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BLITZER’S BLOG: My chance to chat with Iranian Pres. Ahmadinejad
New York (CNN) – I had a rare opportunity to talk directly with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Thursday at a press event he held in New York after he addressed the U.N. General Assembly.
By most accounts, Ahmadinejad’s views are way out there. He stuck to his favorite talking points on a variety of topics ranging from America’s troubles, Israel, the uprising in the Middle East and homosexuality. When faced with negative questions about Iran, Ahmadinejad knew how to quickly deflect them and turn the conversation back toward the flaws of the United States. In our one hour together, the Iranian leader was asked about several of those issues. Here are just some of them:
I asked him what his impression was of President Obama. Ahmadinejad said Obama came with the slogan of change but never delivered. He went on to say that Obama lost the support of the American people, and he said his own opinion of Obama is very much in line with the American population.
I also asked him about his September 24, 2007, comments at Columbia University in which he denied the existence of homosexuals in Iran. Ahmadinejad didn’t back away from those remarks and said his position hadn’t changed even though he conceded there may be some gays in Iran. He said homosexuality is a shameful act, one of the ugliest forms of behavior, and there is no way to defend it.
On Israel, the Iranian leader said his country is not ready to recognize “the Zionist entity,” which is what he calls Israel, even if there were a peace agreement with the Palestinians. When asked if he’s worried Israel might launch a military strike, Ahmadinejad responded that “the Zionists” entered the region only to fight and create wars, and if they try any aggression toward Iran, they will regret it.
When asked about the Arab Spring, Ahmadinejad said all the regimes that have fallen have done so because they were supported by the United States.
Speaking of revolts, Ahmadinejad pointed to economically charged demonstrations in Europe, saying that discontent will eventually spread to the United States. He went even further, claiming some of America’s economic troubles are due to the sanctions imposed on Iran. He admitted they did have an effect, but said Iran is a great, resilient nation and the Iranian people will deal with it.
I will say this about the Iranian leader: He knows his talking points. He doesn’t give an inch. I also thought he actually enjoyed talking with the American reporters.
RELATED VIDEO: Blitzer presses Ahmadinejad on gay stance
RELATED STORY: Several delegations walk out on Ahmadinejad speech
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Post by: Filed under: Iran • Mahmoud Ahmadinejad • Wolf Blitzer |
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Great writing. I loved reading this. If you like, check out my website.
President Akhmadinejad is right and honest. He speaks the truths that deluded westerners don't want to hear. Homosexuals commit shameful and disgusting acts that serve no procreative ends other than assuaging their perverse erotic desires. He's the most honest speaking world leader that I've heard.
The reason Ahmadinejad likes talking to American reporters is that they give him softer questions than even the censored Iranian media does. American reporters should take the opportunity provided to them (which is restricted in Iran) to do a little research first and really press him on issues that would make him sweat. Why not talk about the embezzlement case that he is implicated in, since he claims to have the most corruption free government in Iranian history? Why not talk about the ongoing imprisonment of journalists or the lashing in Evin prison of a female by a man (big taboo in Iran) for insulting the president. This is while he claims that Iran honors freedom of speech. Why are American reporters so enamored with the opportunity to speak with Ahmadinejad that they actually give him the opportunity to spout off his propaganda?
Good interviews with Israeli leaders today too, Wolf. Charlie Rose also had great conversations today on his show with Saeb Erakat, Ron Proser and Mort Zuckerman. My feelings after watching these debates are filled with concern that the Palestinians, whether they are sincere or not, come across as more sincere about achieving peace. In your interview and in Rose's with Proser you and Charlie kept having to point out to the Israeli leaders that all they're asking for the Palestinian leaders seem ready to talk about openly, and they kept changing the stipulations that would allow for them to negotiate again.
Regardless of whether this is what is happening, what is coming across is a sincere desire for peace on one side and an unwillingness to talk on the part of Israel. I think the people of Israel want peace. Their leaders are coming across as unreasonable.
Every year we go through the same agony! Why do they even allow Ahmadinejad on the U.S. soil? Why do they even recognize him by interviewing this lunatic, bloodsucking moron? (With all due respect to homosexuals around the world)- In a country where people are killed, jailed, tortured, raped for their belief and don't even have the most basic rights, why does the media including Mr. Blitzer, King, Rose,.... always bring up the homosexuality subject which still is a controversial issue in the democratic countries such as the U.S.? The U.S. and its allies must stop making deals with fundamentalist morons like the Iranian government and boycott them all together. Stop buying oil from them and they will be gone in less than a year. Why don't you at least consult the Iranian journalists and come up with more educated questions? Iran's stance toward Israel is important but not an issue to the Iranian people! Please focus on basic but important issues such as Human Rights, Freedom, Democracy, The contrast between the people and the government, Secularism,....I just wish that I see freedom and democracy in that region before I die.
Leave Wolf alone...he is doing his job...reporting the NEWS...not the nonsense...things are not what they seem in Iran.
They are starting to see the world crumble around them and instead of making bombs that make a mess and murders.
They make energy and electricity and we all need that and water and shelter...sounds to me like they did a 360 turn...
and financially will be the " king of the mountain " in world order of cash value factors here only...sounds like profit is better then polliferations of peoples...nuclear war costs money...nuclear energy makes money...and then ten-fold too..
"He said homosexuality is a shameful act, one of the ugliest forms of behavior, and there is no way to defend it. "
To the little Monkey from Iran: give me an hour with you alone and I'll change your mind about this.
He who doth protest too much about something is probably guilty of it.
nobody should interview this clown. he should simply be ignored.he is only looking for an audience to perform for so don't give it to him.
Mr Ahmadinejad is right about everything he says, and everyone knows it.
As much as i dislike the Iranian President and what he stands for,his comments on homosexuality are absolutely correct. With no prejudice to human rights, any country that is so liberal as to publicly condone and accept gay marriage is telling God that he is stupid to have created women. This to me is the height of moral decadence that westernization has brought to the civilized world.
The man was only giving his view points and we are all entailed for that by god given rights. We must have the courage and discipline to listen to what he or anyone has to say. He wasn't spreading terror! So whats with civilized world? Can't take or digest anything said against your view points or beliefs?
Wolf Blitzer is a former AIPAC reader. He is not what you'd call an intellectual, would you say? Only in the US, where ignorance is something to be proud of can someone like Blitzer hold a news job. That what the Iranian leader says is in accordance with most of what the world thinks, is beyond the comprehension of most US citizens. Doesn't it make a thinking person wonder who CNN is really working for?
Ahamadinejada only spokesman of Muslim world's
Nobody denies that US is the most savage government in the world and after that it´s europiand allies Germany, England and .. those who created the biggest massacare in 20th century and yet involving multiple wars in the world, and now you come and say Iran supports terrorism, you gotta be kidding!!! do not forget Vietnam, Japan, Iraq, Afghanistan and .. want me to put other countries which suffer from your brutal acts Uncle Sam???
Did anyone walk out when Obama spoke? His speech is not liked by many people who do not like their foreign policy or their I am the Master of the Universe thinking. Yet, everyone respects the view and listens. He even said that he will continue to blindly support Israel, no Muslim leader's walked out including Abbas?!? Why the US and Western counterparts cannot stomach Ahmadinejad's speech whether it is in support of them or against them? But they all talk of Freedom of speech, tolerance, love, democracy everyday. Acting like school kids in UN isnt it?
I do agree with you. If nobody was walking out when Nathanyahu was talking, when Obama gave his biased was talking, I cannot understand why the so called educated, democratic, civilised people cannot listen someone with patience. This shows who has hatred in their inner mind? American and Europen leaders carry hatred, they cannot tolerate anything against them, they dont like anyone standing against them. If he starts praising these leaders tomorrow, they would start calling the Iranian President as the most modern, democratic leader. Its all about whether you can be an engine or a caboos
i hope ISRAEL will try to mess with IRAN , cause its time for ISRAEL to be humiliated and crushed just the way they were crushed in Lebanon againts Hizbolla but this time on a bigger scale .........
it will be like TOM and JERRY
The problem with many Americans is they dont know anything other than what CNN tells them, CNN is telling people what the Government want people to know. The crissis in midllle east would have been a history now if not for Americans, Israel would have been safe and secured, and palestinians would have been leading their lives like any citizens around the world. But American never wants this to happen, creates some misunderstandings between Israel and arabs, for their own benefits, side with one and neglet the other, threaten any country that happens to assist the other parts , be ready to let americans people die for the side they are supporting. One can ask him/herself , what is american getting from support on israel, while is beneffiting alot from arab countries? American is the source of all problems in this world, even to her people, and poor americans most of them are so dumb they are listening to their gvt without even thinking twice and american gvt is taking advantage of their ignorance to do what they want.
When what's-his-name spoke at Columbia University a couple of years ago (the speech that Blitzer referred to), the Iranian president said, "we don't have homosexuals in Iran like you do here in America." That comment was widely ridiculed, but in fact, the same thing can be said of most of America except for the few large cities that have vocal, visible, gay communities. So somebody in Iowa or Utah could very well say, "We don't have homosexuals here like they do in New York", and they would be correct. All major religions do consider it sinful and immoral, and it's encouraging to see someone willing to say so.
Blitzer did a poor job as a journalist, and a worse one in being self-duped into giving Ahmadinejad a very public forum. It's time to retire, Wolf.
So, if there are no chosen people, than manifest destiny for America was a lie! Really now - you can't pick and choose the chosen and leave out the others. Remember the Native Americans and how this country treated them.
If this Iranian leader is concerned about Israel's influence in the Mideast, then how about Iran's influence? Or, is that another issue of a chosen people? Iran is chosen, but Israel is not? You gotta be kidding!
What happens when the Arab Spring overtakes Iran? It seems like that was going on a few months ago, but, like the peaceful country it is, Iran chose to put down the popular revolt. Hypocrisy is what's being babbled by him.
Well done. Like you , poeple like Obama the man who shouted to have a change in the world , and the israelist should mmet and discuss with this head of Iran. afterall people should always listen to others. You can't always treat them as terrorists.
When the German forcs invaded France there many Frenchmen got involved tofight against Germans indirectley and they were called by france RESISTANTS but not terrorists.
But when the palestinies wanted chase away the isralis from their lands they are treated as Terrorists by western countries!!!!!
How?
So talking with the head of Iran should be followed by Obama and the present Prime Minister of Israel , who is now scared to see a separate but legal stsate of Palestine.
Since 2007 there is nothing has been changed under Mr.Obama's administration. Only thewords.
I think this is quite a decent etidorial, but I do have the feeling that it not really explains the problem of (too much) free speech in politics, but only gives examples of it. You could perhaps try to explain the problem and also explain why it is a problem. Except for that I think that it is good.
Hitler was a diabolical maniac who was very clear on the haves vs have nots. It's only a matter of time before the likes of Ahmadinejad will be forced to play his cards. He's already shown us his hand and it's a losing suit. He's a big mouth with no future – especially if the people of Iran have any say in it.
Wolf you are so impressed with Ahmedinajad's talking points, you made it so easy for him – so why were you not prepared with better questions and followup?
For people complaining about the question about homosexuals in Iran, you obviously aren't aware of past political declarations regarding the Iranian President. It would have been an odd question to ask any other world leader, but not the Iranian President.
Ahmadinejad's views and actions are despicable and it is only a matter of time before the people of Iran rise up and get rid of him, just as happened in the oither Arab countries. He did, however, raise a point whcih should be debated seriously and that is " why does the U.S. need so many military bases all over the world". If all the money spent to maintain these had gone towards humanitarian projects, the world would have been a better place and the U.S. would not be a target for terrorist acts.
Well there you go, good point.
This is exactly why one should _NOT_ be disrespectful and walk out on someone telling you what you do not want to hear.
An AMERICAN IS ASKING – Why do we need so many military bases all over the world when so many Americans live below poverty?
Iran is not an Arab country. Do not confuse the Islamic religion with Arab ethnicity. They don't even speak Arabic(mostly), they speak Farsi.
Why would CNN give air time to a crazy man?
why not? They give plenty of questions to the tea party.
In civilized world people must have the guts to listen and hear anything and everything. Its a shame that some delegates walked away when the man gave the speech. That's normally a behaviors of uneducated and uncivilized crowds. Educations open up ones brain to almost anything without losing temper. Why did't you ask the question why Iran is a member of UN. And it was the head of the Iranian nation talking to CNN ... grow up people
It is disgraceful that more issues were not raised with the human rights violations of this regime and the fact that this regime supports terrorists worldwide. Stop the fanfare of this terrorist and press the real issues facing the Iranian people today against this brutal and illegal regime.
Really Sassan?
"It is disgraceful that more issues were not raised with the human rights violations of this regime" (which regime? Obama?) "and the fact that this regime" (again, which regime? Obama?) "supports terrorists worldwide. Stop the fanfare of this terrorist" (guessing Obama again) "and press the real issues facing the Iranian people today against this bruta"l (even more troops into Iraq and Afghanistan and no boots on the ground in Libya Obama?) "and illegal regime" (meaning the non-proven to be an American citizen, Obama; an illegal President).
Throwing stones in your glass house dear?
You said it all!
I posted the following two days ago on my facebook profile "Beware of people with double alliances. Beware of those who claim to love your country but offer allegiance to the other passport they carry. Nations are falling, pushed over the edge by citizens indoctrinated to serve the will of another nation. Yes, they usually have two passports.", guess I was talking about you an your ilk.
Open up your mind and eyes. Look for real rather being arrogant. Then you will see the real truth. Which countries kills more innocent people? and that's called "thrill kill" or "sports kill"... Human rights is just a code word for west to get their agenda spread.
Aside from the homosexuality issues, Ahmadinejad is actually right. Zionism and being Jewish is a distinction few make, usually regarding any criticism of Jewish people in general as being antisemitic. The truth is, leaders like Netanyahu believe Israelis have the right to expansion despite the suffering endured by the Palestinians. He is a Jew yes, but a Zionist Jew. A Zionist refers to the belief that Jews are God's "chosen people". There are no "chosen people". There is no right to take lands away after agreeing on borders. LIfe is unfair of course, there will be no peace, nothing will ever change, so it goes. But too many people do not understand Ahmadinejad's remarks. No doubt he is a tyrant and bad person, but he does speak truth on the "Arab Spring", 9/11 and the wars overall in the middle east. We need to leave that region and bring the troops home and worry about defending our nation, not destroying and rebuilding others.
You should check up on history before you make some of your false comments. Historically, any nation that is attacked has the right to defend itself and whatever land they attain from the attackers belongs to the country defending itself. That's what happened in the 948 &1967 wars against Israel, and all those inbetween and after. In 1948, the Palestinians were told by their fellow Arabs in surrounding courtries to get out of Israel so they wouldn't be hurt in the blood=bath that would befall the Israelis. The Arab nations lost. Too bad for the Palestinians who left. Those who live in Israel are free to leave but apparently their lives are better under Jewish rule than Muslim rule.
You should re check your history again. How many false flag attack that zionist movement had in the past? Have you ever heard about USS Liberty. I bet you believe the official story. Wake up!!
there you go! you've hit the nail.....indeed the Palestinians need to calm down and accept that the land belongs to the Jews..whose law prohibits them from excluding a foreigner...though i don't live there i pray that an everlasting peace will one day be realized..and i hope very soon.
Wolf,
Why didn't you ask a current question, not one 2 years old. The current question is why did Iran hang 2 gay men a few weeks ago if they don't exist in Iran and why should Iran be in the UN for murdering gays.
Probably for the same reason we are in the middle east murdering 100's of thousands of arabs and persians. No one is without blame friend. Crime against homosexuality isn't at the top of everyones moral dilema these days.
Sadly, it should be.
Any form of persecution is a violation of all human rights...equally.
Killing or imprisonment to protect an image based on religious dogma, political affiliation, or just because you don't like my opinion is a gross abuse of power an an oppression of freedom.
History is full of examples. Shall we eat cake?
It was only two days back the former president of USA questioned about effectiveness of US judicial system is.... In many cases people who were executed in US were later found to be innocent. In Iran homosexuality is illegal and laws of the land s must be upheld in civilized societies. I wonder why there some sections of world claimed to be "civilized" and yet don't understand/respect the cultures, relations, way of life other societies. Its the time common sense to prevail over arrogance.
Really dissapointed with Wolf Blitzers questions. Predictable questions with predictable answers...
"views are way out there" Sure are when our media/govt/schools has systematically suppressed certain notions. To many more out there in the world, his views are more acceptable. Gee, anything involving int'l politics or world history is a puzzle for Americans. EX.: as anyone on the street in the US where Australia, they will respond in Europe.
Gotta get the journalism award this year; let me ask the president of a regional power a bold question: "Excuse me good Sir, are there gay's in Iran?"
Time to loiter on the streets of San Francisco for interviews.
Ahmadinejad doesn't believe that what we in America call "The Holocaust" happened. Maybe that doesn't make him nuts, but I still don't want him living next door to me. If he borrows my lawn mower, and then a week later says, "What lawn mower?", I don't chalk it up to "cultural differences".
As much as I agree with Ahmadinejad on homosexuality, this guy needs to go.
Needs to go where???
He has been elected by the people of his country and won a "fair" election by quite a margin!!
Isn't it easy to sit back behind a PC in another part of the world and comment on something??
Before visiting Iran, I had similar views (Thanks to media) but after my visit to Iran, I realised how much people have love for this man. The taxi driver who took me to my hotel from the airport himself was of full praise for him and said "There are millions who would be ready to sacrifice their very own lives for this man. He has done a lot"
And it's quite understandable! Sanctions from the whole world YET the country is running very well...
Ahmadinejad is moot point in the grand scheme of things. His view of the zionists as to their influence maybe more than what was discussed. The jewish people in general are being held hostage by the zionists bankers (Rothchilds) Anyone who knows their history this organization and its global control is destroying us all, its only a matter of time the realty will set in on how destructive they really are. The Iranians are under an influence of deception and misguided rule. Their path is like every other nation in the world, dictated by the radical zionists which Ahmadinejad is well aware but nothing he can do about it. As to this issue of homosexuality, being a homosexual is one thing, have sex with another man is another thing, thats what Blitzer should have discussed so as to understand his actual postion. This issue of the holocaust is simply concrete evidence, its people like David Duke and Ahmadinejad that can give a honest and straight answer by simply admitting it indeed happen, no further explanations are needed, the evidence is conclusive.
Ahmadinejad expresses valid points as to the respect for the earth, that mankind should live in harmony, that all peoples are Gods people and that we are caretakers of the planet as expressed in his previous speeches at the UN.
The US as other nations who withdraw at the UN when he delivers his speech is a clear signal of disfunctionality and unwillingness to at least accept his view with the intent to followup and address the root of his views. The lack of respect toward one another is a clear demonstration of unwillingless to resolve and bring goodness to our planet. Furthermore Israel and Palestine is a perfect example on why as a global society we have no peace.
great comment! i wish more people were open minded!
couldn't agree more!
If the evidence of the extent of the holocaust were evident, there would be no question by those honest enough to ask it. That doesn't mean that Ahmadinejad is honest over all, but he asks the question. He did not give an answer, but let you jump to the conclusion. The question is, 'How many Jews could be killed by the method used in the time available for it with the facilities provided?' Try to figure out the rate of killing required from the time it began to the time it was stopped and examine the capacity of the facilities to reach the number claimed. Those who have claimed a discrepancy cite valid math, but the conclusion is not valid if accurate analysis was not done. All Ahmadinejad has suggested is that more accurate analysis be done to detect the error he wants to believe. Science should be in the accuracy of the methodology, not the conclusion you wish to reach. Truth is what is true, not necessarily what Ahmadinejad, Stewart, or Zionists want to believe.
BTW: Pseudoscience sets out to '...prove that thus is true.' True science sets out to collect evidence that thus is not true. Failure to find proof that it is not true, or evidence that it is not true, gives weight to the hypothesis, but does not prove it.
I do think he enjoys expressing his views to American Jurnalists. He is right about many,many things, despite the mud in the face results it has for the US, EU and Israel (call it IS-USUK).
The political dissent in those M.E. countries are those whose dictators in which are supported by IS-USUK<
IS-USUK spends a great deal of money each year to support these oppressive regimes,($50B/yr) and in so doing fostors that dissent, it will and is coming back to bite us.
homosexuality isn't practiced openly in Muslim countries as it is in the west...even if people are homosexuals they are not going come out and tell you and like the president said it is considered a shameful act and not considered acceptable in a Muslim culture and society....We shouldn't always judge everything from our western lenses and perceptions.
Well Said!
For example, living in India, we can joke around and call our mates monkey, etc. But I am sure to face trouble when I go to a country like Australia and call a dark-skinned man a monkey (anyone remember the Andrew Symonds incident???)
Different cultures, different perceptions, different lifestyles! Homosexuality leads to being segregated from the society swell as dishonour amongst the people in a country like India. My family would probably kick me out of the house if I informed them that I was homosexual so we need to look at the country/place/conditions and take them into consideration before commenting.
You're right, but, something's to be said for in Muslim societies boys that are friends can kiss, cuddle, and hold hands up I to their 20s. Not sexually, but as close and loving friends. America would go crazy about this.....
Hold your friends close and your enemies closer...the UN delegates should have stayed and listened if only to gain a better understanding of what in the world he is thinking. Wolf, your comment that he sticks to his talking points, no matter the question, made me think of our politicians that can turn a straight forward question around to discuss something totally opposite of the question.
This article and interview with Pakistan foreign minister proved Bush Cheney policy utter failed policy. Now it’s hard to come out
Who gave opportunity Ahmadinejad to like this Bush and Cheney
Mr. Blitzer, i respect your knowledge and quality of jourmalism but it is beyond my understanding that why anyone would ask the head of state question about homesexuality? arent there more important things to ask besides this? I know most of the American media is biased towards Iran but why not try to understand and explain the other side of the world's view besides only single side? Look at the BBC news and other world news, they all show the real side of the world, why not CNN ?
While I dislike the policies of Ahmadinejad and his continued call for the destruction of Israel (and ultimately all Jews), he's right in saying all religions denounce homosexuality.
He is against 'zionism' and not jews!
Not every jew is a zionist.
Amadinejad: I come to your country where I can speak freely about anti-government rhetoric and world politics without fear of being arrested, attacked, or assassinated like any other leader would be if he came to my country to spout such nonsense!
Kind of reminds me of Perry who will speak of sucessionism until he needs a federal handout.
With all the problems and potential disasters facing the world, when Wolf interviewed Ahmadinejad asked about homosexuals in Iran. Is that best Wolf could do? Who cares about how many homosexuals there are anywhere? We all know how gays are viewed in Iran and all Musllim countries. What magnificent journalism!
No wonder the media, and culture in the US is not respected anywhere, and is beening seen around the world as having lost their moral compas.
I am Curious, of all the things to talk about to a head of state why would you ask a question about homosexuality. That was very puzzling.
it was as loaded of a question as a harrier in LIbya!
lol he has been asked that questions 3 years in a row, every time he comes here...lol and his answers always the same
Maybe you misunderstand where Wolf Blitzer was coming from. Wolf is a human being who empathizes with other human beings, even if they're homosexual. Hence, when Wolf saw a head of state claim that homosexuals didn't exist in Iran, and/or are evil, Wolf's empathy for other human beings, millions of whom visit this website and watch him on television, motivated him to ask that head of state about those views.
To highlight his ignorance.
He probably now needs to start questioning the tonnes of religions out there who denounce homosexuality.
Next time the Pope visits US the interviewer should ask the same question (Are there gays in Rome?). Let us see what the response is 🙂
One thing is for sure, the Zionists hate him and are always up in arms against him. Not so much the religious jews. People forget that with a population of less than 30000 Jews still have a seat reserved in Majlis in Iran (a country with total 70 million population).
Iran's nuclear program which has been so much talked about in the news was actually started by USA with Germany as the technology provider !! It is just that the ousting of Shah ruffled the feathers of policymakers.
I am a Muslim and have full sympathy with jews and their suffering and prosecution that they had through the ages at the hands of Europeans. I feel that it would be a little bit far fetched on Ahmedinejad part to say that state of Israel is illegitimate but just consider this fact that when Palestinians are trying to raise their demand in UN then the same resitance to "their" legitimacy is shown by US and Israel ! That itself should make us ponder about the motives of the Zionist state whose sole strategy is land grabbing and whose think tank uses the Holy Bible as a pretext to lay claim to a piece of land which was given to them in the last century by Britishers as a way of expiation of the sins of Europeans !!
Dear Wolf,
I am baffled when western delegates storm out of the UN assembly when ever their countries are criticised, is this as a result of immaturity or that they just cant handle simple criticism, they should at least be able to accomodate dissenting views and respect other members present.
Regards
"respect other members present." When was the _first time he respected the other members? Are his tirades what you call respect?
I'm tickled red, white and blue that my country walked out on him. His story is so old and over. I'll be advocating hard to bar him from ever entering this country again.
Why? It's called hegemony.
Kill the messenger rather than accept the message.
They didn't leave because of criticism, they left because Ahmadinejad is preaching senseless lies to make the west look bad.
How do you know they are lies? Because the TV told you they were over and OVER and over? Is this why? Or perhaps you are a freelance journalist that determines truth based on investigation?
That lunatic's statements were not "simple criticisms". They were acquisitions of the U.S being behind the 9/11 attacks, denial of the holocaust, and bizarre personal attacks on the west. His goal is not to criticize, but to badmouth and start trouble. He does not respect the west so the west does not respect him; its that simple. He is the anti-diplomate and he deserves the worst treatment possible by all U.N delegates. Its scary that a man that evil can draw any support.
Hey Mohammed,
maybe we storm out when followers of a 7th century genocidal pedophile start lying about the rest of the world?
I personally think everyone who speaks at the UN should get the curtesy as anyone else. The US should sit there and not get up when someone they don't like speaks. That is not what the UN is for. It does not represent the UN very well. Its one reason the UN does not work.
I totally agree with you John. They have been doing this for a few years now and it upsets me everytime I see it, even though I don't like everything Ahmadinejad says either.
Very true John!
The concept of United Nations is tested when leaders of prospering economies show this childish behaviour of walking out. What exactly are the reasons there?
The same leaders who are condemning Gaddafi today and who punished Saddam a few years back have backed those very men! So this high moral ground on Human rights violations in Iran is nothing but Drama. Same goes for the stance against Iranian nuclear programme which was initially started by USA with the help of Germany.
The world is full of so much hypocricy that it is worthwhile to listen to your critics but then it exposes the policy makers, isn't it 🙂 ?
Criticism is one thing. Blatant disregard of history is another. There is no LEGITIMATE question regarding the truth of the systematic murder of 6 million Jews.
Of all the questions Wolf could have asked Ahmadinejad, he asks a bone-headed rhetorical question about "any homosexuals in Iran". It seem that, in a bid to shore up lagging viewership, CNN is morphing into tabloid status.
Wolf thought he was talking to Michelle Bachmann for second that's why he was asking about homosexuality. I mean out all things that could been asked from a head of state, that has many complicated issues with US, that's what CNN wanted to focus on?
Ahmadinejad certainly has ideas about the Holocaust, Israel, homosexuality and Palestine that are biased by his culture, religion, and where he was born in the world. We in America have these biases also, albeit in mostly the opposite direction. Although I recognize these biases, I don't find his ideas irrational or crazy. He is coherent and has reasonable questions about American power and influence. He recognizes quite clearly the trouble Obama has with the promises he made. His prediction of discontent in Europe and the Arab Spring spreading to America may well prove prophetic so long as our economy continues down unsustainable paths.
And while his views on 911 seem conspiratorial to the establishment in the US, they are not as unpopular as might be imagined. Polls in the US show a range of 30-70 of people think the US government had some level of involvement in 911 or let it happen. In European countries these percentages are much higher. When there is this much skepticism on an issue we never fully investigated with an unbiased and free investigation, a new 911 investigation may, in fact, be warranted.
"Polls in the US show a range of 30-70 of people think the US government had some level of involvement in 911 or let it happen."
BS! ( I presume you meant 30-70%? Although 30-70 people is a more reasonable number) Show some proof. You can't and you know it.
The UN is nest of human rights violations and terrorists. Time for them to be gone from our soil. Let them go to iran, and then watch and see if we are extended the same courtesies this nut-job has been given. Imagine an US Rep on the floor ranting about iran, like he does about the US or Israel. Snort.
They do it regularly when they argue for sanctions and more sanctions on Iran. What did you think, that they praised iran before they asked (told) everybody to shun them because they suspect that Iran is trying to acquire something that other nations have had for 50 years?
Akk reak analysis , supported with reasons provided by the perpetuators, statethe main reason is US;s uncirtical support of Israel. and it support of oppressive regmeis in the M.E. , and the precense therefo in support of Israel.
It's total BS that it is because of their hatred of freedom. That is so facetious and ignorant.
Everything must be a conspiracy. It's so much easier and more reassuring for us to comprehend how such a horrific act could have happened if we assume some entity had to be controlling the strings, rather than believe the actual truth, which is that a small group of crazy a-holes can murder 3,000 people if they just put their minds to it.
Just because a lot of people believe something stupid doesn't mean it still isn't stupid. A lot of people liked The Coneheads too, and that movie's target audience includes anyone with an IQ below 70. Watch "Idiocracy." It's a prophetic movie, and I think applies directly to your post.
your pretty speech doesn't hold up against common sense. perpetuating the completely and utterly moronic conspiracy theory of 911 is beyond idiotic. hmm, if the U.S. wanted to attack themselves, just so they can start a war, for this so called issue of getting oil which is already coming from numerous other nations anyways like saudi arabia, then why attack their own military headquarters the pentagon, and even aim for the white house itself let alone destroy the trade center which would impede their supposed goal of getting oil anyways? oh, and there was an investigation into this by the way, you're either too lazy to look it up yourself, or lying through your teeth. I guess the fact that you can call the iranian's president's vitrolic, hatred induced speech reasonable speaks for itself.