Columbia University's president treatment of Iranian leader

You don't start the debate with insulting and direct remarks on the guest's ability for intellectual discussions. You put questions, tough and hard questions, and seek their answers. That's what freedom of speech is all about.

Columbia University claims to advance the tradition of robust debate on global issues. I agree to the decision of inviting Iranian president for "World Leaders Forum". But, after putting tough questions in front of the Iran president, did it make sense for a University president to say this:

"Let’s, then, be clear at the beginning, Mr. President you exhibit all the signs of a petty and cruel dictator ... Let me close with this comment. Frankly, and in all candor, Mr. President, I doubt that you will have the intellectual courage to answer these questions. But your avoiding them will in itself be meaningful to us. I do expect you to exhibit the fanatical mindset that characterizes so much of what you say and do."

If you are so sure of his "intellectual courage", why would you invite such a person to such prestigious political and intellectual discussion. Either your decision of inviting the president was wrong, or your reception is highly provoked, personal and "un-academic". I just thought (considering that I am also in academia) that this is not what you expect within a university environment...

p.s: Having said all that, it does not mean that I (or many saying the same things) share the same views as Iran president...

A NYTimes article on the issue...
Full transcripts of Columbia president and Iran leader are here...

Your calendar/organizer sucks...

Yeah, mine too. But, at last, a Pakistani company, Scrybe, has come up with a better (which means natural, intuitive and friendly) solution. Here is the demo:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1u3ekzwnYxw
Just visit Scrybe's website to see the rave reviews they are getting. I think this could be the next big thing in "web-ed" world. Good work, guys, keep innovating...

NYTimes latest editorial on Musharraf's Pakistan

Please go Musharraf ...