Iran's Election Gets Nasty

The run-up to Friday’s presidential election has been the most heated Iran has ever seen, the New York Times reports. The candidates have accused each other of corruption, bribery, and torture, and every night the streets of Tehran erupt, with thousands dancing, fighting, and demonstrating. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is being forcefully challenged, and he’s responded with extreme vitriol.

“This campaign is a watershed in the history of Iran,” said one analyst. “We’ve had debates before, but nothing like this.” Ahmadinejad’s chief opponent, reformist Mir Hussein Moussavi, has surged to a 54%-39% lead. Ahmadinejad responded by accusing him of corruption and, in one explosive moment, insulting his wife. She’s vowed to sue if he doesn’t apologize, calling it an attack on all women. (More Mahmoud Ahmadinejad stories.)