Spiegel Interviews Iranian Leader

He denys that the Holocaust happened, but says that if it did happen the land used to host Israel should be in Europe. Europe (Germany) is the party who wronged the Jews of WWII. Why should Jordan, Syria, Egypt, and the people of Palestine provide the land when they didn't commit the crime, he asks.

Well, that one is a bit over my head at the moment. Outside of the logistical nightmare, and the fact that Jerusalem is not in Europe, it may make sense. (Yes, you heard it here first! A blogger who says that he doesn't know the answer to a geopolitical question. Ooh the humiliation.)

The part I do understand is that when asked about freedom, democracy, and their role in governing people, he gives the reporter a Walter Payton forearm shiver, and slips away without answering. I find it quite interesting that he is cryptic in this answer, but he is so open about other issues. I am also disppointed that the reporter didn't make him clarify his remark.

If you remember the letter written to Ol' GW clearly says that the concepts of western liberalism, and democracy have failed, and another path must be traveled. The reporter was sharp enough to catch that statement. Here's the quote:

SPIEGEL: In this letter you also write that Western liberalism has failed. What makes you say that?

Ahmadinejad: You see, for example you have a thousand definitions of the Palestian problem and you offer all sorts of different definitions of democracy in its various forms. It does not make sense that a phenomenon depends on the opinions of many individuals who are free to interpret the phenomenon as they wish. You can't solve the problems of the world that way. We need a new approach. Of course we want the free will of the people to reign, but we need sustainable principles that enjoy universal acceptance - such as justice. Iran and the West agree on this.

The lack of follow up on that one, however, means the interview only gets a B+ when he should have gotten an A. His other questions and follow-up were done very well. The critical point is that the power of the people to govern themselves is under attack. Too many people refuse to recognise that truth.


Read all about it!