Iran Leader Says Western-Style Democracy Has Failed

May 9, 2006 — -- The following are excerpts from a letter sent by IranianPresident Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to President Bush. The White Housereceived it Monday through the Swiss Embassy in Tehran.

"Of course Saddam was a murderous dictator. But the war was notwaged to topple him, the announced goal of the war was to find anddestroy weapons of mass destruction. He was toppled along the waytowards another goal; nevertheless the people of the region arehappy about it. I point out that throughout the many years of theimposed war on Iran Saddam was supported by the West."

"Why is it that any technological and scientific achievementreached in the Middle East region is translated into and portrayedas a threat to the Zionist regime? Is not scientific R&D one of thebasic rights of nations?"

"Can the possibility of scientific achievements being utilizedfor military purposes be reason enough to oppose science andtechnology altogether?"

"Lies were told in the Iraqi matter. What was the result? Ihave no doubt that telling lies is reprehensible in any culture,and you do not like to be lied to."

"Those in power have a specific time in office and do not ruleindefinitely, but their names will be recorded in history and willbe constantly judged in the immediate and distant futures."

"How much longer will the blood of the innocent men, women andchildren be spilled on the streets, and people's houses destroyedover their heads? Are you pleased with the current condition of theworld? Do you think present policies can continue?"

"History tells us that repressive and cruel governments do notsurvive. God has entrusted the fate of men to them."

"Can one deny the signs of change in the world today? Is thesituation of the world today comparable to that of 10 years ago?Changes happen fast and come at a furious pace."

"Liberalism and Western-style democracy have not been able tohelp realize the ideals of humanity. Today these two concepts havefailed. Those with insight can already hear the sounds of theshattering and fall of the ideology and thoughts of the liberaldemocratic systems."