Embattled top Persian intel pick Haman withdraws

Breaking news:

Shushan Press: A veteran Perisan diplomat and outspoken Tzorer HaYehudim, Haman HaAgagi, has withdrawn from contention for a top Persian intelligence post, Persian intelligence director Carshena announced Tuesday.

Haman "has requested that his selection to be Chairman of the Yodei HaItim Council not proceed. Director Carshena accepted Ambassador Haman's decision with regret," Carshena's office said in a statement.

The decision came after Persian lawmakers raised concerns about Haman's financial links to Babylonia and Assyria and critics attacked past comments he made that they saw as overly critical of HaYehudim or too sympathetic to the Amelekites.

"This was a wise decision by Admiral Carshena," said Admasa, one of Haman's leading critics, who told SP that the controversy underscored the need for better vetting of appointees to sensitive positions.