Ahmadinejad’s Nuclear Offer

The Iranian president discusses his proposal to buy enriched uranium from the United States, his continued denial of the Holocaust, and Tehran's detention of journalist Maziar Bahari.

Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad listens as President Barack Obama addressed the United Nations General Assembly, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

Charles Dharapak / AP

Ahmadinejad listened to President Obama's address at the U.N. on Wednesday.

By Lally Weymouth | Newsweek Web Exclusive

Sep 23, 2009

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In an exclusive wide-ranging hour-and-a-half interview with NEWSWEEK's Lally Weymouth and editors from The Washington Post, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad discussed his upcoming talks with the United States, his opinion of President Obama, and his continued denial of the Holocaust, as well as the U.S.-led effort in Afghanistan, which he views as doomed. In it he previewed his offer to purchase enriched uranium from the United States for medicinal purposes, which proliferation experts say is likely a nonstarter. Excerpts:

As you know, Iran has been holding a NEWSWEEK correspondent for three months, Maziar Bahari. I know you have been very generous this morning saying you would help release the American hikers. On humanitarian grounds, would you consider releasing Maziar?
I would like all prisoners to be released, but I am not the judge. The judge has to decide on this. If I were in charge of this case, I would guarantee that all the prisoners would be released.

But you said that you would try to get the American hikers released. Could you try to do the same for Maziar?
I want all prisoners to be released. Every one. Americans and non-Americans—it really makes no difference.

When Iran is trying to restart relations with the West, why would you once again deny that there was a Holocaust when that is so easily disprovable?
Don't you think that the Holocaust is a very important issue?

Yes, I think it is the greatest crime of the 20th century.
So you do agree that it is an important topic. Do you believe that the Holocaust still carries through to this day in terms of its effects today? Could you explain to me how it affects issues today?

It does not matter what I think. It matters what you think, Mr. President.
I understand, but I would like for us to exchange our views so as to resolve an issue here.

The world wants to know what you think.
Who is the world here?

Iran is trying to improve its relationship with the West, as I understand it. It is clear that there was a Holocaust. Why would you say there was no Holocaust? Do you feel there should be no Jewish state—no Israel?
What I am saying is extremely clear. It is an academic approach to a crucial subject and also one based on humanitarian considerations. What I am saying here is that in past history many events have happened, and in World War II many crimes were committed. Over 60 million people were killed and even more were displaced. So we have several specific questions with regard to the events of World War II, and I believe we cannot find the answers to these questions through the propaganda that is promoted by the media. In the end, the questions need convincing answers. The first question that I have to try and understand is why in the midst of all that happened in World War II, the Holocaust is emphasized more than any other [event]?

Let's say that Stalin's crimes were equally great.
The second question is why do Western politicians focus on this issue so much? The third question is how does that event connect with issues that we see around us in the world today? Was this a historical event that happened in isolation without impacting the present conditions? The next question we should ask ourselves is if the event did take place, where did it happen, who were the perpetrators, what was the role of the Palestinian people? What crime have they committed to deserve what they have received as a result? Why exactly should the Palestinian people be victimized? Are you aware that over 5 million Palestinians have been displaced and have had refugee status? What role did they play in the Holocaust? Why is the Holocaust used as a pretext to occupy the land of other people? Why should the Palestinian people give their lives up for it? You are probably aware that there have been embargoes on the people of Gaza.

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Posted By: Rob007 @ 10/21/2009 1:51:14 PM

mkf1-

You got me. I wrote nazi instead of Jewish. Am I tapped out now....no takebacks? Can I make no errors in syntax?

There are volumes of books by Luther which clearly demonstrate his antisemitism in his later years:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther_and_antisemitism
"Conversion of the Jews will be the work of God alone operating from within, and not of man working — or rather playing — from without. If these offences be taken away, worse will follow. For they are thus given over by the wrath of God to reprobation, that they may become incorrigible, as Ecclesiastes says, for every one who is incorrigible is rendered worse rather than better by correction. ^[2]"

Your statement about Jews going to overthrow Germany - sounds as if you lifted that from Hitler himself. Is that your reference?

You comments show more about you than about any kind of actual history. Do you forget that there are still people alive who lived through the holocaust? I know them and knew those who past on...both military and concentration camp survivors. There is too much evidence that Jews were sytematically ghettoized, rounded up, and gassed...specifically for being jews. There is too much evidence...this is too easy and argument. But to continue is like wasting time to prove that 1+1=2. i won't be convinced otherwise, especially not on the internet. I have seen enough real, physical and live evidence to refute everything about your post.

So just remember, my son. We're watching you.
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Posted By: mkf1 @ 10/21/2009 1:09:07 PM

Rob007. I am here to counter your lies about Nazi Germany. You say the Nazi Party posted anti Nazi propoganda. which demonstrates how ridiculous your posts are. Luther made no anti Semitic rants, he wrote about his dislike for Judaism, small wonder considering the conduct of Jews over the millenia. Jews being asked to wear a star of David is no different to Jews wearing them today on necklaces. Because most Jews were Bolsheviks and attempting the overthrow of the German state they were interned where they lived, much the same as the Japanese internment camps. Many Germans were worked to death, shot, or gassed, The cities of Dresden, Hiroshima, and Nagasaki were all set on fire, and millions were killed by burning. The claims of 6 million Jews, do not supersede the deaths of 60 million non-Jews. The deaths of Jews and non-Jews is a result of war, not of genocide. I am not hee to change your mind. You have swallowed the Zionist bait, hook, line, sinker, fisherman, boat and ocean. The Jewish Hasbara operatives, spin doctors, like yourself attempt to dominate the historical record with your false assertions.
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Posted By: zebra01 @ 10/17/2009 9:19:14 PM

How was this interview arranged?