Breaking News: Khamenei Wins 2009 "Dictator of Year"

Stand aside, Barack Obama. Your Nobel Peace Prize, which is being presented today, is an afterthought to this announcement.

Iran's Supreme Leader hasn't revealed his good news via Twitter or his Facebook page yet, but he has won the coveted "Dictator of the Year" award. Students at Oslo University, considering carefully which world leaders have excelled in dictatorial achievement this year, chose the Supreme Leader over contenders like North Korea's Kim Jong-Il and Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe.

The Latest from Iran (10 December): Reading the Chessboard

It wasn't even a contest. Khamenei made his President's "63%" electoral achievement look puny, getting his name on almost 70% of the unrigged ballots.

No word yet what Khamenei will say in his acceptance speech.

Comments

[Gloumdalclitch]

I am overwhelmed by joy. This prestigous award is well deserved and will be reflected on this internationally acclaimed regime. Iranians can be proud

[Shaparak]

Wow, we, Iranians, are overwhelmed. This man tried very hard, killed a good number, imprisoned thousands and raped them in jail. He also closed down all the opposition papers and blocked most of the internet sites. He almost runied the country. He honestly deserves the name, congrats and hope to see him in hell soon.

[Catherine]

Unfortunately, the earthtimes.org newsflash you link to posted an outdated photo of the award winner. Here's a recent shot: http://www.myimgs.net/images/shnk.jpg