Ahmadinejad to Diane Sawyer: "Women should not be asking tough questions

[NYCGirl]

about war, but about love and family and culture."

Yikes!

http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/

As Diane Sawyer ended her interview with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, he turned to her and said: "Those were combative questions. Women should not be asking tough questions about war, but about love and family and culture."

Sawyer's interview aired during the first 15 minutes of Good Morning America. I have to admit, it was exciting to hear her say, "Good morning from Iran. I'm Diane Sawyer."

[redqueen]

1. *low, mordant chuckle*

Some people really don't like the fact that the times are so radically changing, do they?

:)

[Eurobabe]

2. No different than Bush who told Laura to sweep the porch. n/t

SSDP (same shit, different pile)

[BoneDaddy]

80. Why does a legit criticism about a scumbag

like Amadinthehead, have to always be countered with a Bushism? As if it somehow justifies or normalizes the behavior?

[Eurobabe]

86. Who the frig ever said the Bushism legitimizes Achma-whatshisname?

:shrug:

[BoneDaddy]

96. If you look at the post

I was responding to instead of reacting you would see that they did respond with a criticism of Bush.

Is that criticism of Bush correct? of course it is, but typically when a legit criticism of Islam or any muslim leader is made, instead of letting it stand on it's own merit as truth, it is somehow "normalized" or rationalized because of Bush.

I think that is wrong. There is plenty wrong with the middle east separate from the US policy or the Bush administration and to attempt to minimize the truth with likewise legit criticism of Bush is disingenuous.

[Eurobabe]

100. whatever

:freak:

[BoneDaddy]

102. Well thought out

intelligent reply.

[theNotoriousP.I.G.]

3. what a maroon!

:puke:

[The Stranger]

4. Please tell me that isn't all you have taken from this interview.

There is a context in which this information is being presented to you -- a context in which a superpower and its corporate media seeks to build hysteria in its population in order to create a pretext to invade another nation -- another nation that has not provoked the superpower.

"Yikes!" is right.

[NYCGirl]

8. No, no one here is saying anything about invading. But how does one

defend a statement like that?

[The Stranger]

10. One simply cannot understand a story about Iran without its imminent invasion by the U.S.

And the reply that someone pointing this out is "defending a statement" is alarming on these Progressive boards. In fact, such a reply further distracts from the real issue -- the death of hundreds of thousands -- and foments the very hysteria that the superpower is trying to create in order for it to have its war.

Wait a minute. Were you trying to set a trap by picking this statement out of the interview, and then when someone points out the tidal wave of Neocon propaganda intended to create the war, you could claim such a person is "defending" this one particular statement?

[NYCGirl]

11. No, I didn't pick that out — TVNewser picked it out. They also included

a link to the full interview.

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=2868077&page=1

Edited to add: Do you think the quote mischaracterizes Ahmadinejad's feelings about women for some type of political purpose?

[JackRiddler]

dupe delete n/t

[JackRiddler]

82. If I may

The quote no doubt correctly characterizes Ahmedinejad's view of women.

And the only reason it was broadcast, you heard it, and we are talking about it on this thread is that the US government is currently running a propaganda campaign in preparation for a possible nuclear strike on a non-aggressor nation.

[distantearlywarning]

18. Be careful.

The enemy of your enemy is not necessarily your friend.

[The Stranger]

39. Maybe you can explain your warning and how that applies.

The war drums are beating, and people are already dying needlessly.

[Leopolds Ghost]

44. Because Ahmadinejad... is Right Behind You.

BOO!

[LeftishBrit]

54. Agreed!

America should not even CONSIDER invading Iran.

Ahmadinejad is a bastard.

These two facts are perfectly compatible with each other.

[Leopolds Ghost]

58. Not really. Who cares if Ahmadinejad is a bastard?

Only neocons -- and Liberal Interventionists.

America doesn't have the right to force everyone on the planet to behave,
or think as we do.

It's immoral to do so -- and doesn't benefit anyone in the long run.

[LeftishBrit]

74. Well ... it seems to me there's quite a leap from commenting on someone

and 'forcing' them to do anything.

At most, your opinion of a country's leader may be a factor in deciding whether to form alliances with them. But it doesn't mean use of aggression.

I'm not American. I don't approve of Bush. I don't think this gives Britain the right to *force* Bush to act in certain ways, though it is a reason why Blair should not be following him.

I don't like John Howard. I don't particularly like Angela Merkel. I don't like the people in power in China. I don't like Musharraf. I don't like lots of people (to varying degrees). I think I have a right to say so. It's not the same thing as thinking that I (or rather my country) have a right to force them to do anything. Britain stopped having an empire 60 years ago, and I wish (an expression of opinion; not a proposal to use force) that America would do the same. But that doesn't deny me, or anyone else, the right to comment.

ETA: If all international disputes were expressed through 'tough questions', rather than through bombs, this would be a vast improvement.

[mykpart]

101. "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

[brentspeak]

50. Yes...uh, that's it. The OP was trying to "set a trap".

To promote the Neocon propaganda. You saw right through it.



:crazy: :crazy: :crazy: :crazy: :freak: :freak: :freak: :freak: :freak: :freak: :freak: :freak: :freak: :freak: :freak: :freak: :freak: :freak: :freak: :freak: :freak: :freak:

[The Stranger]

72. And you are the one that replies.

:think:

A trap, indeed.

[JuniperLea]

9. Excuse me...

But this sort of misogyny, especially within the context you mention, makes it all the more frightful. If someone is so backward that they would treat a woman that way, they are surely clueless on many levels. Regardless of one's own culture, one should be open-minded enough to have a world view.

If this was his attitude, he should have sent a wife or daughter to speak with Ms. Sawyer.

[Dr.Phool]

17. He thought she was there to bake him some cookies.

How much of the mideast still harbors 7th century thinking?

[JuniperLea]

21. Unfortunately, it would probably be easier

to count those who are up to date in such things.

What really irks me is that things may be that way in his country, but he has no right to project those things onto anyone else. It leads me to believe there is no room for negotiations when there are views from another perspective other than his. And I'm very sure there are many like him. argh!

[treestar]

36. I was talking to an American who originally came from Iran recently

And we have to keep in mind they don't have the same kind of free speech. But I got the impression from her that in Iran, no one takes this stuff seriously. She described wearing minimal headgear to just barely comply and college students who live together (as in sin) and kids who text each other behind the clerics' backs.

Gave me a more optimistic view of their general populace. And also it seems the leaders of ME Countries tend to exaggerate and take the extreme position so that in bargaining with them they don't give away anything up front.

[JuniperLea]

38. That makes sense

I too have seen many a middle-eastern woman talk of such things. It's good to know there is some progress there.

[Leopolds Ghost]

47. Many Americans would claim one has no right to paint a black peace sign on a flag

It may be all right to do that in San Francisco, they may say, but that disrepectful attitude has no place on a public bulletin board...exporting such disrespectful sentiments to the heartland. Something must be done!

I am NOT one of them, just providing some perspective.

To quote Sean Connery in The Man Who Would Be King (set in Afghanistan):

"They're using his HEAD as a ball?"

"Different countries, different customs, Peaches. Remember that."

[The Stranger]

40. You are excused.

To try to act like there is some question about Ahamdenijad's backwardness (or his Anti-Semitism)really seems like it could only be posturing at this point. We know this about him already.

And, yet, amidst the din of war drums and those wanting more blood and more death, it seems here -- at best -- superfluous, and -- at worst -- like it is joining in with the din.

[Leopolds Ghost]

48. Why do preachers of tolerance find people like Ahmadinejad intolerable in their backwardness?

Apparently, we, like the Imperial British, can't tolerate only one thing,
and that is backwardness. To paraphrase the Dead Kennedys: San Francisco
uber alles!

[Leopolds Ghost]

46. I guess the US cannot allow this sort of misogynist to rule any country.

Especially a country which sits on top of so much oil, as Petraeus helpfully pointed out.

Or did you intend to go to the Middle East and deliver your own strongly worded protest to their electoral wisdom?

[JuniperLea]

56. That's a stretch

All I'm saying is that it's a pity in the 21st century we cannot show respect to other cultures. Etiquette is sorely lacking everywhere. And I do mean, everywhere.

[Leopolds Ghost]

62. Phbbbt!!

I say we start at home.

"Look not to the mote in thy neighbors eye, but to the BUSH in thine own."

[JuniperLea]

67. Whatever! I said "everywhere"

The last time I checked, WE were in that area as well.

Jeebus H. Cripes! Someone piss in your Wheaties today?

[Zodiak]

98. Conversely, if the TV station had known about Iranian culture

they would not have sent Sawyer to ask the tough questions. If they wanted a calm intereview, they would send someone they know doesn't offend the Iranian President for their sex/race/sexual orientation.

This is a clash of cultures, and has nothing to do with the Iranian leader's intelligence or his sanity. We do not like it, and rightfully so, but that is an attitude seen throughout the Middle East as well as Persia and Eastward. We do not have a right to change that unless they wish to see it changed and ask for help. They need to come to modern ways of thinking on their own.

I think Ahmendijad's (sp?) response to Sawyer's questions is as predictable as death and taxes. Someone knew this and sent her anyways. Perhaps so this clash of cultures can be highlighted in preparation for war?

He would have responded in such a manner of we had the "Queer Eye" guys to interview him. I consider sending Sawyer to interview the Iranian President to be much in the same category. He was clearly insulted.

Iran's social conservative program makes me sick....they stone women and hang gays. Not what I would call compatible with Western ideas. But I do not wish to bomb them for it nor do I refuse to become more angry with that country because Diane Saywer wanted an interview with a known misogynist from culturally misogynist culture and was predictably insulted for her sex.

It's a stupid idea, but it makes for good propaganda and also sends a sideways insult to Iran when we want to get our war on with them. Part of the "provocation" program?

[Balbus]

14. Yes, because obviously "Mr. Wonderful" Ahmadinejad has been

misinterpreted again...

[Forkboy]

34. Institutionalized sexism seems fairly serious issue

And we can multitask ideas here :)

[The Stranger]

41. Agreed, if only multitasking was done here.

On the contrary, however, the real issue -- yet another the imminent war -- was left out of the tasking here.

[Forkboy]

42. I've read quite a few threads about that here,so that's being discussed.

There's nothing wrong with bringing up another aspect of the interview for discussion.

[The Stranger]

68. Then you would agree there is nothing wrong with pointing out what this aspect totally misses.

[Donald Ian Rankin]

60. "That has not provoked the superpower" is simply wrong.

Iran *has* been actively supporting the killing of American troops in Iraq. That's an explicit a provocation as you could hope for.

And "it's run by people who make Bush look liberal, reasonable and sane" is an important thing to take away from any examination of Iraq, and this is a hint at that.

[Leopolds Ghost]

65. Provocation? We have been actively supporting the killing of Iranians for years.

Including by gas, and assassination, and car bombs.

When we do it, it's called "commando operations", not "terrorism on Iranian soil".

Nice try, though.

[The Stranger]

70. Please. Iran is benefitting from the U.S.-backed and supported Shiite regime in Baghdad.

Other than the Neocon monsters who bloodlust for more death, Iran has had everything to gain by the U.S. fiasco in Iraq.

Why does no one seem able to admit that the Neonazicons are behind a massive propaganda campaign to create a war with Iran?

[Missy M]

5. I wish Diane Sawyer and others would ask Bush the tough....

questions, specially before the war.

[Leopolds Ghost]

49. According to CBS, women aren't supposed to ask Republicans tough questions.

It was announced that they are hiring more women like Sawyer because of their flair for doing the "soft stories".

Yet people on DU did not offer to picket CBS headquarters in NY because they agree with Ahmadinejad.

Since Ahmadinejad is not a US citizen, what is there to talk about?

Nobody on DU is proposing to use the engines of the US state to interfere in Iranian politics. So it is a non-issue.

You might as well post an article about how sexist indigenous people in Canada or Papua New Guinea are, and ask what can be done about it "short of exterminating them".

[AndyA]

6. Yes indeed. There's a place for women and Diane Sawyer is out of hers.

Now shutup Diane and go mop those floors!

Honestly, I think it's a really gutsy thing for her to go over there, but I keep thinking about how she's on ABC, owned by Disney, who aired the propaganda Path to 9/11 right before the elections...

She just doesn't have a lot of credibility. I know the news is not completely controlled by the reporters, but I still think of all the one sided stories we've heard, which sound like Karl Rove wrote them.

And I do hold the messengers responsible. They have a duty to report the truth, but they don't.

We need the Fairness Doctrine restored and updated. And we need it right away!

[Leopolds Ghost]

59. Um.. why is it a "really gutsy thing" for Diane Sawyer to go to Iran?

Iranians welcome Americans on their streets.

Iran may not be a "free country" but it is a liberal one compared to its neighbors.

Iranians do not shoot at American journalists like our allies the Iraqis and Pakistanis do.

Partly this is because they look just like us, so it's hard to tell an American.

Oh yeah: Don't believe the hype. It wasn't "dangerous" for Americans to visit the Soviet Union, either.

There was no "Red Menace" hiding behind every rock and there is no "fundie menace" hiding in the fields and farms of Iran, either.

We only want our citizens to believe that so they will be afraid to travel and interact with people from countries that are non-US allies.

[Rex]

7. So he got all the way to the end of the interview and then showed

his bigotry?

We've all heard that message before manifest itself into one saying or another. The meaning always remains the same - women should just stay in the kitchen, barefoot and pregnant. :eyes:

Thanks Mr. Moral. :eyes:

[Deep13]

12. Religious psychos should not be running countries,...

...there or here.

[Crabby Appleton]

37. I agree nt

[ItNerd4life]

103. LOL

Somehow I knew where you were going. :)

[RedStateShame]

13. Well, then, the MSM is just the place to be, buddy!

"Next up, Matt Lauer asks Ahmadinejad if the Snickers ad offended him."

[Cleita]

15. Diane Sawyer asks tough questions?

Maybe we should send Helen Thomas over there. Then he will get the tough questions from a woman, and a woman who happens to be of ME ethnicity.

[Dr.Phool]

20. They'd have Amy Goodman stoned to death!

[BeyondGeography]

16. What a loser

Time we got a President the whole world can admire so we can put bigoted theocrats like Ahmadinejad in their place.

[no_hypocrisy]

19. DS's follow-up question:

Mr. President, how can love, family, and culture prosper, let alone survive, when the very real prospect of war threatens all of those institutions?

[Forkboy]

35. And there it is.

Seems so simple doesn't it? :shrug:

[Leopolds Ghost]

66. Sounds like a threat to me. n/t

[magellan]

22. This is not an unusual sentiment from Iranian men

Or for passionate Muslim males of any ethnic background, actually. But my experience was with an Iranian man who had claimed asylum here back in the 80s.

I took him to a comic book convention once and he was appalled. "Why do you read these books?" he asked me. "They aren't proper. Women should read about plants and nature."

He also wouldn't step foot into my apartment because I was a single woman living on my own, said it was his right to take more than one wife ("If I can afford it"), and admonished me regularly for smoking and other "inappropriate behavior for a woman". Yet he pursued me with vigor!

I thought he was nice and very interesting to talk with, but I finally had to end his infatuation by telling him I had no intention of being his Scheherazade. (His name was Shahryar.)

[kineneb]

23. obviously doesn't work with my mom

Iranian Step-Father starts getting out of line and Mom nails him with comments about receding hair line or other such thing. And he doesn't mess with his mom or sisters either. Doesn't work with me, either.

[magellan]

30. We American women have a bit too much equality for their liking

My Iranian friend let me poke fun at him and could laugh at himself, but there was an obvious cultural gap that he took seriously. So did I, which was why I eventually gave him the air!

However I've had other male Iranian friends (also expatriates) who were very modern about their views towards women. They were younger so perhaps had an easier time adapting to their new country, or weren't overtly religious to start with.

[Cleita]

32. Actually, it wasn't an unusual sentiment for men of my father's

generation and he was your average American of German ethnicity. My mother, a Latina, was also brainwashed to obey her husband. When, I grew into my teens he thought he could order me around like he did her. He found out differently. Of course, I had a better opportunity to declare my independence here in the USA, because I could get a job and my own place after I grew up and he couldn't do anything about it.

[treestar]

24. Once again I marvel to realize

How much our RWs have in common with the Muslims they daily condemn.

[sakabatou]

25. OH NOES!

Not tough questions!

[Jacobin]

31. Then they should be bombed immediately

for disrespecting one of our very finest female journalists!!

then we'll bring women's rights to Iran, just like we did to Iraq!!

/hoping I don't need the sarcasm thingy

[hatrack]

26. This guy ought to join the Republican Party

He'd fit RIGHT in.

[Nay]

27. Asshat. Yet another reason to despise the "culture" he comes from.

Honestly, every time I think the fundie Christians are wack, here comes a fundie muslim. And he's not as fundie as some. As a female atheist, I am truly disgusted with religion entirely. I save some love for the Buddhist philosophy, tho.

Hey, Ahmadinejad, why don't YOU MEN start valuing love, family and culture (instead of treating it as a bunch of dumb women's stuff) so the rest of us can get on with a decent life??

[Leopolds Ghost]

52. Yet another reason to despise the Iranians

And I would suggest that religion is NOT responsible for all the hatred that humans seem to have for people who are Not Like Them (tm).

On Edit: I have a heart now! So in gratitude to my Anonymous Donor I toned down my comment.

[devilgrrl]

28. Ahmadinejad sounds like your average bible thumping rightard...

two peas in a pod.

[Donald Ian Rankin]

97. No, he's far worse than that.

Ahmadinejad and the Iranian Council of Guardians make the American conservative Christian right look sane, liberal and harmless. They're definately not two peas in a pod.

[Warren DeMontague]

29. And, once more for the balcony: Pointing out that Ahmadinejad is a knuckle-dragging fundy ass

does NOT equal agitating for war with Iran.


...Got it?

[Leopolds Ghost]

51. What about tribal peoples? You make the error of omission, my friend.

Why single out Ahmadinejad for your ire? Because you are being led around by the nose.

[Warren DeMontague]

53. What about tribal peoples?

We're not talking about "tribal peoples". We're talking about the President of Iran.

I can't say Ahmadinejad is a backwards fundy ass without listing every single other backward fundy ass on the planet in the same breath? That's ridiculous.

[Leopolds Ghost]

55. No, you are talking about Ahmadinejad. I am saying he's irrelevant.

There are millions of misogynists on the planet, especially in rural communities where the ratio of men to women is skewed. The reasons are anthropological and sociological, not religious. You want to fix the problem? Skew the ratio in the other direction or go to an urban area where the dynamic is different. There are many urban areas both here and in Iran. Avoid the rural areas where you are likely to run into people who make your blood pressure rise... people who believe in the "coming race war" and vote for characters like Bush and A-jad. Impotent righteous rage does your health no good, seriously. I spent much of my 20's fuming about shit that nobody but me seemed to care about. My health did not benefit.

[Warren DeMontague]

63. Who says I'm full of rage? I'm merely pointing out that the guy is an ass.

Frankly, I think that his being in power points up exactly why the tack we've taken in the ME is precisely the wrong one. Iran was moving in the direction of reform; Bush's dunderheaded invasion of Iraq only served to empower the radicals and put the nutjobs in power.

I do not believe all systems of government are created equal, I tend to prefer the ones which maximize individual freedom. Bill O'Reilly's claims to the contrary, the fact that I am unapologetically a "secular progressive" does not mean that I subscribe to "moral relativism". To the contrary, I think that moral standards demand that positive change start in the mirror; if we truly want freedom and democracy to flourish planet-wide, the first thing we should do is exemplify those values at home.

I don't believe you "free people" against their will or at the barrel of the gun; like the Zen Parable of the goose in the bottle, the goose must peck its own way out. I do believe that some populations in the middle east are saddled with (legitimate) bitterness over economic inequalities in their nations and unfair distribution of the wealth associated with their natural resources, combined with social and sexual repression at the hands of religious extremists. All this adds up to a great deal of "rage".

Maybe I'm guilty of a "colonial mindset", but someone, of course, can feed the goose from the outside- with that in mind, I think we would have achieved far greater success spreading democracy in the Middle East by carpet bombing the place with big screen tvs and soft-core porn than we're ever going to do by killing people.

[muriel_volestrangler]

75. For someone who thinks he's irrelevant, you've posted a lot on a thread about him

14 replies from you. All on a thread about someone you say is 'irrelevant'.

[Cleita]

33. I knew several Persian women when I lived in Los Angeles.

It's funny how quickly they learn our ways, especially the younger ones who often tell the men where to get off. Since many of the young ones had to go to work when they moved here to help out the family because the men weren't able to work in the professional jobs they left behind until they could catch up with their English and licenses. It gave them a cetain amount of entitlement their mothers didn't have because their paychecks were important to the family and the men had to compromise.

I had to laugh when some of the younger men had to send to the ME for a wife because the local ones weren't having anything to do with them and their outdated customs.

I noticed the same with the Japanese girls who move here. They quickly drop the subservience and how.

[seabeyond]

43. fuck him.... ooops bet a woman isnt suppose to be so forward. my bad. n/t

[JuniperLea]

45. LOL!!!

good one:)

[trumad]

57. Time to invade.

[donco6]

61. No one disses Diane Sawyer!

And lives to tell about it! Bombs away!

:sarcasm:

[Leopolds Ghost]

64. Not only that -- He killed Kenny!

And forced Chef to repudiate Scientology!

Assholes!

[bigtree]

69. We KNOW Ahmadinejad is a Neanderthal, but Sawyer WASN'T asking 'tough questions"

SHE WAS CARRING WATER FOR THE BUSH REGIME BY PARROTING THEIR RIDICULOUS CHARGES AS GOSPEL TRUTH.

[NYCGirl]

71. But Ahmadinejad thought she shouldn't be talking about the subject at all. NT

[bigtree]

73. did you read the interview?

He's creepy, but . . .

Transcript for Diane Sawyer's interview with Iranian President Ahmadinejad for Tuesday's "Good Morning America" : http://www.ktre.com/Global/story.asp?S=6074001

Sawyer: I can begin. They say 170 troops and some 600 have been injured by Iranian weapons. Are you sending weapons into Iraq to kill Americans?

Sawyer: But how is it possible to believe this? The Americans have been given evidence. They say they have rocket-propelled grenade launcher. ... It speaks for itself.

Sawyer: But they say they have serial numbers from Iran?

Sawyer: Are you saying there are no Iranian weapons in Iraq? Will you close down border? Will you punish anyone found to be taking weapons in?

Sawyer: Will you prosecute anyone trying to bring Iranian weapons into Iraq?

Sawyer: Does Iran deserve the right to send Iranians in ... Americans have said they had false identities that they were trying to shave their heads, trying to flush evidence ...

Sawyer: So you may send more Iranians in. Are they training militia forces?

Sawyer: Are you here to solve the problem of the American government in Iraq?

Sawyer: Do you personally fear an attack by us? And air strikes against Iran by the U.S.?


and, this amazing exchange:

Sawyer: You said you have 52,000 suicide bombers. Where would you deploy them?

Ahmadinejad: Did I say that?

Sawyer: One of the Iraqi officials said that ...


Sawyer (later): Ahmadinejad was right to challenge me, it was not a statement by an official, but a so-called unofficial organization dedicated to suicide bombing. So we asked, is it not true?


Ahmadinejad's answers: http://www.ktre.com/Global/story.asp?S=6074001

[NYCGirl]

77. Yes, I did. And even if I think it's WH propaganda, I defend Ms. Sawyer's

right to ask the questions.

[bigtree]

83. of course, WE should defend her right to ask questions

I think his little snipe shows what a jerk he is, but I don't think he dodged her questions any more than he would have any man who was interviewing him. And, she was allowed to press forward with her nonsense.

His comment was idiotic, but her questions were condescending and presumed HIS guilt and complicity in the nonsense Bush and some of his military were pushing this weekend.

I would defer to Iranians on this, but I've witnessed some subjugations of women in some quarters of their society and his statement may have been a obliging nod to his own countrymen as he faced off with the 'powerful' American woman from the major U.S. network.

It was an ignorant swipe, but he was determined to avoid addressing her questions (presented as direct charges, as truth). Afterward, he employed the common political technique of answering her charges with his own point of view, changing the subject . . .

[Zodiak]

99. Here s my problem

If we knew he was such a misogynist (and we do know that), why send a female reporter to get in his face with BushCo lies? If they desired a good, honest interview without rancor, they would send someone that would not offend Ahmendijad just because of her sex, I would think.

Is this mistake typical American cluelessness of the Iranian culture, or is it a contrived thing that plays up well to pre-war propaganda?

Saddam we know would have been more respectful of women, but we sent Rather to interview him. Why send a woman when we know the Iranian President and the Iranian culture for that matter are misogynist?

[Poll_Blind]

88. Self-Delete...posted in wrong spot. n/t

PB

[quiet.american]

76. I'm more stunned that Diane Sawyer asked "tough" questions. n/t

[MamaBear]

78. Good thing he wasn't sitting down with Amy Goodman!

Then he'd know what tough questions really sound like!

We should remember that it's the Iranian version of the Supreme Court (the name escapes me): a panel of Ayatollahs that hold the real power in Iran. They okay every legislative measure that gets passed.

I think Ahmadinejad's a patsy for the BFEE, but I have no hard evidence of that. Just the uncomfortable observation that Ahjadinejad jumps up and makes noise at times very convenient for Jr. and Dick. :shrug:

[GreenPartyVoter]

79. Too bad he hadn't been

[SOS]

dupe deleted

[SOS]

81. Bush and Saudi King Abdullah

avoid these controversies by simply not allowing women at their party:

[happydreams]

84. If ever there was a case to made for Ahmadenijad's statement

Sawyer's idiocy would be the best supporting evidence.
She was a completely clueless idiot in that interview.
She did not say a goddamn thing about how the weapons could have been planted, or the fact that there have been Iranian weapons in Iraq since way back in the 80's.

An ignorant tool of the corporate/fascistsymp Press.

[TZ]

85. why is anyone surprised?

This is the same idiot that said the Holocaust never happened and that Israel has no right to exist. He obviously is a fan of what is called Shariat Law which is really really anti-woman. In fact I would say that this man in many ways is the Persian version (I made a rhyme!!) of Bush. Fundie Christians and Fundie Muslims aren't that much different if you ask me.

[goforit]

87. Yes...and let us all rally around Bush to blow up the world over this statement.

[Poll_Blind]

89. "A woman's role is picking up babies I threw on the floor to get their incubators!"

Next up: Ahmadinejad admits shooting puppies on his 1:1 scale ranch-style replica of The Eagle's Nest while seeking advice from Idi Amin's astrologer (shouldn't we bomb the Iranians?)

Next up: Ahmadinejad working on "comedy" adaptation of The Day the Clown Cried- sez "Holocaust was A-OK!" (shouldn't we bomb the Iranians?)

Next up: Ahmadinejad found to be the haunting content in 9 out of 10 American childrens' nightmares! (shouldn't we bomb the Iranians?)

  "What? Incitement to war? Hardly! These are human interest pieces! Americans want to know about other world leaders!"

PB

[JVS]

90. Why is this news and who wants this to be news?

Who benefits?

[Poll_Blind]

91. Completely innocent "human interest" pieces...I...I....I SWEAR! n/t

PB

[JVS]

92. Can we also get some human interest stories about how cool those...

guys in another carrier group being sent to the area are?

[Poll_Blind]

94. Oh no...especially not the ones who die. Only the ones who want...

...to keep fighting. You know, happy stories. Plus, who wants to read about smelly old sailors on some boat somewhere? All Americans need know is that America is strong and happened to have the Eisenhower Strike Group in the right place at the right time to thwart evil.

  On a more sober note, please excuse the flippant attitude or the sarcasm or whatever it is. It's certainly not directed at you. I'm continually amazed at what is being used to drum up support, especially among the Left, for war with Iran. I am very very sad about the state of affairs and the feeling of helplessness that I am familiar with from Gulf War I & II haunts me, anew.

  This whole situation reaches a level of horrific absurdity which reaches the phantasmagoric.

PB

[JVS]

95. No, not one about how they might be killed. One about how tough and excited they are

And how brave heroic and all that shit too!

[WinkyDink]

93. In a larger sense, NOBODY should have to ask about war, EVER.