"We are determined." -- Unfortunately.
Der Spiegel, Germany's largest news magazine, has interviewed Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President of Iran.
(It's in English and already a month old, but definitely worth a read.)
I think it is pretty scary stuff, no matter what's your opinion on the issue whether Iran has a right to build nuclear weapons or not. I find it hard to understand (let alone accept) his view on the Holocaust and the existence of Israel.
What's your reaction to it?
(It's in English and already a month old, but definitely worth a read.)
I think it is pretty scary stuff, no matter what's your opinion on the issue whether Iran has a right to build nuclear weapons or not. I find it hard to understand (let alone accept) his view on the Holocaust and the existence of Israel.
What's your reaction to it?
posted by Thomas at 4:55 PM
9 Comments:
I take his words and speech seriously instead of viewing it just as usual rethoric.
9:50 PM
I think he has two points here:
1. Anti US
2. Israel/Germany
I totally agree with some of the things he talks about regarding US, specially the fact that countries who already have nuclear weapons (say US) asking other countries not to develop them. Who has given them the right to make weapons for their protection, but the same right is denied to other countries. And of course, lets not even get started on Middle East and US's policy. Since the time 9/11 happened, i have always asked, why is it that a building is bombed and US attacks a country (and destroys it), whereas when it comes to India - Pak, they always ask India to maintain calm, no matter Kargil happens or India's Parliament is attacked. I m not saying that 9/11 was right, but US's attitude after it has not been right either. The Iraq theory which has been said is right to a certain extent as well.
On Israel/Germany, well, the german aspect is true to a certain extent. What is the first question a german is asked in a not so culture senstive world? I think WW2 is a black spot that will stay with germany forever (until something bigger than that happens). And yes, todays germany will be reminded of what they did not do.
6:11 AM
It's simple statistics. You will never get nuclear weapons wiped out off the surface of this planet so you go the other way, reduce the footprint of nuclear weapon facilities.
The more facilities exists, the chances of something goes wrong goes up and the damage of the fallout of such event increase exponentially.
If a nuclear bomb exploded in downtown Delhi today, all 7 nuclear power countries will go code red. If you think that's bad, try 40 countries with nuclear weapon going code red.
Countries with nuclear weapons must be a very very limited and elite club with the smallest chance of expanding.
I don't care about state pride and such for joining the club, but when two countries swinging their nuclear powered dicks around, the rest of us gets the shit too.
9:08 AM
I too take Ahmadinejad's words seriously. Words as dangerous and destabilising as this, from however ludicrous a source, should be treated with caution and not dismissed.
I am still sincerely hoping that economics and diplomacy will prevail where war and force cannot. Which option we choose to use first remains to be seen. My understanding of the issues involved is nowhere near detailed enough to make statements as to what the correct course of action could be. However, I hope war will not be the path.
As for russiaxp's comments:
"I totally agree with some of the things he talks about regarding US, specially the fact that countries who already have nuclear weapons (say US) asking other countries not to develop them."
Yes the situation seen from an objective perspective might seem unfair but that doesn't mean that proliferation leads to a safer world. To the contrary. Post the cold war, the US and Russia realised that "MAD" or mutually assured destruction was an incredibly foolish way to maintain peace in the world. The attitude that "he has it so I should have it too" just doesn't cut ice when the object of greed is nuclear military technology. Will we ever be rid of them? I don?t know but increasing their number surely, is not a solution.
"Whereas when it comes to India - Pak, they always ask India to maintain calm, no matter Kargil happens or India's Parliament is attacked."
I'm really not sure how Kargil and the Parliament attack are connected with a seemingly insane quasi dictator wanting to erase a whole bunch of people because of how they offer prayers.
Also, your description of 9/11 "a building is bombed and US attacks a country (and destroys it)," is something I disagree with. The symbolism of the attack for me was well intentioned by Osama and Co. They attacked one of the cornerstones of democracy and hope in the free world. I think the sooner we realise that on 9/11, it wasn't just NYC that was attacked, it was the entire democratic world that was shaken; our belief system challenged.
However, all this strays from the point: Ahmedinejad has to be given attention; despite his nonsensical comments. The world community shouldn't be angered or frustrated or stand in horror at his comments; but instead should accept that if we are to avoid a lot more blood being spilt, a more feasible solution needs to be found other than war. Once Ahmedinejad is out of power, analysts and political science students can dissect his character and try to ascertain where he really went wrong. For now, lets hope for peace and let the Economist's cartoons section continue to satirize him so we see him for the threat he really is.
9:31 AM
He's crazy but I think the threat he represents is being exaggerated by the US for obvious reasons.
I don't think he is actually very influential within Iran, and I don't think he is really that popular or influential in the Arab/Muslim world.
All he is good at is picking the incredibly low hanging fruit - criticising western hypocrisy and past wrongdoings in the Middle East, twatting George Bush etc. Theres a big market for that sort of stuff right now, for justifiable reasons....
In my opionion, the fact that people like Ahmadinejad and Chavez get so much attention is just a reflection of how bland, gutless and soulless the rest of the worlds political leaders have been.
12:55 PM
Ahmedinejad is serious. That is a guarantee. There are a few interesting dynamics at work.
Iran, today, might be willing to allow for nuclear inspections under the IAEA.
The U.S. wants to completely disarm the region.
China needs Iran's gas - they will counter-balance the U.S's push.
Russia are long-standing partners of Iran.
Europe will need more proof before trusting the Bush administration about playing hardball with another Middle-eastern head-of-state.
In the meantime, Ahmedinejad doesn't help his cause here by making dim-witted comments about the Holocaust and Israel.
India should keep itself out of this situation. We're pushing for our own nuclear deal with the US, without having signed the NPT ourselves. There's enough opposition to this as it is.
Europe
1:08 PM
While he does provide the Western media with lucrative sound bites to gain publicity, I can see a bit where he's coming from. However, he did weaken his "historical" argument by attacking the German history and comparing it to today but then using it for his arguments.
Regarding nuclear weapons, a country which has nukes and tries to tell another country not to develop them will never be taken seriously. I'm all for a nuclear free world but those actions are what is known as hypocritical.
Also, from reading it, it sounded like the interviewer was attacking him at points rather than interviewing him. Maybe that's just me.
1:40 PM
"Regarding nuclear weapons, a country which has nukes and tries to tell another country not to develop them will never be taken seriously. I'm all for a nuclear free world but those actions are what is known as hypocritical."
Are you saying that you would support North Korea selling nuclear technology to say, ehm, Congo ?
4:09 PM
"Regarding nuclear weapons, a country which has nukes and tries to tell another country not to develop them will never be taken seriously. I'm all for a nuclear free world but those actions are what is known as hypocritical."
If you think that to the end, then Germany should not criticise governments who commit genocide, Australia should not accuse countries of racism and Brasil should not be allowed to campaign for environmental protection. (Just to name a few examples ... the list could be endless.)
7:52 PM
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