US blocks Iran leader to visit Ground Zero

[AmroodWaala]

US blocks Iran leader 9/11 visit
BBC NEWS | Americas | US blocks Iran leader 9/11 visit

The Iranian president will arrive in New York on Sunday to address the United Nations General Assembly.

A New York police spokesman said the World Trade Center site was closed to visitors because of construction work.

He said requests by Mr Ahmadinejad to visit Ground Zero would be opposed on security grounds.

New York Police Deputy Commissioner Paul Browne said the Iranian leader had asked the permission of the police department, the US Secret Service and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to visit the site.

White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe told reporters it seemed "more than odd that the president of a country that is a state sponsor of terror would visit Ground Zero".

And Zalmay Khalilzad, the United States ambassador to the UN, told journalists that the US would not support Iran using the site for a "photo op".

But a spokesman for the Iranian mission to the UN said they were still hopeful of finding some way for Mr Ahmadinejad to pay respect to the victims of the 2001 attacks.

Tensions between the US and Iran are high amid Washington's claims that Tehran is arming militants in Iraq and seeking to develop nuclear weapons.

[Jamroll]

AmroodWaala said

White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe told reporters it seemed "more than odd that the president of a country that is a state sponsor of terror would visit Ground Zero".

Can we say "Pot, kettle, black"?

[roberto]

Jamroll said

Can we say "Pot, kettle, black"?

Do you think he should be allowed to visit Ground Zero?

[Jamroll]

roberto said

Do you think he should be allowed to visit Ground Zero?

Sure. Why not? If he wants to pay his respects just like anyone else.

[FMROMMEL]

Jamroll said

Sure. Why not? If he wants to pay his respects just like anyone else.

Nope, he should only be allowed to the UN and not a step further.

[Jamroll]

FMROMMEL said

Nope, he should only be allowed to the UN and not a step further.

Why do you think that?

[roberto]

Jamroll said

Sure. Why not? If he wants to pay his respects just like anyone else.

Trouble is he's not just like anyone else, hence many doubt his sincerity.

If there's any organisation representing those who lost their lives , maybe they should make the decision

[Revert]

Actually for someone who spouts so much Anti western rhetoric I think its hypocritical for Mr Ahmadinejad visit the USA. However if he wishes to make amends and pay tribute to the victims of 9/11 then so be it. I don't think I have read anything where he praised the 9/11 tradegy.

[Revert]

roberto said

Trouble is he's not just like anyone else, hence many doubt his sincerity.

If there's any organisation representing those who lost their lives , maybe they should make the decision

Not a good idea being as those organisations except the FDNY one are pretty useless at organising anything.

[roberto]

Revert said

Not a good idea being as those organisations except the FDNY one are pretty useless at organising anything.

Ability at organising is hardly requisite for make a decision .Have you a better suggestion?

[ChotooMotoo]

This is stupid. Iran had no part in 9/11. They don't block Saudi's from visiting there, and 19 of those dudes were from Saudi Arabia. It's totally hypocritical.

[FMROMMEL]

ChotooMotoo said

This is stupid. Iran had no part in 9/11. They don't block Saudi's from visiting there, and 19 of those dudes were from Saudi Arabia. It's totally hypocritical.

No, its hypocritical for him to go there is the first place. He has called for the destruction of the US in some of his speeches...we are the Great Satan remember.....If we don't want him there..............too bad. Its our country not his.

[Variable]

FMROMMEL said

No, its hypocritical for him to go there is the first place. He has called for the destruction of the US in some of his speeches...we are the Great Satan remember.....If we don't want him there..............too bad. Its our country not his.

I can see the issue from both sides. Iran really had nothing to with 9/11 (in all likelyhood). Iran probably views those who were responsible with animosity almost matching the States. But at the same time, I can see how it would make people uncomfortable with him being there.

A very loose analogy might be if Ariel Sharon for some reason or another wanted to pay his respects to the people of Bam, and Iran said no.

So if the Americans decide to say no - meh - I don't think it looks small of them.

[roberto]

ChotooMotoo said

This is stupid. Iran had no part in 9/11. They don't block Saudi's from visiting there, and 19 of those dudes were from Saudi Arabia. It's totally hypocritical.

You make frequent use of the word "stupid" to describe people and or their views, you must have a very inflated view of yourself

[AmroodWaala]

Variable said

A very loose analogy might be if Ariel Sharon for some reason or another wanted to pay his respects to the people of Bam, and Iran said no.

perhaps too loose because Ariel Sharon has been involved in 1982 murder whereas Iranian leader doesn't even come close. 911 terrorists would make a better comparison with Sharon.

nevertheless, I agree with rest of your point.

due to political propaganda [by the pro-war neocons and zionist lobby who want to start a war against iran] and his big mouth blown out of proportion, the visit would create tension.