Submitted by Rashad Jafer, Sep 30, 2007 19:01

It seems that Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadenijad's appearance, at Columbia University, turned out to be more than just a Q & A session, it evolved into a clash of civilizations. On one side was a University President, Lee Bollinger,a renowned and honorable educationist, representing the best of the Western civilization and on the other side was the President of an Islamic country, Mahmoud Ahmadenijad, a well known and respectable academic, representing the Islamic World. What a spectacle it turned out to be!

Mr. Bollinger, in his opening remarks, went for the jugular and personally attacked Mr. Ahmadenijad, calling him a "petty dictator", an "embarrassment" and "ridiculous". He continued the tirade by labeling Mr. Ahmadenijad an "uneducated" person. The President of Columbia University fired more arrows which were so shocking coming from an honorable academic that I prefer to not mention them. Mr. Bollinger acted as the plaintiff, the Judge and the executioner. As President Ahmadenijad pointed out that he was the guest, was requested to come and speak to the students and that the treatment afforded to him was very disrespectful and unbecoming of American hospitality.

The Columbia University President's speech was a litany of questions and accusations. From "wiping Israel off from the face of the World" question to womens issues to arming insurgents in Iraq, the contentious nuclear issue to gay hangings, Mr. Bollinger in rapid fire mode turned his questions into demeaning personal comments against the Iranian President. Why did he choose to let go of civility? Why would an honorable University President of a very prestigious institution lose his composure? Did Mr. Bollinger not realize that the Iranian President was his guest and that he was setting a bad example of behavior in front of his own students? Strangely enough, after his remarks, Mr. Bollinger left the stage and did not wait for the Iranian President's answers. The Dean of political science took over the program.

In his response, President Ahmadenijad, rightfully challenged Mr. Bollingers personal comments about him. He was very calm, cool and collected. It seems that the Iranian President knew that Mr. Bollinger had dropped the ball and reminded him of his responsibilities as a host. Mr. Ahmadinijad was neither angry nor resentful but very composed and forgiving. In fact, he officially invited Mr. Bollinger to Iran to visit any Iranian University and exchange ideas with students and faculty. He mentioned that Mr. Bollinger would be treated with utmost respect and dignity. This drew a loud applaud from the audience.

President Ahmadenijad's responses to the Gay issue and the Jewish Holocaust question were weak and evasive and drew instant boos from the audience. His responses to the womens rights issues, Palestinian and arming the insurgents questions and Israeli sovereignty were right on and the audience seemed spell bound. The President was in the heart of Jewish strength in the US. He was in enemy territory yet it seemed that he took control of the situation and talked about philosophy of reality, science and culture. He quoted the Quran, talked about Moses and delved into spirituality. Mr. Ahmadinijad was enjoying himself.

The differences in the depth and content of speeches between Mr. Bollinger and the Iranian President were stark. One was accusatory, belligerent, disrespectful and shallow, the other seemed controlled, thoughtful, philosophical and engaging. One thing stood out, Mr. Bollinger appeared a meek representative of the West and Mr. Ahmadinejad a giant of the Islamic World.

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