Ahmadinejad spoke the above words on Tuesday night, seeking to pressure Obama into choosing between the two countries. In the same press conference, he declared that capitalist exceses had caused the globaleconomic crisis, as interest paid on investments are considered usury by most muslim sects. Ahmadinejad did not mention his own, perhaps independently struggling economy, nor did he discuss nuclear issues.
If you have ever traveled to Israel, you know that they scrutinize your passport for signs of a stamp from an enemy nation. Similarly, if you attempt to enter an Islamic state you will generally be heavily questioned if you have a stamp from Israel. Ahmadinejad’s speech is a manifestation of those micro experiences.
While I agree that some of the Israel-Iran relationship is unsalvageable, the only way to even hope for peace is through careful, mediated discussions over statebuilding and peaceful negotiation. If the leaders of these two countries cannot find a way to work together, then I would venture to say that the world needs an Obama who is dedicated to the proposition that all country deserves an opportunity to speak.
I also spoke about Ahmadinejad HERE, and I hope that not all of my future posts in the future will be negative. But did want to highlight the political pressure here in an attempt to show just how complicated the Middle East Peace Talks are that the White House is trying to encourage.
You can read more about Ahmadinejad’s speech HERE.
