Op-Ed: Radical 'Twelver' Ideology Drives Ahmadinejad's Policies

The Iranian President, like the majority of Shiites, often referred to as “Twelvers”, eagerly awaits the messianic re-appearance of a mystical 12th Imam. The anticipation of the 12th Imam's return governs Ahmadinejad’s every action and thought.

While the Shiites make up only 15% of all Muslims, Iran is 85% Shiite and about 80% of all Shiites are “Twelvers” , that is, they believe that the 12th Imam will re-appear sometime in the not to distant future. According to Shiite belief, the 12th Imam is a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad and has been hiding in cave, by most accounts, since about the 9th century. The 12th Imam is supposed to return during a time of great chaos and tumult so he can lead the world into a time of peace and calm under his rule. Most narratives agree on the following: He will be a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad and the son of Fatima; have a broad forehead and pointed nose; will return just before the end of the world; his appearance will be preceded by three years of tyranny, oppression and chaos; he will escape from Madina to Mekka where thousands will pledge allegiance to him; will receive help from the Iraqi people; will fight in battles; will rule over Arabs for seven years; will eradicate all tyranny and oppression; will lead a prayer in Mekka where Jesus will be present and join in. As reported in the Persian Journal, Ahmadinejad believes that it is his duty to expedite his return by helping to create the prophesized period of chaos. This is the prism through which we must view the Iranian leader, when he makes anti-US, anti-Israel remarks, denies the Holocaust and pals around with the leaders of China, North Korea and Venezuela. These times scream for another Winston Churchill ("we shall never surrender...)" but all we seem to have are Neville Chamberlain ("Peace in our time...") clones.