Thomas,

Is there any reporting of the other things he said in the Columbia speech? He specifically denied Iranian attempts to build nuclear weapons and referred to leaders wanting such weapons as "retarded" and opposed to human progress.

Also, I can't find the part where he said there are no homosexuals at all in Iraq, since that seems to be receiving so much attention. Can somebody provide a transcript? I can see a brief aside where he says there are none like in America... but there are lots of countries that don't have roads, malls, amusement parks and a host of other facilities like in America... doesn't mean they don't have any at all. ;-)

Not trying to be controversial, but he seems to think the US media and officials have an anti-Iranian agenda and are reacting to scenarios they have created themselves. He's getting international traction with that suggestion.

Also I note that whenever a reporter/questioner demands an answer on their own terms ("answer yes or no") he insists on providing an explanation, which is presented as a refusal to answer. It could also be an attempted lesson in the art of respectful discussion. As he notes, he isn't a prisoner being interrogated. ;-) And you would have to ask whether that sort of "welcoming" speech at Columbia would be directed at some other far more "delightful" foreign leader such as Robert Mugabe? Or would that be seen as uncool or undiplomatic?

Finally, he extended an open invitation to the faculty and students at Columbia to visit Iranian Universities. A cynic might observe that US citizens visiting Iran presents certain difficulties which makes it a symbolic gesture... perhaps a special effort should be made to enable the visit?

As for the anti-Israel stance... that I don't get at all. He's not the first and probably won't be the last to say it, but if he's trying to engage the American people it seems a loser. Isn't it?