Seven chancellors and presidents of Iranian universities and research centers, in a letter addressed to their counterpart in Colombia University, denounced Lee Bollinger’s insulting words against the Iranian nation and president and invited him to provide responses for 10 questions which you will find here: http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/09/26/4124/
I thought they hit the target well. Your comments please.
2007-09-29 15:24:06 · 9 answers · asked by Sicilian Godmother 7 in News & Events ➔ Current Events
Please don't forget to read the questions asked by the Iranian professors. They are posted in the link provided. Comments on those, please if you have the time.
2007-09-29 15:37:24 · update #1
It was wrong to invite the President of Iran to speak at Columbia and then openly insult him. I understand the pressure from the media and from some in the Columbia University community, but it was still wrong. This kind of rudeness does not promote the interests of the U.S. in the world, and a lot of other people besides President Ahmadinejad feel as though they have also been disrespected.
We live in a dangerous world, and we need open dialog especially with those countries which are problematic for us. We need to find some common ground. That does not mean agreeing with or condoning policies which we find abhorrent. But I think this event at Columbia was a disaster for how the U.S. is perceived in the world.
2007-09-30 09:14:27 · answer #1 · answered by Pascha 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was very disappointed with Lee Bollinger's sneak attack on the Iranian president. Even if we do not agree with his politics. All Mr. Bollinger accomplished was proving to the world that Americans are judgemental and closed minded. Mr. Bollinger made himself seem very uneducated and unknowledgeable about the Iranian culture. He obviously does not know the definition of Dictator, and made himself seem quite petty. I was very ashamed that an American had to be so rude and act as uncivilized as he professed his guest to be. As an American I feel that Mr. Bollinger should have shown a little more class.
2007-09-29 18:46:32 · answer #2 · answered by dizzy 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Pretty shoddy, and a missed opportunity. If you invite someone, at least treat him with courtesy, otherwise, dont bother.
It would have been much better to calmly ask him questions on the treatment of women, his views on Iranian laws about converting out of Islam (eg. if Sen Obama, born of a Muslim father, lived in Iran and decided to become a Christian, how would the Pres have applied Iranian law), etc.
2007-09-29 15:34:24 · answer #3 · answered by astatine 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
That was the whole reason he was allowed to speak there. Criticism of him is not allowed in Iran and little Adolph really did/still does need a dose of reality before its too late. Considering his past statements, it was just answering in kind. As far as insultting Iran, they insult israel, the USA, the EU, and the UN nearly daily so again, it is answering in kind. If they want the people of the world to be polite, then they must do so themselves.
2007-09-29 17:13:33 · answer #4 · answered by Caninelegion 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I was very behind Columbia inviting him to speak, and very impressed with their willingness to open discussion-
But when that slew of insults and accusations preceded the session, I was completely demoralized:(
Granted, Ahmadinejad is very arrogant and manipulative and his rule not exemplary but listen to his words...
I thought his speach to the UN was so on target despite what I think of him- Much more than I can say for OUR "arrogant and manipulative" leader.
We claim to be a free country fighting for our freedom and against "freedom haters" yet we continually censor any outside opinions and try to dictate what the world thinks-
IS IT WORKING????????? NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2007-09-29 17:37:06 · answer #5 · answered by :) 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Man americans are a funny bunch. Its to the point now where they dont even care about the sheer hypocrisy what they do anymore. america has become the ultimate "do as i say and not as i do" society.
2007-09-29 19:03:21 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I feel it was wrong for him to invite Ahmedinijad to speak. Having invited him to speak, it was wrong for Mr. Bollinger to have insulted him.
2007-09-29 15:30:09 · answer #7 · answered by worldneverchanges 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
He treated the man with gross disrespect.Thank you for the link.I too would like to see these questions answered.The hypocrisy in this matter is beyond belief.
2007-09-29 15:38:01 · answer #8 · answered by Charlotte's Dad 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Ahmadinijad got home alive, that's better than he deserves.
2007-10-01 11:24:50 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋