When Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad accused the United States government of orchestrating and/or backing the Sept. 11 attacks in order to boost the economy and patriotism, the entire world stared in shock — not just at the ludicrous nature of the remarks, but also the complete lack of dignity and common courtesy for where he was located — New York City.
Ahmadinejad could not have picked a more offensive avenue to deliver his remarks, as it was during his speech at the recent United Nations General Assembly on Thursday.
The remarks come after Obama has made repeated efforts to reach out to the Tehran regime.
Obama has repeatedly offered diplomatic relations to Iran, as long as the country opens its doors to the United Nations’ nuclear inspectors to inspect its nuclear facilities.
Iran has refused, despite saying all of its nuclear facilities are used only for energy.
The remarks also came at a time when the majority of diplomats were making speeches about world poverty, the importance of the Israel-Palestinian peace talks and the world economy.
His remarks, far from the norm at the assembly, were not meant to be constructive in any way.
They were merely hurtful and inflamed Middle Eastern sentiment against America.
Ahmadinejad voiced his comments in a series of “theories” and recommended the United Nations form an investigative panel to examine the facts of the case and investigate the American government.
According to the New York Times, he has used similar tactics in the past when questioning the validity of the Holocaust.
The majority of his speech lacked any factual basis, like the theory that the United States started the attacks as a way to boost the economy (especially since the economy plunged after the attacks).
According to the New York Times, Ahmadinejad’s “comments prompted at least 33 delegations to walk out, including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Costa Rica, all 27 members of the European Union and the union’s representative.”
To those nations who supported the United States in this malicious attack on American character, we thank you.
Thank you for demonstrating to the entire world that outrageous comments like this are not only unacceptable, but also unbelievable.
This lesson was most important after Ahmadinejad stated the majority of American people and other nations believe the American government was behind the attacks.
Hopefully, the fact that so many delegates were brave enough to walk out during the speech was a clear indication to Ahmadinejad that his beliefs are not commonplace. Ahmadinejad’s comments were hurtful, not only to American citizens and those directly affected by the Sept. 11 attacks, but it also damaged relations between the West and the Middle East.
Obama, as well as other government leaders, made it clear that respect was necessary in dealing with the Middle East after the near-Quran burning escapade in September.
And while some (a minority) of American citizens may have disrespected Islam and the Middle East, American government officials and the vast majority of the American public, both secular and Christian, made a national plea for tolerance and understanding.
Ahmadinejad, in his non-factually based comments, is not leading his people in a plea for tolerance or understanding, but exactly the opposite.
He is leading the way for anti-American and anti-West sentiment.
Ahmadinejad disregarded caution, ignoring common diplomatic traditions and courtesy, the already volatile situation in the Middle East and Obama’s request for better Iranian-American relations in a deplorable stab at American character and culture.
Ahmadinejad could not have proven his immaturity and lack of political savvy in a more perfect way.