Ahmadinejad’s return may be boost for Rouhani
The former Iranian president seeks to capitalize on the frustration of conservatives with Rouhani’s economic and foreign policies.
Former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad wants to return to Iranian politics.
This is why, eight months after he left office, his supporters are embarking on a public relations campaign to facilitate his return.
According to the Tehran-based Shargh publication, part of this PR campaign includes setting up a media group. The name of this group is an acronym, HOMA, which is derived from the Persian term Havadarn-e Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, meaning “Supporters of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.” This group consists of bloggers and news sites sympathetic to Iran’s former president.
Sites such as Dowlat-e Bahar, Ayin News and Rais Jomhur-e ma (Our President) are reported to be part of this group. This is in addition to another site called 72 Square, named after the roundabout in Tehran's Narmak neighborhood where Ahmadinejad lives. These sites have already started promoting Ahmadinejad's achievements, while attacking President Hassan Rouhani's policies as well as Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, whom Ahmadinejad supporters see as Rouhani's backer. Ahmadinejad has also set up a new Twitter account.
