Opinion > October 11, 2007

By Jon Reedy | Guest columnist

This is in response to sophomores Monica Petrescu and Kyle Grochmal’s Oct. 4 guest column (“Treatment of leader unfair”) conveying their opinion of the circumstances and events surrounding the President of Iran’s recent visit to the United Nations and Columbia University.

Their column, which called the criticism of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad unfair and unjust, was entitled “Treatment of leader unfair.” The pair made interesting assertions in the article. In order to offer new insights on Ahmadinejad, several quotes from their writing will be referenced throughout this article.

Petrescu and Grochmal write, “We condemn intellectual oppression as a sign of great evil, so why are we imposing it on ourselves?” They provide no evidence of this flawed and ironic commentary. This weak statement cannot and will not be taken seriously if it is not accompanied by some sort of proof. The irony stems from the fact that Petrescu and Grochmal’s logic is backwards. How exactly is our society “condemn(ing) intellectual oppression” when we provide for and support open forums including that of Columbia University, which offer a free and unfettered platform for intellectuals of all walks of life and opinion to speak and discourse in a productive manner? This is not the case in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Who do you think truly “lack(s) more intellectual courage?” Is it the President of Columbia University who uses his position and power to encourage and empower forums of education and debate? Or would the true intellectual warrior be the President of Iran, who abuses his position and power to exploit, oppress and silence all criticism and competition?

There are numerous allegations that in 2006 Ahmadinejad had forced a number of university professors and scholars into early retirement. Looking at the context of Ahmadinejad’s legacy, it quickly becomes evident that he is the individual who “lack(s) intellectual courage.” Iranian officials in Tehran recently announced the continuation of a policy which they call “The National Security Plan.” The core objective of the plan is to crackdown on “corruption” within Iranian society. Corruption is used in quite an ambiguous manner by Iranian officials. When looking at the Iranian government’s restrictive and censuring actions, the conclusion can be made that the plan is truly meant to eliminate any opposition to the government and limit free speech.

Relatively early in their article, Petrescu and Grochmal write, “Common courtesy dictates some respect for guests, especially when they are world leaders.” Yes, it is true that Ahmadinejad is a “world leader.” Respect has many different definitions, but generally speaking, respect is a privilege and not a right.

Ahmadinejad has not earned the privilege of respect from the rest of the world. His statements and track record prove that he is not a responsible world leader; they suggest that he is quite dangerous and his hateful words and threats create more volatility in the already tumultuous region of the Middle East.

It is critical to be good students of history in today’s continuously changing world. It is also just as important to not forget some of the most important history lessons that our world has learned over time.

History can teach and convey a great deal of information, and it can help to prevent the same mistakes from being made over and over again. What type of mistakes exactly? Any and all. Ahmandinejad’s recent rhetoric is closely related to that of one of the most evil world leaders in history. His words are eerily similar to those of Adolf Hitler, who was able to abuse his power for hateful purposes. Based on his actions and speeches as the President of Iran, it is apparent that Ahmandinejad has evil intentions.

In his October 2005 speech entitled “World Without Zionism,” he made his hatred toward Israel very clear. While the literal translations of Ahmadinejad’s speeches may vary, he has let the world know on several occasions of his desire to wipe Israel off the map. He has also called the historical accuracy of the Holocaust into question on numerous occasions. His words are filled with hate, and he cannot be considered an open-minded intellectual.

Ahmadinejad is an evil individual in a dangerously high position of power within the Islamic Republic of Iran. History tells us to watch out for such a leader who preaches hateful doctrines. The world is watching Ahmadinejad very closely. We can only wonder what he has planned next.

Jon Reedy is a senior business major from New Providence, N.J.