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Ahmadinejad Isn't Bluffing

INTERVIEW WITH IRAN EXPERT

"Ahmadinejad Isn't Bluffing"

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad sent US President George W. Bush a letter. But it's not likely to make any difference in the ongoing conflict over the country's nuclear program. Iran expert Wahied Wahdat-Hagh told SPIEGEL ONLINE why not.

SPIEGEL ONLINE: Mr. Wahdat-Hagh, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad wrote a letter to US President George W. Bush. In the letter, he once again questions Israel's right to exist, accuses the US of lying about Iraq and insists on his country's right to use nuclear technology. What message is Ahmadinejad trying to communicate?

Wahdat-Hagh: The purpose is to show strength. It's Ahmadinejad's way of saying: "We are powerful! You are a cowboy! Islam, though, is the true democracy and your system will collapse." Former Iranian President Khatami used to give interviews to CNN. But Ahmadinejad has gone directly to Bush and told him straight to his face that Iran is going to continue with the strategy it has thus far followed.

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