Mr. Ahmadinjad is the elected President of Iran. He graduated from university in the top of his class.He has few real powers- he cannot direct foreign policy and he has no military authority. He is unpopular with the Ayatollahs and the parliament, and will probably lose re-election in 2009, if he runs.

His reception here in the US reinforced the image of the 'ugly American.' We were boorish and rude, while he displayed grace.