Iranian President Lectures Bush Using Appeal To Religion

On Monday, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad sent a rambling 18-page letter (full text)to President George Bush that contained little in the way of new initiatives to deal with the crisis over Iran's development of nuclear weapons capability. However, as described today by the New York Times, the letter largely used religion to lecture Bush about the errors of his administration's policies around the world. The unusual appeal to George Bush's personal religious beliefs, and the extensive exposition of Islamic teachings, may make this letter one of the more unusual exchanges between international leaders. Here are a few quotations from the lengthy letter:

Can one be a follower of Jesus Christ (PBUH), the great Messenger of God ... But at the same time, ... because of the possibility of the existence of WMDs in one country, it is occupied, around one hundred thousand people killed, its water sources, agriculture and industry destroyed....

Another big question asked by people is why is this regime [Israel] being supported? Is support for this regime in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ (PBUH) or Moses (PBUH) or liberal values? Or are we to understand that allowing the original inhabitants of these lands – inside and outside Palestine – whether they are Christian, Muslim or Jew, to determine their fate, runs contrary to principles of democracy, human rights and the teachings of prophets? If not, why is there so much opposition to a referendum?....

If prophet Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Ishmael, Joseph or Jesus Christ (PBUH) were with us today, how would they have judged such behaviour? Will we be given a role to play in the promised world, where justice will become universal and Jesus Christ (PBUH) will be present? Will they even accept us?...

Mr President, According to divine verses, we have all been called upon to worship one God and follow the teachings of divine prophets. "To worship a God which is above all powers in the world and can do all He pleases." ...

We increasingly see that people around the world are flocking towards a main focal point –that is the Almighty God. Undoubtedly through faith in God and the teachings of the prophets, the people will conquer their problems. My question for you is: “Do you not want to join them?”

Mr President, Whether we like it or not, the world is gravitating towards faith in the Almighty and justice and the will of God will prevail over all things.