Opinion Editorials, September 2007
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Columbia University: Bollinger's Lack of Decency and Integrity
By Mahmoud El-Yousseph
ccun.org, September 29, 2007
Columbia University President Lee Bollinger lacked decency and integrity during his introduction of Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Mr. Bollinger's remarks were rude and insulting.
The speech at Columbia University was an important podium for Iran's president to express his country's views. This is what was suppose to be a vehicle for dialog between Iran and the U.S.
Mr. Bollinger's unexpected introductory remarks turned into a belligerent speech, continuing ad nauseum. Directed at a world leader in front of the whole world to see, it was an ambush intended to humiliate the guest speaker, further inflaming tensions between our two nations.
I am not a big fan of Ahmadinejad but I don't care what anyone thinks of his politics or his personality, a guest--someone invited by Bollinger himself--should not be treated in such a manner. It showcased a lack of hospitality and immaturity that was very disappointing for what is supposed to be a prestigious institute of higher learning.
It was clear from the beginning that the pro-Israeli lobby wanted Columbia University to rescind the invitation for the Iranian leader to speak. When that failed, they demanded that his stay in the U.S. be made miserable. So, when the president of Columbia was giving his address, he was talking on their behalf.
Someone should should tell Bollinger that the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) is the one who poses threat to our national security and not Iran. Two top AIPAC officials were indicted and will stand trial this year. They are accused of passing U.S. national security information to a foreign government [Israel].
AIPAC was the leading advocate and the only group that pressured our government to invade Iraq. It is also the only group in America to launch an international campaign to isolate and subsequently push for bombing Iran by either Israel, the U.S. or both. As an Arab/Muslim veteran and and proud father of U.S. army soldier who served in Iraq, I am sick and tired of seeing our young men and women being killed in foreign lands for the sake of Israel. AIPAC is holding U.S. foreign policy as a hostage. Its disastrous agenda toward the Middle East should be challenged and rejected.
Let's set the record straight about Iran:
Iran has never in 1000 years threatened or invaded another sovereign nation.
Iran does not possess nuclear weapons and does allow UN inspectors to monitor its nuclear facilities.
Iran neither maintains military bases nor has advisors in 139 countries.
Iran never supported military dictators and death squads in central and South America.
Iran does not welcome and roll out the red carpet to a indicted foreign war criminal (Former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon).
Iran did not provide a safe haven for two prime suspected terrorists who are wanted for the 1976 downing of a Cuban plane off Barbados, killing all 73 passengers.
Finally, speaking of state-sponsored terrorism, I wonder if the president of Columbia University could name the country that shot down an Iran Air flight 655, a commercial airbus, killing all 299 passenger and crew- including 66 children in 1988 ?
Mahmoud El-Yousseph TSGT/USAF [Ret.]
Readers feedback: elyousseph6@yahoo.com
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