Two interesting finds from the Middle East Media Research Institute that should get more attention, illustrating as they do an interesting mindset(tactic?) of the Supreme Leader of Iran on the one hand and that of the nominally elected(from a slate of candidates approved by the Guardian Council) Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on the other.

#1 Picture Of Khamenei Handing Shi'ite Flag To 'Hidden Imam' Circulated Throughout Iran

#2 Ahmadinejad Threatens American Army with Appearance of Mahdi

A number of leading Iranian clerics criticized President Ahmadinejad for declaring that the hands of the Mahdi [the 12th missing savior in the Shi’a religion whose emergence, after 12 centuries of hiding, will bring peace and justice to the world] “are visibly seen in directing the affairs of the state.” He said the American occupiers in Iraq were intent on stealing the oil treasures of the country but they have realized that “a hand will rise and will eliminate the roots of oppression in the world,” a reference to the hand of the Mahdi.