(Times-UK) Michael Theodoulou - The loud international boos that greeted the Iranian president's inflammatory remarks are likely to be echoed in Tehran, where opponents are already describing his speech as a spectacular own goal. Ahmadinejad's critics will seize on his "wipe Israel off the map" gibe as further evidence of his dangerous amateurism that is harming Iran's relations with the outside world. His belligerent tone will certainly heighten international concerns over Iran's nuclear program, stoke Washington's hostility, alienate a Europe already frustrated over the nuclear stalemate, and enable Israel better to portray Iran as its gravest threat. Slogans denouncing Israel are a common sight at all rallies organized by the regime, but it was the first time in many years that such a high-ranking Iranian official has openly called for the country's eradication.
2005-10-28 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive