Opinion  Others
Ahmadinejad, Bush: More similar than different?
Steven Coulthart
Published: 27.09.06, 11:03
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40 Talkbacks for this article
1. You are an idiot
Timothy ,   NJ, USA   (09.27.06)
2. Hey, you forgot something...
Concerned Israeli   (09.27.06)
The writer forgot to mention Ahmadinejad's plans for genocide and world domination. I don't that's comparable to Bush, maybe to Hitler though.
3. Religion
Michael ,   Haifa   (09.27.06)
Religion is a primitive malevolent force that throughout history and in the present is a major cause for human misery and suffering
4. Noo, Nejad is More Wise and Smart, he is More better
(09.27.06)
No comparisonbetween them , Again - Nejad is More greater than that Monkey Push, oh i meant boch.
5. Bush is Zionist , Nejad not so
(09.27.06)
6. You relativists are causing all the appeasment in the heads
uli ,   Jerusalem   (09.27.06)
For your relativists there is not truth, not bad, no good, everything is okay and only depends on the point of view. that's sad, that's the blanko cheque for evil that you are signing and you should hear a wise man in the talmud saying: "Who has mercy on the cruel, will be cruel to the mercyful". In telling that both presidents are similar you are just saying that it is not such a big deal to call for a new holocaust or to defend the world from a new holocaust, it's all the same for you. VERY SAD!
7. Who gets to write for YNet?
Kyle ,   Southpark, CO, USA   (09.27.06)
Yair Lapid, Adi Dagan, Steve Coulthart... Is there some kind of affirmative action, fast-track program for the retarded?
8. Alan, I'm disappointed that you'd print this rubbish
Shmuel Addams ,   Jerusalem, Israel   (09.27.06)
This is such pseudo-jounalistic hogwash, it's not even worth addressing the points of comparison. Ahmednejad sponsors conferences heralding a "World without Zionism" (read: w/o Israel), and has taken it upon himself as his personal mission to make that dream (read: nightmare) a reality. Ahmednejad is controversial because of the above goals, and his ambition to achieve them through nukes. Bush is controversial because, unlike so many in the West, he's able to recognize evil where it exists, and is willing to base policies on that awareness. It's sad that the democratic West has reached such a moral and spirtual abyss that it can't even distinguish between Godly and Satanic.
9. Sorry that S. Coulthart escaped from the NY asylum...
John ,   Hilliard, Ohio, USA   (09.27.06)
In full agreement with #6, my apologies that such a bunch of liberal trash pollutes the pages of ynet. Steven Coulthart shows us the idiocy of so-called political science leftists who have fully lost the ability to discern the difference between good and evil. Their propensity to equate the two is just as troublesome as their inability to tell the difference between those who would destroy Israel and those who would prefer to see Israel prosper. Bush and AMadJihad are opposites. Bush is smart enough to realize that talking to the Iranian Jerk is a waste of time.
10. I agree with #1
John ,   Jerusalem   (09.27.06)
This recent graduate writer draws a comparison based on religion? Iran's pres is the head of an Islamic fundamentalist regime, whereas Bush is the head of a democratic society that champions freedom of religious choice. No comparison there. The author is also clearly a leftist democrat, calling all red states "rural". Of course by rural he is really trying to say that people there are simpletons who can be easily manipulated by a political candidate, in this case Bush. I applaud YNet for publishing a diversity of opinions, but this writer's conclusions are way off.
11. Full of Nonsense
Jeffrey ,   Washington DC   (09.27.06)
What an insult to readers of YNet - whether I agree with Bush or not - for you to compare him to Holocaust denying, apocalyptic lunatic Ahmadinejad is ridiculous. What is also ridiculous is why you are writing for Ynet news and why it published this article...
12. Moron
Jasmin ,   Haifa   (09.27.06)
Oh yes, absolutely ;-) "...As misguided as their methodology may be..." How is it the same? And how is Bush abandoning the moral high ground by calling a terrorist a terrorist? Is it somehow more morally acceptable to me mealy-mouthed about it? Are you saying that strongly believing Christians in the U.S. are the SAME as Muslim fundamentalists in Iran? Because if you are, I'm more convinced than ever that you're a lunatic. Funny, I don't recall GW Bush ever calling for ANY country to be "wiped off the map." I hear more Hitlerian than Bush-type overtones in Ahmadinejad's ravings.
13. What?
Paul ,   Concord   (09.27.06)
This pitiful drivel is what gives moral relativism its despised position in the lowest rank of itellectual dissertation. this is pure poppycock.
14. Re: #2
Jim ,   UK   (09.27.06)
and what do you call bush crimes in IRAQ and AFGANISTAN? so that not "world domination" thats not "genocide"? Please try not to be so biast
15. What drugs does he take?
Z Lando   (09.27.06)
andf why should Ynet give him space?...... jeez, just when I thought the appeasers hit bottom....
16. you forgot something very important:
fadi ,   lebanon   (09.27.06)
Bush is an idiot retarded ape (just see the photo above .. if Darwin ever saw him he would have saved years of research!!!) a bloodthirsty terrorist and leader of the most terrorist and imperial evil empire of the world ... hes fightin for control of the wealths and resources of the middle east and central asia ahmedinajad on the other hand is a freedom fighter ...he represents the voice of the 3rd world trying to take control of his countries resources for builidng a stronger self reliant nation - not a banana state - that seeks yearly financial aid from the inited states and on the other hand giving away its national resources. To be the leader of a country like iran and defy the united states cause u have the legitimate right is something ... and to be the leader of the most evil imperial bloodthirsty empire in the history of humankind and waging wars against poor devided nations who have been poverised by years of sanctions (iraq, afghanistan, serbia, latin america in the 80s) is the act of a barbarian idiot who is blindly lead by a group of new conservatives seeking power, oil and domination of world maekets of arms and global dominance.
17. AMERICAN QUISLING
p HENRY ,   longmont U S A   (09.27.06)
TYPICAL HATE AMERICA,BLAME AMERICA,HATE MY PRESIDENT G W BUSH LIBERAL LEFTIST PHYSICAL AND MORAL COWARD SPEWING HIS HATE FILLED RETHORIC.DURING THIS TIME OF WAR HE IS GUILTY OF SEDITION AND TREACHERY,THESE HATE MONGERS ARE OBLIVIOUS TO TERRORIST,DEGENERATE INTO USEFUL IDIOTS 911-911AMERICA ,ISRAEL AND THE REST OF WESTERN CIVILIZATION ARE AT WAR WITHA GLOBAL ISLAMIC JIHAD DETERMINED TO KILL US (INFIDELS)BRAVE AMERICAN& ISRAELI ARE DYING FOR QUISLING FIFTH-COLUMNIST.
18. to Mr.Fadi
bruno ,   borderline, france   (09.27.06)
your view is very simple. perhaps in your personal experience it might be understandable to hate Bush and to adore the Atomadinejad. once when you will have victory over your hate, you could see it in a clearer light. Politicians if from West or from East are almost always driven by evil forces. They are not able to do good. Men are like puppets, either the devil or (very much rarer) God abides in them. But to my great relief, God has all under his control. Try to find God, who will search will find.
19. Missing the point
enzo ,   london, uk   (09.27.06)
In this article, the Author is not disputing the fact that one represents a dictatorship, whilst the other a democratic country. Still, he's missing the point, the most crucial point: Ahmadinejad believes he was appointed to pave the path for the glorious reappearance of the Mahdi (or the 12th imam) and therefore Armageddon. Bush believes that the time has come for the return of his Messiah. G-d help us!
20. Brilliant Argument fadi
Ben Hiatt ,   Portland Oregon, USA   (09.27.06)
Yes, Ahmedinajad is quite the “freedom fighter” he was only elected because the Guardian Counsel disqualified moderate that could have beat him. As far as bloodthirsty, that sounds pretty funny coming from a Muslim (I assume you are Muslim by your offensive rhetoric), maybe I should go burn a Mosque or murder some defenseless Arab women to show you how offended I am by what you just said. As far as him “representing the voice of the 3rd world” Iran is NOT a 3rd world nation, neither is Lebanon, for that matter. Most Arab countries have quite a bit of wealth as a result of “Brutal Western Exploitation” of their natural resources. As far as being “the most evil bloodthirsty empire in the history of humankind” (quite a mouthful) you probably need to try reading a history book some time. Also, PLEASE stop calling the US an empire, if you would stop and think for a moment before spouting the nonsense you read from Islamic extremist websites you would know that. Lets take a look at the countries we have occupied in the last century, Germany: yes indeed, they are quite an imperial client state, they do exactly as the American Imperial masters direct them too, oh wait no they don’t. They do as they wish DESPITE the fact that the US spent astounding amounts of money to help rebuild their enemy. Quite evil of us… Ok how about Japan? Hmmm, same thing. Korea, same thing again… Let’s see, the three countries we have occupied in the last century are now three fully independent, DEMOCRATIC, nations that have some of the best economies on the planet. Yes we are quite the exploitive imperial monster. And on the oil thing, if Bush was EVIL enough to go to war with Iraq for oil, why would he have not just made a deal with Saddam Hussein, say… Bush lifts the sanctions and Hussein sells oil to us for half price. Bush would not have to sent the military into Iraq, (a risky move that almost cost him his second bid for election and is the main cause of negative opinion towards him in the US) oil prices in the US would have plummeted (which would have been GREAT PR for him) and we would not have to spend BILLIONS to rebuild Iraq. It was not oil that caused us to go in, it was the Neo-Con idea that if a strong Democracy can be set up in the heart of the Middle East, it would spell the doom of Islamic Extremism. The Extremists seem to agree… Back on topic now :) the comparison between Bush and Ahmedinajad is tenuous, at best. What qualifies as “religious” in the US is a completely different tan what passes for “pious” in Iran. As to the Author’s absurd notion of a “moral high ground” that apparently consists of US appeasement of dictators, take a look at America’s history (Which you apparently neglected to do at school in New York) and you will find that the US was at its best when NOT engaging in appeasement.
21. #18 thanks for your comments .. appreciate them
fadi ,   lebanon   (09.27.06)
however its not about 'hate' as you say .. i wonder how ur great grandpa thought when the nazis invaded france ... probably same way we feel now !!! however i do belive that there are two ways to find God: 1. Is to be able to live in 'peace' , dignity and pride .. not under occupation and humilation by the US or israel ...on my own land... neither under a puppet regime controlled by Bush the idiot (whether its iraq, jordan, egypt, saudi arabia, tunisia bla bla bla ...). 2. if option one is not viable then death is the fastest way. and instead of waiting home for the next american or israelian 'smart bomb'to land over my head... resitance and repelling the aggressors is the answer... i do belive that u had degole as a true patriotic resistance ighter against the nazi invasion. So thin kof it and ull understand
22. #20: your the Brilliant one Ben...
fadi ,   lebanon   (09.27.06)
No wonder The US has a 'brilliant'leader like Bush. The Us is in iraq for control of the country that has the 3rd reserve of oil in the world after russia and saudi arabia. 1. US went to iraq for WMDS .. till now nothing found 2. the story after that US is in iraq cause Saddam hussein has direct links with Al Qaaida. Both above assumptions were denied by Congress comittiess ... YOOHOOO ... wake up uve just been tricked by ur president and his gang who made all kinds of lies to justify the war. So no WMDS and no al Qaaida ties ... whats the reason then? aaaah. OIL.... does that sound logical or ur tiny brain can not grasp that !!! Why oil prices went up ... emm lets see: 1. global demand for oil increaesed. 2. Bush thought iraqi people will welcome the marines with roses. instead what u call insurgency is "resisatnce "of the bloodthirsty american oil barbaric leaches. 3. Iraq's production of oil before war was 2 million barrels. Now after war it dropped down to an optimum case of 1.2 million (in months when oil pipelines are not being targetted) 4. U ever heard of the looting of baghdad after fall down of Sadam the idiot. Everything was looted except one building (the misnistry of oil and the headquarters of iraq's oil company) ... Why were not surprised?? these were protected by the marines !!!! only buildings that were protected by the marines on the fall down of baghdad. 5. Maybe bush and his gang are not interested in taking oil prices down. U should be the smart one here. Isnt bush, cheney, rumsfield and the rest og the gang have direct personal relations with the vast oil companies of texas ... u look kind of shocked back there ... yes WAKE UP DUDE!!! 6. if Bush truly interested in taking oil prices down ... they wouldnt stir all this issue of iranian nuclear bomb. Till now theres not a single proof of iran's work on nuclear arms. all irans centers are under direct monitoring of IAEA. 7. Terrorism... if you dont call what u did to iraq and afghanistan as terrorism .. .then what the hell is terrorism. and then u hear the idiots of the white house saying that iraqi peopel live in a much better state than during sadam's hussein reign. Yes 100 casualties (on daily average) is much a better condition than during Saddam. Of course 'we' are so blinded hat we can not see how happy the iraqis are living in 'democracy'these days... 8. Imperial empire... can u tell me what the hell american forces are doing from iraq, saudi arabia, emirates, Qatar , Oman , afghanistan, jordan, pakistan, taiwan, korea, japan, all over europe, africa bla bla bla (probably most of those countries u hear their names for the first time ... like the rest of the brilliant american public)... What the hell are they doing over the world... world peace huh so wake up u idiot ... stop watching CNN and the other cartoon networks and realize what is happening around you !!!!
23. Steven Coulthart
NYC Girl   (09.27.06)
The author refers to both Bush and Ahmadinejad as "leaders with shadowy pasts." Right. Ahmadinejad was a revolutionary maniac who has been identified by several people as one of the students who held innocent Americans hostage for 444 days. And George Bush was an alcoholic frat boy. I guess in Mr. Coulthart's mind that about makes them equal.
24. Bush and the Evil one from Iran
Hilda ,   USA   (09.27.06)
Only a left wing anti Jew could write such an idiotic essay.
25. #14 Jimbo
jerome ,   Basalt, Colorado   (09.27.06)
Bush did make the mistake of going left into Iraq when he should have made a right into Iran. You don't even think that the U.S. was justified going into Afganistan after the bombing of the Twin Towers?! Jimbo it's very obvious that you are the bias ass.
26. Incredible stupidity
Mollie and Jonathan ,   Pennsylvania   (09.27.06)
This article takes the prize for meaningless babble. The author wouldn't understand a true analogy if he stumbled over it. How about this. Both Bush and the demon from Iran both drink water. I guess in the idiot author's mind, that makes them similar. We happen to be somewhat religiously observant. Does that make us similar to Bush and the demon even though our religious views are different from both of them? Please, stop printing articles like this.
27. to #22 from an "Ignorant American"
Ben Hiatt ,   Portland Oregon, USA   (09.27.06)
Fadi I never asked why oil prices went up and there justification for invasion of Iraq was Saddam Hussein’s noncompliance with the cease fire he SIGNED. He was supposed to let inspectors search his country for WMDs unhindered. He violated the cease fire he agreed to and the US invaded. Of course this was not the real reason the US invaded, Saddam had proven his word useless countless times before when he fired on allied aircraft patrolling the no-fly zone he AGREED to when he signed the cease fire. The real reason was to set up a Democracy in the center of the Middle East. Bush may have close ties to the oil companies but that has not saved his popularity in the US as oil prices have shot up. If securing oil was his aim, he would have done it the same way the US does it with every other Arab dictatorship, by making deals, not by invading. If we just wanted oil, we would have just occupied Kuwait when we had our military there defending it. As far as the looting goes in Baghdad, it is America’s fault the Iraqi’s looted themselves? Of course Saddam releasing EVERY criminal from the prisons a few days before his junta collapsed did not help either… You HAVE to be kidding about Iran. WHY would the country with some of the largest oil reserves in the world want to develop nuclear technology in the face of MASSIVE world (yes WORLD, not just the US) protest? They have even been offered FREE reactors if they stop enriching plutonium. If you can say they are not going for nukes with a straight face then you are really in no position to question MY intelligence. As far as “US terrorism” goes, ask Afghans if they would like to go back to the brutal rule of the Taliban as opposed to a government THEY elected. For that matter ask a Shiite or a Kurd (about 80% of Iraq’s) population if they would like Saddam Hussein back in control, I am guessing that would be a big no. The 100 casualties a day number is wildly inflated and even if it were not, it does not hold a candle to the 400-800 thousand children that died during economic sanctions while Saddam built palaces, embezzled money and stockpiled food just miles from starving people. As far as US presence in foreign countries, I am aware that US forces are scattered across the world. That does not equate to an empire however. Europe hardly bows to our whims, neither any of the other countries we have military forces in, unless it suits their purposes. If you had bothered to read what I posted before you (not u, by the way) would know that I am well aware of the world around me. As far as where I get my news from, I search all sorts of sources, from the Beirut Daily Star to the Guardian, to Fox News. Every source has their own angle (although if you think CNN is pro-Bush, you are fooling yourself) and you need to look at all sides before you make a decision. Where do YOU suggest I get my news from?
28. Not That Different?
Charles ,   Gray Summit, USA   (09.27.06)
When was the last time we cut off someone's hand for theft?...When was the last time we publicly executed someone in the main square of the city? When was the last time we refused to allow someone to worship as the please, or closed down a Newspaper because it talked out against our government?...There is nothing similar between Iran and the USA, besides the fact we both have populations.
29. in one sentence /both are bad to the others israil is one of
fadwa ,   ramalla   (09.28.06)
30. #21 fadi, lebanon
Kyle ,   Southpark, CO, USA   (09.28.06)
"Is to be able to live in 'peace' , dignity and pride .. not under occupation and humilation by the US or israel ...on my own land... bla bla bla ...). " bla bla bla bla... No wonder you are living your own crap. Look at the Japanese--the most successful and productive nation on earth--after being utterly defeated and humiliated in a war which they started, and then under occupation on their own land by the U.S. for 40 years.
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