Ahmadinejad Questions 9/11, Holocaust

Iranian President Speaks At Columbia University After Blistering Reception From School's President

(CBS/AP)  Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad questioned the official version of the Sept. 11 attacks and defended the right to cast doubt on the Holocaust in a tense appearance Monday at Columbia University, whose president accused the hard-line leader of behaving like "a petty and cruel dictator."

Ahmadinejad smiled at first but appeared increasingly agitated, decrying the "insults" and "unfriendly treatment." Columbia President Lee Bollinger and audience members took him to task over Iran's human-rights record and foreign policy, as well as Ahmadinejad's statements denying the Holocaust and calling for the disappearance of Israel.

"Mr. President, you exhibit all the signs of a petty and cruel dictator," Bollinger said, to loud applause.

He said Ahmadinejad's denial of the Holocaust might fool the illiterate and ignorant.

"When you come to a place like this it makes you simply ridiculous," Bollinger said. "The truth is that the Holocaust is the most documented event in human history."

Ahmadinejad rose, also to applause, and after a religious invocation, said Bollinger's opening was "an insult to information and the knowledge of the audience here."

"There were many insults and claims that were incorrect, regretfully," Ahmadinejad said, accusing Bollinger of falling under the influence of the hostile U.S. press and politicians. "I should not begin by being affected by this unfriendly treatment."

"Scolded and shunned at Columbia University, Ahmadinejad was conveying a message back to Iran that the West is creating the confrontation with Iran, not the other way around," said CBS News foreign affairs analyst Pamela Falk, "and he will have a few more shots at the media spotlight on the first day of the General Assembly debate, when he gives a speech and holds a press conference."

During a question and answer session Monday, Ahmadinejad appeared tense and unsmiling, in contrast to more relaxed interviews and appearances earlier in the day.

When asked if he believed the Holocaust indeed happened, his answer was classic Ahmadinejad: not a complete denial but enough to provoke, reports CBS News chief White House correspondent Jim Axelrod.

"I am not saying that it didn't happen at all," said Ahmadinejad. "This is not the judgment that I am passing here. Granted this happened, what does it have to do with the Palestinian people?"

But then he said he was defending the rights of European scholars, an apparent reference to a small number who have been prosecuted under national laws for denying or minimizing the Holocaust.

"There's nothing known as absolute," he said.

He reiterated his desire to visit ground zero to express sympathy with the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks, but then appeared to question whether al Qaeda was responsible.

"Why did this happen? What caused it? What conditions led to it?" he said. "Who truly was involved? Who was really involved and put it all together?"

Asked about executions of homosexuals in Iran, Ahmadinejad said the judiciary system executed violent criminals and high-level drug dealers, comparing them to microbes eliminated through medical treatment. Pressed specifically about punishment of homosexuals, he said: "In Iran we don't have homosexuals like in your country."

With the audience laughing derisively, he continued: "In Iran we do not have this phenomenon. I don't know who's told you that we have this."

Bollinger was strongly criticized for inviting Ahmadinejad to Columbia, and had promised tough questions in his introduction to Ahmadinejad's talk. But the strident and personal nature of his attack on the president of Iran was startling.

"You are either brazenly provocative or astonishingly uneducated," Bollinger told Ahmadinejad about the leader's Holocaust denial.

President Bush said Ahmadinejad's appearance at Columbia "speaks volumes about really the greatness of America."

He told Fox News Channel that if Bollinger considers Ahmadinejad's visit an educational experience for Columbia students, "I guess it's OK with me."

Other American officials were less sympathetic.

On Capitol Hill, conservatives said Columbia should not have invited Ahmadinejad to speak. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said "there is a world of difference between not preventing Ahmadinejad from speaking and handing a megalomaniac a megaphone and a stage to use it."

Sen. Joseph Lieberman, I-Conn., said he thought Columbia's invitation to Ahmadinejad was a mistake "because he comes literally with blood on his hands."

Thousands of people jammed two blocks of 47th Street across from the United Nations to protest Ahmadinejad's visit to New York. Organizers claimed a turnout of tens of thousands. Police did not immediately have a crowd estimate.

The speakers, most of them politicians and officials from Jewish organizations, proclaimed their support for Israel and criticized the Iranian leader for his remarks questioning the Holocaust.

"We're here today to send a message that there is never a reason to give a hatemonger an open stage," New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn said.

At the Columbia University campus, those who supported Ahmadinejad's appearance and the right to free speech were outnumbered and out-shouted, reports CBS News national correspondent Byron Pitts. There was little patience for any difference of opinion.

And many questioned why such a prestigious university would give voice to a man who denies the Holocaust ever happened and has called for the destruction of Israel, adds Pitts.

Protesters stood near the lecture hall where Ahmadinejad was scheduled to speak, linking arms and singing traditional Jewish folk songs about peace and brotherhood, while nearby a two-person band played "You Are My Sunshine."

Signs in the crowd displayed a range of messages, including one that read "We refuse to choose between Islamic fundamentalism and American imperialism."

Tensions are high between Washington and Tehran over U.S. accusations that Iran is secretly trying to develop nuclear weapons, as well as helping Shiite militias in Iraq that target U.S. troops -- claims Iran denies.

"Well, you have to appreciate we don't need a nuclear bomb. We don't need that. What need do we have for a bomb?" Ahmadinejad said in a 60 Minutes interview that aired Sunday, taped earlier in Iran. "In political relations right now, the nuclear bomb is of no use. If it was useful it would have prevented the downfall of the Soviet Union."

He also said: "It's wrong to think that Iran and the U.S. are walking toward war. Who says so? Why should we go to war? There is no war in the offing."

Before leaving Iran, Ahmadinejad said the American people have been denied "correct information," and his visit will give them a chance to hear a different voice, the official IRNA news agency reported.

Ahmadinejad has appealed to the American people before, distinguishing between the population and their government. Recently, he told a television show that Iran wants peace and friendship with America. Since coming to power in 2005, Ahmadinejad also has sent letters to the American people criticizing President Bush's policies in the Middle East.

Ahmadinejad's scheduled address to the U.N. General Assembly on Tuesday will be his third time attending the New York meeting in three years.

But his request to lay a wreath at ground zero was denied by city officials and condemned by politicians who said a visit to the site of the 2001 terror attacks would violate sacred ground.

[truthheals]

It will be refreshing to hear a country leader who can string a couple of sentences together.

[Krazcarl]

I have one firm policy in life I niether talk to or listen to those that hate me and call for my destruction. There is absolutly nothing to be gained unless a apoligy is offered and a solution to the current situation.

[speakinup]

I never knew a monkey could smile.

I have no fear of hearing this missing link speak its propaganda, Nancy. But, by the same token, why don''t you listen to President Bush with an open ear ? Or, are you showing your real alligence ?

Here''s a radical thought for you - think before you speak.

[prinzowhales]

Only the Zionists and their running dogs fear the words of the Iranian leader, so they will try to shout him down or bury him in lies or cover their ears.

[v_1618]

GOD BLESS MAHMOUD AHMADINEJAD FOREVER...
THE BEST PRESIDENT OF THE ENTIRE WORLD RIGHT NOW....

[arakaczky]

Are people so insecure about their own philosophy that they won''t even listen to another''s point of view? That''s pretty bad.

[speakinup]

Prinzowhales - go back to your Irish Pub. We don''t need any more mechanical monkeys that smack cymbals together - Ahmadinejad is already here.

[speakinup]

"Are people so insecure about their own philosophy that they won''''t even listen to another''s point of view? That''s pretty bad. Posted by arakaczky

Would you listen to Hitler ?

[signof4]

Lee Bollinger: President Ahmadinejad, I''m going to have to ask you some sort of tough questions just to make it appear that you''re not ''getting away'' with anything.....but just so you know, we socialist libs over here like you more than our own country and president. So, don''t be offended, ok???? (wink, wink)

[cbs_oliver]

"The New York Daily News'' front page on Monday read: "THE EVIL HAS LANDED.""

Well that makes it clear that Judeo Christian theological teachings and values are not part of the New York Daily News thinking.

Too bad.

The other NY rag is somewhat more rational and less theologically depraved but still hate filled:

"The New York Post called Ahmadinejad the "Madman Iran Prez" and a "guest of dishonor.""

Corrupt and hatefilled thinking and violent acts can be propagated from many sources and both of these papers have shown that they are part of the problem.

[signof4]

I remember when Arafat was invited to speak at teh UN. Reagan said, "no, he''s not setting one toe inside the US."

Ronnie, where are you when we need you most!?!?!?! You were one of the best presidents this country ever elected! I wish you were here.

[speakinup]

CBS_Oliver so the newspapers speak their mind, and they are part of the problem. Ahmadinejad spouts his lies, and you claim it''s free speech.

You are one SICK puppy, dude.

[zoltaric]

speakinup

No, I would not listen to Hitler. I would have killed him before he invaded Poland.

And I already know what this lunatic beleives and stands for. No need to hear any more. He is an enemy of state and does noit belong on U.S. soil. In fact I beleieve it is every patriotic Americans duty to kill the man. If the government won''t do it a loyal patriot should.

[clearzen]

@speakinup

It is free speech, the "truth" of the speech is irrelevant. The most important thing here is that ALL opinions are expressed and evaluated in a open forum. Otherwise we are not a "free" people if we do not allow those with views we don''t like/hate to express themselves. If the views that are expressed are not true or based on hate then facts and logic will show the speech to be lies or hateful. But to disallow speech based on personal feelings or political motivation is limiting basic freedoms granted to humans by birthright.

[cbs_oliver]

Posted by speakinup at 11:23 AM : Sep 24, 2007


Please don''t put your words in my mouth and then argue with yourself.

[azman80]

I dont support the Iranian leader, but I respect the fact that he is willing to come here and answer any question in a question and answer atmosphere. Bush refuses to do such a thing.

[speakinup]

"Please don''t put your words in my mouth and then argue with yourself. Posted by CBS_Oliver

Ok, then let''s close the loop, CBS_Oliver. Do you believe Ahmadinejad should be allowed to speak as he did on 60 minutes, or at our Institutions of Higher learning ?

If so, what part of "CBS_Oliver, so the newspapers speak their mind, and they are part of the problem. Ahmadinejad spouts his lies, and you claim it''s free speech.", don''t you understand ?

If you don''t like the garment, then DON''T PUT IT ON!

[cbs_oliver]

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has also said things that are depraved and hatefilled.

I think it is a good idea to let the Daily News, the New York Post, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, George Bush, and you, "speakinup", speak up.

You got a problem with that?

[antoniof123]

If you don''t want to hear him talk and now here is the hard part.

DON''T TURN HIM ON AND LISTEN TO HIM.

Otherwise who cares if he has something to say that is important we can decide for ourselves. Nut cases are always trying to tell us what we should and should not do.

[wogerwabbit]

"If the government won''t do it a loyal patriot should."

That''s not patriotic, pal... that''s psychotic. You should learn the difference.

[ezillyamused]

If Dubya is so convinced that Iran is supplying the weapons that are killing Americans, then why not arrest him while he''s in America on murder charges?

[clearzen]

@ezillyamused

Foreign dignitaries have immunity for one. Also, we don''t need a war with Iran.

[prinzowhales]

speakingup--"...mechanical monkeys smacking cymbals together"...sounds like the night of your conception.

[speakinup]

prinzowhales - just because your birth certificate was an apology from the Trojan Company, and the doctor that botched the abortion, you don''t need to get personal.

BTW, how''s that brain working since the partial birth abortion. Have another pint, then respond, idiot.

[sadaf2980]

I wonder what that so-called reporter was thinking when it asked those scurrilous questions . How much more can America bilittle itself by accusing other countries including Iran of what it itself keeps doing.All i can say is that Mr Ahmadinejad put Pelley''s nose out of joint by answering his rude questionsbrilliantly.

[glossypan]

In 1957, Nikita Kruschev had told America: "We will bury you". The USA and the USSR had nuclear weapons armed and ready to fire at each other. When Nikita Kruschev spoke at the United Nations, Republican President Dwight Eisenhower arranged a thirteen day US tour for him. Kruschev spoke his mind freely, in accordance with our enlightened law and custom. You cannot prove to the world how much better your ideas are if you are afraid to abide by them yourself.

[ezillyamused]

Foreign dignitaries have immunity for one. Also, we don''''t need a war with Iran RoboticTao

That''s not completely true. How about Nuremburg? Also, I think that war is EXACTLY what Bush wants with Iran. Haven''t you heard? Bush has been chosen by God to defeat the Anti-Christ. I truely believe that Bush is deluded enough to think that God has chosen him and that is what scares the stuff out of me!

[clearzen]

@ezillyamused

I too believe you are correct in your assumptions about our president. That should scare us all. Thankfully he does not congress to approve military funding and his term is almost over.

[jydavis1]

Let Ahmadinejad speak !!! - it will be nice to get a Persian perspective for once instead of the Israeli perspective that dominates the US press.

[clearzen]

whoops, I meant he needs congress to approve military funds

[one_american]

Its laughable how the far-left moonbats suddenly think that a tough question from a reporter is uncalled for, especially one for a terrorism-supporting, lying, human rights oppressing criminal despot like Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

It''s just as if the far-left actually want to be oppressed by a radical Islamic terrorist.

[one_american]

Its laughable how the far-left moonbats suddenly think that a tough question from a reporter is uncalled for, especially one for a terrorism-supporting, lying, human rights oppressing criminal despot like Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

It''s just as if the far-left actually want to be oppressed by a radical Islamic terrorist.

[one_american]

Its laughable how the far-left moonbats suddenly think that a tough question from a reporter is uncalled for, especially one for a terrorism-supporting, lying, human rights oppressing criminal despot like Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

It''s just as if the far-left actually want to be oppressed by a radical Islamic terrorist.

[one_american]

Its laughable how the far-left moonbats suddenly think that a tough question from a reporter is uncalled for, especially one for a terrorism-supporting, lying, human rights oppressing criminal despot like Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

It''s just as if the far-left actually want to be oppressed by a radical Islamic terrorist.

[jydavis1]

Let Ahmadinejad speak !!! - it will be nice to get a Persian perspective for once instead of the Israeli perspective that dominates the US press.

[speakinup]

Typically, like you, I have no problem with anyone''s freedom of speech. Including Ahmadinejad''s.

I do, however, think that his speaking at our institutions of higher learning is a honor that should be reserved for those that aren''t filled with hate, and those that are at least willing to be open to proof that the Holocaust happened. Anyone other than that is just Pravada.

It can speak on the street, just like any other monkey.

My point CBS_Oliver, is that: you are liberal enough to have the Monkey, that was part of the group that held our diplomats for 444 days, speak at our institutions of higher learning; yet, you call the critical opinions of two respected newspapers ''part of the problem''.

Now, have I ''misunderstood'' something, or, have you misstated something?

[jydavis1]

SUPPORT FREE SPEECH - Let Ahmadinejad speak !!! - it will be nice to get a Persian perspective for once instead of the Israeli perspective that dominates the US press.

[nordeck52]

I''ve got no problem with him visiting Ground Zero. The charges made by politicians that it is "sacred ground" are ludicrous. It just glorifies the horrors committed that day and lets al-Qaeda win. As hard as it is, we must realize that Ground Zero is nothing but a hole in the ground and move on. Thrusting our greatest wound into their faces only emboldens them to strike again. And we all don''t want that.

I''ll most likely be branded as unpatriotic and un-American for saying this, but I stand by it. I knew the risks.

[prinzowhales]

Neither the American people, nor the Amerian ''press'' is accustomed to intelligent and well-spoken leaders. The press wears their agenda on their sleeve and plays to the worst elements of the land. Pelley played to his employer''s tin Zionist ear, trying to compete in a subdued way with the likes of the drug-addled Viagra kid, Limbaugh, and ''Phone ***'' O''Reilly.

Iran poses no threat to us--it only poses a threat to the Anglo-American Money interests who want to steal their oil and prevent them from freeing themselves from the dollar pricing of oil. Good for them!

[wolf563]

Send all IRANIANS BACK TO IRAN BUT KEEP AND CLOSE THE BORDER TO ALL MIDDLE EAST PEOPLES UNTIL THEY (IRAN) COOPERATES WITH THE IAEA .HOW WOULD IRAN FEEL IF WE SAID - DEATH TO IRAN . WIPE IRAN OFF THE MAP .

[glossypan]

Diplomats are immune from prosecution when on a diplomatic mission abroad.

[prinzowhales]

nordek52--Since Ground Zero is sacred...I wonder if the potholes that Giuliani filled with the remains of victims and first responders are sacred as well...

[hypnotoad72]

If Iran wants to be believed, they will have to do far more than to just talk.

And waiting 6 years after such an atrocity to show the croc tears didn''t help either.

[speakinup]

"Neither the American people, nor the Amerian ''press'' is accustomed to intelligent and well-spoken leaders. - Prizowhales

Oh please, spare us the IRA Bvllshist! Just because you lost your war of ''occupation'' doesn''t mean they are all ''evil''.

[nordeck52]

Prinzowhales- If Ground Zero is sacred, then yes, those potholes are also sacred. That''s my point. Turning things into things they aren''t. It''s as bad as Bushy and friends keeping us in Iraq when there''s no reason for us to be over there.

[voteronpaul3]

Ron Paul has it all.

He has never voted:
* to raise taxes
* for an unbalanced budget
* to raise congressional pay
* for a federal restriction on gun ownership
* to increase the power of the executive branch

He HAS voted:
* against the Iraq war
* against the inappropriately named USA PATRIOT act
* against regulating the internet
* against the Military Commissions Act

He will eliminate the IRS, Wasteful Government Spending & Stop The Iraq War Immediately!

Most importantly, he vote NO on anything in Congress that is not allowed by the Constitution.

Shouldn''t ALL members of Congress uphold the Constitution? Aren''t they SWORN to uphold it? You can bet Paul won''t call the Constitution "just a G**D***ed piece of paper" like George Bush is reported to have.

If you want a candidate you can TRUST due to a proven track record, visit ronpaul2008.com and get busy spreading the word. The Mainstream Media is a lagging indicator!!

Ron Paul Revolution: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ron+paul

Get Active join a meetup.com group today!

Also checkout http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=federal reserve fraud

[agnim]

Here we have a man who is being villified for EXPRESSING MERE WORDS.

Yet leaders who are clearly genocidal and mass murdering maniacs in Iraq is being ignored?

What''s wrong with this picture? It is about BULLYING!


Not only will the wicked warmongers INVADE UNPROVOKED AND SLAUGHTER CHILDREN, WOMEN, OLD PEOPLE, ETC IN THE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS, the bullying warmongers aim to SHUT PEOPLE UP from using MERE WORDS; so that they can continue to silently BUTCHER HUMANS IN IRAQ, PALESTINE, etc!

Americans should resist the bullying by the mass murdering warmongers in Washington and the ethnic cleansing Jews in the Middle East.

We are only sowing the seeds of the destruction of the US when we allow evil to continue increasing from Washington.

How many times have Israel been destroyed?
One cannot build a nation on ethnic cleansing and survive for long. Others will want to ethnically cleanse the Jews in return. That has been the case throughout Jewish history. And yes "EVER AGAIN" will Jews be cleansed; because they have never learned much from their long historical lessons.

[prinzowhales]

wolf563--Iran is cooperating with the IAEA...that is what drives the running dogs of the Washington Regime and their principals crazy.

If Iran had overthrown our democratically elected government and installed a bloodthirsty monarch and trained and supplied a gang of murderous torturers--SAVAK--then supported our neighbors in a bloody eight year war against us...I would think they would understand if a few of us got out and shouted "Death to Iran!"--as a matter of fact, I would be shouting it at the top of my lungs!

[speakinup]

"Ground Zero is nothing but a hole in the ground and move on. - nordeck52

You are welcome to your own opinions, but have a little compassion for those that lost their loved ones there. They have no bodies to bury, no other place to go that is meaningful, such as a burial plot or urn. Get SOME sensitivity, man.

[edward1975-2009]

Iran has been linked to funding and arming terrorist organizations. So do we chance it when the leader, who when not here, spouts rhetoric of hate. I don''t think you can. And whether openly or covertly, this man doesn''t want things to work out in Iraq. That is where his interest lie. Don''t be fooled, just look at the track record. One thing he has mastered as a politician, is talking out of both sides of his mouth.