WASHINGTON - President Bush has decided not to accept an invitation from President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran to hold a televised debate on world issues. President Ahmadinejad is known throughout the Middle East as a champion debater. He became instantly famous in the Islamic world with an answer given to Bernard al-Shaw of Al Jazeera in a debate held during the most recent Iranian Presidential race. When al-Shaw asked Ahmadinejad how he would respond if his wife Kitty was brutally beaten and raped, Ahmadinejad didn’t hesitate. “Bernie, if my wife Kitty was raped, I would do what any man would do. I would kill her. With my bare hands.” Many Iranian analysts feel this answer propelled Ahmadinejad to victory.
White House Press Secretary Tony Snow told reporters that President Bush was “insulted” when he noticed his invitation was addressed to “The Great Satan.” Snow explained: “There is a certain amount of protocol involved when heads of state communicate with one another. Apparently, President Ahmadinejad doesn’t understand that civility and good manners are of paramount importance when it comes to international diplomacy.” Snow said the language used by the Iranian President on the envelope sent to President Bush was a “feeble attempt” to associate himself with legendary deceased cleric Ayatollah Khomeini. “Let me tell you something, President Ahmadinejad,” said Snow. “I knew Ayatollah Khomeini. Ayatollah Khomeini was a friend of mine. President Ahmadinejad, you’re no Ayatollah Khomeini.”
Mr. Snow also said President Bush was “deeply disturbed” at news the Iranian Parliament had voted five-hundred to zero against Mr. Bush’s request for an amendment to the Iranian Constitution banning the burning of the American flag. When asked if the President was also deeply disturbed about Iran’s refusal to suspend its uranium enrichment program, Snow nodded. “That too,” he said.
