Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad wishes the world a merry Christmas, even though he thinks much of it is in crisis because, he said, the West`s "bullying, ill-tempered and expansionist" leaders have strayed far from Jesus` path, according to Los Angeles Times via Toronto Star.

In a recorded message Christmas Day on Britain`s Channel 4, Ahmadinejad praises Christianity but goes on to say that if Christ returned to Earth, "He would fight against the tyrannical policies of prevailing global economic and political systems."

Presumably he is referring to the policies of the United States and Western European countries, which have imposed economic sanctions on Iran in response to a dispute over Iran`s nuclear enrichment program.

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The Iranian president was invited to speak to the British public as part of the channel`s annual "Alternative Christmas Message," following an address to the nation by the Queen.

Previous alternative Christmas guests have included Rev. Jesse Jackson.

The president`s Muslim faith recognizes both Christian and Jewish prophets and texts which predated Islam.

Ahmadinejad`s message, in Farsi with English subtitles, includes warm yuletide greetings.

Ahmadinejad mentions neither the U.S. nor Israel in the talk, according to a translated transcript of the speech.