Comedian Maz Jobrani Explains Mocking Chant Saying Goodbye to Ahmadinejad
Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad listens to a question during a joint news conference with Najaf governor Adnan al-Zurufi in Najaf, Iraq, July 19, 2013. REUTERS/Karim Kadim/Pool (IRAQ – Tags: POLITICS) – RTX11RT4
Iran’s new president, Hassan Rouhani, is wrapping up his first week in office.
The moderate cleric was sworn in last Sunday, officially ending the eight-year, two-term presidency of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
Many Iranians–both in Iran and around the globe–celebrated with a chant.
It’s a very distinct chant that dates back to Iran’s previous presidential vote, in 2009, which many believe Ahmadinejad stole.
Ah-medi-bye-byyye. Ah-medi-bye-byyye. Ah-medi-bye-byyye.
Host Aaron Schachter talks with Maz Jobrani, an Iranian-American comedian who lives in Los Angeles, about the chant.
Jobrani knows that chant well.
At The World, we believe strongly that human-centered journalism is at the heart of an informed public and a strong democracy. We see democracy and journalism as two sides of the same coin. If you care about one, it is imperative to care about the other.
Every day, our nonprofit newsroom seeks to inform and empower listeners and hold the powerful accountable. Neither would be possible without the support of listeners like you. If you believe in our work, will you give today? We need your help now more than ever!