The elections in Iran are being debated endlessly on these pages.
Fraud, intimidation, voting irregularities, and numerous other reasons have been offered to negate an otherwise brilliant, come-from-behind victory by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Is most of the foreign media covering this story in an honest way?
The Chicago Tribune issued an apology earlier today
In this newspaper's illustrious history since 1847, we have never once been wrong.
In November 1948 -- covering another presidential election beset by irregularities and apathy -- we erroneously reported the wrong winner, although we still believe that Governor Tom Dewey won that night.
Last Friday night, we called another presidential election incorrectly. The incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (and not the challenger Mir-Hossein Mousavi) won this election in Iran.
As practitioners of ethics and integrity, we were wrong and greatly regret this journalistic error.
How did President Ahmadinejad pull off this historic political upset? Even his detractors are giving him Truman-like respect in the aftermath of this impressive victory. Rather than speculate about this most improbable of political events, I offer you this op-ed piece that the President of Iran penned for release in tomorrow's Teheran Times
TIPS FOR POLITICAL SUCCESS
by Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
Teheran Times
June 16, 2009
I am thankful to the Chicago Tribune for correcting their initial reporting. It is so typical of Western news agencies to always see me in the worst possible light. For this generous gesture, I am immensely grateful.
Darius III, Shah (Great King) of Persia
This election marked a turning point in the long history of our nation. As the true heir to the great Persian King, Darius III, I have restored honor and dignity to the office to which I was first elected to in 2005.
I am delighted that millions of my supporters have taken to the streets as a measure of their respect for me. I could never repay their gratitude and greatly appreciate their continuing support for my far-sighted policies. Iran is on the brink of an historic renewal and is ready to reclaim its rightful place in the community of nations.
Since Friday night, I have been asked this question countless times: Mahmoud, how did you pull it off? I should mention that just today the great American publishing company Simon and Schuster has offered me an exclusive book deal. While the book isn't scheduled for publication until early 2010, I thought I'd offer a few political tips which explain the secrets to my success.
Now, death to Israel and the Great Satan!
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Tip #10 - Don't let previous setbacks cloud your judgment and dampen your enthusiasm
Bleibel, Al-Mustaqbal (Beirut, Lebanon)
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Tip #9 - Never pay attention to external forces pretending to be your friends
Jim Morin, Miami Herald
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Tip #8 - Always practice electoral ethics. Remember, butterfly ballots are reserved only for Florida
John Deering, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
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Tip #7 - When it comes to dealing with your political opponents, be polite yet forceful
Jimmy Margulies, New Jersey Record
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Tip #6 - Ensure that all ballots are counted fully and accurately
Olle Johansson, Freelance Cartoonist (Sweden)
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Tip #5 - Always trust your political base to propel you past the finish line
Jeff Danziger, Syndicated Political Cartoonist
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Tip #4 - Always keep your eyes on the prize
David Fitzsimmons, Arizona Star
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Tip #3 - Let all contentious matters be resolved by the Board of Elections and Ethics
Pat Oliphant, Universal Press Syndicate
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Tip #2 - Align yourself with progressive elements in your political party
R.J. Matson, St. Louis Post Dispatch
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Tip #1 - Finally, always, always have the world's best election experts in your corner. You won't regret it
Jeff Parker, Florida Today
The author is the President of Iran, having won re-election in a landslide this past Friday
Internet experts in Iran expect the Teheran Times's web site to be deluged with over 10 million "hits" tomorrow as average Iranians celebrate the re-election of their great leader.