Iran will emulate the “Great Satan” this week with six live, US-style debates between its presidential candidates for the first time in the 30-year history of the Islamic Republic.
The 90-minute encounters, which start tonight, come as independent observers say that Mir Hossein Mousavi, President Ahmadinejad’s strongest rival, is gaining momentum with 11 days left before polling day.
There are no reliable opinion polls in Iran but Mr Mousavi, a former Prime Minister, is urging his predominantly young and urban supporters to display green in their clothing or on their cars. Large numbers of people are doing so.
“The tide has begun to turn against Ahmadinejad in favour of the reformist camps,” said Zhand Shakibi, a lecturer in comparative government at the London School of