"World's Most Evil Leaders Coming To New York For UN General Assembly....USA Should Not Be Giving Credibility To Thugs" Says Syndicated columnist, Terrorism expert, and Middle East analyst Micah Halpern
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad To Speak Before Departing For Venezuela To Meet With President Hugo Chavez
NEW YORK, September 17 - The 62nd United Nations General Assembly begins meetings in New York on September 18, and terrorism expert and Middle East analyst Micah Halpern questions why despotic leaders like President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, deemed by Halpern as a "classic thug" and "a master at manipulating the media" who last year stood at the rostrum, may be permitted once again into the US to attend and speak in front of the UN. Halpern, author of the new book Thugs: How History's Most Notorious Despots Transformed The World through Terror, Tyranny, and Mass Murder, poses necessary questions to our government as to why those in support of terrorist policies are continually allowed to participate in democratic global affairs.
"Many modern day thugs and their emissaries, some of the most evil despots alive today, will be arriving in New York in the next two weeks. Why are these most evil of world leaders even allowed entry into the United States?," asks Halpern. "Everyone is invited to address the United Nations Assembly - leaders of free nations, of monarchies, and of dictatorships. By allowing these thugs to be a part of a public, international, renowned forum are we legitimizing their actions and deeds?"
The UN General Assembly has maintained a prominent forum for pressing issues on the international political agenda for the past six decades, brInging together world leaders for discussion and debates that greatly shape global policies. On this year's provisional agenda, issues including the maintenance of international peace and security, the promotion of sustained economic growth and sustainable development, the development of Africa, the environment, and disarmament, will take center-stage. Meetings have taken place at the United Nations headquarters in New York, though as Halpern points out, at one time the UN moved the GA to Europe in a gesture of solidarity when Yasser Arafat was denied entry into the US. Many leaders also share Halpern's disapproval, and Mitt Romney, Republican presidential candidate, as well as John Bolton, the former US ambassador to the UN, support Ahmadinejad's indictment for genocide.
Adds Halpern: "The US and the UN have a problematic relationship. One of the very tense aspects of that relationship is that all world leaders are supposed to be permitted entry to the US in order to address the United Nations. The UN believes that all voices including evil voices need be represented. They think that by casting the widest net, more good can evolve, that negotiations and improvements can occur. But the US has never accepted that principle. As a freedom- loving country, by attending and allowing despotic leaders into our borders, we give credibility to these despots."
Micah D. Halpern is a frequent analyst on network television and radio in the areas of terror, the Middle East and Muslim Fundamentalism. Halpern, a syndicated columnist, is also a well known social and political commentator, educator, and historian. He lectures frequently on issues relating to terror, foreign affairs, Israel and the Middle East, as well as wine history, and popular culture. He is also author of several books, including What You Need To Know About: Terror, and his latest Thugs: How History's Most Notorious Despots Transformed The World through Terror, Tyranny, and Mass Murder, a "who's who" of the most horrific despotic leaders that examines the motives and operational styles of the most vile and heinous movers and shakers of Europe, the Middle East and Asia throughout history. He also maintains The Micah Report <http:// www.micahhalpern.com/>
FOR INTERVIEWS CONTACT: Cristina Parvu, Dera, Roslan & Campion Inc. (212) 966-4600, cristina at drcpublicrelations.com