Secret Service Will Accompany Iranian President If He Goes to Ground Zero

September 20, 2007 9:02 AM

Richard Esposito Reports:

Secretservice_mn_2 The United States Secret Service will accompany Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to Ground Zero if he ultimately decides to go to the site of the Sept. 11 attacks, sources in the New York City government and United States Secret Service said. 

His aides made the request in early September, police officials said, and it was rejected.

As a result of speculation that President Ahmadinejad might still have an interest in visiting the area surrounding the site, the New York City Police Department issued a statement saying it would also oppose such a visit.

Click Here for Full Blotter Coverage.

According to that statement, "A request earlier this month to permit a visit by Iranian President Ahmadinejad to Ground Zero during the United Nations General Assembly was rejected in a meeting which included NYPD, Secret Service, and Port Authority officials."

"The site is closed to visitors because of construction there. That was the only request," Deputy Commissioner for Public Information Paul Browne said. "Requests for the Iranian president to visit the immediate area would also be opposed by the NYPD on security grounds."

Officials said that as far as they were aware, that was the only request for a site visit made by the Iranian president.

Vote: Should Ahmadinejad be allowed to visit ground zero?

Ahmadinejad -- and other extremely high-risk protectees -- have a security detail only slightly less extensive than that of the United States president, sources say. It includes heavily armored limos, NYPD bomb technicians and emergency service personnel. A large Secret Service protective detail and NYPD Highway Patrol units lead the way.

While the city opposes the proposed visit Iran's president was determined to make it, the United States Secret Service is required to accompany him.

"We do not comment on itineraries," Michael Seremetis, a spokesperson for the United States Secret Service, said.

Click Here to Register to Receive Blotter Alerts.

To Blotter Homepage

September 20, 2007 | Permalink | User Comments (93)

User Comments

How come he gets to "DECIDE" where he is going in OUR COUNTRY. I would arrest him immediately and apply some torture and then maybe he would "DECIDE" to go back under the ROCK HE CRAWLED OUT FROM UNDER. WHAT A DISGRACE to those who died.

Posted by: Opinion0122 | Sep 20, 2007 10:41:07 AM

No!

Posted by: sue from texas | Sep 20, 2007 11:10:27 AM

If the Iranian president has been denied access to the WTC area and he chose to visit the sight on his own why should a Secret Service detail accompany him. If one of our leaders took avisit to Iran and decided they would visit their nuclear facility would they provide them with a secutity detail? I think not, so why should we.

Posted by: David W | Sep 20, 2007 11:15:40 AM

Oh boy. I'm sure ol' Ahmadinejad will whip out the fake tears and false solemnity for some high quality pix. Then, he'll use those pictures in Iranian propaganda where he shows the people how caring he is, despite the US's continued reticence toward him/Iran. Maybe a piano will fall on him!

Posted by: TreeFish | Sep 20, 2007 11:21:25 AM

Hey, maybe Sean Penn can escort him around town?

Put this midget on the terrorist no-fly list and tell him to stay home.

.

Posted by: havoc | Sep 20, 2007 11:22:18 AM

We can let the Saudi Royal Family visit ground zero (in case you've forgotten, 18 of the 20 suicide bombers were Saudis), but we won't let Iranians visit (last I heard, there were NO Iranians among the 9/11 bombers).

Posted by: Mike | Sep 20, 2007 11:42:47 AM

This swine helped AlQueada every way he could think of and as I recall there was dancing in the streets of Iran the day this happened! This fool who wants to wipe Israel off the map and us if he could do it. Why can HE decide where he goes in our country?? This is ludicrous pandering to a mad man who has no right to be close to such sacred ground knowing he would have flown those planes into the towers if he had been able to do it!!! I am appalled over this, I really am!!!

Posted by: Bethy | Sep 20, 2007 11:46:24 AM

Why not let him go? Let him and his own protection rent some cars and go visit? Let me know first though, Ill get on a plane from Chicago and fly to New York to give him the tour myself. Give him what he wants without the protection of any Americans, we'll see how far he gets with the people of New York.

Posted by: Paul | Sep 20, 2007 11:47:20 AM

He should be allowed to visit any area there, if safe for a non-worker to go to. To not welcome his interest and sympathy is churlish.

Posted by: Jeff | Sep 20, 2007 11:56:02 AM

What an outrage. This is more evidence that the United States of America is suffering a national schizophrenia. God save us from ourselves.

Posted by: Dave L | Sep 20, 2007 11:59:09 AM

he is an idoit!

Posted by: Vera | Sep 20, 2007 12:02:52 PM

I don't understand this at all. The State Department has said it refused his request to visit Ground Zero, the NYPD and the Mayor and US Senator from New York Hillary Clinton has opposed his visti (honest!) so how does he rate secret service protection to go where the local authorities AND the State Department have said he can't go? And if he does go there, doesn't that mean he's lost his immunity??!

Posted by: realwest | Sep 20, 2007 12:04:47 PM

If the city officials do not welcome the visit and the Port Authority does not welcome the visit - why would you still visit? He's bringing a wreath. Is the wreath for the 3,000 American dead or for the 19 suicide bombing nutcases? I think we all know the answer. Bush is really proving himself to be an impotent creep.

Posted by: JD | Sep 20, 2007 12:12:14 PM

God help those agents...because the only help they'll have to force him thru the crowd of (what I expect) thousands who will be there to prevent him from getting in will just be his guards.

This will not be pretty and will most likely end badly.

I pray this IDIOT will change his mind before he decided to walk into the pit.

Posted by: chiefpayne | Sep 20, 2007 12:14:54 PM

I LOVE New York...

Posted by: Jazz | Sep 20, 2007 12:24:38 PM

President Reagan denied a visa to Arafat in 1988. I see no reason why we should not deny a visa to Ahmadinejad. If he needs to address the UN, he can do so via satellite hook-up.

Posted by: Bonnie C | Sep 20, 2007 12:26:23 PM

Havoc - The Saudi government are a bunch of creeps, but your pal Ahmadinejad brags about kidnapping Americans, killing Jews and wiping Israel off the map every time he's in front of a microphone! He's earned everyone's enmity - but for you it's 'if we let in Saudi's we got to let in the Iranian president.'

You're a clown.

Posted by: Evrviglnt | Sep 20, 2007 12:26:54 PM

Absolutely he should be allowed to visit. The city, however, should issue a warning stating that his safety on the ground, from buildings, and rooftops will not guaranteed.

Posted by: Jimmy | Sep 20, 2007 12:27:32 PM

The man's a lunatic. This "religion of peace" is a farce. They worship a false profit. The koran is nothing more than a murder manual.
Bush is a whimp, as well as all the other baough and sold policticians.

Posted by: Gabacho | Sep 20, 2007 12:35:37 PM

This just shows how out of touch the government is with the will of the people. They should either forbid him to go, or make it clear that he goes at his own risk.

Posted by: Jeff | Sep 20, 2007 12:36:57 PM

I think its interesting that he wants to go and see the site where the blood is STILL on his hands! But then again... don't the sickest of rapists or murders enjoy reliving the torture that they have inflicted on their victims over and over again. Maybe this is his sick way of reliving what he helped contribute too, whether it was nominal support or not!

Posted by: Kate | Sep 20, 2007 12:39:59 PM

It is time to put a stop to this... no Enemy should be able to walk in OUR Country!

I am calling the Gathering of the Guard, the Patriot Guard Riders, the American Legion Riders, Hells Angels.... ANY AND ALL PATRIOTIC AMERICANS to go to Ground Zero and TAKE A STAND!

Posted by: not in my county | Sep 20, 2007 12:44:55 PM

I believe I will be one of those who take the day off work on Monday, just to travel into New York and meet this madman and his entourage, and let him see the face of his enemy. He has no business visiting our country, let alone visiting this site.

Posted by: johnk144 | Sep 20, 2007 12:48:39 PM

It's not much different than the SS protecting Yasser Arafat when Madeline Hate-right schmoozed him in the 90's.

Posted by: Savage | Sep 20, 2007 12:54:38 PM

I am appalled at many of the comment posters! First of all, Iran and Iranians did NOT cause 9/11. If I remember correctly, it was Saudi Arabians. Second, as a head of state Ahmadinejad needs to be afforded the same respect we show to all visiting heads of state. I don't agree with all that Ahmadinejad says or stands for but we cannot acuse him of causing 9/11. To do so is to buy into the garbage currently being fed to us by a lame duck US President that wants to shift focus from a failed war to a new "enemy."

Posted by: Yvonne Haghighatian | Sep 20, 2007 12:56:43 PM

It is WILDLY inappropriate for a man who openly supports and funds terrorism to be given an official tour of a terrorist attack site. I am hoping that when he comes to Columbia on Monday, that students and President Bollinger ask him the tough questions and do not let him get away with his disgusting rhetoric.

Layla H.
Columbia '09

Posted by: Layla H | Sep 20, 2007 12:59:25 PM

I cannot believe the nerve of higher ups to use OUR Secret Service to escort this Man to OUR World Trade Center. What a slap in the faces of the brave men and women who lost their lives on 9/11. I think Americans need to wake up and re-watch exactly what happened on 9/11/01. How can we let this happen. I don't care who was involved but this man is making threats against us and Israel. He cannot be trusted. Personally he should not even be ALLOWED IN THE USA!!!

Posted by: Amy | Sep 20, 2007 1:09:30 PM

While we're at it why don't we invite Binladen over to site with secret service protection. I don't see the difference between the two. The fact that we are even entertaining the idea goes to show how truly weak and pathedic this once great country is becoming.

Posted by: John | Sep 20, 2007 1:15:44 PM

Let Rosie escort him .. what a cute couple!!

Posted by: Mike | Sep 20, 2007 1:15:52 PM

Cannot believe you have 'President' in your headline. This guy is NOT the President. Sickening.

Posted by: Jon | Sep 20, 2007 1:21:17 PM

He only wants to go to Ground Zero so he can gloat. Let him crawl back into his hole - we don't need him.

Posted by: brattybutt | Sep 20, 2007 1:21:55 PM

I don't know what the problem is. Why can't he visit the site????? He wasn't involved in 9-11. Maybe it's all for show so that he can convince the world that he is kind, etc. But, maybe he's sincere. Nobody really knows. Anyway...no harm as far as I'm concerned. I do think that he should provide his own security though.

Posted by: judy | Sep 20, 2007 1:27:51 PM

This man is a guest of the United Nations, NOT of the United States. He should be allowed to go to the UN. Nothing more.

Posted by: Jeff | Sep 20, 2007 1:38:40 PM

i THINK THE SECRET SERVICE SHOULD GO ON STRIKE AN DECLARE THERE GUARDING OF THIS LITTLE HITLER "CRUEL AN UNUSUAL PUNISHMENT"

Posted by: Angry Bill | Sep 20, 2007 1:41:54 PM

What is wrong with us in the North America, how do we let a person from another (unfriendly) country decide that he will go where he pleases when he decides to take a trip here.
Would we be allowed the same over there? Not at all!
He is making a mockery of the people who lost their lives on 9/11.
IF THIS IS ALLOWED TO HAPPEN, HE DESERVES WHATEVER HE GETS FROM THE
PEOPLE WHO WILL SHOW UP, TO STAND UP AS THE AMERICANS OF "WE THE PEOPLE".
JUST GTHE SIGHT OF THIS NUT-JOB TURNS
MY STOMACH !!!

Posted by: Donn J. | Sep 20, 2007 1:42:44 PM

Why should Ahmadinejad, who's guilty of calling for the death of America and Israel, as well as denying the Holocaust ever took place, be allowed into America?

Just allowing this criminal into the US shows weakness of the country's leadership.

Posted by: Nannette | Sep 20, 2007 1:51:03 PM

Let him go and have some of the members of the families that lost loved ones help escort him around!!!!!!!!

Posted by: art | Sep 20, 2007 1:52:36 PM

The Iranians had NOTHING TO DO with 9/11. They despise the Sunnis (al-Queada). Why do people not understand this?

Posted by: Bob Schadenfreude | Sep 20, 2007 1:53:32 PM

I find it hard to believe he cares about the lost of American lives. Maybe he really wants to pay respect to those who flew the plane into the building? The idea is absurd even for discussion!!! Another example of how discounted the politician are to the average American. What an insult to think this guy cares about Americans. Better yet, tell him there's a height requirement and we don't have a potective hat small enough. NEW YORK IS FOR AMERICANS AND OUR FRIENDS AROUND THE WORLD.

Posted by: Joe | Sep 20, 2007 2:01:37 PM

People of NY should form a human barricade to stop this thug from getting near ground 0.

Posted by: Ralph | Sep 20, 2007 2:10:51 PM

It would be an insult to those who lost their lives on 09/11 and their surviving families to have this nutcase visit ground zero. He should not even be allowed to set foot in the United States.

Posted by: Brian, Decatur, GA | Sep 20, 2007 2:14:39 PM

I guess I understand the paranoia. We are concerned that he is going to use a visit to ground zero as a publicity and propaganda stunt. So let's look at teh basis for our concern with Iran. Did any of teh terrorists from 9/11 come from Iran? No. Is Iran harboring any of the terrorists who attacked us? No. Now if Masharef (Pakistan) or the Saudi King wanted to visit the site we would be more than happy to allow it. Hmmm.

The big issues we have with Iran are the development and proliferation of nuclear weapons and the apparent support for Iraqi insurgents coming from Iran. The the nuclear issue is a national soverenity issue. It is OK for Afghanistan, India, and Israel to have nuclear weapons but Iran is destabilizing the region if they pursue the same. Israel has shown the greatest willingness for preemptive strikes against it's neighbors, yet Iran is destabilizing the region. Hmmm. The second issue is based on the idea that Iran is not controlling it's border with Iraq. I don't see saber rattling with Mexico because they aren't controlling their border. Hmmm.

Posted by: BooMan | Sep 20, 2007 2:16:53 PM

He is the president of a country that elected him president via democratic election. like it or not Iran is a Democracy. Iran has a role in world events and is a memeber of the U.N. with voting power. We the American chose to have the U.N. Headquarters in the U.S., after all, We did create the U.N., and most of all, We are an educated country for the most part. America is amture enough too allow someone we disagree with to come to our country and fulfill his requirments to his people and the U.N.. After all if the U.N. was not in the U.S., We would not want any other country mandating if we could particpate in a U.N. General Assembly, if the UN was located outside the U.S. We would feel mis-treated, and beside dening entry would only lead too more hostilities between the countries. and due to Bushes fake war, we dont have the ability too handle Iran, but Politically.

Posted by: Adeeb N. | Sep 20, 2007 2:21:00 PM

Iran condemned the 9/11 attacks when it happen and they sent there condolences to the American people. The people who committed 9/11 hate us as much as they hate the iranian people.

Posted by: Peace | Sep 20, 2007 2:22:18 PM

NO, NO, NO!!!!

I KNOW/KNEW 62 Friends(Cantor Fitz) that died that day for nothing other than trying to help their families get ahead. I live across the street in Battery Park City since 1988. My wife was crossing West Street when the 1st jet hit, was caught in the dust cloud when the the South Tower came down, and I couldn't locate her for 10 hours that day! This madman was part of the Hostage Crisis, danced and hi fived for joy when those JETS, not PLANES, sliced thru the World Trade Center and KILLED all those people, and has stated numerous times that Islam will 1st destroy the Little Satan(Israel) and then destroy the Great Satan(USA). He SHOULD NEVER BE ALLOWED TO COME ANTWHERE NEAR GROUND ZERO, EVER!!!!! He just keeps poking/prodding at the USA to see what he can get away with, and if we really will stop him, and then use the info as propaganda to tell the story that the US and the West is afraid.

Would we have let Hitler visit the USA to lay a wreath??? It's a lie, it's a hoax. We don't need to show the appearance of FAIRNESS to someone who vows to KILL US ALL IF HE CAN!!!!!

I VOTE NEVER!!!!

Posted by: Curly | Sep 20, 2007 2:32:09 PM

What Ahmadinejad doesn't understand, what with all his bullet-proof limos etc. is that in THIS country, the chances of his being shot are pretty small even though he is hated almost universally here. And the irony of Our Secret Service, some of whom may have sons in Iraq being blown up my Iranian bombs, protecting Him, is repulsive.

Posted by: Paul Hease | Sep 20, 2007 2:35:31 PM

He can visit the Ground Zero, only after he visits the Holicost Memorial.

Posted by: Lou | Sep 20, 2007 2:44:22 PM

This guy should have never been issued a visa - I fault the State Department.

--- more at "An American Expat in Southeast Asia"

Posted by: Lao | Sep 20, 2007 2:46:41 PM

America obviously have agreed to let the headquaters of the United Nations be located in New York City, USA. Iran is a member of this body. It does not matter how many folks disagree with the policies of nations like Iran, Syria, North Korea, etc., if they meet in New York City at the HQs, then they should not be confined to that limited space there. The NYPD and other local authories are just simply being arrongant and unreasonable. Let this man alone; if he wants to visit the Lady Liberty too, let him alone......Do not worry about how he would use or promote this visit to ground zero.....Let him alone.

Posted by: Tony | Sep 20, 2007 2:50:06 PM

President Ahmadinejad is an idiot and a scoundrel…who had nothing to do with the attack on the WTC. Furthermore, Al Qaeda is Sunni, while Iran is generally Shiite. Their only common point is that the USA is their common enemy.

It is a sad state of affairs that so many in the USA don’t know the simplest things that differentiate our enemies from each other. All Arabs are not alike, and neither Iraq or Iran had anything to do with the attacks on the WTC (Saudi ex-pats in Afghanistan did it, if you have been following the story). If weren’t for their common enemy in the USA, then Saddam’s Iraq and today’s Iran would rather have Al Qaeda eliminated.

As for providing him protection – better that he be killed by revolutionaries at home, than by some ignorant American after him for something he did not do (instead of all of the things he did & does do to threaten America). It would only make him a martyr at home. Killing someone in the street is something he would do, so don’t lower yourself to his standard – that’s un-American. If & when war breaks out, then kill him in his office/bunker/bed with a bomb made in, and delivered by, the USA – that’s righteous.

Posted by: JoeOvercoat | Sep 20, 2007 2:51:26 PM

I agree, god help this country. We Americans are abunch of IDIOTS and we are very arrogant, I here us, saing the same things We blame others for saying and we think we are justifed, No. an imature country is a dangerous country. People we have the right to state what we want, but please think before you type. Like do I sound imature or am I just venting my childess behaivor. look it would be illegal for the us to deny a UN rep. It's that simple. We should be better then idiot's not idiots our selve. Poeple Think for once Ok.

Posted by: Adeeb N. | Sep 20, 2007 3:12:58 PM

This is just a sign of how weak and undignified our country is these days. First, we allow Mexicans to push their way into our country and then allow them to fly our flags upside down. Then, middle easterners fly one of our planes into our building killing 3,000 of our own countrymen and we've already forgotten about it. Then, we allow an Iranian killer to bully us and allow him to visit ground zero which his funding helped to destroy. BLOCK THE PATH TO THE TOWERS NEW YORKERS! BLOCK THE PATH!

Posted by: BT | Sep 20, 2007 3:24:03 PM

So Hitler would be allowed to visit Pearl Harbor back in the day if he wanted to. It was the Japanese that attacked us, not Germany. Same thing---

"I am appalled at many of the comment posters! First of all, Iran and Iranians did NOT cause 9/11. If I remember correctly, it was Saudi Arabians. Second, as a head of state Ahmadinejad needs to be afforded the same respect we show to all visiting heads of state. I don't agree with all that Ahmadinejad says or stands for but we cannot acuse him of causing 9/11. To do so is to buy into the garbage currently being fed to us by a lame duck US President that wants to shift focus from a failed war to a new "enemy."

Posted by: Ehren | Sep 20, 2007 3:24:38 PM

First off he should not be allowed to fly into the US never mind visiting NYC. Have the UN meet him in Iran. This low life dog does not deserve any protection at all, not delcaring Israel should be whiped off the face of the earth, the holicost never happened, supporting terrorism, come on now, lts stop being so politically correct all the time. His request was denied, so be it, case closed

Posted by: ssgmike.ivy | Sep 20, 2007 3:36:35 PM

This terrorist has no business being around ground zero. It's bad enough he has to come to this country at all! It is a slap in the face to all the victims and to the rest of the country for that matter.

Posted by: Ryan | Sep 20, 2007 3:37:57 PM

hmmmmm . . . iran = shia; alqaeda = sunni. When will people stop trying to link the 2 together??? The hijackers were not iranians - just cus we hold a grudge about 1979 is no reason to label a country or a man as a terrorist when he had nothing to do with 9/11.

Posted by: JB | Sep 20, 2007 3:46:51 PM

JoeOvercoat--->Speak for yourself. The only place he has any right to visit is the UN. So its to the airport to UN and then back to the airport. Personally I like to see the UN kicked out of this country. Bush is an idiot for approving SS protection for anything other then the trip to the UN and I resent having to pay for it. We are at war with his country. You may want to deny it, but its on. We got hit on 9-11 because of citizens with your attitude. Wake up, they hate us and want to kill us and are plotting to do so as I type this. Maybe you are virtuous, but your virtue will kill you with an enemy like Iran. They support terrorist, they arm terrorist, they are terrorist directly and indirectly. If you are a terrorist then we are at war with you, specifically Islamic fascist.

Posted by: James | Sep 20, 2007 3:47:08 PM

To those posting who know not what they are talking about-
An anchient Persia (Iranian) saying ends
"He who knows not and knows not that he knows not is a fool, shun him"

1. Hitler, too, was the democratically elected chancellor of democratic Germany.
2. The Untited Nations compound is not in the United States. It is independant teritory. The US has no legal jurisdiction there other than that agreed to by the UN.
3. While it is true that he was elected in a vote of the people of Iran (who chose to vote), all of the contenders who were opposed to the policies of the mullas were not allowed to run (removed from the ballot by those self selected dictators)-- not quite a democratic election- right.
4. Since its inception, the Islamic Republic (it has no king and is ruled according to its leader's distorted view of Islam) has been, for all intents and purposes, at war with the US (remember "death to America" chants from the onset.) and is now supplying men and material to our enemies in Iraq, is some cases actually killing American soldiers. It is not such a stretch to assume that they were providing some sort of support to those who attacked us on 9/11.

If our Federal government decides to let him abuse us in visiting Ground Zero, we cannot, for practical reasons, stop him-- they have the guns and a hotel in Leveworth Kansass-- that says they can do that.

Posted by: Ken Roth | Sep 20, 2007 3:48:15 PM

As I've said: Let him visit where he wants to. I see where many folks who are against his visit do not seem to understand the initial nature of his visit to the U.S. This man is a head of state. And the visit will come during the United General Assembly. Now if the United Nations HQs were located in Seoul, Korea, I could understand folks questioning his visit to come to the New York just to visit Ground Zero....although, I personnally would not object to that either. But, he will already be here during the United General Assembly, and it only makes sense and it's an expression of courtesy that he visit Ground Zero. You fellows, along with the NYPD need to get a grip and stop being so arrongant and nonsensical. He should be able to visit whereever he wants to.

Posted by: Tony | Sep 20, 2007 3:50:48 PM

Curly:

Your comments and others are out of control. It's so great that the folks who are writing all this negative stuff concerning this leader are not in power. It seems you folks really do not understand what you are talking about. Why label all Arab or Muslim nations as those who attack us on 9/11?

Posted by: Tony | Sep 20, 2007 3:55:57 PM

Yes, Iran was not directly involved in the 911 but as I remember these people were dancing in the street the day after!! Do any of you doubt the midget was sad? or do you think he was wearing a smile on his face that day?? Do any of you think if he could push a bottom to wipe us out we would still be here? Let me ask again, do you want a person like this to visit NY?

Posted by: Joe | Sep 20, 2007 3:58:28 PM

MOST OF THE POST ON THIS SITE ARE REDICULOUS! YOU PEOPLE SOUND LIKE A BUNCH OF WAR MONGERING, HATE MONGERING REDNECK TOUGH GUY COWBOY TYPES! HE HAS A RIGHT TO BE IN NEW YORK BECAUSE THAT IS WHERE THE UNITED NATIONS IS LOCATED. IF HE WANTS TO VISIT THE SITE, HE SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO DO SO. WE CAN NEVER GROW AND LET GO OF THE PAST AS LONG AS PEOPLE CONTINUE THIS HATE FILLED IDEOLOGY. IT DOESN'T MAKE YOU ANY DIFFERENT THAN THE TERRORIST GROUPS THAT DID THIS (AND HE DIDN'T HAVE A PART OF IT - 9/11). MOST OF YOU PROBABLY CALL YOURSELF CHRISTIANS AND YET YOU ACT LIKE SMALL MINDED (WE'RE RIGHT - YOU'RE WRONG) HIPOCRITS. I'M EMBARRASSED BY THE BULK OF YOU WHO ARE SCREAMING AND CARRYING ON ABOUT THIS. GIVE PEACE A CHANCE. IT HAS TO START SOMEWHERE. MAYBE HE IS FOR REAL AND IS TRYING TO MAKE AN EFFORT - MAYBE NOT, BUT LETS TRY SOME OF THAT CHRTISTIAN "PEACEFUL" RELIGION STUFF THAT EVERYBODY SPOUTS!

Posted by: Judy | Sep 20, 2007 4:02:34 PM

Mitt Romney said it the best and is the only canadate to say that under the geneva convention anyone including the Hitler our time (Ahmadinejad)that assists or directly aids in the killing of our American soldiers is subject to arrest and indictment. We have him arrested and show this islamic facist nation that the Lion had indeed woke up and will roar again.

Posted by: glenn cutler | Sep 20, 2007 4:15:33 PM

Adeeb n, Yes, as head of state he should be allowed to visit and attend the UN functions. But why should we take him around like a VIP? Adeeb, suppose one of your family member is killed by accident, one of your not so good friend wants to attend the funeral. The day after the lost of your family member, your not so good friend is laughting and making comments that your love one deserved to die. Do you want that person at the funeral??? Maybe I don't have the right for an opinion on this issue. But how about those who lost a love one? Why don't we ask them? These people actually lost loved ones.

Posted by: Joe-California | Sep 20, 2007 4:20:40 PM

Righ on Judy, People like you keep my hopes up and going.

Posted by: Adeeb N. | Sep 20, 2007 4:22:10 PM

Why has the United States of America become so weak? If this was 1939 do you think we would let Hitler come to America and freely walk about the country as he pleases?!?!?!?!? You sick, sick b&%^*&% that are "defending his rights." Rights? Did I hear you rights? What the hell planet are you living on?! Only those with rights are those American CITIZENS that abide by American LAWS. Sure, we should let him come to America, and then we should throw this piece of trash in jail. Send that to bin laden and hamas and hezbollah and see what kind of message they get.

Posted by: Eric | Sep 20, 2007 4:23:28 PM

WOW! Don't we have quite a bunch of turn coats casting propaganda on our enemies behalf? Anyone that sides with an enemy that declares the US an enemy and wants to wipe us out is a traitor by definition. For someone to say that Iran has no ties to any terrorist activity is an idiot and completely uninformed. They may not have a direct link to 9/11 but they share the same common goal as all members in Islam and that is to wipe the Infidel (Non-Muslims)out to the last. Those are not my words, they are the enemies. Read the koran and brush up on want lies in your near future.

Posted by: Michael | Sep 20, 2007 4:34:40 PM

Judy, easy there!!! I am not a cowboy, war lover or any of lovely description you mentioned. There's a difference between being at the UN and going to the site, A BIG DIFFERENCE. Yes, he's welcome to the statue of liberty, UN, or any other site. Many of the victims considered that to be the burial site and sacred. I just not convinced he's sincere. Those who lost loved ones should decide this issue, not me or you.

Posted by: Joe-California | Sep 20, 2007 4:36:00 PM

We ask too much of the good men and women in the secret service. Some may be Jewish. Here is a man who vows to destroy Israel. Where is the JDL?

Posted by: Rob Trapp | Sep 20, 2007 4:36:55 PM

Lets make a deal. If Ahmadinejad agrees to end the weekly "death to America" prayer chants and agrees to paint over all anti-American graffiti covering Iranian gov't or public buildings, then maybe we can let him visit the site.

Posted by: Sean | Sep 20, 2007 4:37:28 PM

I don't think he should be permitted to leave the UN. Although Iran had nothing to do with 9/11, they have not problem in admitting they are enemies of the US. Do we need to have terrorist bomb a building in order for some to take a stand. Do we need to be hurt before we say NO, or do we say NO so we don't get hurt? This country gets abused because we allow it. If he visits the site, we'll be a joke when he gets back to Iran. He'll go on TV and humiliate our weakness. Enough is enough.

Posted by: Debbie | Sep 20, 2007 5:08:44 PM

Seriously, Judy, how can you equate the exercise of our first amendment right (and that’s all it is – words) with terrorists who killed thousands? Do you really think America can make peace with a man who supports terrorism and vows on an almost daily basis to annihilate Israel (an American ally)? You’re right, he’s for real. The problem is you aren’t paying attention to what he’s saying.

Posted by: Sandra | Sep 20, 2007 5:11:50 PM

This is a legal issue, There is no room for personal opinions, on This. I of course would not want any hostile person present expecally the guilty party. but this is not that situation. We must hold the Higher moral legal ground. We Are American are we not or are we no differant than ignort people.

Posted by: Adeeb N. | Sep 20, 2007 5:22:02 PM

Why should we allow him to go and view the destruction? Are we to film his victory dance?

Posted by: bobby stickers | Sep 20, 2007 5:26:38 PM

Not sure why all the hysteria. There is more than one head of state around the world that is a lunatic - and we don't even know if Ahmadinejad is one. I think it is time we indulged in some serious introspection and use the 2008 election to make an intelligent choice - not the dumb choices we as a nation made in 2004 and 2000. We Americans are despised around the world and for most of us that have never left the county we were born in, it is hard to understand why we are despised. An Australian TV reporter showed most of us could not even name a country that started with the letter "U". I think Ahmadinejad should hire Blackwater Security to handle his security - that way they could fire indiscriminately on any civillians that interfered with Ahmadinejad's visit.

Posted by: GNA | Sep 20, 2007 5:56:55 PM

GNA- Finally an admission that Bush won the 04 election. I am glad to see that you at least got over that hurdle.
Blackwater is doing the job that our Marines should be doing but since the "Let's give peace a chance" movement has watered down all but 1 US Military branch and then kicked the last one (Marines) out of all the AOs that needed the most attention, we have to resort to private contractors. You have no one to blame but yourself for them being there. If people like you let wars be fought like wars and not like a college debate then we would have been done in Afghanistan, Iraq and Iran by now and would be cleaning up in Sudan. Then you and I would not be having this conversation because Ahmadinejad would be a non-issue.

Posted by: Michael | Sep 20, 2007 7:29:48 PM

Under no circumstances should this man be allowed to visit the hallowed ground of Ground Zero. Right after visiting New York, he is going to Venezuela to visit Chavez. Let's take a guess what they will discuss.

Posted by: Cindi | Sep 20, 2007 7:39:55 PM

Few things would make me happier than to see New Yorkers block the streets and prevent this murderous sicko from visiting Ground Zero.

Posted by: GP | Sep 20, 2007 11:44:00 PM

You said it GNA, yes let a Terrorist Organisation Protect this man, Since We don't recognise our own Terrorist Organisations, that we harbor and support. Tit for Tat. If We see him as a Terrorist, it makes sense to me, if we let our own Terrorist's protect another Terrorist. Black water is Just one of our own Terrorist Organisation.

Posted by: Adeeb N. | Sep 21, 2007 12:09:47 AM

Hi all americans ! why we write history? and read it later ?to find out the reality and the truth and take a lesson from it so we should not repeat the mistake in first place.Read the history of pentagon,At the time of president Nixon,the pentagonhas given aproposal to the president that If we want to invade cuba we will fire 7 missiles from unknow destination in pecific ocean from submarines on U.S. cities.couple of hundred americans may die in this excercise and then we will prove that the missiles had been fired from cuba and invade cuba.BUT NIXON DISAGGREED FOR THE KILLING OF INNOCENT AMERICANS AND REJECTED THE PROPOSAL.CAN YOU IMAGINE IF THE SIMILAR PROPOSAL WILL BE GIVEN BY PENTAGONS (TOP SECRET) TO PRESIDENT BUSH TO INVADE IRAQ AND AFGANISTAN WHAT HE WOULD DO?? HE LIED TO ALL AMERICAN EVERYDAY DURING 2002-2003 TO INVADE IRAQ? IN THE LIGHT OF ALL THESE FACTS IF PENTAGON WOULD HAVE COME UP WITH THE SUGGESTIONS OF A 9/11 WHAT WOULD BUSH WILL DO ?? I THINK THE ANSWER IS QUIT CLEAR TO EVERY ONE .
9/11 IS AN INSIDE JOB WITH OR WITHOUT A HELP OF BIN LADEN THAT IS FOR SURE !!
WHY LADEN IS NOT CAPTURED ??
IS HE BEEN REPLACED BY CIA OPERATIVE??
WHY THE HELL FIRE MISSILES WERE STOPPED FROM FIRING WHEN BIN LADEN WAS IN SIGHT OF THOSE MISSILES IN THE PAST??
IS HE IN PENTAGON PROTECTION IN AFGANISTAN OR ALREADY BEEN REPLACED WITH
PLASTIC SURGURY FACE BY PENTAGON??In short Ahmedinajad is not the vilian that is being projected by pentagon so americans should