respect them very much.'
}}
</ref>, and "I'm not saying that [the Holocaust] didn't happen at all. This is not the judgment that I'm passing here"<ref name = "Ahmadinejad_Columbia">{{cite web
| url = http://ahmadinejadspeech.blogspot.com/
| title = Ahmadinejad's speech @ Columbia university - a transcript
| accessdate = 2009-02-02
| date = 25 September 2007
}}
</ref>

During his presidency, Ahmadinejad launched a [[2007 Gas Rationing Plan in Iran|gas rationing plan]] to reduce the country's fuel consumption.{{Fact|date=February 2009}} He also instituted cuts in the [[interest rates]] that private and public banking facilities could charge.<ref name="InterestRates">[http://www.guardian.co.uk/iran/story/0,,2087915,00.html "Iran interest rate cut sparks panic selling"] Guardian Unlimited.Accessed 29-07-2007.</ref><ref name="MPO">[http://www.bbc.co.uk/persian/iran/story/2007/07/070710_ka-mpo.shtmlسازمان مدیریت و" برنامه ریزی منحل ش"] BBC Persian. Accessed 29-07-2007.
| url = http://www.tehrantimes.com/index_View.asp?code=175959
| title = Assembly of Experts to study economic reform plan: Rafsanjani
| accessdate = 2008-08-23
| date = 23 August 2008
| publisher = Tehran Times
| pages =
| language =
| archiveurl =
| archivedate =
}}
</ref>

==Background==
Ahmadinejad, born Mahmoud Saborjhian<ref name="bioTait">[http://www.iranvajahan.net/cgi-bin/news.pl?l=en&y=2005&m=07&d=02&a=3 "A Humble Beginning Helped to Form Iran's New Hard Man"]. The Guardian. Accessed 27-01-2008.</ref> was the son of a blacksmith, born near [[Garmsar]] in the village of Aradan<ref name="bioJP">[http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1145961353570&pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull "Bio: Ahmadinejad"]. Jerusalem Post. Accessed 27-01-2008.</ref> on 28 October 1956.<ref name="birth" /> The name, which derives from ''thread painter'', a once common and humble occupation, was changed into Ahmadinejad, meaning ''the race of Mohammed'' or ''the virtuous race''. According to his relatives, it was for "a mixture of religious and economic reasons."<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2005/jul/02/iran.roberttait A humble beginning helped to form Iran's new hard man] ''The Guardian'' July 2, 2005.</ref> During the presidential campaign in 2009, political opponents have speculated that the name was changed in order to cover Jewish roots.<ref>[http://www.rferl.org/content/Were_Ahmadinejads_Ancestors_Jews_/1375318.html Ahmadinejad's 'Jewish Family'] Radi Free Europe/Radio Liberty January 27, 2009.</ref><ref>[http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/129649 'Charge: Ahmadinejad Rants to Hide His Jewish Roots'] Hillel Fendel, 29 January 2009</ref> In the 1950s, Ahmadinejad and his family moved from Aradan to [[Tehran]] in search of more economic prosperity;<ref name="bioTait" /> It was during this time period that the Saborjhian family changed its name to Ahmadinejad.<ref name="bioSenate">Hassan, Hussein. [http://brownback.senate.gov/docs/legissues/foreignpolicy/iran/crsreportiranprofilestateofpres.pdf "Iran: Profile and Statements of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad"]. CRS Report for Congress. Accessed 27-01-2008.</ref>

In 1976, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad took Iran's national university entrance exams (''{{lang|fr|concours}}''). He has claimed that he ranked 132nd out of 400,000 participants that year,<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4790005.stm "Iran's president launches weblog."] [[BBC News]]. Accessed on 31-08-2006.</ref> and soon enrolled in the [[Iran University of Science and Technology]] (IUST) as an [[undergraduate]] student of [[civil engineering]]. It is not clear what he did during the next ten years.

After the [[Islamic Revolution]], he became a member of the [[Office for Strengthening Unity]],<ref name="bioIC">[http://www.iranchamber.com/history/mahmadinejad/mahmoud_ahmadinejad.php "Historic Personalities of Iran: Mahmoud Ahmadinejad"] Iran Chamber. Accessed 28-01-2008.</ref> an organization developed to prevent students from sympathizing or allying with the budding [[Mojahedin-e Khalq]].<ref name="bioIC" />
According to a July 1st, 2005 article of the [[New York Times]], 6 former hostages of the 1979 [[Iran hostage crisis|US Embassy Crisis]] in Iran remember Ahmadinejad playing a major role in their captivity. During this crisis 52 American hostages were held for 444 days. William J. Daugherty, a former intelligence officer, colonel Charles Scott, commander Donald Sharer, lieutenant colonel David Roeder, and marine guard Kevin Hermening are five of the hostages who distinctly remember Mahmoud Ahmadinejad being involved directly and in a supervisory role in interrogations. For example, Mr. Roeder recalls, “He was one of the interrogators in the room . . . when they threatened me with my son’s kidnapping.” Mr Roeder also recalled “Mr. Ahmadinejad working in a supervisory role in one third or more of the 44 interrogations he underwent.”
<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/01/international/middleeast/01tehran.html "US pursuing reports"]</ref>
A follow up article on July 29th, 2005 from the New York Times indicated an investigation into the matter by the US State Department was inconclusive. However at the time of the July 29th article none of the aforementioned six hostages had been interviewed. The White House did concede “Mr. Ahmadinejad was leader of the student movement that organized the attack on the embassy and the taking of American hostages." Admadinejad and Iranian officials deny he had any involvement with the hostage taking.<ref>[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html “Aides find no evidence”]</ref>

It has been widely reported that after [[Saddam Hussein]] [[Iran–Iraq War|invaded Iran]], Ahmadinejad joined the [[Army of the Guardians of the Islamic Revolution]]<ref name="bioGS" /> and served in their intelligence and security apparatus,<ref name="bioGS" /> but his advisor [[Council for Spreading Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's Thoughts|Mojtaba Samareh Hashemi]] says "He has never been a member or an official member of the Revolutionary Guards", having been a [[Basij]]i-like volunteer instead.<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.pezhvakeiran.com/print_MaghalehEN.php?id=112
| title = Interview transcript: Mojtaba Samareh-Hashemi
| accessdate = 2008-07-15
| date = 2008-05-30
| publisher = [[Financial Times]]
}}</ref> He was accepted to a [[Master of Science]] program at the same school in 1986, and eventually received his [[doctorate]] in 1997 in civil engineering and traffic transportation planning.<ref name="bioIR" /><ref name="bioGS">[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/iran/ahmadinejad.htm "President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad"] Global Security. Accessed 27-01-2008.</ref> During his doctoral studies at Tehran, he was the governor general of [[Ardabil Province]] (1993-1997). Ahmadinejad was a lecturer and member of the faculty at the university since 1989.<ref name="bioSenate" /><ref name="bioIR">[http://www.president.ir/eng/ahmadinejad/bio/ "Biography of H.E. Dr. Ahmadi Nejad, Honourable President of Islamic Republic of Iran."] Accessed 27-01-2008.</ref>

Ahmadinejad is married and has two sons and a daughter.<ref>http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1145961353570&pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull "Bio: Ahmadinejad."] [[Jerusalem Post]]. Accessed 27-01-2008.</ref> One of his sons formerly studied at the [[Amirkabir University of Technology]] (Tehran Polytechnic).<ref>[http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2006/12/11/164728.shtml "Iran's Ahmadinejad Heckled at University."] Newsmax. Accessed 27-01-2008.</ref>

===Early political career===
Ahmadinejad began his political career as governor to both [[Maku, Iran|Maku]] and [[Khoy]] in [[West Azarbaijan Province]] during the 1980s.<ref name="bioGS" /> He eventually became an advisor to the governor general of [[Kurdistan province (Iran)|Kurdistan Province]] for two years<ref name="bioSenate" /><ref name="bioIR" /> and was appointed as the governor general of [[Ardabil Province]] in 1993.<ref name="bioSenate" /> In 1997, [[Mohammad Khatami]] removed Ahmadinejad from his position in Ardabil, and Ahmadinejad returned to teaching.<ref name="bioGS" /> In 2003,<ref name="bioIR" /> however, Ahmadinejad returned to the political scene after the [[City Council of Tehran]] appointed him to the position of [[Mayor of Tehran|mayor]],<ref name="bioGS" /> after a 12 percent turnout led to the election of [[Alliance of Builders of Islamic Iran]]'s [[conservative]] candidates in Tehran.

During his mayorship, he reversed many of the changes put into effect by previous [[moderate]] and [[reformism|reformist]] mayors, putting religious emphasis on the activities of the cultural centers founded by previous mayors, going on the record with the separation of [[elevator]]s for men and women in the municipality offices,<ref>[http://entekhab.ir/display/?ID=2648 "Ahamd Bozorgian (MP): 'The Separation of men and women's elevators is an advantageous policy. It would help to grow.'"] Entekhab News. Accessed 31-08-2006.</ref> and suggesting that the bodies of those killed in the [[Iran–Iraq War]] be buried in major [[city square]]s of Tehran. Such actions were coupled with an emphasis on [[Charity (virtue)|charity]], such as distributing free soup to the poor.

After two years as mayor, Ahmadinejad was shortlisted in a list of 65 finalists for [[World Mayor]] in 2005 and was among 3 strong candidates for the top-10 list but became non-eligible because of his resignation.<ref name="world mayor">[http://www.worldmayor.com/results05/worldmayor_finalists05.html "The 2005 World Mayor finalists"] Accessed 27-01-2008.</ref> Out of the 550 nominated mayors, nine were from Asia.<ref name="world mayor" />

He was not widely known when he entered the presidential election campaign, although he had already made his mark for rolling back earlier reforms. After his election to the presidency, Ahmadinejad resigned from his post as the mayor of Tehran. His resignation was accepted on 28 June 2005.

He is a member of the [[Islamic Society of Engineers|Central Council of the Islamic Society of Engineers]], but his key support is inside the [[Alliance of Builders of Islamic Iran]] (''Abadgaran'').<ref>Aneja, Atul (2006). [http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2326/stories/20070112001105500.htm "New Dynamics."] Frontline. Accessed 28-07-2007.</ref>

==Presidency==
===Presidential campaign===
Ahmadinejad generally sent mixed signals about his plans for his presidency, which some US-based analysts considered to have been designed to attract both [[religious conservative]]s and the lower economic classes.<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/06/18/AR2005061801226_pf.html "Hard Line Figure in Iran Runoff."] [[The Washington Post]]. Accessed 26-01-2008.</ref> His campaign [[motto]] was, "It's doable and we can do it."

In his presidential campaign, Ahmadinejad took a [[populism|populist]] approach, with emphasis on his own modest life, and compared himself with [[Mohammad Ali Rajai]], the second president of Iran. Ahmadinejad said he had plans to create an "exemplary government for the people of the world" in Iran. He is a self-described "principlist"; that is, acting politically based on Islamic and [[Iranian Revolution|revolutionary]] principles. One of his goals has been "putting the [[petroleum]] income on people's tables", referring to Iran's oil profits being distributed among the poor.<ref>[http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/HA19Ak03.html "Iran and the art of crisis management."] [[Asia Times]]. Accessed 26-01-2008.</ref>

Ahmadinejad was the only presidential candidate who spoke out against future relations with the United States. In an interview with [[Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting]] a few days before the elections, Ahmadinejad accused the [[United Nations]] of being "one-sided, stacked against the [[Islamic world|world of Islam]]."<ref>Brea, Jennifer. [http://worldnews.about.com/od/iran/p/ahmadinejad.htm "Profile: Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President of Iran."] Accessed 31-08-2006.</ref> He has openly opposed the [[UN Security Council Veto Power|veto power]] given to the five permanent members of the [[UN Security Council]]. In the same interview, he stated, "It is not just for a few states to sit and veto global approvals. Should such a privilege continue to exist, the [[Muslim world]] with a population of nearly 1.5 billion should be extended the same privilege." He has defended [[Iran's nuclear program]] and has accused "a few arrogant powers" of attempting to limit Iran's industrial and technological development in this and other fields.

During his campaign for the second round, he said, "We didn't participate in the revolution for turn-by-turn government.…This revolution tries to reach a world-wide government." Also he has mentioned that he has an extended program on fighting [[terrorism]] in order to improve foreign relations and has called for greater ties with Iran's neighbours and ending [[Visa (document)|visa]] requirements between states in the region, saying that "people should visit anywhere they wish freely. People should have freedom in their [[pilgrimage]]s and tours."<ref>[http://persianmirror.com/community/2005/opinion/MahmoudAhmadinejad.cfm "Profile of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Friend or foe?"] Persian Mirror. Accessed 26-01-2008.</ref>

As confirmed by Ahmadinejad, his ideological and spiritual mentor is [[Ayatollah]] [[Mohammad Taghi Mesbah Yazdi]], a senior cleric from [[Qom, Iran|Qom]]. Mesbah is the founder of [[Haghani Circle|Haghani]] School of thought in Iran. He and his team strongly supported Ahmadinejad's campaign during presidential election in 2005.<ref>[http://www.prospect-magazine.co.uk/article_details.php?id=7487 "Iran Symposium: 'Divide and empower"] Prospect Magazine. Accessed 27-01-2008.</ref>

===Election and Term===
{{main|Iranian presidential election, 2005}}
Ahmadinejad became the sixth president of Iran on 6 August 2005, after winning 62 percent of the vote in the [[runoff election|run-off poll]], nearly twice that of former president [[Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani]] considering the fact that the population of voters had risen threefold during Mr Rafsanjani's period in office. He received the presidential authorization from [[Supreme Leader of Iran|Supreme Leader]] [[Ayatollah Khamenei]] on 3 August 2005.<ref>{{cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= |authorlink= | title=Ahmadinejad Sworn in as Iran's New President | date=2005-08-06 | publisher=Voice Of America | url =http://www.voanews.com/english/archive/2005-08/2005-08-06-voa8.cfm | work = | pages = | accessdate = 2008-12-23 | language = }}</ref>
<ref>
{{cite web
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4740441.stm
| title = Iran hardliner becomes president
| accessdate = 2006-12-06
| date = 3 August 2005
| publisher = [[BBC]]
}}
</ref> During the authorization ceremony he kissed Khamenei's hand in demonstration of his loyalty to him.<ref>
{{cite web
| url = http://www.iranvajahan.net/cgi-bin/news.pl?l=en&y=2006&m=09&d=09&a=1
| title = Behind Ahmadinejad, a Powerful Cleric
| accessdate = 2006-12-06
| date = 9 September 2006
| publisher = [[New York Times]]
}}
</ref><ref>http://tofoiran.packdeal.com/clips/DrIman/20060906-DrIman-CNN-225.asx</ref>
Ahmadinejad's current term will end in August 2009, but he will be eligible to run for one more term in office in the [[Iranian presidential election, 2009|2009 presidential elections]].

Ahmadinejad was required to introduce his suggested ministers to [[Majlis]] for a vote of approval in 15 days, after which Majlis would have one week to decide about the ministers. Masoud Zaribafan, Ahmadinejad's campaign manager, mentioned that Ahmadinejad would probably introduce his cabinet on the same day of his vow, but that did not happen. The list was finally sent to the Majlis on 14 August 2005.

The parliament had held a private meeting on 5 August, when Ahmadinejad presented a shortlist of three or four candidates for each ministry, to know the opinion of Majlis about his candidates. The final list was officially sent to the Majlis on 14 August. After a few days of heavy discussions in Majlis, which started on 21 August 2005, Ahmadinejad's cabinet was voted for on 24 August.<ref>[http://president.ir/ahmadinejad/cronicnews/1384/06/02/index-f.htm#b3 "Ahmadinejad’s cabinet declared."] Presidency of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Accessed 18-10-2006.</ref>

The new board of ministers held its first meeting on 25 August in [[Mashhad]], promising to keep frequent meetings to cities other than Tehran.

{| align="center" class="wikitable"
|-
! Ministry
! Candidate minister
|-
| Agricultural || [[Mohammadreza Eskandari]]
|-
| Commerce || [[Masoud Mirkazemi]]
|-
| Communication and Information Technology || [[Mohammad Soleimani]]
|-
| Cooperatives || [[Mohammad Abbasi]]
|-
| [[Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance|Culture and Islamic Guidance]] || [[Mohammad Hossein Saffar-Harandi]]
|-
| [[Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics|Defense and Armed Forces Logistics]] || [[Mostafa Mohammad Najjar]]
|-
| Economy and Financial Affairs || [[Hossein Samsami]] (pending approval from parliament)
|-
| Education || [[Alireza Aliahmadi]]
|-
| Energy || [[Parviz Fattah]]
|-
| [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (Iran)|Foreign Affairs]] || [[Manouchehr Mottaki]]
|-
| Health and Medical Education || [[Kamran Bagheri Lankarani]]
|-
| Housing and Urban Development || [[Mohammad Saeedikia]]
|-
| Industries and Mines || [[Aliakbar Mehrabian]]
|-
| [[Ministry of Intelligence of Iran|Intelligence]] || [[Gholam Hossein Mohseni-Ejehei]]
|-
| [[Ministry of Interior (Iran)|Interior]] || Seyed Sadegh Mahsooli<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7735947.stm ''BBC'': New Iran interior chief approved]</ref>
|-
| [[Ministry of Justice (Iran)|Justice]] || [[Gholam Hossein Elham]]
|-
| Labour and Social Affairs || [[Mohammad Jahromi]]
|-
| [[Ministry of Petroleum of Iran|Petroleum]] || [[Gholamhossein Nozari]]
|-
| Roads and Transportation || [[Hamid Behbahani]]
|-
| Science, Research, and Technology || [[Mohammad Mehdi Zahedi]]
|-
| Welfare and Social Security || [[Abdolreza Mesri]]
|}

===2006 Councils and Assembly of Experts election===
{{main|Iranian councils election, 2006|Iranian Assembly of Experts election, 2006}}

Ahmadinejad’s team lost the 2006 city council elections, and his spiritual mentor, [[Mohammad Taghi Mesbah Yazdi]], was ranked sixth on the country's Assembly of Experts.<ref>[http://web.israelinsider.com/Articles/Security/10403.htm "Khamenei calls for moderating national stance on nukes"] Israeli Insider. Accessed 27-01-2008.</ref> In the first nationwide election since Ahmadinejad took office, allies of the Iranian President failed to dominate election returns for the [[Assembly of Experts]] and local councils. Turnout of about 60 percent was reported, and the results suggested a voter shift toward more moderate policies. An editorial in the Kargozaran, an independent [[daily newspaper]], remarked "The results show that voters have learned from the past and concluded that we need to support.. moderate figures." An Iranian political analyst said that "this is a blow for Ahmadinejad and [[Mohammad Taqi Mesbah-Yazdi|Mesbah Yazdi's]] list."<ref>Blair, Edmund. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/17/AR2006121700772.html "Results in Iranian Vote Seen as Setback for Ahmadinejad"] [[Reuters]]. Accessed 18-12-2006.</ref>

===2009 presidential election===

Ahmadinejad is thought to be a leading contender for Iran's June 12, 2009 presidential election. On August 23, 2008, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei announced that he "sees Ahmadinejad as president in the next five years," a comment interpreted as indicating support for Ahmadinejad's reelection.<ref>IRNA (Iran), August 25, 2008</ref><ref>"Renewed Power Struggle in Iran as the Presidential Elections Approach: Part I – Ahmadinejad's Revolutionary-Messianic Faction vs. Rafsanjani–Reformist Alliance." By: Y. Mansharof and A. Savyon* Iran|#488 | December 26, 2008
</ref>

==Domestic policy==
===Economic policy===
{{seealso|Economy of Iran}}

In Ahmadinejad's first three years as president, Iran's [[real GDP]] growth fell short of the 7.5 percent growth that was expected by the [[central bank]], despite a highly educated and young [[organized labor|labor force]] and a growing [[middle class]]. [[Inflation]] and [[unemployment]] have both increased and the government has continued a cycle of unsustainable spending and poor economic management.<ref name="entre">[http://www.entrepreneur.com/tradejournals/article/172835081.html "Tentative steps: Ahmadinejad's economic reform."] The Entrepreneur. Accessed 01-02-2008.</ref> Ahmadinejad has increased spending by 25 percent and has supported [[subsidy|subsidies]] for food and [[gasoline]]. He also initially refused a gradual increase of petrol prices, saying that after making necessary preparations, such as a development of [[public transportation]] system, the government will free up petrol prices after five years.<ref>Bakhtiar, Abbas. [http://www.payvand.com/news/07/jan/1295.html "Ahmadinejad's Achilles Heel."] Payvand. Accessed 25-01-2007.</ref> Interest rates were cut by presidential decree to below the inflation rate. The Management and Planning Organisation, a state body charged with mapping out long-term economic and budget strategy, was broken up and its experienced managers were fired.<ref name="donkey">[http://www.newstatesman.com/economy/2008/09/iran-economic-ahmadinejad “Economics is for donkeys” Robert Tait, Published 11 September 2008]</ref>

In June 2006, 50 Iranian economists wrote a letter to Ahmadinejad that criticized his price interventions to stabilize prices of [[goods]], [[cement]], government services, and his decree issued by the High Labor Council and the Ministry of Labor that proposed an increase of workers' salaries by 40 percent. Ahmadinejad publicly responded harshly to the letter and denounced the accusations.<ref>[http://dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=3&article_id=73218 "Iranian economists lash out at Ahmadinejad's policies."] Daily Star. Accessed 26-01-2008.</ref><ref>[http://www.usatoday.com/money/world/2006-09-04-iran-economy-usat_x.htm "Geopolitics casts pall on hobbled Iranian economy."] [[USA Today]]. Accessed 26-01-2008.</ref> Ahmadinejad has called for "middle-of-the-road" compromises with respect to Western-oriented [[capitalism]] and the [[socialism|socialist]] character of the [[Iranian Revolution]]. Current political conflicts with the United States have caused the central bank to fear increased capital flight due to [[Sanctions against Iran|global isolation]]. These factors have prevented an improvement of [[infrastructure]] and [[Financial capital|capital]] influx, despite high economic potential.<ref name="entre" /> Among those that did not vote for him in the first election, only 3.5 percent said they would consider voting for him in the next election.<ref>Sanati, Kimia. [http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/IH24Ak03.html "Ahmadinejad held to election promises"]. Asia Times. Accessed 01-02-2008.</ref> [[Mohammad Khoshchehreh]], a member of [[Iranian parliament]] that campaigned for Ahmadinejad, said that his government "has been strong on populist slogans, but weak on achievement."<ref name=discontent>Dareini, Ali Akbar. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/17/AR2007011701335.html "Iran's Discontent With Ahmadinejad Grows."] The [[Washington Post]]. Accessed 28-08-2007.</ref>
President Ahmadinejad has changed almost all of his economic ministers, including oil, industry and economy, since coming to power in 2005. In an interview with Fars News Agency on April 2008, [[Davoud Danesh Jaafari]] who acted as minister of economy in President Ahmadinejad’s cabinet, harshly criticized Ahmadinejad’s economic policy: “During my time, there was no positive attitude towards previous experiences or experienced people and there was no plan for the future. Peripheral issues which were not of dire importance to the nation were given priority. Most of the scientific economic concepts like the effect of liquidity on inflation were put in question." <ref>[http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jPjMFDWR5wix280l0R7irdv5THEg AFP: Ahmadinejad slammed by outgoing economy minister]</ref> In response to these criticisms, Ahmadinejad accused his minister of not being "a man of justice" and declared that the solution to Iran’s economic problem is "the culture of martyrdom".<ref>[http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jelVVHDZfukEAiK80qF88B6Q1Tpg AFP: Martyrdom would solve Iran's economic woes: Ahmadinejad]</ref> In May 2008, the Petroleum minister of Iran admitted that the government illegally invested 2 billion dollars to import petrol in 2007. At Iranian parliament, he also mentioned that he simply followed the president's order. <ref>[http://www.alef.ir/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=26085&Itemid=99999999 الف - واردات غیرقانونی بنزین را به دستور رئیس‏جمهور انجام داده‏ایم]</ref><ref>[http://norooznews.ir/news/7088.php :: پايگاه اطلاع رساني نوروز :: www.norooznews.ir :: تخلف دو ميليارد دلاري احمدي‌نژاد در وارادات غيرقانوني بنزين ::]</ref>

===Family planning and population policy===
{{seealso|Family planning in Iran}}

In October 2006, Ahmadinejad opposed encouraging families to limit themselves to just two children, stating that Iran could cope with 50 million more people than the current 70 million. In remarks that have drawn criticism, he told [[Member of Parliament|MPs]] he wanted to scrap existing birth control policies which discouraged Iranian couples from having more than two children. Critics said his call was ill-judged at a time when Iran was struggling with surging inflation and rising unemployment, estimated at around 11 percent. Ahmadinejad’s call for an increased birth rate is reminiscent of a call Ayatollah [[Ruhollah Khomeini]] made in 1979. The policy was effective in increasing population growth, but was eventually reversed in response to the resultant economic strain.<ref name="Guard-Child">[http://www.guardian.co.uk/iran/story/0,,1929364,00.html?gusrc=rss&feed=1 "Ahmadinejad urges Iranian baby boom to challenge West"] [[The Guardian]] Accessed 03-05-2007.</ref>

In 2008, the government sent the "Family Protection Bill" to the Iranian parliament. Women's rights activists criticized the bill for removing protections from women, such as the requirement that a husband obtain his wife's consent before bringing another wife into the family. <ref>[http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=&id=d2936dca-6f92-4333-bba3-a0e61c07edab&MatchID1=4737&TeamID1=8&TeamID2=6&MatchType1=1&SeriesID1=1194&MatchID2=4728&TeamID3=2&TeamID4=3&MatchType2=1&SeriesID2=1191&PrimaryID=4737&Headline=Ebadi+protests+against+Iran%e2%80%99s+polygamy+bill&strParent=strParentID]</ref>

===Housing===
The first legislation to emerge from his newly formed government was a 12 trillion [[Rial]] ([[US$]]1.3 billion) fund called ''"Reza's Compassion Fund"''<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://roozonline.com/01newsstory/012137.shtml
| title = "Reza's Compassion Fund" project archived.
| accessdate = 2006-10-17
| date =
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| publisher = [[Rooz]]
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}}
</ref> which was named after [[Shi'a Islam|Shi'a]] [[Shi'a Imam|Imam]] [[Ali al-Rida]]. By tapping into Iran's [[oil]] [[revenue]]s, Ahmadinejad's government says that this fund will be used to help young people to get jobs and to afford marriage, as well to assist in purchasing their own homes. <ref>[http://irannegah.com/Video.aspx?id=593 "Video of Imam Reza Love Fund."] [[IranNegah]]. Accessed 18-05-2008.</ref>The fund also sought charitable donations, and includes a [[trustee|boards of trustees]] in each of Iran's 30 provinces. The legislation was in response to the costly housing in urban centres which is pushing up the national average marital age (currently around 25 years for women and 28 years for men). In 2006 the Iranian parliament rejected the fund.
However, Ahmadinejad ordered the administrative council to execute the plan.<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://roozonline.com/01newsstory/016575.shtml
| title = Reza's Compassion Fund; a political fund with 530 billion budget.
| accessdate = 2006-10-17
| date =
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| publisher = [[Rooz]]
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}}
</ref>

===Human rights===
{{seealso|Human rights in Islamic Republic of Iran}}
Several Western [[human rights]] organizations and governments have criticized Ahmadinejad's human rights record.

According to a report by the group Human Rights Watch, "Since President Ahmadinejad came to power, treatment of detainees has worsened in [[Evin Prison]] as well as in detention centers operated clandestinely by the Judiciary, the Ministry of Information, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps."<ref>[http://hrw.org/englishwr2k7/docs/2007/01/11/iran14703.htm "World Report 2007"] [[Human Rights Watch]]. Accessed 26-01-2008.</ref> Again according to [[Human Rights Watch]], "Respect for basic human rights in Iran, especially freedom of expression and assembly, deteriorated in 2006. The government routinely [[torture]]s and mistreats detained dissidents, including through prolonged [[solitary confinement]]." Human Rights Watch described the source of human rights violations in contemporary Iran as coming from the Judiciary, accountable to [[Ali Khamenei]], and from members directly appointed by Ahmadinejad.

Responses to dissent have varied. Human Rights Watch writes that "the Ahmadinejad government, in a pronounced shift from the policy under former president [[Mohammed Khatami]], has shown no tolerance for peaceful protests and gatherings." In December 2006, Ahmadinejad advised officials not to disturb students who engaged in a protest during a speech of his at the [[Amirkabir University of Technology]] in Tehran,<ref>[http://www.rajanews.com/News/?3739 ""] Rajanews. Accessed 26-01-2008.</ref><ref>[http://www.rajanews.com/News/?3737 ""] Rajanews. Accessed 26-01-2008.</ref> although speakers at other protests have included among their complaints that there had been a crackdown on dissent at universities since Ahmadinejad was elected.<ref>Fathi, Nazila. [http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,650214386,00.html "Students disrupt speech by Iran chief"] [[New York Times]]. Accessed 12-12-2006.</ref>

In April 2007, the Tehran police, which is under Khamenei's supervision, began a crackdown on women with "improper [[hijab]]." This led to criticism from associates of Ahmadinejad.<ref>[http://www.baztab.com/news/65372.php "Ahmadinejad's adviser criticizes hijab enforcement issue."] Baztab. Accessed 23-4-2007.</ref>

===Universities===
In 2006, the Ahmadinejad government reportedly forced numerous Iranian scientists and university professors to resign or to retire. It has been referred to as "second [[Islamic Cultural Revolution|cultural revolution]]".<ref>[http://roozonline.com/01newsstory/016196.shtml "Protest against the second cultural revolution."] Rooz. Accessed 18-10-2006.</ref><ref>Irani, Hamid. [http://roozonline.com/english/016235.shtml "Cleansing in the Name of Retirement"] Accessed 18-10-2006.</ref> The policy has been said to replace old professors with younger ones.<ref>[http://www.aftabnews.ir/vdcco4q2boqe0.html "Khoshchehreh (MP) protests against the unwanted retirement of university professors."] Aftab News. Accessed on 18-10-2006.</ref> Some university professors received letters indicating their early retirement unexpectedly.<ref>[http://www.aftabnews.ir/vdcdnf0yt509o.html "Different aspects of the unwanted retirement of university professors."] Aftab News. Accessed 18-10-2006.</ref> In November 2006, 53 university professors had to retire from [[Iran University of Science and Technology]].<ref>[http://news.gooya.eu/politics/archives/2006/11/055304.php "صدور حکم بازنشستگی برای ۵۳ استاد دانشگاه علم و صنعت، ادوار نيوز"] Gooya. Accessed 26-01-2008.</ref>

In 2006, Ahmadinejad's government applied a 50 percent [[quota]] for male students and 50 percent for female students in the university entrance exam for [[medicine]], [[dentistry]] and [[pharmacy]]. The plan was supposed to stop the growing presence of female students in the universities. In a response to critics, Iranian minister of health and medical education, [[Kamran Bagheri Lankarani]] argued that there are not enough facilities such as dormitories for female students. Masoud Salehi, president of Zahedan University said that presence of women generates some problems with transportation. Also, Ebrahim Mekaniki, president of [[Babol University of Medical Sciences]], stated that an increase in the presence of women will make it difficult to distribute facilities in a suitable manner. Bagher Larijani, the president of [[Tehran University of Medical Sciences]] made similar remarks. According to [[Rooz|Rooz Online]], the quotas lack a legal foundation and are justified as support for "family" and "religion."<ref>[http://www.roozonline.com/archives/2007/01/001911.php] Rooz Online. Accessed 26-01-2008.</ref>

====December 2006 student protest====
On 11 December 2006, some students disrupted a speech by Ahmadinejad at the [[Amirkabir University of Technology]] (Tehran Polytechnic) in Tehran. According to the [[Iranian Student News Agency]], students set fire to photographs of Ahmadinejad and threw firecrackers. The protesters also chanted "death to the [[dictatorship|dictator]]." It was the first major public protest against Ahmadinejad since his election. In a statement carried on the students' Web site,{{Fact|date=February 2007}} they announced that they had been protesting the growing political pressure under Ahmadinejad, also accusing him of corruption, mismanagement, and discrimination. The statement added that "the students showed that despite vast [[propaganda]], the president has not been able to deceive [[academia]]." It was also reported that some students were angry about the [[International Conference to Review the Global Vision of the Holocaust]].<ref name=students>Theodoulou, Michael. [http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=1841632006 "Protesters condemn Holocaust conference."] The Scotsman. Accessed 06-05-2007.</ref>

In response to the students' slogans, the president said: "We have been standing up to dictatorship so that no one will dare to establish dictatorship in a millennium even in the name of freedom. Given the scars inflicted on the Iranian nation by agents of the US and British dictatorship, no one will ever dare to initiate the rise of a dictator."<ref>[http://www.irna.com/en/news/view/line-17/0612111551150517.htm President: Students are pioneers of revolutionary movements - Irna]</ref> It was reported that even though the protesters broke the TV cameras and threw hand-made bombs at Ahmadinejad,<ref>[http://peyvast.blog.com/1353199/ Films of yesterday protest in Iran are leaking out « Connections پیوست]</ref> the president asked the officials not to question or disturb the protesters.<ref>[http://www.rajanews.com/News/?3739] [http://www.rajanews.com/News/?3737]</ref> In his blog, Ahmadinejad described his reaction to the incident as "a feeling of joy" because of the freedom that people enjoyed after the revolution.<ref>[http://www.ahmadinejad.ir/en/freedom/ ''Freedom and Liberty''] - Ahmadinejad's English Blog</ref>

One thousand students also protested the day before to denounce the increased pressure on the reformist groups at the university. One week prior, more than two thousand students protested at [[Tehran University]] on the country's annual student day, with speakers saying that there had been a crackdown on dissent at universities since Ahmadinejad was elected.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,650214386,00.html | title=Students disrupt speech by Iran chief | author=Nazila Fathi | publisher=New York Times News Service | date=12 December 2006}}</ref><ref name=students />

===Nuclear program===
{{see also|Nuclear program of Iran}}
Ahmadinejad has been a vocal supporter of [[Nuclear program of Iran|Iran's nuclear program]], and has insisted that it is for peaceful purposes. He has repeatedly emphasized that building a [[nuclear weapon|nuclear bomb]] is not the policy of his government. He has said that such a policy is "illegal and against our religion."<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/persian/iran/story/2006/01/060111_mj-ir-nuke-ahmadinejad.shtml "Ahamadinejad: "We will reach the nuclear energy in near future."] [[BBC News]]. Accessed 29-10-2006.</ref><ref>[http://www.missiledefenseadvocacy.org/news/article.php?cat=threats&articleid=383 "Ahmadinejad Claims Iran Has 3,000 Centrifuges"] [[Missile Defense Advocacy]]. Accessed 04-09-2007.</ref> He also added at a January 2006 conference in Tehran that a nation with "culture, logic and civilization" would not need nuclear weapons, and that countries that seek nuclear weapons are those which want to solve all problems by the use of force.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/4613644.stm "Excerpts: Ahmadinejad conference."] [[BBC News]]. Accessed 29-10-2006.</ref> In a 2008 interview Ahmadinejad elaborated that countries striving to obtain nuclear weapons are politically backward nations and those who possess them and continually make new generations of such bombs are "even more backward".<ref name="Press TV">{{cite news |author= [[Amy Goodman|Goodman, Amy]]; [[Juan Gonzalez (journalist)|Gonzalez, Juan]] |title= Ahmadinejad: Nukes for politically backward states |url= http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=70578&sectionid=3510302 |work= [[Press TV]] |date=2008-09-26 |accessdate=2008-09-26 }}</ref>

In April 2006, Ahmadinejad announced that Iran had successfully refined [[uranium]] to a stage suitable for the [[nuclear fuel cycle]]. In a speech to students and academics in [[Mashhad]], he was quoted as saying that Iran's conditions had changed completely as it had become a nuclear state and could talk to other states from that stand.<ref>[http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/060413/2006041301.html "Ahmadinejad: Iran can now talk to world from vantage point of a nuclear state."] Arabic News. Accessed 29-10-2006.</ref> On 13 April 2006, Iranian news agency, [[IRNA]], quoted Ahmadinejad as saying that the peaceful Iranian nuclear technology would not pose a threat to any party because "we want peace and stability and we will not cause injustice to anyone and at the same time we will not submit to injustice."<ref>[http://washtimes.com/upi/20060413-093634-8426r.htm "Ahmadinejad: Iran nuke right non-negotiable."] UPI. Accessed 12-06-2006</ref>

Despite Ahmadinejad's vocal support for the program, the office of the Iranian president is not responsible for nuclear policy. It is instead set by the [[Supreme National Security Council]]. The council includes two representatives appointed by the Supreme Leader, military officials and members of the executive, judicial, and legislative branches of government. It reports directly to Supreme Leader [[Ali Khamenei]], who issued a [[fatwa]] against nuclear weapons in 2005.<ref>Recknagel, Charles. [http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2005/6/C10D5293-86D9-4C7D-8B9F-1A252BC10D3E.html "Iran: Election Of Ahmadinejad Unlikely To Affect Nuclear Negotiations."] Radio Free Europe. Accessed 29-102006.</ref>

Khamenei usually refrains from speaking in public, but has criticized Ahmadinejad's "personalization" of the nuclear issue.<ref name="moderating">[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS/World/Rest_of_World/Iran_rebukes_its_prez_over_N-policy/articleshow/1319950.cms "Iran rebukes its prez over N-policy."] The Times of India. Accessed 26-01-2008.</ref> However, sources close to the president have said the article comes from [[Rafsanjani]].<ref>[http://www.rajanews.com/News/?5625] Raja News. Accessed 26-01-2008.</ref> Ahmadinejad vowed on 23 February 2008, that Iran will not be held back from developing its peaceful nuclear program, and said the "nuclear technology is ... the sort of technology that has been monopolized by a few countries".<ref>[http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/02/23/iran.jealous/index.html "Ahmadinejad: Nations jealous of nuclear progress"] Accessed 24-02-2008.</ref> Ahmadinejad has stated that at least 16 different peaceful uses for nuclear technology has so far been identified.<ref name="Press TV"/>

==Domestic criticism==
{{criticism-section}}
===Accusations of corruption===
Ahmadinejad has been criticized for attacking private “plunderers” and “corrupt officials,” while engaging in "[[cronyism]] and political favouritism". Many of his close associates have been appointed to positions for which they have no obvious qualifications, and "billion dollar no-bid contracts" have been awarded to the [[Army of the Guardians of the Islamic Revolution|Islamic Revolution Guard Corps]] (IRGC), an organization that he is strongly associated with.<ref>[http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=4647&l=1 International Crisis Group, Iran: Ahmadi-Nejad’s Tumultuous Presidency, 6 February 2007 ]</ref>

===Criticisms of statements and social issues===
In 2005, Khamenei responded to Ahmadinejad's alleged remark that [[Israel]] should be "[[Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Israel#2005 "World Without Zionism" speech|wiped off the map]]" by saying that "the [[Iran|Islamic Republic]] has never threatened and will never threaten any country."<ref>Edalat, Abbas. [http://www.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,2050168,00.html "The US can learn from this example of mutual respect"]. The Guardian. Accessed 05-04-2007.</ref> Moreover, Khamenei's main adviser in foreign policy, [[Ali Akbar Velayati]], refused to take part in Ahmadinejad's Holocaust conference. In contrast to Ahmadinejad's remarks, Velayati said that the Holocaust was a [[genocide]] and a historical reality.<ref>[http://www.iran-press-service.com/ips/articles-2007/february-2007/ali-akbar-velayati-adviso.shtml "Ali Akbar Velayati, Adviser To The Leader: 'Everything is negotiable'"]. Iran Press Service. Accessed 27-01-2008.</ref>

In June 2007, Ahmadinejad was criticized by some Iranian parliament members over his remark about [[Christianity]] and [[Judaism]]. According to Aftab News Agency, Ahmadinejad stated: "In the world, there are deviations from the right path: Christianity and Judaism. Dollars have been devoted to the propagation of these deviations. There are also false claims that these [religions] will save mankind. But Islam is the only religion that [can] save mankind." Some members of Iranian parliament criticized these remarks as being fuels to religious war.<ref>[http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/CWN/121605iran.aspx "Iran’s President Threatens Crackdown on Christianity"] CBN News. Accessed 27-01-2008.</ref><ref>[http://news.gooya.eu/politics/archives/2007/06/060469.php news.gooya.eu] Gooya. Accessed 27-01-2008.</ref>

Conservative MP Rafat Bayat has blamed Ahmadinejad for a decline in observance of the required [[hijab]] for women, calling him "not that strict on this issue".<ref>Harrison, Frances. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6213854.stm "Iran police move into fashion business"] Accessed 16-04-2007.</ref> Ahmadinejad has been also accused of indecency by people close to [[Rafsanjani]],<ref>[http://www.ansarnews.com/?usr=news/detail&nid=993 "روزنامه هاشمي": بوسه‌ احمدی‌نژاد بر دست معلم سالخورده‌اش، اشكال شرعي دارد!"] Ansar News. Accessed 27-01-2008.</ref> after he publicly kissed the hand of a woman who used to be his school teacher.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6619077.stm "Ahmadinejad accused of indecency"] BBC News. Accessed 28-01-2008.</ref>

Ahmadinejad's criticism of the West has led to attempts to compel him to go to the Iranian parliament to answer questions.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6267105.stm "Growing pressure on Ahmadinejad"] [[BBC News]], Accessed16-01-2007.</ref> In October 2008, Ahmadinejad's statements on the Holocaust were criticized within Iran by cleric and presidential hopeful [[Mahdi Karroubi]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Karrubi declares presidential candidacy |url=http://www.tehrantimes.com/index_View.asp?code=179869 |work=Tehran Times |date=2008-10-13 |accessdate=2008-10-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Iran presidential candidate hits out at Holocaust denial |url=http://news.trendaz.com/index.shtml?show=news&newsid=1317719&lang=EN |work=Trend News Agency |date=2006-10-12 |accessdate=2008-10-21}}</ref>

===Criticisms from other political parties===
Many reformist and independent political parties, including some of those that boycotted the first round of the presidential election, have called for an alliance against Ahmadinejad, calling it "a national alliance against [[fascism]]."{{Fact|date=February 2008}} Critics, including some independent ones, have mentioned that while there are some similarities between the actions and rising of supporters of Ahmadinejad with those of fascism, the movement differs because it is neither [[nationalism|nationalistic]] nor [[racism|racist]] and lacks [[corporatism]].

Some dissident groups also accused him of being a ruthless interrogator and torturer in the 1980s.<ref>[http://www.iranfocus.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=2605 Iran Focus-Iran’s new President has a past mired in controversy - Iran (General) - News]</ref>

===Ahmadinejad–Haddad Adel conflict over Iranian constitution===
In 2008, a serious conflict emerged between Iranian President and the head of parliament over three laws approved by Iranian parliament: "the agreement for civil and criminal legal cooperation between Iran and Kyrgyzstan", "the agreement to support mutual investment between Iran and Kuwait", and "the law for registration of industrial designs and trademarks". The conflict was so serious that the Iranian leader stepped in to resolve the conflict. Ahmadinejad wrote a letter to parliament speaker [[Gholam-Ali Haddad-Adel]], furiously denouncing him for an "inexplicable act" in bypassing the presidency by giving the order to implement legislation in an official newspaper.<ref>[http://www.nasdaq.com/aspxcontent/NewsStory.aspx?cpath=20080422%5CACQDJON200804220542DOWJONESDJONLINE000190.htm&&mypage=newsheadlines&title=Iran%20President%20Ahmadinejad%20In%20Rows%20With%203%20Leading%20Officials%20-%20AFP Iran President Ahmadinejad In Rows With 3 Leading Officials - AFP]</ref> President Ahmadinejad accused the head of parliament of violating Iranian constitutional law. He called for legal action against the Parliament speaker. <ref>[http://www.iran-press-service.com/ips/articles-2008/april-2008/ahmadinejad-attacks-haddad-adel.shtml Ahmadinejad Attacks Haddad Adel (Iran Press Service)]</ref><ref>[http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=52720&sectionid=351020101 Press TV - Haddad-Adel: Constitution not violated]</ref> Haddad-Adel responded to Ahmadinejad accusing him of using inappropriate language in his remarks and letters. <ref>[http://www.alef.ir/content/view/25046/ الف - پاسخ رئیس‏مجلس به رئیس‏جمهور]</ref>

===Ali Kordan's fabricated doctoral degree and moral charges===
{{main|Ali Kordan}}
In August 2008, Dr Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, appointed [[Ali Kordan]] as Iran's interior minister. Kordan's appointment has been criticized by Iranian parliamentarians, media and analysts after it came to light that a doctoral degree allegedly awarded to Ali Kordan was fabricated, and that the putative issuer of the degree, [[Oxford University]], had no record of Ali Kordan receiving any degree from the University.<ref name=oxfordstatement>{{cite news
|url=http://www.ox.ac.uk/media/news_stories/2008/080815.html
|title=Statement: Mr Ali Kordan
|date=2008-08-15
|accessdate=2008-08-17
|publisher=[[The University of Oxford]]
}}</ref>
It was also revealed that he had been jailed in 1978 for moral charges.<ref>{{cite news
|url=http://www.roozonline.com/archives/2008/08/post_8726.php
|title= سوابق اخلاقي
|date=2008-08-14
|accessdate=2008-08-14
|publisher=[[Rooz|Rooz online]]
}}</ref><ref>{{cite news
|url=http://www.peykeiran.com/iran_news_body.aspx?ID=52649
|title= تصویر سند بازداشت عوض علی کردان به اتهام ازاله بکارت
|language=Persian
|date=2008-08-18
|accessdate=2008-08-18
|publisher=[[Peykeiran]]
}}</ref>
Fabrication of legal documents is punishable in Iranian law with one to three years of imprisonment and in the case of government officials, the maximum sentence (three years) is demanded.{{Fact|date=October 2008}}

In November 2008, President Ahmadinejad announced that he is against impeachment of Ali Kordan by Iranian parliament. He refuse to attend the parliament on the impeachment day.<ref>[http://www.africasia.com/services/news/newsitem.php?area=mideast&item=081104102917.yxb25ese.php]</ref> Ali Kordan was expelled from Iranian interior ministry by Iranian parliament on 4th of November 2008. 188 MPs voted against Ali Kordan. An impeachment of Kordan would push Ahmadinejad close to having to submit his entire cabinet for review by parliament, which is led by one of his chief political opponents. Iran's constitution requires that step if more than half the cabinet ministers are replaced, and Ahmadinejad has replaced nine of 21.<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/03/AR2008110301757.html?hpid=moreheadlines]</ref>
<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7707963.stm]</ref>

==Foreign relations==
[[Image:Nechervan Idris Barzani and Ahmadinejad.jpg|thumb|right|Ahmadinejad meeting with [[Nechervan Idris Barzani|Nechervan Barzani]].]]
===Relations with the United States===
{{see also|United States-Iran relations}}

During Ahmadinejad's presidency, Iran and the US have had the most high-profile contact in almost 30 years. Iran and the US froze diplomatic relations in 1980 and had no direct diplomatic contact until May 2007.<ref>Gollust, David. [http://www.voanews.com/english/2007-07-17-voa49.cfm "US Ready For Another Meeting With Iran."] Voice of America. Accessed 26-01-2008.</ref>

While the U.S has linked its support for a Palestinian state to acceptance of Israel's "[[right to exist]]," Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has retorted that Israel be moved to Europe instead.<ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=051208164944.y49anqze&show_article=1 "Iran's Ahmadinajad says Israel should be moved to Europe."] Accessed 29-09-2007.</ref> The U.S. has sent clear signals to Iran that its posturing against Israel's right to exist is unacceptable, leading to increased speculation of a U.S. led attack on Iran's nuclear facilities. Even though Iran has denied involvement in Iraq, President Bush has warned of "consequences," sending a clear message to Iran that the U.S may take military action against it.<ref>Ibid.</ref> The [[George W. Bush administration|Bush administration]] considers Iran to be the world's leading state supporter of terrorism. Iran has been on the [[U.S. list of state sponsors of international terrorism]] since 1984,<ref>Armitage, Richard. [http://www.state.gov/s/d/former/armitage/remarks/25682.htm "U.S. Policy and Iran. Testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee."] U.S. Department of State. Accessed 01-12-2006.</ref><ref>Burns, R. Nicholas. [http://www.state.gov/p/us/rm/2005/57473.htm "U.S. Policy and Iran. Johns Hopkins University Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies."] U.S. Department of State. Accessed 01-12-2006.</ref><ref>[http://www.state.gov/s/ct/c14151.htm "State Sponsors of Terrorism."] U.S. Department of State. Accessed 05-02-2007.</ref> a claim that Iran and Ahmadinejad have denied.

On 8 May 2006, Ahmadinejad sent a [[Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's letter to George W. Bush|personal letter]] to [[President of the United States|President]] [[George W. Bush|Bush]] to propose "new ways" to end Iran's nuclear dispute.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/3362443.stm "Timeline: US-Iran ties."] [[BBC News]]. Accessed 29-10-2006.</ref> U.S. Secretary of State [[Condoleezza Rice]] and National Security Adviser [[Stephen Hadley]] both reviewed the letter and dismissed it as a negotiating ploy and publicity stunt that did not address U.S. concerns about Iran's nuclear program.<ref name="WPLetter">Vick, Karl. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/08/AR2006050800141.html "No Proposals in Iranian's Letter to Bush, U.S. Says."] The [[Washington Post]]. Accessed 29-10-2006.</ref> A few days later at a meeting in [[Jakarta]], Ahmadinejad said, "the letter was an invitation to monotheism and justice, which are common to all divine prophets."<ref>[http://www.irna.ir/en/news/view/line-24/0605110155191821.htm "President says his letter to President Bush was invitation to Islam."] Islamic Republic News Agency. Accessed 29-10-2006.</ref>

Ahmadinejad invited President [[George W. Bush]] to a debate at the [[United Nations|United Nation]] [[United Nations General Assembly|General Assembly]], which was to take place on 19 September 2006. The debate was to be about Iran's right to enrich uranium. The invitation was promptly rejected by White House spokesman [[Tony Snow]], who said "There's not going to be a [[Professional wrestling match types#Cages|steel-cage grudge match]] between the President and Ahmadinejad."<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/situation.room/blog/2006/09/no-steel-cage-grudge-match-between.html "No 'steel-cage, grudge match' between Bush, Ahmadinejad."] [[CNN]]. Accessed 10-01-2007.</ref>
[[Image:Mahmoud Ahmadinejad at Columbia 1 by David Shankbone.jpg|thumb|left|[[Columbia University]] students Protesting Columbia University's decision to invite Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to the University campus.]]
On November 2006, Ahmadinejad wrote an open letter to the American people,<ref>[http://edition.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/11/29/ahmadinejad.letter "Ahmadinejad's letter to Americans."] [[CNN.]] Accessed 26-01-2008.</ref> representing some of his anxieties and concerns. He stated that there is an urgency to have a dialog because of the activities of the US administration in the Middle East, and that the US is concealing the truth about current realities.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/projects/pdf/iran_pres_letter.pdf "Message of H.E. Dr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad President of the Republic of Iran to the American People."] [[Fox News]]. Accessed 29-11-2006.</ref>

The United States Senate passed a resolution warning Iran about attacks in Iraq. On 26 September 2007, the United States Senate passed a resolution 76-22 and labeled an arm of the Iranian military as a terrorist organization.

In September 2007 Ahmadinejad visited New York to address the General Assembly of the United Nations. Prior to this he gave a speech at the Columbia University, where the university president Lee Bollinger — clearly stung by criticism for hosting Ahmadinejad — used his introduction to excoriate the Iranian leader as everything from a "cruel and petty dictator" to "astonishingly uneducated." Taking questions from Columbia faculty and students who attended his address, Ahmadinejad answered a query about the treatment of gays in Iran by saying: "We don't have homosexuals like in your country. We don't have that in our country. We don't have this phenomenon; I don't know who's told you we have it." An aide later claimed that he was misrepresented and was actually saying that "compared to American society, we don't have many homosexuals". <ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSBLA05294620071010 President misquoted over gays in Iran: aide | International | Reuters]</ref>

In a speech given in April 2008, Ahmadinejad described the [[September 11, 2001 attacks]] as a "suspect event." He minimized the attacks by saying all that had happened was, "a building collapsed." He claimed that the death toll was never published, that the victims' names were never published, and that the attacks were used subsequently as pretext for the invasions of [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|Afghanistan]] and Iraq. <ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7350830.stm Ahmadinejad: 9/11 'suspect event']</ref>

In October 2008, President Ahmadinejad expressed his happiness of [[Economic crisis of 2008|2008 global economic crisis]] and what he called "collapse of liberalism". He said the West has been driven to deadend and that Iran was proud "to put an end to liberal economy".<ref>[http://mathaba.net/news/?x=610339]</ref> Ahmadinejad used a September 2008 speech to the General Assembly of the United Nations to assert the American empire is soon going to end without specifying how. "The American empire in the world is reaching the end of its road, and its next rulers must limit their interference to their own borders," Ahmadinejad said.<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.un.org/ga/63/generaldebate/pdf/iran_en.pdf
|format=PDF| title = Statement by H.E. Dr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
| accessdate = 2008-10-31
| date = 23 September 2008
| publisher = [[United Nations]]
| pages = 8
| language = English
| archiveurl =
| archivedate =
| quote = 'The American empire in the world is reaching the end of its road, and its next rulers must limit their interference to their own borders.'
}}
</ref>

On November 6, 2008 (one day after the 2008 US Presidential Election ), [[President of Iran|President]] Mahmoud Ahmadinejad congratulated [[Barack Obama]], the newly elected President of the United States, and said that he "Welcomes basic and fair changes in U.S. policies and conducts, I hope you will prefer real public interests and justice to the never-ending demands of a selfish minority and seize the opportunity to serve people so that you will be remembered with high esteem". It is the first congratulatory message to a new elected President of the United States by an Iranian President since the 1979 [[Iran Hostage Crisis|Iranian Hostage Crisis]]. <ref>http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/11/06/iran.obama/index.html</ref>

===Relations with Israel===
{{main|Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Israel}}
{{see also|Iran–Israel relations}}
On 26 October 2005 Ahmadinejad gave a [[Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Israel#2005 "World Without Zionism" speech|speech]] at a conference in Tehran entitled "World Without [[Zionism]]". According to widely published translations, he agreed with a statement he attributed to [[Ruhollah Khomeini|Ayatollah Khomeini]] that the "occupying regime" had to be removed, and referred to it as a "disgraceful stain [on] the Islamic world", that needed to be "wiped from the pages of history."<ref name = "WIPED">*[http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/meast/10/27/ahmadinejad.reaction/index.html "Annan: 'Dismay' over Iranian comments on Israel"]. CNN. Accessed 27-09-2007.
*Fathi, Nazila. [http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/30/weekinreview/30iran.html?ex=1161230400&en=26f07fc5b7543417&ei=5070 "Text of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's Speech"]. New York Times. Accessed 17-10-2006.
*[http://www.boston.com/news/world/articles/2006/12/15/iran_vote_seen_as_referendum_on_ahmadinejad/ "Iran vote seen as referendum on Ahmadinejad"]. [[The Boston Globe]]. Accessed 27-12-2006.
</ref>

Ahmadinejad's comments were condemned by major [[Western world|Western governments]], the [[European Union]], Russia, the [[United Nations Security Council]] and then [[United Nations|UN]] [[Secretary General of the United Nations|Secretary General]] [[Kofi Annan]].<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/4384024.stm
| title = Annan ‘dismayed’ by Iran remarks
| accessdate = 2006-10-29
| date = 28 October 2005
| publisher = [[BBC News]]
}}
</ref> [[Egypt]]ian, [[Turkey|Turkish]] and [[Palestinian]] leaders also expressed displeasure over Ahmadinejad's remark.<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/4387206.stm
| title = UN raps Iran's anti-Israel rant
| accessdate = 2006-10-29
| date = 28 October 2005
| publisher = [[BBC News]]
}}
</ref> Canada's then [[Prime Minister of Canada|Prime Minister]] [[Paul Martin]] said, “this threat to Israel's existence, this call for genocide coupled with Iran's obvious nuclear ambitions is a matter that the world cannot ignore.”<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.carolynbennettmp.ca/dev/downloads/2005-11-13_Prime-Minister-Martin-Addresses-Jewish-Leaders_Toronto.doc
| title = Prime Minister Martin Speaks Before Jewish Leaders in Toronto
| accessdate = 2006-10-29
| last = Martin
| first = Paul
| authorlink = Paul Martin
| date = 15 November 2005
| publisher = [[Carolyn Bennett]]
}}
</ref>


The translation of his statement has been disputed. Iran's foreign minister stated that Ahmadinejad had been "misunderstood": "He is talking about the regime. We do not recognise legally this regime."<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2006%5C02%5C22%5Cstory_22-2-2006_pg4_15
| title = Ahmadinejad misunderstood, says Iran
| accessdate = 2007-09-07
| date = 22 February 2006
| publisher = [http://www.dailytimes.com.pk DailyTimes.com Pakistan]
}}</ref> Some experts state that the phrase in question (بايد از صفحه روزگار محو شود) is more accurately translated as "eliminated" or "wiped off" or "wiped away" from "the page of time" or "the pages of history", rather than "wiped off the map".<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/jonathan_steele/2006/06/post_155.html
| title = Lost in translation
| accessdate = 2006-12-11
| last = Steele
| first = Jonathan
| date = 14 June 2006
| publisher = [[The Guardian]]
}}</ref> Reviewing the controversy over the translation, [[New York Times]] deputy foreign editor [[Ethan Bronner]] observed that "all official translations" of the comments, including the foreign ministry and president's office, "refer to wiping Israel away".<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/11/weekinreview/11bronner.html
| title = Just How Far Did They Go, Those Words Against Israel?
| accessdate = 2006-06-11
| last = Bronner
| first = Ethan
| date = 11 June 2006
| publisher = [[New York Times]]
}}</ref>
Dr. Joshua Teitelbaum, in a paper for the [[Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs]], examined the language that President Ahmadinejad has used when discussing Israel. Using Farsi translations from Dr. [[Denis MacEoin]], a former lecturer in [[Islamic studies]] in the United Kingdom, Teitelbaum wrote that "the Iranian president was not just calling for “regime change” in Jerusalem, but rather the actual physical destruction of the State of Israel," and asserted that Ahmadinejad was advocating the genocide of its residents as well. Teitelbaum said that in a speech given on 26 October 2005, Ahmadinejad said the following about Israel: "Soon this stain of disgrace will be cleaned from the garment of the world of Islam, and this is attainable." Teitelbaum argued that this type of dehumanizing rhetoric is a documented prelude to genocide incitement. Dr. [[Juan Cole]], a professor of modern Middle Eastern and South Asian history at the University of Michigan, has argued that Ahmadinejad was not calling for the destruction of Israel, “Ahmadinejad did not say he was going to wipe Israel off the map because no such idiom exists in Persian.” Dr. [[Stephen Walt]], a professor of international affairs at Harvard University has said “I don’t think he is inciting to genocide."<ref>"What Iranian Leaders Really Say About Doing Away with Israel." Joshua Teitelbaum. (Jerusalem: Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, 2008). [http://www.jcpa.org/text/ahmadinejad2-words.pdf]</ref> According to Gawdat Bahgat, Director of Center for Middle Eastern Studies at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, "the fiery calls to destroy Israel are meant to mobilize domestic and regional constituencies" and that "Rhetoric aside, most analysts agree that the Islamic Republic and the Jewish state are not likely to engage in a military confrontation against each other."<ref> Nuclear Proliferation: The Islamic. Republic of Iran. G. AWDAT. B. AHGAT, Iranian Studies, volume 39, number 3, September 2006 </ref>

In July 2006, Ahmadinejad compared Israel's actions in the [[2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict]] to [[Adolf Hitler]]'s actions during [[World War II]] saying that "like Hitler, the [[Zionism|Zionist regime]] is just looking for a pretext for launching military attacks" and "is now acting just like him."<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.indiaenews.com/middle-east/20060716/15031.htm
| title = Ahmadinejad compares Israel to Hitler
| accessdate = 2006-12-11
| date = 16 July 2006
| publisher = [http://www.indiaenews.com/ IndiaeNews.com]
}}</ref> On 8 August 2006, he gave a television interview to [[Mike Wallace (journalist)|Mike Wallace]], a correspondent for [[60 Minutes]], in which he questioned American support of Israel's "murderous regime" and the moral grounds for Israel's invasion of Lebanon.<ref name = "MA 60 Minutes" /> On 2 December 2006, Ahmadinejad met with Palestinian Prime Minister [[Ismail Haniyah]] in [[Doha]], [[Qatar]]. At that meeting, he said that Israel "was created to establish dominion of arrogant states over the region and to enable the enemy to penetrate the heart Muslim land." He called Israel a "threat" and said it was created to create tensions in and impose US and UK policies upon the region.<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.irna.ir/en/news/view/menu-236/0612026937093956.htm
| title = President Ahmadinejad, Palestinian PM meet in Doha
| accessdate = 2006-12-11
| date = 2 December 2006
| publisher = [[IRNA]]
}}</ref> On 12 December 2006, Ahmadinejad addressed the [[International Conference to Review the Global Vision of the Holocaust]], and made comments about the future of Israel. He said, "Israel is about to crash. This is God's promise and the wish of all the world's nations."<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/view.php?StoryID=20061212-072558-3819r
| title = Iran students rebel over Holocaust denial
| accessdate = 2006-12-20
| date = 12 December 2006
| publisher = [[UPI]]
}}</ref>

When [[CNN]]'s [[Larry King]] asked Ahmadinejad "does Israel remain Israel" in his version of the Middle East, Ahmadinejad suggested that throughout the Palestinian territories free elections for all be conducted under the supervision of international organizations. Ahmadinejad suggested that "..we must allow free elections to happen in Palestine under the supervision of the United Nations. And the Palestinian people, the displaced Palestinian people, or whoever considers Palestine its land, can participate in free elections. And then whatever happens as a result could happen."<ref name=KingInt/>

===Relations with Russia===
[[Image:Vladimir Putin in Iran 16-17 October 2007-2.jpg|thumb|upright|Ahmadinejad with then [[President of Russia]] [[Vladimir Putin]] in [[Tehran]] on 16 October 2007.]]
{{see also|Iran-Russia relations}}
Ahmadinejad has moved to strengthen relations with Russia, setting up an office expressly dedicated to the purpose in October 2005. He has worked with [[Vladimir Putin]] on the nuclear issue, and both Putin and Ahmadinejad have expressed a desire for more mutual cooperation on issues involving the [[Caspian Sea]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Ahmadinejad: Special Hq to be formed for Tehran-Moscow cooperation|publisher=[[Islamic Republic News Agency]]| url=http://www.irna.ir/en/news/view/line-17/0510268047185402.htm|accessdate=2006-04-14|date=26 October 2005}}</ref> More recently, Iran has been increasingly pushed into an alliance with Moscow due to the controversy over Iran's nuclear program. By late December 2007, Russia began to deliver enriched batches of nuclear fuel to Iran as a way of persuading Iran to end self-enrichment.

===Relations with Venezuela===
{{see also|Iran-Venezuela relations}}
Ahmadinejad has sought to develop ties with other world leaders that are also opposed to [[U.S. foreign policy]] and influence like [[Hugo Chavez]] of [[Venezuela]].<ref name="Venezuela strategy">Prada, Leandro. [http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewForeignBureaus.asp?Page=/ForeignBureaus/archive/200709/INT20070928b.html "Ahmadinejad Visits Anti-US Allies in Latin America."] CNS News. Accessed 26-01-2008.</ref> Venezuela voted in favor of Iran's nuclear program before the [[United Nations]],<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/news/iran/2005/iran-050928-irna02.htm "Ahmadinejad hails Venezuela's vote in IAEA."] Global Security. Accessed 26-01-2008</ref> and both governments have sought to develop more bilateral trade.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,206204,00.html "Venezuela's Chavez, Iran's Ahmadinejad Pledge Mutual Support."] [[Fox News]]. Accessed 26-01-2008.</ref> As of 2006, the ties between the two countries are strategic rather than economic;<ref name="Venezuela strategy"/> Venezuela is still not one of Iran's major trading partners.<ref>[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ir.html "CIA - The World Factbook - Iran."] CIA. Accessed 26-01-2008.</ref>

===Regional relations===
Immediately after the [[Islamic Revolution]], Iran's relations with most of its neighbors, particularly those with large [[Shiite]] minorities, were severely strained.<ref name="Revolution">Abdel-Mageed, Dina [http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1175008835987&pagename=Zone-English-Muslim_Affairs%2FMAELayout#9 "Has the Revolution Affected Iran's Relations With Its Neighbors?"] Accessed 26-01-2008.</ref> Ahmadinejad's priority in the region has been to improve ties with most of Iran's neighbors in order to strengthen Iran's status and influence in both the Middle East and [[Muslim World|Greater Muslim World]].<ref>[http://www.iranmania.com/News/ArticleView/Default.asp?NewsCode=51627&NewsKind=current%20affairs "Iran leader tries to pry Arabs out of US alliance."] Accessed 26-01-2008</ref><ref>[http://www.saudi-us-relations.org/articles/2007/special-reports/070305-iran-saudi.html "Saudi-Iran Meeting Yields Little Substance."] Accessed 26-01-2008</ref>

[[Turkey]] has always been an important ally in the region due to its ties to the West through [[NATO]], [[Israel]],<ref>Vest, Jason [http://www.thenation.com/doc/20020902/vest20020823 "Turkey, Israel and the US."] [[The Nation]]. Accessed 26-01-2006.</ref> and its potential entry into the [[European Union]]. Ahmadinejad made a visit to [[Ankara]] in order to reinforce relations with Turkey immediately after the [[Iranian_nuclear_program#2007_Iran_National_Intelligence_Estimate|2007 NIE report]] was released.<ref>[http://www.turkishdailynews.com.tr/article.php?enewsid=91008 "Ahmadinejad seeks to improve Iran image with Ankara visit."] [[Turkish Daily News]]. Accessed 26-01-2008.</ref> Relations were briefly strained after President [[Abdullah Gul]] had stated that he wants the atomic threat to be eliminated from the region, perhaps a hint to Iran;<ref>[http://www.shalomdc.org/page.html?ArticleID=127683 "Israel, Turkey patch up relations."] Accessed 26-01-2008.</ref> however, business has remained cordial between the two countries.<ref name="cordial Turkey">[http://uk.reuters.com/article/oilRpt/idUKL2693425220070926 "Turkey's Botas says Iran is important gas partner."] [[Reuters]]. Accessed 26-01-2008.</ref> Despite US disapproval, Turkey recently signed a multibillion dollar gas line deal with Tehran in late 2007.<ref name="cordial Turkey"/><ref>[http://www.turkishdailynews.com.tr/article.php?enewsid=85127 "Turkey to fund $3.5 bln Iran gas deal alone."] [[Reuters]]. Accessed 26-01-2008</ref>

Iran's relations with the Arab states have been complex, partly due to the [[Islamic Revolution]]<ref name="Revolution"/> of decades ago, as well as more recent efforts by the United States to establish a united front against Iran over the [[Iranian nuclear program|nuclear issue]] and [[War on Terror]].<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/14/world/middleeast/14prexy.html?_r=1&oref=slogin "Bush Urges Unity Against Iran."] [[New York Times]]. Accessed 26-01-2008.</ref> Ahmadinejad has sought reconciliation with the Arab states by encouraging bilateral trade and posturing for Iranian entry into the [[Gulf Cooperation Council]].<ref>[http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/080115/2008011507.html "Ahmadi-Nejad message to Gulf states on relations with Iran."] Accessed 26-01-2008.</ref> Outside of the Persian Gulf, Ahmadinejad has sought to reestablish relations with other major Arab states, most notably [[Egypt]].<ref name="Iran and Egypt">[http://yalibnan.com/site/archives/2007/12/iran_anxious_to.php "Iran anxious to reopen embassy in Cairo."] Accessed 26-01-2008.</ref> As of 2007, Iran did not have an open embassy there.<ref name="Iran and Egypt"/>

Iran's [[Iran-Arab relations#Syria|ties to Syria]] have been most notable in the West. Both nations have had to deal with international and regional isolation.<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/syria/story/0,,1690447,00.html "Ahmadinejad visits Syria."] Guardian Unlimited. Accessed 26-01-2008.</ref> Further, they both have cordial ties to the militant group, [[Hezbollah]],<ref name="mock">[http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8JGVFKO0&show_article=1 "Iran, Syria Praise Hezbollah, Mock US."] Associated Press. Accessed 26-01-2008.</ref> and concerns over Iran-Syria relations were further exacerbated following the [[2006 Lebanon War]],<ref>[http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/HJ24Ak03.html "Speaking with the enemy."] Asia Times. Accessed 26-01-2008.</ref> which both Ahmadinejad and President [[Bashar Assad|Assad]] claimed as a victory over Israel.<ref name="mock"/>

Due to the similar culture and language Iran has with Afghanistan, the two countries have historically been close and, even though the US has a military presence in Afghanistan, President [[Hamid Karzai]] of Afghanistan maintains he wants Iran to be one of its closest allies<ref>{{cite news
| url=http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/08/07/america/07prexy.php
| title=Bush differs with Karzai on Iran
| author=Sheryl Gay Stolberg
| publisher=IHT (NYT World)
| date=2007-08-07
| accessdate=2009-01-19
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
| url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2003/10/mil-031012-irna01.htm
| title=Iran, Afghanistan stress expansion of ties
| publisher=IRNA
| date=2003-10-12
| accessdate=2009-01-19
}}</ref>. At Camp David in August 2007, Karzai rejected the U.S. claim that Iran backs Afghan militants. Karzai described Iran as "a helper and a solution," and "a supporter of Afghanistan", both in "the fight against terror, and the fight against narcotics". He called relations between Afghanistan and Iran "very, very good, very, very close "<ref>{{cite news
| url=http://www.canada.com/topics/news/world/story.html?id=c5d07911-605b-4a4a-becb-8768009974b3
| title=Karzai's Iran reference raises eyebrows at Camp David
| publisher=The Calgary Herald News Services
| 2007-08-06
| accessdate=2009-01-19
}}</ref>.

Ahmadinejad has also attempted to develop stronger, more intimate ties with both [[Afghanistan]] and [[Pakistan]] to the East in order to ensure "regional stability."<ref name="Iran-Pak-Afgh">[http://www.irna.com/en/news/view/line-22/0612212936010042.htm "Iran-Pakistan- Afghanistan friendly ties to ensure regional security."] IRNA. Accessed 26-01-2008.</ref> In particular, Ahmadinejad is interested in more bilateral talks between Iran and both Afghanistan and Pakistan.<ref name="Iran-Pak-Afgh"/> Moreover, Ahmadinejad's administration has taken part in establishing the "[[Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline|peace pipeline]]"; a pipeline from Iran that will eventually fuel both Pakistan and India. In theory, the plan will help to [[globalization|integrate]] [[South Asia]]n economies, and, by consequence, calm tensions between Pakistan and India.<ref>Shahid, Sohaib. [http://jang.com.pk/thenews/jan2007-weekly/busrev-15-01-2007/p8.htm "Iran-Pak-India gas pipeline: implications and prospects."] Business and Finance Review. Accessed 26-01-2008</ref>

Ahmadinejad met foreign minister Elmar Mammadyarov of [[Azerbaijan]] in order to discuss increased cooperation between the two nations.<ref name="azeri">[http://www.spokesman.gov.ir/en/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=460&Itemid=58 "Ahmadinejad meets Azeri FM."] Fars. Accessed 26-01-2008</ref> Mammadyarov also expressed desire to expand the North-South corridor between Iran and Azerbaijan and to launch cooperative projects regarding [[power plant]] construction.<ref name="azeri"/> Iran has also redoubled efforts to forge ties with [[Armenia]]; during Ahmadinejad's visit in October 2007 the discussions were focused on developing energy ties between the two countries.<ref>Whitemore, Brian. [http://www.energypublisher.com/article.asp?id=11638 "Energy to dominate Ahmadinejad's Armenia visit."] Energy Publisher. Accessed 26-01-2008.</ref>

====Iraq====
Ahmadinejad is the first Iranian president to visit [[Iraq]].<ref>[http://irannegah.com/Video.aspx?id=506"Video of Ahmadinejad's Visit to Iraq."] [[IranNegah]]. Accessed 26-05-2008. </ref> Ahmadinejad, in Baghdad 2 March 2008 for the start of a historic two-day trip, said "visiting Iraq without the dictator ([[Saddam Hussein]]) is a good thing."<ref>[http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/03/02/iraq.ahmadinejad/index.html "Iran president on landmark Iraq visit"] CNN. Accessed 03-02-2008.</ref> Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, heading home after a two-day visit to Iraq, again touted his country's closer relations with Iraq and reiterated his criticism of the United States.<ref>[http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/03/03/iraq.iran/index.html "Iran's president: No one likes Americans"] CNN. Accessed 03-03-2008.</ref>

==Allegations of Holocaust denial and anti-Semitism==
{{main|Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Israel}}

On 14 December 2005, Ahmadinejad made several controversial statements about the [[Holocaust]], repeatedly referring to it as a "myth," as well as criticizing European laws against [[Holocaust denial]]. According to a report from Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, Ahmadinejad said, referring to Europeans, "Today, they have created a myth in the name of Holocaust and consider it to be above God, religion and the prophets."<ref>{{cite news |title=Holocaust a myth, says Iranian president |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2005/dec/14/iran.secondworldwar |work=Associated Press |work=Guardian.co.uk |date=2005-12-14 |accessdate=2008-10-21}}</ref> The quote has also translated as "They have created a myth today that they call the massacre of Jews and they consider it a principle above God, religions and the prophets."<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4527142.stm Iranian Leader Denies Holocaust] BBC, December 14, 2005</ref>

In a May 30, 2006 interview with ''[[Der Spiegel]]'', Ahmadinejad insisted there were "two opinions" on the Holocaust. When asked if the Holocaust was a myth, he responded "I will only accept something as truth if I am actually convinced of it." He also said, "We are of the opinion that, if a historical occurrence conforms to the truth, this truth will be revealed all the more clearly if there is more research into it and more discussion about it". He then argued that "most" scholars who recognize the existence of the Holocaust are "politically motivated," stating that:

<blockquote>"...there are two opinions on this in Europe. One group of scholars or persons, most of them politically motivated, say the Holocaust occurred. Then there is the group of scholars who represent the opposite position and have therefore been imprisoned for the most part."<ref>[http://www.spiegel.de/international/spiegel/0,1518,418660,00.html "We Are Determined: Spiegel interview with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad"] Accessed 20-10-2008.</ref></blockquote>

In August 2006, the Iranian leader was reported to have again cast doubt on the existence of the Holocaust, this time in a letter to German Chancellor [[Angela Merkel]], where he wrote that the Holocaust may have been invented by the Allied powers to embarrass Germany.<ref>{{cite news |first=ARESU |last=EQBALI |title=Ahmadinejad: Holocaust was made up |url=http://www.mg.co.za/article/2006-08-28-ahmadinejad-holocaust-was-made-up |work=Mail and Guardian Online |date=2006-08-28 |accessdate=2008-10-21 }}</ref>

On 11 December 2006 the "[[International Conference to Review the Global Vision of the Holocaust]]" was held in Iran.<ref>[http://edition.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/12/11/iran.holocaust/index.html "Iran hosts Holocaust conference"]. [[CNN]]. Accessed 27-12-2006.</ref> The conference was called for by and held at the request of Ahmadinejad.<ref>"Iran: Holocaust Conference Soon in Tehran". Adnkronos International (AKI). Accessed 27-12-2006.</ref> Western media widely condemned the conference and described it as a "Holocaust denial conference" or a "meeting of Holocaust deniers",<ref>*[http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2006/12/12/europe/EU_GEN_Europe_Holocaust_Denial.php "Across Europe, outrage over meeting of Holocaust deniers in Iran"]. [[International Herald Tribune]]. Accessed 11-12-2006.
*[http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,,1970042,00.html "Holocaust deniers gather in Iran for 'scientific' conference"]. [[The Guardian]]. Accessed 11-12-2006.
*[http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/11/world/middleeast/11cnd-iran.html?hp&ex=1165899600&en=89a54e1e0974643d&ei=5094&partner=homepage "Holocaust Deniers and Skeptics Gather in Iran"], [[The New York Times]]. Accessed 11-12-2006.
*[http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/view.php?StoryID=20061212-072558-3819r "Iran students rebel over Holocaust denial."] United Press International. Accessed 12-12-2006.
*[http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6637685 "Iran Further Isolates Itself with 'Holocaust Denial'"] [[Weekend Edition]], [[National Public Radio]]. Accessed 17-12-2006.
*[http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/12/20061212.html "Statement on Holocaust Denial Conference Sponsored by Iranian Regime"], The White House, Office of the Press Secretary, 12 December 2006.</ref> though Iran maintained that it was not a [[Holocaust denial]] conference, commenting the conference was meant to "create an opportunity for thinkers who cannot express their views freely in Europe about the Holocaust".<ref>[http://www.spiegel.de/international/0,1518,453691,00.html "Berlin Counters Holocaust Conference"] Spiegel Online. Accessed 27-12-2006.</ref>

In his September 2007 appearance at [[Columbia University]], Ahmadinejad stated "I'm not saying that it didn't happen at all. This is not judgment that I'm passing here"<ref name = "Ahmadinejad_Columbia">{{cite web
| url = http://ahmadinejadspeech.blogspot.com/
| title = Ahmadinejad's speech @ Columbia university - a transcript
| accessdate = 2009-02-02
| date = 25 September 2007
}}
</ref> and that the Holocaust should be left open to debate and research like any other historical event.<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/24/AR2007092401042_pf.html "President Ahmadinejad Delivers Remarks at Columbia University"] [[The Washington Post]]. Accessed 26-01-2008.</ref>

In response to some of Ahmadinejad's controversial statements and actions, a variety of sources, including the [[U.S. Senate]],<ref>[http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getpage.cgi?dbname=2008_record&page=S922&position=all "Condemning antisemitic Statements of the President of Iran"]</ref>{{Verify source|date=February 2008}} have accused Ahmadinejad of [[antisemitism|anti-Semitism]]. Ahmadinejad's September 2008 speech to the UN General Assembly, in which he dwelled on what he described as Zionist control of international finance, was also denounced as "blatant anti-Semitism" by German Foreign Minister [[Frank-Walter Steinmeier]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Germany: Ahmadinejad anti-Semitic |url=http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/536641/2110198 |work=onenews (New Zealand) |date=2008-09-27 |accessdate=2008-10-21 }}</ref>

===Response to allegations===
Ahmadinejad has denied allegations of Holocaust denial<ref>[http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2007/09/24/2007-09-24_irans_president_i_dont_deny_holocaust-3.html ''New York Daily News'': "Iran's president: I don't deny Holocaust"]</ref> and acknowledged that it seems the West is right in its claim of the Holocaust:<blockquote>"If the Europeans are telling the truth in their claim that they have killed six million Jews in the Holocaust during the World War II - which seems they are right in their claim because they insist on it and arrest and imprison those who oppose it, why the Palestinian nation should pay for the crime. Why have they come to the very heart of the Islamic world and are committing crimes against the dear Palestine using their bombs, rockets, missiles and sanctions.<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/news/iran/2005/iran-051214-irna02.htm ''GlobalSecurity.org'': "Polling only solution to Palestine problem, President"]</ref></blockquote>

Ahmadinejad has said he respects Jews and that "in Palestine there are Muslims, Christians and Jews who live together". He added, "We love everyone in the world - Jews, Christians, Muslims, non-Muslims, non-Jews, non-Christians... We are against occupation, aggression, killings and displacing people - otherwise we have no problem with ordinary people."
<ref name = "MA_respect_Jews" /> Ahmadinejad has further said the Jewish community in Iran has its own independent member of parliament. Ahmadinejad has argued Zionists are "neither Jews nor Christians nor Muslims", and has asked "How can you possibly be religious and occupy the land of other people?"<ref name=KingInt>[http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0809/23/lkl.01.html CNN's Larry King Live: Transcript of Interview with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad]</ref>

Shiraz Dossa, a professor at [[St. Francis Xavier University]], in [[Nova Scotia]], [[Canada]], argued in June 2007 that<blockquote>Ahmadinejad has not denied the Holocaust or proposed Israel’s liquidation; he has never done so in any of his speeches on the subject (all delivered in Farsi/Persian). As an Iran specialist, I can attest that both accusations are false... What Ahmadinejad has questioned is the mythologizing, the sacralization, of the Holocaust and the “Zionist regime’s” continued killing of Palestinians and Muslims. He has even raised doubts about the scale of the Holocaust. His rhetoric has been excessive and provocative. And he does not really care what we in the West think about Iran or Muslims; he does not kowtow to western or Israeli diktat.<ref name=Dossa1>{{cite web|url=http://lrc.reviewcanada.ca/index.php?page=the-explanation-we-never-heard|title=Canadian The Explanation We Never Heard, Volume 15, Number 5|publisher=Literary Review of Canada|author=Shiraz Dossa|month=June | year=2007}}</ref></blockquote> Dossa was criticized in Canadian media, by university president Sean Riley, and by 105 professors<ref name=fued>[http://www.thestar.com/News/article/184492 ''The Star'': Blood feud in Israel's religious academia]</ref> at his university for his attendance at Tehran's Holocaust conference.<ref>[http://www.canadafreepress.com/2006/cover121506.htm ''Canada Free Press'': Professor Shiraz Dossa known by the company he keeps]</ref> Dossa replied he did not know Holocaust deniers would be in attendance, that he has "never denied the Holocaust, only noted its propaganda power", and that the university should respect his academic freedom to participate.<ref>[http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2007/05/28/dossa-essay.html ''CBC'': Prof defends participation at controversial Tehran conference]</ref>

==See also==
*[[Politics of Iran]]
*[[Haghani Circle]]
*[[Mohammad Taghi Mesbah Yazdi|Ayatollah Mohammad Taghi Mesbah Yazdi]]

* Advisors to the president:
**[[Hamid Mowlana]]
**[[Mohammad-Ali Ramin]]
**[[Ali Akbar Javanfekr]]

*Others:
**[[2006 Iranian sumptuary law controversy]]
**[[Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and the 1979 Hostage Crisis]]

==References==

{{reflist|2}}

===Further reading===
{{sisterlinks|s=Author:Mahmoud Ahmadinejad}}
*{{cite book|author=[[David Harris (protestor)|Harris, David]] [https://www.reachandteach.com/ppjcstore/index.php?action=item&id=89&prevaction=pricelist]|title=The Crisis: the President, the Prophet, and the Shah—1979 and the Coming of Militant Islam|publisher=Little, Brown|year=2004}}
*[http://www.jcpa.org/text/ahmadinejad-incitement.pdf "Referral of Iranian President Ahmadinejad on the Charge of Incitement to Commit Genocide" by Justus Reid Weiner, Esq., with Amb. Meir Rosenne, Prof. Elie Wiesel, Amb. Dore Gold, Irit Kohn, Adv., Amb. Eytan Bentsur, and MK Dan Naveh]

==External links==
* [http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=LJGrs3QK24E Ahmadinejad's Christmas Message, 2008]
* [http://www.president.ir/en/ Official website of the President of Iran]
* [http://www.ahmadinejad.ir Blog of President Ahmadinejad]
*[http://www.cidob.org/es/documentacion/biografias_lideres_politicos/asia/iran/mahmoud_ahmadinejad Biography by CIDOB Foundation]
* [http://www.irannegah.com/video_browse.aspx?keyword=ahmadinejad Video Archive of President Ahmadinejad]
*[http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1665018,00.html Why Ahmadinejad Loves New York] on Time.com (a division of TIME Magazine)
* [http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1570714,00.html Interview with Ahmadinejad in TIME Magazine]
* ''Apologize to the World Mr. Wallace and Return that Emmy'', Representative Press, 22 June 2008, YouTube, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onNzrNEFs1E Reduced screen], [http://www.youtube.com/v/onNzrNEFs1E&hl=en&rel=0&border=1 Full screen] (4 min 41 sec).
* [[Hamid Dabashi]], ''On banality and burden'', 11-17 October 2007, [http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2007/866/focus.htm Al-Ahram Weekly On-line].
* Exclusive interview with President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of [[Brian Williams]], broadcast live from [[Tehran]], NBC Nightly News, 28 July 2008, [http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#25887981 ''NBC''] (38 min 58 sec). Preview of this interview: [http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#25882303 ''NBC''] (7 min 17 sec). An overview: [http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#25885541 ''NBC''] (7 min 59 sec).

 
{{start box}}
{{s-off}}
{{Succession box
| before = [[Mohammad Khatami]]
| title = [[President of Iran]]
| years = 2005 – present
| after = Incumbent
}}
{{end box}}
{{Mahmoud Ahmadinejad}}
{{Presidents of Iran}}



{{Persondata
|NAME= Ahmadinejad, Mahmoud
|ALTERNATIVE NAMES=
|SHORT DESCRIPTION= 6th [[President of Iran]]
|DATE OF BIRTH= 28 October 1956
|PLACE OF BIRTH= [[Aradan, Iran]]
|DATE OF DEATH=
|PLACE OF DEATH=
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ahmadinejad, Mahmoud}}

[[Category:Mahmoud Ahmadinejad]]
[[Category:Presidents of Iran]]
[[Category:Current national leaders]]
[[Category:Mayors of Tehran]]
[[Category:Iranian governors]]
[[Category:Civil engineers]]
[[Category:Iranian engineers]]
[[Category:1956 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Shi'a politicians]]
[[Category:Iranian conservatives]]
[[Category:Holocaust deniers]]
[[Category:Anti-Zionism]]
[[Category:Holocaust denial in Iran]]

{{Link FA|he}}


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