Cost of Bad Intentions

In Iran, it's the inflation, stupid:

Fifty-seven Iranian economists have launched a scathing attack on President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

They have accused his government of ignoring the basics of economics.

The university professors say mismanagement is inflicting a huge cost on the economy, the brunt of which will be borne by people with modest means.

This comes as the price of housing has almost doubled in the last year and food is getting more expensive by the week in Iran.

....Inflation is said to be at unprecedented levels and that is visible in the shops where many housewives can no longer afford meat or fruit.

Mr Ahmadinejad's frequent trips to the provinces are criticised too - for promoting questionable projects not based on scientific, social or economic principles.

And the economists add that Iran's worsening international relations are imposing a huge cost on its economy which the next generation will pay for.

They say the new officials in government need to understand that economics has rules.