"he was the main leader of Iran.
now he is a dictator"
Actually, he still has a lot of supporters across Iran as well as some other countries. The full text of his speeches and his views have been accurately translated into a large number of languages, which are available on his website. I think Western politicians should have a look at his website (at least the English translations!) before trying to approach Iran. I found the English translations particularly good because it was accurate and almost free of anglicized Persian rhetorical flourishes. Here is the URL:
http://english.khamenei.ir
He finished hawza in Najaf and reached the status of a grand ayatullah (the highest status) He is also an expert on the universe.
Iran has 2 leaders. the Ayatollah, right now that is Ayatollah Ali Khameinei. this is the "leader" of the country, he is a religious leader of Islam but doesn't have all the power over Iran. the President, right now that is Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. he does the actual ruling, proposes bills, new plans, and foreign relations.
Ayatollah one of the religious. ruhollah name is a person.
Ayatollah Ali as-Sistani, the Chief Ayatollah of Iraq and Sayyed Muqtada as-Sadr one of the most persuasive Shiite leaders in Iraq. Ali as-Sistani was very important in getting Shiite Muslims and Shiite Clerics involved in the Iraqi political process during the elections and creation of a new Iraqi State. Muqtada as-Sadr famously fought the US forces and created a ghetto in Baghdad called "Sadr City" that spawned numerous militants and violence.
Iran
Ayahtollah Ali Khamanei is the president of Iran
blloodclaut He was elected by a "Khobregan" which is a special meeting of Ayatollahs. Ayatollah Ali Khamanei was one of the members of the Supreme Council of Ayatollahs before he was brought out as their leader.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's birth name is Seyyed Sli Khamenei.
Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani was born on August 4, 1930.
Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani was born on August 4, 1930.
Historically, the Shah (King) of Iran was the most important figure. However, after the Shah was deposed in 1979 and the Islamic Republic installed, the Supreme Ayatollah became the most powerful person in Iran. The first Supreme Ayatollah was Ruhollah Khomeini and he was succeeded (upon death) by Ali Khamanei.
Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani is 81 years old (birthdate: August 4, 1930).
Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.
Ayatollah Ali Hoseini-Khamenei is the Supreme Leader for Iran.
There is no king of Iran. There is the spiritual leader, called the Ayatollah. Since Iran is a theocracy they follow a religion, as their government. The current Ayatollah of Iran is Ali Khamenei.
on monday September 21st
A dictator who is called a "President"... Ahmedinejad. The real power behind the system is the Supreme Council which is a body made up of Ayatollahs (basically Shiite Islamic Cardinals - if you will). The Lead Ayatollah is Ayatollah Khamanei and he makes most policy decisions including who is allowed to run for President and, as made clear from the election in 2009, who gets to win those elections.