Elections, Economics and Ahmadinejad

Numerous questions remain concerning who will and will not stand in next the Iranian presidential elections in June 2009. The players seem reluctant to show their moves too early, in fear of losing face. However, it seems one key player is being given a possible way out. Ahmadinejad, who is facing increasingly hostile criticism for the way he has handled the Iranian economy and foreign policy, is thought to be suffering from ill health. As his supporters fall away, the once rarely challenged assumption that Ahmadinejad would win a second term as president is collapsing. The announcement about his ill-health comes as doubts are raised as to whether Ahmadinejad will even stand for re-election.