There was no sign of apology in Mr Kordan's letter. Instead, he claimed that he was tricked and that he always believed his degree was authentic. Even some Ahmadinejad loyalists are outraged, fearing the consequences of giving the responsibility of a key ministry to someone who would be so easily duped. The interior ministry is in charge of overseeing healthy elections, beside issues of national security, police and local government.

The story began back in August, when Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was fighting for parliament's vote of confidence for his new member of cabinet. Some MPs raised eyebrows, already suspecting the authenticity of Kordan's degree. Parliament's positive decision was granted, but in no way did this cool down the opposition. After an MP's communication with the University of Oxford, a statement was issued on the website of the university explaining that they held no records for Mr Kordan and that he had never been awarded an honorary degree.

But the story didn't go away, thanks to hundreds of bloggers who didn't stop talking about this despite the ministry threatening to take them to court. And then more discoveries hatched their eggs: Mr Kordan who has taught university postgraduates, does not even hold authentic MA and BA degrees.

President Ahmadinejad, who proclaimed "serving the nation doesn't need a piece of torn paper", well knowing that in legislation the requirement for being a minster is literacy, now faces a serious challenge. Will he sack Kordan or make him resign?

Speculations have already started, and the name most in the spotlight appears to be that of General Ahmadi Moghadam, the current head of the police.

Can Ahmadinejad afford losing more allies when Khatami has just announced his pre-conditions for candidacy?

Check the following links; and scroll down till you see the English:
alef.ir/content/view/30692/
alef.ir/content/view/30890/

PS. Alef was shut down by government for investigating this matter; however, it was opened again following the verdict of the judiciary.