Oliver Stone

First it was Conan the Barbarian.

Then it was Fidel Castro.

And now, according to one foreign report, filmmaker Oliver Stone's next movie subject might well be Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

The Oscar winning director is seeking permission to start work on a proposed documentary about Ahmadinejad, according to a report from Iran.

The Iranian Student News Agency said today Stone's project would be a profile of the president who has called for Israel to be destroyed. Permission is being sought to move forward with the project.

"The request was made some three months ago. Stone is a professional filmmaker on social and political issues," Alireza Sajjadpour, an Iranian film director, told ISNA.

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"As a filmmaker, I'd like his request to be accepted," he said.

The report said Stone has made statements opposing "U.S. hostile policies" and already has experience with a documentary of Cuban dictator Castro in his background.

ISNA said Ahmadinejad's office is studying the request and that making such a decision requires time.

Stone has won several Academy Awards, including best director for "Platoon" and "Born on the Fourth of July." He's also told the story of two police officers trapped in the rubble of New York City's Twin Towers after they were hit by two hijacked airlines in "World Trade Center," which stars Nicolas Cage.

As WND reported , Ahmadinejad has spoken of his plans to "pave the path for the glorious reappearance of Imam Mahdi."

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad appearing at "The World Without Zionism" conference Oct. 26, 2005

Ahmadinejad has urged Iranians to prepare for the coming of the Mahdi by turning the country into a mighty and advanced Islamic society and by avoiding the corruption and excesses of the West. Shiites believe the 12th imam disappeared as a child in the year 941, but when he returns, he will reign on earth for seven years before bringing about a final judgment and the end of the world.

WND also has reported Voice of the Martyrs is documenting increasing levels of persecution of Christians inside Iran.

"Clearly, Iran's government is alarmed at the growth of the Christian faith there," said Todd Nettleton, a spokesman for Voice of the Martyrs, which ministers to persecuted Christians worldwide.

As WND's earlier report detailed, official Iranian radio broadcast a lengthy series on the imminent appearance of a messianic figure who will defeat Islam's enemies and impose Islamic Shiite rule over the entire world – even speculating on specific dates the so-called "Mahdi" will be revealed.

"Be joyous my heart, miracles of the Messiah will soon be here," reads a poem used to conclude the first broadcast. "The scent of breaths of the One we know comes from near. Grieve not of sorrow and melancholy, as assured I was … last night that a Savior will come, it's clear."

After the coming of the 12th imam, or Mahdi, "liberal democratic civilization" will be found only in "history museums," explained the program.

"Contrary to the views of western theoreticians, who usually depict an ambiguous and dark future for mankind, Muslim experts believe human history, despite its many ups and downs, has a very auspicious fate," explained the program. "Muslims believe hopes for the realization of such a happy ending for the world are called 'Awaiting Redemption,' and means waiting for man's problems to be solved by the Savior at the end of time. This awaiting influences many, and inspired them with activity and enthusiasm in confronting darkness and oppression for changing the existing situation. …"

This messianic figure will be a direct descendant of Muhammad, according to the broadcasts.

"In short, when he reappears, peace, justice and security will overcome oppression and deceit and one global government, the most perfect ever, will be established," it said.

"Another beautiful moment of the Savior's appearance is the coming down of Prophet Jesus (PBUH) from heaven," says the report. "Hazrat Mahdi receives him courteously and asks him to lead the prayers. But Jesus says you are more qualified for this than me. We read in the book Tazkarat ol-Olia, 'the Mahdi will come with Jesus son of Mary accompanying him.' This indicates that these two great men are (sic) complement each other. Imam Mahdi will be the leader while Prophet Jesus will act as his lieutenant in the struggle against oppression and establishment of justice in the world. Jesus had himself given the tidings of the coming of God's last messenger and will see Mohammad's ideals materialize in the time of the Mahdi."

Ahmadinejad's mystical pre-occupation with the coming of the Mahdi is raising concerns that a nuclear-armed Islamic Republic could trigger the kind of global conflagration he envisions will set the stage for the end of the world.

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