Expert on Iran Jews doubts Ahmadinejad has Jewish roots

sorry, but considering the obvious motives, i question this guy's credibility... especially since the question of his background has apparently been ongoing in iran ever since he entered the political arena. i also think it's unfortunate that people are in such a rush to deny him a jewish background, which suits HIS [political]purpose completely, while his alleged background has absolutely NO bearing on judaism or jews.

It's completely redundant what roots one has while being judged for their deeds. Your argument smells of your being offended at the notion that ataturk or ahmadi could POSSIBLY have jewish roots. You fail to see how much of what you're condemning you actually manifest. Being jewish doesn't prevent evil or unethical deeds i.e. the case of Madoff. And I have to disagree with your equating ataturk and ahmadi on the same level of nationalism. Ahamdi is no victim as you claimed. He is an ultraconservsative thug who stole the elections and rules a coup government - he is by no means a nationalist. Thankfully his days are numbered.

The aim of the hoax was simply to destabilize and discredit Ahmadinejad in Iran proper ... That's called psychologic warfare ... Those who believed it were a bit naive.

I thought he might be Jewish when he started to complain about the ac at the UN.

Ahmadinejad himself made this claim of jewishness. What rumors are you talking about?

Looks like the Jews have decided that Ahmadinejad can't be a Jew after all. That term "self-hating Jew" won't work to discredit him, therefore, he can no longer be a jew.

Usually last names ending with "ian" are of Aremnian origin

The rabid have had their titillating thrill. What else matters?

...fun while it lasted.

Maybe he is a cousin of Eli Cohen.

They also said that Christopher Columbus has Jewish roots. Every Christian is a Jew when he/she is born BAPTISM changed them to Christians.

I was hoping he'd be sent to Israel so you guys would show him a real good time....

As I recall from reading an Armenian weekly, the names ending in "ian" were explained as meaning as being one who came from the town of XXX, one who practices a profession, or could be the son of. Ahmadinejad's name was translated as "rug painter", one who colored the strands of persian rugs in Der Spiegel. Names as noses and looks don't always reveal a person's identities.

We would have been able to get oil wholesale.

Knowing some about Persian names, I disagree with this expert. His statements are not well founded, showing little to no confidence. One so called expert on the Iranian Jews in 19th century does not give one the basis to be an expert on a nation, or its societies. It is well known that many East European Jews are from Iran, where the names certainly do not reflect that. Further, his reasonings are weak. For example, "Also, the name Sabourjian is not a well-known Jewish name" Who said the name should be popular, or well-known to be a jewish name? "Many Muslim surnames have the same ending" I have not heard one yet! He should provide an example. Can someone give a hand on that?

Lets go back to 1901, before 1901 iranian did not have any ID card with name and surname just people called by name and fathernames. The goverment of Iran dicided to setup ID system and asked people what they were doing, for example if you were lawer they chose surname Vakili, vakil means lawer and so on. in Ahamdinejad case is the same he is not jew at all it is conspiracy claim to misslead opponion from current pro-israel rally in Qods day to anti-israel. people are going to say that Israel is behide ahmadinejad.sorry for bad english

It is witch hunting and antisemitic to suggest any of these leaders was Jewish and is a form of abuse to those who believe it. Ultranationalists try to blame the Jews for their misdeeds. I am glad this professor replied to the accusation. "ian" is probably a common Persian name ending, since many Armenian names also end in ian. Although some Jews participated in the early days of constitutionalism in Turkey with hopes of a democratic Turkey, it is doubtful they were part of the nationalistic movement of Turkey under Ataturk; these ultranationalists are hostile to Jews and Israel today. Ahmadinejad is a victim of hardliners in Iran who wanted to beat him at election time. I doubt Khamenei would choose him if he had Jewish roots. However, these rumors persist a long time; I warn anyone though again that those who believe them are being abused by ultranationalists who plant these rumors.

And to whom?

He's 100% Nazi! And I don't have to hold back any jokes on that little sucker!