It’s good to know there’s at least one Muslim cleric who advocates tolerance of non-Muslims. Unfortunately Ayatollah Hossein Kazemeini Boroujerdi has been imprisoned in Tehran since 2009, tortured and denied medical care, and now he is dying, presumably of heart disease.
“Ayatollah Boroujerdi threatens the regime for two reasons: he advocates toleration of all religious (and non-religious) beliefs, and, in keeping with Shi’ite tradition, opposes the involvement of religious leaders in politics. Years ago, he said ‘the regime is adamant that either people adhere to political Islam or be jailed, exiled or killed.
“In 2010 he sent Hanukkah greetings to the Jews of the world, saying “any religious belief that brings us closer to the Source (God) is the truth. This force will lead humanity towards enlightenment. On this great day, we celebrate the unity among the believers of God’s light.”
A White House plea for Boroujerdi’s freedom, so he can at least die at home among family and friends, might work, as might a similar call by our U.N. rep Samantha Powers. It’s hard to imagine either happening, unfortunately, but it would be wonderful if they did.
Via Faster Please.
THE TEXAS SCRIBBLER 
Toleration in Tehran. I would like to see it happen, but hard to believe.
Unless he has acolytes (Ledeen says he has thousands of followers), his death will be the end of it.
Careful. We wouldn’t want to tick off the Iranians. It could affect the ongoing (and ongoing, and ongoing) talks on the Iranian nuclear weapons program.
It does seem rather interminable, doesn’t it. Just one more example of Wormtongue’s mendacity and incompetence.