Last week the leader of Iran spoke at Columbia University, President Ahadinejad. He made some controversial marks, especially relating to the Holocaust.
While I do not personally agree with Mr. Ahadinejad’s comments I think it is good that he was allowed to speak. According to our president, Iran is currently one of the greatest threats in the world. Therefore getting to know what the leader to of this country says can provide many insights into whether it should be a serious concern.
His comments also give the public a good idea of how different some people view history in other places. The fact that the holocaust is not considered fact and needs to be researched further would be crazy talk in America and the most of the rest of the world. I was exposed to the holocaust in elementary school and never doubted its existence. Yet in Iran one would assume this is a widely held opinion if seeing as the president believes it.
It illustrates that perhaps the United States current foreign policy focus more on the education system of these countries than threatening them militarily. Sometimes the greatest ways to make change can be pursued through alternative methods other than violence.
I think it was good for a college to allow this kind of speaker. It shows that colleges are one of the great forums open for any ideas no matter how controversial. It is especially important because it shows that America is still upholding the first amendment rights even if it is for a country that is our “enemy”.
