Iranians Protest Ahmadinejad's U.N. Speech

At the same time, during Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's UN speech, he appeared more subdued than in the past. He still predicted the fall of the current economic system, pleaded the case of Palestinians, and called for a global nuclear disarmament, while not discussing the issue of Iranian nuclear enrichment.

Nuclear talks between the United States and Iran are scheduled for next month. During Ahmadinejad's UN speech, he called for the “elimination of all nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons to pave the way for all nations to have access to advanced and peaceful technology.”

The chamber was half empty during Ahmadinejad's UN speech. Some of this was a result of boycotted the speech, in protest against his persistent denial of the Holocaust.

Interestingly, in Ahmadinejad's UN speech, he declared Iran “one of the most democratic and progressive governments in the world.” This despite the highly contested elections in Iran, which sparked violent protests as well as a government crackdown.

“Our nation has successfully gone through a glorious and successfully democratic election,” he said. “They entrusted me once more with a large majority with this heavy responsibility.” It is hard to understand that; other candidates believe they in fact won by a large majority.