September 25, 2007

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s, the president of Iran, speech at Columbia on September 24, 2007 rustled more than a few feathers in the United States.  Nevertheless, he was allowed to speak and we all must celebrate that fact as a testimate to free speech in the United States and a beacon of hope for those without the same right elsewhere in the world.

The following is an excerpt from a New York Times article the following day.  It highlights many of the questions asked during the Q&A following his speech.  The question comes from Columbia Dean John H. Coatsworth, the moderator for the event.

“Do you or your government seek the destruction of the state of Israel?” Mr. Coatsworth asked.

“We love all people,” Mr. Ahmadinejad dodged. “We are friends of the Jews. There are many Jews living peacefully in Iran.” He went on to say that the Palestinian “nation” should be allowed a referendum to decide its own future.

Mr. Coatsworth persisted: “I think you can answer that question with a simple yes or no.”

Mr. Ahmadinejad was having none of it. “You ask the question and then you want the answer the way you want to hear it,” he shot back. “I ask you, is the Palestinian issue not a question of international importance? Please tell me yes or no.”

 Yes or No?

 -c