Mick Hartley

A novel approach to economic problems:

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has said the country’s economic woes can be solved by the “culture of martyrdom”, the Mehr news agency reported.

“If we want to build the country, maintain our dignity and solve economic problems, we need the culture of martyrdom,” Ahmadinejad was quoted as saying in a speech on Wednesday in the western city of Hamedan.

He described martyrdom, dying or being killed for one’s religious beliefs, as “a quick and shortcut way to reach the summit of salvation.”

He did not say how becoming a martyr would help the economy, which is struggling from high inflation.

Perhaps Ahmadinejad himself could lead the way…