Jim Wyss | Jan 8

Miami Herald - Facing a new round of international trade sanctions, Iran President Mahmud Ahmadinejad is kicking off a four-nation Latin America tour that is raising concerns in Washington.

Under pressure at home and facing a fresh wave of economic sanctions, Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad is seeking the company of friends — in Latin America.

Starting Sunday, Ahmadinejad will be on a four nation tour that includes U.S. antagonists such as Venezuela, Nicaragua, Cuba and Ecuador.

The trip comes as the United States and the European Union are turning the screws on Iran in hopes of forcing it to halt its nuclear program. Iran insists its aims are peaceful, but many fear the regime has military ambitions. The sanctions come as Ahmadinejad’s party is facing parliamentary elections — the first vote since the 2009 presidential race that led to bloody protests.

“As responsible nations toughen sanctions on Iran and the regime becomes increasingly isolated, it makes sense that Mahmoud Ahmadinejad would seek a helping hand from fellow dictators and human rights abusers,” said U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Miami, who has dubbed the visit the “Tour of Tyrants.”

LOL, pot meet kettle...