president and director of the National Youth Organization by President Ahmadi-nejad, Farahnaz Torkestani (photo) asked to be relieved. She said her poor physical condition and family responsibilities prompted her request, even though she just accepted the post days earlier and even though she had been holding down the full-time job of deputy health minister for student affairs. Many assumed her sudden departure was the result of angry messages she had received from ultra-conservatives who oppose women in high executive positions.
