Ahmadinejad questions opposition to his visit to 'Ground Zero'

Hindu News ^ | Sept. 22 , 2007 | PTI

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Washington, Sept. 22 (PTI): Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has rubbished the notion that his visit to New York's World Trade Center site will be an insult to Americans as it is one of the most sensitive places in the country after the 9/11 tragedy in 2001.

"Why should it be insulting?" President Ahmadinejad has said in an interview to CBS News.

"Usually you go to these sites to pay your respects, and also to, perhaps, air your views about the root causes of such incidents. I think when I do that, I will be paying, as I said earlier, my respects to the American nation," the Iranian leader has said.

The meeting with the Iranian leader is a part of the 'Sixty Minutes' programme which will be broadcast tomorrow by the news channel.

Ahmadinejad also brushed aside the contention of the Bush administration that Iran is one of the major exporters of terrorism.

"We obviously are very much against any terrorist action and any killing, and also we are against any plots to sow the seeds of discord among nations," the Iranian leader has said.

Major political party candidates for the US presidential election, especially from the Republican party, have ripped the idea of President Ahmadinejad even asking permission to visit 'Ground Zero'.

President Ahmadinejad's programme in New York next week is expected to be keenly watched for its content and tenor as the Iranian leader visits the United Nations for the annual General Assembly session.

Besides addressing the 192-member Assembly, Ahmadinejad is scheduled to participate in a question-and-answer session with students and faculty members of the prestigious Columbia University.

[isthisnickcool]

Liar! Liar! YOUR PANTS ARE ON FIRE!!!!!!

[JimRed]

Because you will be paying your “respects” to the dead murderers, not to our people.

[sageb1]

[SE Mom]

Reading this carefully- it’s still not CLEAR that he is going to attempt this visit. But from what I’ve read- if he does, with the 25 mile limit on his travels- it seems the US taxpayer is obligated to pay for his security.

Simply beyond belief.

[NautiNurse]

"Usually you go to these sites to...air your views about the root causes of such incidents. I think when I do that, I will be paying, as I said earlier, my respects to the American nation."

He has made his intentions clear. Revoke his visa.

[sageb1]

“air your views about the root causes of such incidents”

If you would only convert to Islam, all your problems would disappear. /barf

[Global2010]

What is with this guy?

You can’t pay respect to American memorials if you reject the foundation of our Nation.

[Vn_survivor_67-68]

maybe the center tank fuel pump will short-circuit over deep water.....

[rickmichaels]

That this POS is visiting the WTC site is to spit on the remains of those killed that day. Disgusting.

[Doogle]

Ahmadinejad should get an escort....
My sense of decency and the fact I don’t want to get banned requires me to let all others figure out who should escort him....and where.
He should be left at ground zero (blah,blah-blah,blah,blah, blahblahblah and blah) where his screams would be muffled by jack hammers, and his carcass picked clean by NY king rats.

[Zuben Elgenubi]

""Usually you go to these sites to pay your respects, and also to, perhaps, air your views about the root causes of such incidents. I think when I do that, I will be paying, as I said earlier, my respects to the American nation," the Iranian leader has said.

Ahmanutjob at Ground Zero: "The root cause of the 9/11 homocidal terrorist attack at the WTC was 19 Saudi Wahabbi Islamic fundamentalist jihadists, flying highjacked jumbo jets into the two towers, causing catastrophic structural damage and the loss of nearly 3,000 innocent American lives. These were, of course, Sunni Muslims and do not represent the peaceful ways of our Shia sect. I promise you America, once we have shaken the Sunni clan to it's foundations . . . once we have taken over Medina and Mecca . . . once we control the entire Middle East, you will be amazed at the face of Islam. I guarantee it."

[Madame Dufarge]

and also to, perhaps, air your views about the root causes of such incidents.

We know the root cause, you arrogant POS.

[skeeter]

"Usually you go to these sites to pay your respects, and also to, perhaps, air your views about the root causes of such incidents. I think when I do that, I will be paying, as I said earlier, my respects to the American nation," the Iranian leader has said.

And when he does, the American nation can express their appreciation for his opinion.

[CMailBag]

Perhaps he should be given a IED demo on the way to the site.

[WesternPacific]

In the mind of this islamic terrorist, walking on sacred ground with his shoes on would be showing disrespect. Something about the bottom of the shoe is insulting to these barbarians.

* Walking on Ground Zero without removing his shoes

* Honoring the monsters who flew the planes into the towers

* Creating a photo op for future recruiting.

* Showing the World his power and influence.

* Proving how stupid the American politicians/populace truly are.

[skeeter]

That would be the epitome of poetic justice.

[billmor]

Enough already. President Bush should just deny them entry into the US...That would end the Columbia controversy, the Ground Zero controversy, everything...By his continued inaction (well what else is new ?), he is endangering NY City, the lives of it’s citizens and fire and law enforcement if violence breaks out. He is sitting on his hands because it is a sensitive diplomatic matter...that’s **..Well Mr Bush- get with it and stop this nonsense.Here’s a real incentive: business interests may be hurt by this...That should rouse him !