Iranian president to deliver Channel 4's (UK) alternative Christmas message

[Slainte]

Iranian president to deliver Channel 4's alternative Christmas message

Channel 4 has opted to end the year on a controversial note by inviting the president of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, to give the broadcaster's alternative Christmas message tomorrow.

But the channel has shied away from scheduling the president's address against the Queen's Christmas speech at 3pm. Unlike most years, it is not airing its alternative Christmas message at the same time as the Queen, but is instead scheduling Ahmadinejad's message at 7.15pm.

Channel 4 has said that the Muslim president, who has a hostile relationship with many western countries, will deliver a spiritual address that will feature a message of seasonal goodwill.

---

The Channel 4 head of news and current affairs, Dorothy Byrne, argued that the selection of such controversial figure was in line with the broadcaster's policy of providing an "alternative world view" and reflected the extensive coverage it has given to Iran in recent times.

"As the leader of one of the most powerful states in the Middle East, President Ahmadinejad's views are enormously influential," she said. "As we approach a critical time in international relations, we are offering our viewers an insight into an alternative world view.

Interesting, not quite the standard of the Osbournes or the Simpsons, but hopefully it will be more interesting than the Queens speech!

Personally I think anything that could promote understanding between the West and Iran is a good thing.

Anyone consider it inappropriate given recent relations with Iran?

 

[Laila]

I know, i can't wait to see it!
Channel 4 still continues to surprise - i never thought of anyone actually doing this

 

[Vader]

Iranian president to deliver Channel 4's alternative Christmas message

Channel 4 has opted to end the year on a controversial note by inviting the president of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, to give the broadcaster's alternative Christmas message tomorrow.

But the channel has shied away from scheduling the president's address against the Queen's Christmas speech at 3pm. Unlike most years, it is not airing its alternative Christmas message at the same time as the Queen, but is instead scheduling Ahmadinejad's message at 7.15pm.

Channel 4 has said that the Muslim president, who has a hostile relationship with many western countries, will deliver a spiritual address that will feature a message of seasonal goodwill.

---

The Channel 4 head of news and current affairs, Dorothy Byrne, argued that the selection of such controversial figure was in line with the broadcaster's policy of providing an "alternative world view" and reflected the extensive coverage it has given to Iran in recent times.

"As the leader of one of the most powerful states in the Middle East, President Ahmadinejad's views are enormously influential," she said. "As we approach a critical time in international relations, we are offering our viewers an insight into an alternative world view.

Interesting, not quite the standard of the Osbournes or the Simpsons, but hopefully it will be more interesting than the Queens speech!

Personally I think anything that could promote understanding between the West and Iran is a good thing.

Anyone consider it inappropriate given recent relations with Iran?

Sure ... let a terrorist give a Christmas address.

So sad.

 

[Vader]

I know, i can't wait to see it!
Channel 4 still continues to surprise - i never thought of anyone actually doing this

Surprise indeed.

 

[Laila]

Surprise indeed.

Surprise in a good way.
Channel 4 is my favourite channel [Dispatches, Unreported world]

 

[Vader]

Surprise in a good way.
Channel 4 is my favourite channel [Dispatches, Unreported world]

Interesting.

 

[ReverendHellh0und]

Perhaps they can have the taliban on next, or some wahhabists..... :roll:

 

[Laila]

Perhaps they can have the taliban on next, or some wahhabists..... :roll:

I see no reason as to refuse him airtime to wish people Happy Christmas apart from predjudices.

 

[ReverendHellh0und]

I see no reason as to refuse him airtime to wish people Happy Christmas apart from predjudices.

OOh maybe chavez or castro.... no no, wait, kim jong ill! :lol:

 

[Dezaad]

I see no reason as to refuse him airtime to wish people Happy Christmas apart from predjudices.

Let's see, how about we start with an example: His view of Israel is that it's people should be exterminated. That's just my top reason for being glad that he's not giving a Christmas address on any channel in the U.S.

 

[Laila]

Let's see, how about we start with an example: His view of Israel is that it's people should be exterminated. That's just my top reason for being glad that he's not giving a Christmas address on any channel in the U.S.

Well its a UK channel and i see no problems with it at all. Only 45 mins before it comes on actually.
He's only saying 'Happy Christmas'
He's not using the time to start war or anything :roll:

 

[Vader]

I see no reason as to refuse him airtime to wish people Happy Christmas apart from predjudices.

I suppose that is a valid point. I mean ... what is the worst he could do?

 

[Laila]

Let's see, how about we start with an example: His view of Israel is that it's people should be exterminated. That's just my top reason for being glad that he's not giving a Christmas address on any channel in the U.S.

UK is not enemies with Iran.
What happens between Israel and Iran shouldn't and will not influence what individual broadcasting programs decide to do

 

[Kernel Sanders]

Here's the transcript if anybody is interested

Source [Belfast Telegraph | Full text of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's Christmas message]

"In the Name of God the Compassionate, the Merciful.

"Upon the anniversary of the birth of Jesus, Son of Mary, the Word of God, the Messenger of mercy, I would like to congratulate the followers of Abrahamic faiths, especially the followers of Jesus Christ, and the people of Britain.

"The Almighty created the universe for human beings and human beings for Himself.

"He created every human being with the ability to reach the heights of perfection. He called on man to make every effort to live a good life in this world and to work to achieve his everlasting life.

"On this difficult and challenging journey of man from dust to the divine, He did not leave humanity to its own devices. He chose from those He created the most excellent as His Prophets to guide humanity.

"All Prophets called for the worship of God, for love and brotherhood, for the establishment of justice and for love in human society. Jesus, the Son of Mary, is the standard-bearer of justice, of love for our fellow human beings, of the fight against tyranny, discrimination and injustice.

"All the problems that have bedevilled humanity throughout the ages came about because humanity followed an evil path and disregarded the message of the Prophets.

"Now as human society faces a myriad of problems and a succession of complex crises, the root causes can be found in humanity's rejection of that message, in particular the indifference of some governments and powers towards the teachings of the divine Prophets, especially those of Jesus Christ.

"The crises in society, the family, morality, politics, security and the economy which have made life hard for humanity and continue to put great pressure on all nations have come about because the Prophets have been forgotten, the Almighty has been forgotten and some leaders are estranged from God.

"If Christ were on earth today, undoubtedly He would stand with the people in opposition to bullying, ill-tempered and expansionist powers.

"If Christ were on earth today, undoubtedly He would hoist the banner of justice and love for humanity to oppose warmongers, occupiers, terrorists and bullies the world over.

"If Christ were on earth today, undoubtedly He would fight against the tyrannical policies of prevailing global economic and political systems, as He did in His lifetime.

"The solution to today's problems is a return to the call of the divine Prophets. The solution to these crises is to follow the Prophets - they were sent by the Almighty for the good of humanity.

"Today, the general will of nations is calling for fundamental change. This is now taking place. Demands for change, demands for transformation, demands for a return to human values are fast becoming the foremost demands of the nations of the world.

"The response to these demands must be real and true. The prerequisite to this change is a change in goals, intentions and directions. If tyrannical goals are repackaged in an attractive and deceptive package and imposed on nations again, the people, awakened, will stand up against them.

"Fortunately, today, as crises and despair multiply, a wave of hope is gathering momentum. Hope for a brighter future and hope for the establishment of justice, hope for real peace, hope for finding virtuous and pious rulers who love the people and want to serve them - and this is what the Almighty has promised.

"We believe Jesus Christ will return, together with one of the children of the revered Messenger of Islam and will lead the world to love, brotherhood and justice.

"The responsibility of all followers of Christ and Abrahamic faiths is to prepare the way for the fulfilment of this divine promise and the arrival of that joyful, shining and wonderful age.

"I hope that the collective will of nations will unite in the not too distant future and with the grace of the Almighty Lord, that shining age will come to rule the earth.

"Once again, I congratulate one and all on the anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ. I pray for the New Year to be a year of happiness, prosperity, peace and brotherhood for humanity. I wish you every success and happiness."

 

[Slainte]

Let's see, how about we start with an example: His view of Israel is that it's people should be exterminated. That's just my top reason for being glad that he's not giving a Christmas address on any channel in the U.S.

This is simply false.

It's very sad that people continue to repeat these dangerous claims.


As for the speech, it was unspectacular. Same old talking points mixed with religious dogma, I hope Iranians will at least elect someone more pragmatic in the future.

 

[G-Man]

Iranian president to deliver Channel 4's alternative Christmas message

Channel 4 has opted to end the year on a controversial note by inviting the president of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, to give the broadcaster's alternative Christmas message tomorrow.

But the channel has shied away from scheduling the president's address against the Queen's Christmas speech at 3pm. Unlike most years, it is not airing its alternative Christmas message at the same time as the Queen, but is instead scheduling Ahmadinejad's message at 7.15pm.

Channel 4 has said that the Muslim president, who has a hostile relationship with many western countries, will deliver a spiritual address that will feature a message of seasonal goodwill.

---

The Channel 4 head of news and current affairs, Dorothy Byrne, argued that the selection of such controversial figure was in line with the broadcaster's policy of providing an "alternative world view" and reflected the extensive coverage it has given to Iran in recent times.

"As the leader of one of the most powerful states in the Middle East, President Ahmadinejad's views are enormously influential," she said. "As we approach a critical time in international relations, we are offering our viewers an insight into an alternative world view.

Interesting, not quite the standard of the Osbournes or the Simpsons, but hopefully it will be more interesting than the Queens speech!

Personally I think anything that could promote understanding between the West and Iran is a good thing.

Anyone consider it inappropriate given recent relations with Iran?

I find it interesting that those who champion freedom and free speech demand that the views of anyone who they disagree with be silenced.

I understand that the Iranian president also has rather appaling views on gays but his viewpoint is also adopted by the church and the vatican yet their intolerance seems perfectly acceptable.

 

[ludahai]

I see no reason as to refuse him airtime to wish people Happy Christmas apart from predjudices.

Oh yeah, give someone who wants to drive the state of Israel into the sea a chance to express the peace of the season is just the right thing to do. :roll:

 

[Laila]

Oh yeah, give someone who wants to drive the state of Israel into the sea a chance to express the peace of the season is just the right thing to do. :roll:

He was discussing Christmas not Israel and his message was very nice

 

[Vader]

This is simply false.

It's very sad that people continue to repeat these dangerous claims.


As for the speech, it was unspectacular. Same old talking points mixed with religious dogma, I hope Iranians will at least elect someone more pragmatic in the future.

Why is it that everything you disagree with is false?

I heard that he did make that very statement. It may have been out of context; however, it is, at least from what I can tell, accurate.

 

[Laila]

It was out of context and twisted.

 

[ludahai]

He was discussing Christmas not Israel and his message was very nice

You are obviously NOT very good at reading between the lines.

 

[Laila]

You are obviously NOT very good at reading between the lines.

US is oppressing, tyranny still occurs prob in references to ME, Christ would stand against those etc.

 

[creativedreams]

OOh maybe chavez or castro.... no no, wait, kim jong ill! :lol:

I say we invite them all to have some airtime together to express their misunderstood points of view.......and in the meantime drop a bomb on them:mrgreen:

 

[ludahai]

US is oppressing, tyranny still occurs prob in references to ME, Christ would stand against those etc.

You dare put words in the mouth of the Son of God? What hubris.

 

[ludahai]

I say we invite them all to have some airtime together to express their misunderstood points of view.......and in the meantime drop a bomb on them:mrgreen:

Can we add Mugabe and Tan Shuy (spelling?) to that list?