Hardline Iranian leader alienates fellow conservatives

CRITICS say the 80s-style radicalism of ultraconservative President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is hurting Iran at home and abroad - to the point that even his natural allies in parliament have rejected his three choices to run the all-important oil ministry.

The Islamic hardliner appears undeterred, but pragmatists in the ruling hierarchy are growing restless and looking for ways to contain him.

Conservative writer Ghodratollah Rahmani said: “Ahmadinejad’s behavior has annoyed many fellow conservatives. That he doesn’t like to consult with anybody outside his small circle of old friends is a reality. He doesn’t consult even with knowledgeable people in his own camp.”