I haven't had the time to sit and watch long interviews like that; busy, busy.
Very happy to hear that it was a good show.
I did notice that he was impeccably dressed. The lack of ties in Iranian diplomats is probably something that should be emulated in the rest of the world. ;-) Though the tightly buttoned, "Mandarin collar" might be just as bad in some situations...
I caught a bit of a "HardTalk" interview with the UAE ambassador to Russia on his new book - Letters to a Young Muslim - directed towards his young son(s). He too was quite persuasive and well-reasoned. The BBC interviewer was asking him quite pointed questions about the UAE joining SA in beating up on al Jazeera. He was trying to finesse al Jazeera vs al Jazeera Arabic; shutting down aJA's editorial stance "supporting terrorism"; etc. It struck me as trying to thread the needle so that the UAE can somehow declare victory even if aJA stays on the air. These guys earn their pay. ;-)
I've always loved a great turn of a phrase. It took me too long to recognize the dangers even among those that support things I believe in. Arguing together is very important, but the "poetry" can get in the way of real understanding and progress.
Cheers,
Scott.
Very happy to hear that it was a good show.
I did notice that he was impeccably dressed. The lack of ties in Iranian diplomats is probably something that should be emulated in the rest of the world. ;-) Though the tightly buttoned, "Mandarin collar" might be just as bad in some situations...
I caught a bit of a "HardTalk" interview with the UAE ambassador to Russia on his new book - Letters to a Young Muslim - directed towards his young son(s). He too was quite persuasive and well-reasoned. The BBC interviewer was asking him quite pointed questions about the UAE joining SA in beating up on al Jazeera. He was trying to finesse al Jazeera vs al Jazeera Arabic; shutting down aJA's editorial stance "supporting terrorism"; etc. It struck me as trying to thread the needle so that the UAE can somehow declare victory even if aJA stays on the air. These guys earn their pay. ;-)
I've always loved a great turn of a phrase. It took me too long to recognize the dangers even among those that support things I believe in. Arguing together is very important, but the "poetry" can get in the way of real understanding and progress.
Cheers,
Scott.