The most influential body of clerics in Iran has declared the Iranian presidential election “illegitimate,” defying Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s previous announcement that incumbent president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is the winner. Newsy.com looks at news sources from around the world that examine the unresolved political turmoil in Iran.

First, UK’s The Times shares with us the enthusiasm from some analysts who view the move as ...
“…a clerical mutiny. This is the first time ever you have all these big clerics openly challenging the leader’s decision.”

Another said it’s… “…the birth of a new political front.”

However, the NBC News’ Tehran Bureau Chief tells MSNBC’s Morning Joe the defiance doesn’t really mean anything.

“Their move is very powerful but it’s very symbolic. They have very little political clout. These guys don’t sit in government. As I said, they are brain trust. They take their words seriously but they can’t make any political moves but it just shows how deep the split is within the system right now.”

The BBC also chose to reinforce the evident division among clerics in the holy city of Qom and highlights the Allatoyah’s shadow on clerics who are caught in the middle ground.

“Whatever they think of Mr Ahmadinejad, few want to show public disloyalty to the Supreme Leader.”

Still, Allatoyah Khomenei can’t avoid the mounting pressure. The Economist writer Karim Sadjapour looks back to the past and compares it with the circumstances the Supreme Leader is now going through.
 
“Historically, if you look at Khomenei’s 10-20 years as leader, his view is very clear and that is never compromise under pressure. Never compromise when you’re under siege because that’s not going to allay the pressure. That’s going to project weakness and invite even more pressure. … Khomenei is in a very lonely position today because if he compromises too much, it might bring about his demise and if he doesn’t compromise enough, it could also bring about his demise.”

Finally, Lebanon’s The Daily Star points the finger at the Iranian Constitution for giving too much power to the Supreme Leader, also known as rahbar.

“The partiality of the leader underlines a deeper malaise: the authority of the rahbar goes against the traditional system through which Shiite society chooses its leader. … This requires rethinking the institution in ways that shield the leaders from the pressure of everyday politics. … It is up to the Iranians to correct their regime, and change it if necessary.”

So do you think the clerics statement will change the Iranian poll results? Will the Allatoyah give the country any alternative solutions?