Ali Khamenei vs Sahle-Work Zewde

As President during the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), Khamenei supported the war effort and the use of child soldiers. He played a key role in Iran's acceptance of UN Security Council Resolution 598, ending the war after massive casualties.

After the death of Ayatollah Khomeini, Khamenei was elected Supreme Leader by the Assembly of Experts. He succeeded Khomeini as the highest authority in Iran, with control over the military, judiciary, and media.

Under Khamenei's leadership, Iran expanded its nuclear program, including uranium enrichment. This led to international sanctions and tensions, but Khamenei also issued a fatwa against nuclear weapons, creating a complex stance.

Following the disputed 2009 presidential election, Khamenei endorsed the victory of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and ordered a crackdown on the Green Movement protests. Hundreds were killed, thousands arrested, and the movement was suppressed.

Sahle-Work was appointed by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon as Under-Secretary-General and Special Representative to the African Union. This role recognized her diplomatic experience, having previously served as Ethiopian ambassador to several countries.

Sahle-Work became the first woman to head the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON). She managed the UN's operations in Kenya, overseeing administrative and conference services for UN agencies in the region.

Sahle-Work Zewde was elected by the Ethiopian parliament as the country's first female president. A career diplomat, her election was part of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's reforms to promote gender equality in government, though the presidency is largely ceremonial.