How Iran-ic: Previous president who banned Twitter in Iran creates account, tries to get followers

Everyone is thrilled about the latest addition to social media. Of course, we’re talking about former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

In what appears to be a quirky change of heart, Iran’s previous ruler, who banned Twitter in 2009, is now a proud member of the social media platform and has been encouraging people to follow him. We don’t really know who he means, though, seeing as Iranians have to jump through hoops to even get on the site.

Of course, Twitter was glad to have him—mainly to poke fun at the absurdity of it all. People had a lot of interesting (and hilarious) commentary.

But before we get to the good stuff, let's start off with Ahmadinejad’s first tweet:

In the name of God
Peace be upon all the freedom loving people of the world#Imontwitter

— Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (@Ahmadinejad1956) March 5, 2017

It appears he wasn’t sure if that was enough to attract tons of followers, so he decided to make a little promotional clip for all those shy social media users out there who needed an extra nudge. One person took the opportunity to troll (fair enough):

Congrats to whoever told Mahmoud Ahmadinejad that this is how you get verified https://t.co/WcWttEV18G

— PJ Vogt (@PJVogt) March 6, 2017

As Ahmadinejad is new to all this Twitter stuff, it makes sense that he would look to a seasoned veteran for guidance:

BIOS: Iran's ex-president Ahmadinejad takes a leaf out of @BarackObama’s book on @Twitter pic.twitter.com/Ok8GUIJxYp

— Sobhan Hassanvand (@Hassanvand) March 5, 2017

This Twitter user reminded everyone why Ahmadinejad's joining social media is so funny:

Ahmadinejad who blocked twitter in 2009 now uses a proxy to bypass the twitter censorship and say follow me!
This is a mad world. https://t.co/3eBSwYz2nA

— Cafe (@_Cafe) March 5, 2017

There were also a lot of people speculating about what would happen if US President Trump, at odds with Iran and infamous for going on maniacal, demented Twitter rants, got in a tiff with the former Iranian leader:

Ahmadinejad's just joined Twitter. A spat with Trump would be the best thing *ever*. Especially since he has a better command of English.

— David Patrikarakos (@dpatrikarakos) March 5, 2017

And this person was pleased with everyone, everywhere:

My Persian timeline is reacting to Ahmadinejad, while my English one is reacting to Trump.
Best World Ever.

— Sohail Jannessari (@sohailjan) March 5, 2017

President Ahmadinejad was known for his strong views against the United States and Israel during his presidency and was also a strong proponent of Iran’s nuclear program. He wrote an open letter to President Trump late February of this year, according to Al-Monitor,presumably in response to the travel ban placed on seven Muslim majority countries that included Iran. Thank you, internet, for turning this political hardliner into a source of entertainment and glee for social media users.

LM

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