43 Comments

1. Minerva:

Please watch yourself, Roger. Since Ron Silver played him in Reversal of Fortune and because of Harvard and the O.J. trial, even brutes know that Obama would have to at least temporize if they did something to Alan. Trust your instincts — as Chavez would say the Devil is in the House.

Apr 19, 2009 - 2:48 pm 2. Instapundit » Blog Archive » DURBAN II UPDATE: Roger Simon rubs shoulders with Ahmadinejad. Plus, Alan Dershowitz gets a talkin…:

[...] II UPDATE: Roger Simon rubs shoulders with Ahmadinejad. Plus, Alan Dershowitz gets a talking-to from the security [...]

Apr 19, 2009 - 2:50 pm 3. Patrick:

So did he smell funny?

Apr 19, 2009 - 3:16 pm 4. Barry Dauphin:

Yes, the world is upside down, and the images are quite powerful. I speak of Obama yukking it up with Chavez and Ortega with the curt dismissal of anyone who questions the wisdom of these photo ops. Now Ahmadinejad to speak to a human rights convention. Pictures speak a thousand words.

Apr 19, 2009 - 3:44 pm 5. tioedong:

Your emotional reaction is either:

1)projection of your own loathing

2) a valid clinical observation (in psychiatry, countertransferance) which suggests he is indeed dangerous.

3) detection of the diabolical.

As a doc, I have had to fight number one at times, and once in awhile I’ve felt #2 in paranoid schizophrenics (But oddly enough not in prisoners I have treated, who tend to be simple low IQ sociopaths or druggies).

As for number 3, I would dismiss the possibility…except that once I “met” an African politician in a clinical situation and wanted to bathe in holy water afterward.

Apr 19, 2009 - 3:48 pm 6. Carol Herman:

Patrick, that’s funny. Made me think that short men, like Sarkozy, wear elevator shoes. Did Ahmadinejad do the same? Was his “height” enhanced?

You bet, I’m glad Obama pulled the USA out of this. And, ya know what? Because Obama almost appeared to be going, his rejection sounds like an excellent decision. Because he points a finger to the “hate of Israel” being of no help, at all. More people will listen to Obama, ahead. He’s no Jimmy Carter. Time for the GOP to put away “the killer rabbit.”

Apr 19, 2009 - 3:49 pm 7. Pajamas Media » Durban II Diary: Sleeping with Ahmadinejad:

[...] the entire story here [...]

Apr 19, 2009 - 4:21 pm 8. RebeccaH:

Possibly the Swiss security guy was looking out for Mr. Dershowitz, gently but firmly pushing him out of a situation where he could be harmed, considering the nature of The Little Pasha and his “entourage”. Honestly, I don’t know how we’re going to rescue civilization from the depredations of these power-mad cretins, short of a bloodbath. Sometimes, I think civilization is a hindrance to self-protection.

Apr 19, 2009 - 4:34 pm 9. NahnCee:

Since when have the Swiss appointed themselve as arbitors of right and wrong, and who is allowed to do what where?

This is happening in South Africa, right? Is it possible that the conference organizers have hired a version of international Blackwater and these particular security people happen to be Swiss?

Apr 19, 2009 - 5:03 pm 10. Cybergeezer:

A box cutter across his neck seems appropriate. I am curious what his last speech would be?

Apr 19, 2009 - 5:36 pm 11. MiamaMan:

NahnCee

I think the guy said “in a Geneva hotel”, unless they transferred it, I just Googled “Geneva”, it says it is the 2nd largest city in Switzerland (thanks Google!), that’s why they have Swiss security there, besides The Vatican, as you probably know (or don’t know).

As for Dr. Tioedong, the Chink Shrink, you docs are too brainy to detect evil, and will probably go for one of those “clinical observation”, or may be “complex”, or even call it a “neurosis” or some other BS name.

Apr 19, 2009 - 5:44 pm 12. Lightnin' Hopkins:

The bearded rodent is scheduled to meet with Swiss President Hans-Rudolf Merz and some Swiss “industry leaders” while attending the conference – this may account for the Swiss security personnel.

Merz is being urged by Israel’s Foriegn Ministry not to shake hands with Ahmadinejad:

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/130916

It’s probably a good thing the fist-bumper-in-chief is busy gripping and grinning with other enemies of the state at the moment, although one would hope that even he would refrain from a hand shake in this particular instance. I pray we never have to see THAT image published around the world.

Snark aside, boycotting this thing was the right call.

Hope you feel better soon, Roger. That is one monster flight under even under more pleasant circumstances.

Apr 19, 2009 - 6:02 pm 13. glenn:

Beyond Orwellian is exactly right. And when the Obama Administration starts sucking up to these Eighth Century thugs I hope they remember that a man (or a President, or a Secretary of State) is known by the company they keep. Just as Neville Chamberlin and the French collaborationists (too many to name but they knew who they were)are deservedly reviled by anyone with a working knowledge of history so any American pol who “works” with these animals will suffer the same fate.

Apr 19, 2009 - 6:14 pm 14. Ellsworth:

No NahnCee, it’s in Geneva, Switzerland. It’s called Durban 2 because it’s a follow up to the 2001 UN conference on human rights that was held in Durban.

Apr 19, 2009 - 6:43 pm 15. Lightnin' Hopkins:

The Durban reference threw me off as well in my earlier comment (which should appear once it’s moderated for a link that’s included), and I *knew* it was in Geneva. Doh! Don’t know what I was thinking….

Apr 19, 2009 - 7:11 pm 16. Reza Kahlili:

Roger you can tell him that the real spy is here in the U.S. and give Ahmadinejad my best regards.Tell him, I have my thumbs up for him.In Iran thumbs up is the middle finger in America.You should show him that and the Swiss security forces would think you are rooting for him, so no troubles but Ahmadinejad will know what you mean.Try it,it will be fun just raise your thumb straight up and raise your arm.

Apr 19, 2009 - 8:20 pm 17. Jordan:

The leaders of Israel are no better than this Ahmadinutjob. If anything, they ordered the kill of a few more than this hairy monkey.

Apr 19, 2009 - 9:36 pm 18. The Radical Centrist:

Well, actually, and I felt this the 1st conference, The U.S. has missed a great opportunity to show, even further, that this is truly the greatest nation in the world. By going in there and stating first OUR failings and transgressions, then displaying how we have managed to over come them and use our diversity as our strength, we could have truly been a shining example for the world to follow. We have freedom of speech, religion, expression. And are growing beyond “tolerance”. Growing toward acceptance. Yes, we still have fear mongering and genuine hate in this country. But, we are more courageous to over come it now. And the diverse voices of peace, can overcome that. But, we need to show the world that it takes TRUE courage, TRUE faith, and a ton of work. Just as I felt the last administration took the cowardly way out, I feel this one has done the exact same thing. So, fear more if you must. And search harder for your faith.

Apr 19, 2009 - 9:54 pm 19. Cleats:

Hey , This is about the same reaction I had when Yasser Arafat spoke to the United Nations in New York City. He had two (2) Colt 45 semi- automatics strapped on in plain sight when he said, “I only want peace for my people and I’ll shoot you in the back of the head if you get in my way.” Sweet. And we let him do that here! Ugh.

Apr 19, 2009 - 11:07 pm 20. Winston:

Plz punch Dinnerjacket in his groin if you can, for us all Iranians.

Apr 19, 2009 - 11:09 pm 21. Victorio:

Yankees always boicot events that do not serve their interests, how comes that the parochial democracy mercenaries must always have the preferential attention? The best attitude is to ignore or take them to the International Justice Tribunal for all the bad deeds done to Latinamerica, Iraq, Japan, Vietnam,the original inhabitants of the New World and the rest of countries that have suffered the stupid arrogance of the blood thirsty Anglo-Saxon.
Yankees get out of the UN.
Yankees get out of the OEA.
Go to the moon and please do not come back.
The eye.

Apr 19, 2009 - 11:11 pm 22. John:

OK…pure evil huh??
Who has dropped not 1 but 2 atomic bombs killing 100 thousands of people ( like 1 would not be enough, or like they couldn’t drop one in the ocean to show its power)?
Who had slavery until 100 years ago? Persians/Iranians paid their imported workers with golden coin. Cyrus the great freed Jews 2500 years ago, this is still written in stone!
Who does still respect the rights of minorities? In iran Jews and hristians have more right, are free to drink alcohol and have their own business and are respected business men. In the U.S. we have 2.8 million people in prison 90% being black and other 10% are mostly minorities too.
Who started the Iraq war?
Who sold weapons to Iraq during Iraq-Iran war that caused 400,000 deaths on both sides?
Who has atomic weapons and is still developing them?
Who killed millions of poor people in Vietnam for nothing?
Who created a fake cout-de-eta (or however you spell it) to bring down the first and most popular Iranian Democrat, Dr. Mosadeq?
Do you want me to continue???

Apr 19, 2009 - 11:29 pm 23. ella:

nahncee

Can’t you google? I mean you are reading the article so I assume you can. Durban II conference will be held (is being held because it starts now) in Geneva, Switzerland. Durban I conference was held in South Afrika.

As for Ahmadinejad – he has good company, leaders of Libya and Cuba, not to mention leaders of other ME countries who are not much better than he is.

Nevertheless I do wonder why Ahmadinejad who is not a leader of Iran represents IRI. I guess its because IRI believes that its real leader, Mr. Khamenei, is too important to represent his country at UN conference

Apr 19, 2009 - 11:50 pm 24. James Just:

The only thing necessary for evil men to succeed is for good men to do nothing. Roger, you, Alan, Shelby, and everyone else who try to fathom this evilness are good men. Don’t let Alan get kidnapped.

Best to you
JJust

Apr 20, 2009 - 2:24 am 25. Rich Campbell:

Excellent on the scene reporting, Roger. Perhaps after a few days of this, you’ll have need of relaxing watching Kobe and the Lakers demolish whichever Western Conference opponent is before us.

If so, let me know, as I have an extra ticket for every playoff game, courtesy of my wife’s decision to move on to greener (or at least younger) pastures. I’m in Section 102, Row 14, and would be honored to have you as a guest.

I’m just wondering, though. Did you catch a trace of sulpherous fumes when Ahminejahd went by?

Richard

Apr 20, 2009 - 3:27 am 26. Terrye:

The world is upside down indeed. According to the AP Obama is the new Gorbachev..so I guess that means that Ahmadinejad is the new Princess Di or something. In reality he is a vicious little dictator. One thing I miss about George Bush is that he did not hesitate to say so.

Apr 20, 2009 - 4:01 am 27. Stephen Rittenberg:

I see the Jew haters are not just in Geneva but on this Comments page. Israeli leaders do not order the killing of innocents; they sometimes (too infrequently in my opinion) do strike back against those who lob mortars from hospitals at childrens’ schools blow themselves up in pizzerias and hide behind women and children.

Apr 20, 2009 - 4:50 am 28. Terry Gain:

It’s rather like being in the presence of pure evil, at least it was for me, or what I imagine that to be. Pure evil come to address a human rights convention! I felt as if I had been kicked in the stomach. I also felt nauseated.

Pure evil is a good description of this Holocaust denying madman. It will be interesting to see whether Obama grins from ear to ear – as he did with Chavez – when he meets pure evil.

Ahmadinejad dominating the UN’s biggest human rights conference in beyond Orwellian. No wonder I felt as if I had been kicked in the stomach.

Very true but is it any less Orwellian than Obama aplogizing to the world for Bush’s America’s liberation of 60 million Muslims?

There will be a lot more kicks in the stomach before the listing American ship of state is righted. Right now, everything is upside down.

Thank you Mr Simon for covering this debacle. I’m sure you’ll bring a perspective that the MSM won’t.

Apr 20, 2009 - 5:03 am 29. Greg:

Its the U.N. Human Rights Conference right?

Why are you suprised that one of the biggist abusers of human rights is addressing a conference *against* human rights?

Did you really think the UN Human Rights commission was about promoting human rights?

Apr 20, 2009 - 5:26 am 30. Rockmelon:

Regardless of the reasons for not attending Durban II, that Ahmadinejad was chosen to speak at a conference against racism is reason enough for all free nations and private individuals to stay at home; including Dershowitz, Steele, Jon Voight et al.

Who in their right mind could conceivably be interested in what either Ahmadinejad or Voight would have to say! This is shaping up to be more of a conference on mental health than racism.

Apr 20, 2009 - 6:12 am 31. Sarah:

What about Srilanka and Tamil war. Are they going to be part of the agenda? They are more than 100 Muslim states represented in the UN. Their main target is not racisms or poverty because they have it in their own countries. The muslim countries have one aim and its to destroy Israel.
Israel is like Susan Boyle,”Not a great appearance but keep a good security against Muslim’s terrorist”. The western world will learn from Israel how to protect itself from the Muslim threat from Israel as they infiltrated all western countries. It is a time bomb and it is kicking.

Apr 20, 2009 - 6:16 am 32. Ann:

The festivities at the U.N. Durban II “anti-racism” planning meeting continued this afternoon in Geneva. The conference starts in two weeks, but the negotiations are already heated. Not surprisingly, the most active participants by a huge margin are the member states of the Organization of the Islamic Conference [OIC]. And right at the top of the OIC’s star contributors — in a meeting to combat intolerance — is Iran. That’s the country where homosexuality is a capital offence, women are stoned to death for alleged adultery, and whose president openly advocates the murder of 5 million Jews.

Iran made 13 suggestions about how the final declaration, to be adopted formally at the conference itself, could better protect human rights. And that bastion of civil rights Syria intervened to help draft a “human rights” declaration five times. By comparison, the Czech Republic, on behalf of the 27 members of the European Union, had something to say six times. When U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice gives speeches about the glories of being there, this what being there actually means.

Iran introduced the idea of adding more protection for “cultural diversity.” Iran also suggested a new paragraph concerned with “defamation of religions.” That’s the alleged criticism of a religion, not concern with human rights. The targets are anything religious fanatics think “project . . . negative, insulting and derogatory images of religions and religious personalities.” And by the way the concern is not with any religion, but “Islam in particular.”

And Iran proposed this new paragraph on freedom of expression interested not with freedom but with the “abuse” of freedom:

Notes that other obstacles hampering progress in the collective struggle against racism and racial discrimination…including negative abuse of freedom of expression, counter-terrorism, and national security stereotypical association of religion with terrorism and violence by the media and national security forces.

Immediately after these contributions, the Syrian delegate burst out: “We want to announce that we will be submitting money to the Durban Review Conference!” The Russian Chair then exclaimed, “That’s the best news we’ve had today!”

Are you excited too? Because your U.N. ambassador is tearing up the phone lines wanting to participate.

Just in case the phony Durban II “anti-racism” agenda isn’t clear yet, there was also a big push to get rid of any suggestion that this is about non-discrimination. The European Union wanted a paragraph saying:

There should be no hierarchy among potential victims of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and that all victims should receive the same attention, the necessary protection and accordingly appropriate treatment.

South Africa and Iran called for the deletion of this idea. Without the slightest embarrassment, Pakistan declared: “Not all victims are in the same category.”

Iran went on to call for taking “steps . . . to sensitize the public at large and raise understanding of cultural differences and foster cultural diversity . . . [and] build the culture of peace.” Quite a mouthful coming from a country on the verge of acquiring weapons of mass destruction and using them.

Various states proposed getting rid of the role of a “competent and impartial judiciary to determine in fair and public procedure whether acts presented before it constitute acts of racism.” Still more states called for the deletion of “Affirms that full implementation of the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights is fundamental for the global fight against racism and racial discrimination.” (The 1965 convention is perceived by Islamic countries as insufficient to deal with what they call “contemporary forms of racism and intolerance.” In other words, promoting this treaty would run counter to the idea that Muslims are the premier victims of intolerance.)

Apr 20, 2009 - 6:45 am 33. Brian Richard Allen:

RebeccaH doesn’t know how, short of a bloodbath, we’re going to rescue (Judeo-Christian/Western/Human Civilization) from the depredations of these power-mad cretins. (Presumably those domestic, included)

Agreed!

And we had better darned well not sell ourselves short, then!

Brian Richard Allen
Los Angeles CalifO’ZEROcated 90028
And the Far Abroad

Apr 20, 2009 - 9:26 am 34. Jody:

in the presence of pure evil. LOL

Apr 20, 2009 - 9:40 am 35. The Day In Israel: Mon Apr 20th, 2009 | Israellycool:

[...] Roger Simon posts about his close encounter of the turd kind: Ahmadinejad is staying in my [...]

Apr 20, 2009 - 10:18 am 36. Sylvie:

As finally witnessed it was a great Success…. people heckling when the ‘little mahdi dwarf’ began speaking, clowns adding to the fun of it all hurriedly skirted away, and poliicians walking out when the ‘Evil One’ began spurting out his hatred. Indeed it only needed someone with more than a little courage and a sniper to add to the Success of it all to make Durban 2 the greatest anyone might have imagined it could have been.

Apr 20, 2009 - 10:51 am 37. United Nations - world’s biggest oxymoron? « Get Clued:

[...] Author, CEO of Pajamas Media, Roger Simon on the ground in Geneva! links to his posts [...]

Apr 20, 2009 - 11:16 am 38. Lightnin' Hopkins:

John #22: “Do you want me to continue???”

With your education? Absolutely! Perhaps in the kite-flying paradise that is Iran, since you admire the all-inclusive benevolence of its leadership so.

Apr 20, 2009 - 2:23 pm 39. Delia:

At least some delegates had the decency and chutzpah to walk out on that cretin Ahmadinejad’s speech:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8008572.stm

He [Ahmadinejad] looks like he smells of curry, corpses buried in a basement, feces and brimstone. I could be wrong but, just sayin’ that’s the vibe that icky poo dude gives me. Bleh.

Apr 20, 2009 - 3:30 pm 40. tammy12:

Delia says:
“At least some delegates had the decency and chutzpah to walk out on that cretin Ahmadinejad’s speech:”

The western diplomats who walked out are cowards. I know if MY president, our brave Mr. Barack – excuseme Hussein (his preffered name when in company of Muslims) Obama has been there, he wouldn’t have walked out. Instead he would’ve called the Iranian president in private and tell him:

“Look, Ahmy, buddy…you are being a naughty boy. Why are you doing this? Don’t you see that this may be embarrasing for me after I sent you and your bosses the ayatollahs that nice video? … btw, how are the Ayees… please send them my regards; oh, and please don’t be mad at me…try to understand – if I look supportive of you then my voters and supporters of AIPAC may get a little upset and stuff.. you understand…don’t you?…and one more thing…what else can I do for you, would you like an Ipod with my apologies video next time… oops, I almost forget!!!…guess who I shook hands with…?”

Ahmy looks at Obama in awe – No way????
- “ Way….” Says Obama… “yeah with Hugo Chavez himself…how about that!!!!? Am I great or what? – He sent you regards”

Apr 20, 2009 - 4:07 pm 41. Delia:

40. tammy12,

LOL! So true, maybe Meester Hussein zee giant Zeeeero could even play ‘patty-cake’ veez da ebil tyrants abroad. Stranger theengs hoff bean noon to hoppen [I'm not even sure what 'accent' I was going for there].

0bama to Ahmadinejad (after a deep bow and a hand-licking), “Tic Tac, Sir?”

Apr 20, 2009 - 4:28 pm 42. GuyfromNH:

I don’t agree with many of things about Alan Dershowitz, but man, he’s got brass ones…

And John… tell us what country hangs homosexuals… oh wait, Glorious Leader says there are *no* homosexuals in the worker’s paradise that is Iran. Perhaps John could clear up that confusion once he grasps certain communications skills…

Apr 21, 2009 - 9:44 am 43. Jack Okie:

Alan Dershowitz trying to confront Ahmadinejad reminds me of Christopher Hitchens defacing that poster in Lebanon. Pugnacious, but damned commendable.

Apr 23, 2009 - 11:28 am

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