U.S. Senator Allen Calls On State To Revoke Khatami Visa
[08.31.2006]
In an open letter to Secretary of State Condelleza Rice, Virginia Senator George Allen courageously challenges the State Department to rescind the visa it has granted to former Iranian President Khatami.
Allen makes many important points. Let me share a few highlights:
"I question the benefit of permitting a person who headed a regime that is a leading sponsor of terrorism, permitted human rights abuses, including repression of women and religious minorities, and presided over Iran's secret nuclear program...to travel without restriction in the United States."
Senator Allen also notes that this action by the State Department is an affront to the Americans who are the victims of Iranian State sponsored terrorism. Then he goes on to call for actions to ban travel and other amenities enjoyed by supporters of this outlaw regime.
Senator Allen ends his letter with, "I believe granting this visa is a step in the wrong direction."
If I have to go through the wringer to get into the US why should this guy get carte blanche? Are they afraid of him?
Posted by: mary thiels at September 5, 2006 3:26 PM
I received a mail from one of my friend with an attached file with many officials letters inside howing how Iran bought Uranium from my country and want to send you it. please, give any adress to send you it. Don't post this message.
Posted by: Nicelys at September 4, 2006 10:27 AM
I sent a similar petition through Simon Weisenthal Center last week. When are we going to get the message that islam is determined to rule the world and Israel and America and Jews and Chrisrians are the only thing in the natural that is preventing this from happening. This is really about another Mount Carmel- the false god, allah and the one true God , the God of Abraham, Isaac , & Jacob. And to see a Christian President and a Christian Secretary of State allowing our enemies come here to do their evil work against us. PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!
Posted by: Elizabeth Brown at September 3, 2006 10:45 PM
Good for you Sen. Allen ! That's the right thing to do. State Dept. never should have gave him one anyway! Just so you know, that's my Senator! I'm from Fredericksburg, Va.
Posted by: john clements at September 3, 2006 3:38 PM
I certainly agree with Senator Allen - I think this action will be a curve for the remaining Repubicians who are faithful to the party. Israel is priority to me - there are many in America that feel as I do. This man is a threat to all freedom and I ask how we can welcome this 'terrorist' into one of the main stays for freedom and condon & embrace him? I don't understand that, and I will certainly reconsider my vote come election time.
Posted by: Betty Ames at September 2, 2006 1:24 PM
We should be stopping all other muslims from coming into this country. Do we really want the problems that Britain and Europe have over there?
Posted by: jim at September 1, 2006 11:42 PM
thank you Senator Allen for being bold enough to speak the truth. How can our government allow those type of people to roam this nation without any restrictions. I some times wonder how our nation can be so ignorant to the enemy and his agenda.
Posted by: shoshanna at September 1, 2006 7:56 PM
Khatami is a mixed bag, he has stated he wanted reform as President, but accomplished little. I do not know enough about him, but it is interesting that he wants to come here. He certainly is not a friend of Israel.
Here is some info on his history post-Presidency.
On November 14, 2005, Khatami urged all religious leaders to fight for the abolishment of atomic and chemical weapons.
On January 30, 2006, Khatami officially inaugurates the office of "International Center of Dialogue Among Civilizations". An NGO with offices in Iran and Europe that he will be heading, after his retirement from the government.
On February 15, 2006, During a press interview Khatami announces the formal registeration of the European office of his Institute for Dialogue among Civilizations in Geneva.
On February 28, 2006, While attending a conference of the Alliance of Civilizations at Doha, Qatar, he stated that "The holocaust is a historical fact" however he added that Israel had "made a bad use of this historic fact with the persecution of the Palestinian people."
During the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict he has likened Hezbollah to
Posted by: Lar at September 1, 2006 7:48 PM
so pleased to see we have members of congress with wisdom. what a blessing. i know you are now on some black lists but do remain strong.
G-d will bless you with additional wisdom.
shalom, edee
Posted by: edee wolfenberger at September 1, 2006 3:47 PM
The saying goes:"don't bind the hand that feeds you" but it does not say "Kiss the hand that slaps you"
Let's make up our mind: Is Iran our friend or our ennemy? Nothing is there to show Iran is our friend but a lot is there to show it is our ennemy.
If so why are we extending an invitation to the ennemy?
The visa is to one man, but what about all the entourage this man has with him?
I am sorry, we are wrong in this decision.
JACQUES HADIDA
Posted by: JACQUES HADIDA at September 1, 2006 2:44 PM
Unfortunately, it would seem the denial of a visa is the way to show displeasure with the policy of any nation, in this case Iran. It is actually a mild form of censure. The way I would handle this si to allow Khatami to come to the US, bring him before administration spokespeople who would explain to him in no incertain terms the dire situation Iran is putting itself and the harsh consequences it will face starting with sanctions but not ending with them if they continue to persue their nuclear bomb objectives. Khatami should be sent home in a much more nervous state than when he arrived. It is a chance to start warning Iranian officials face to face that Iran's determination to possess nuclear weapons will lead in actuality to a destruction within Iran of important infrastructure. Khatami should be forewarned and made to feel quite uncomfortable. That should be the purpose of allowing him to come to the US.
Posted by: Rick at September 1, 2006 11:52 AM
I agree - as an American citizen and Christian sympathetic to the Jewish cause - leaders of organizations, who openly have stated their goal to destroy us, should not be permitted on our soil. It's a "no brainer"!!
Posted by: Mary-Beth Frazee at September 1, 2006 9:43 AM
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