The Weakness of a Illegitimate President

Although Ahmadinejad likes to act tough, this article by Farideh Farhi lays out how truly weak he is:

"despite the proclaimed support of 24 million Iranians, [Ahmadinejad's] government is by far the weakest post-revolutionary government. Ironically, it is this weakened position that tempts him to be a force of constant agitation and confrontation.

…The political crisis that has ensued has effectively pushed economic concerns to the side, and brought to the forefront once again a whole set of political civil rights issues emphasized during former President Mohammad Khatami’s reformist era.

... Ahmadinejad’s options are limited. He can acknowledge his weakened presidency, over-see a cabinet whose individual members will contest his policies, and head an administration that is conflicted from within. Or he can try to try to act resolutely by picking fights with almost every political force in the country – in which case his behaviour will be the source of heartache for everyone who for ideological reasons or for fear of reformist resurgence ended up supporting him in the election."