Donald Trump isn’t the only unhinged political figure who loves Twitter. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the brutal, repressive, and provocative former president of Iran, has been on a Twitter tear recently, too, posting about everything from the Black Panther Party to Michigan football.
Recently Ahmadinejad—who ruled Iran from 2005 to 2013—has been very active on the platform, even tweeting on Aug. 28, “Busy day today. But I always make time for Twitter.”
Had a busy day today . But I always make time for #Twitter pic.twitter.com/YDQ63xy6bk
— Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (@Ahmadinejad1956) August 28, 2018
Most of the former ruler’s posts have a political bent; they’re often highlighting his speeches around Iran, or jabbing at Donald Trump and other rulers. There is, predictably, some anti-Semitism and 9/11 conspiracy theory talk thrown in for good measure.
Mr. @realDonaldTrump the Zionists are always causing problems for the #AmericanPeople so real issues are not concentrated on.#ZionistPlot#ZionismisnotJudaism#ZionismIsNotJudaism
— Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (@Ahmadinejad1956) August 29, 2018
I wanted to give my condolences once again to all families that lost a loved one, and will #NeverForget them. Unfortunately Politicians have not told the truth about what really happened on #September11 #NeverForget
— Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (@Ahmadinejad1956) September 11, 2018
Ahmadinejad famously denied the Holocaust and pushed anti-Semitic conspiracy theories at the UN General Assembly.
Ahmadinejad’s Twitter feed focuses heavily on human rights and dignity, neither of which was much of a priority when he was actually ruling Iran. Under his rule, Iran regularly imprisoned and tortured innocent people like Iranian-American scholar Haleh Esfandiari and political dissidents.
The root of class inequality, poverty, war, and arrogance can be seen in beliefs and behaviors of some rulers.
— Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (@Ahmadinejad1956) October 3, 2018
Heads of Nations must know that they are the servants of the people, not their rulers.
— Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (@Ahmadinejad1956) September 13, 2018
He also has praise for corrupt politicians like Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, affectionately known as Lula, in Brazil:
señor @LulaOficial I feel and understand what is happening to you .The enemies of freedom loving people, in all places in the world use similar types of tactics to suppress liberators.#Brasil #Brazil
— Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (@Ahmadinejad1956) September 5, 2018
And oppressive rulers like Daniel Ortega in Nicaragua:
#TBT with my old friend #DanielOrtega pic.twitter.com/ym6MdWf8Aw
— Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (@Ahmadinejad1956) September 6, 2018
But in the past 24 hours, he’s been all over the place, tweeting and replying to all sorts of tweets. Like one about Michigan football.
With a hard work ethic Inshallah the U of M will return to its glory days.
— Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (@Ahmadinejad1956) October 16, 2018
While talking about the Black Panther Party (and quoting Tupac):
One of the main objectives of the #BlackPantherParty was feeding the hungry; which did not sit well with the #UnitedStatesGovernment . #BrotherHuey #October15
— Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (@Ahmadinejad1956) October 15, 2018
" It's time to fight back that's what Huey said. Two shots in the dark, now Huey's dead"
He commented on handbag design.
Also may I interest you in these bags I made last year listing several Iranian cities? (Karaj, Shiraz, Isfahan, Tehran, Qom etc). DM home address pic.twitter.com/FPrebrT4pM
— Jennine (@jennineak) October 16, 2018
Nice Work!
— Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (@Ahmadinejad1956) October 16, 2018
He chimed in on an old conversations about the French Open.
Why is the #FrenchOpen disrespecting @serenawilliams ? Unfortunately some people in all Countries including my Country, haven't realized the true meaning of freedom.
— Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (@Ahmadinejad1956) August 27, 2018
I never forced anyone to do such a thing. #Dude
— Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (@Ahmadinejad1956) October 16, 2018
And responded to some praise.
Thanks Sir
— Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (@Ahmadinejad1956) October 16, 2018
He also accidentally got trolled by one of the hosts of Chapo Trap House.
sir do you follow back
— Virgil Texas (@virgiltexas) October 15, 2018
what do you usually post about sir?
— Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (@Ahmadinejad1956) October 16, 2018
It’s unclear what the former leader’s tweeting is about; whether he’s plotting a political comeback centered around Trump’s withdrawal from the JCPOA, or just wants to maintain international relevance, it’s worth keeping an eye on.
Iran is in a state of chaos, as exemplified by political protests focused on the failing economy, possibly making Ahmadinejad poised for a comeback.
Or maybe he just likes posting.