Ahmadinejad Stacks Cabinet, Risks Splinters

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is building his new Cabinet and — surprise! — he has purged it of anyone in his previous Cabinet who dared voice a word of criticism. Some observers say Ahmadinejad is risking the wrath of his fellow conservatives, who have accused him of hoarding power by installing loyalists with little experience in governing.

The Guardian:

The Iranian president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has submitted his nominations for a new cabinet filled with loyalists and little-known figures.

Many politicians warned that the move — which has purged the cabinet of critics — risked a challenge from his conservative allies in parliament.

Ahmadinejad is forming his new government against a backdrop of reformist opposition allegations that his re-election as president in June was fraudulent.

His nominations do not include four members of the outgoing government — the intelligence, culture, health and labour ministers — who criticised him over his attempt to name a close associate, Esfandiar Mashai, as his top vice president.

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