Yeah, be like him! Note how even a genocidally-inclined, bloodthirsty authoritarian like Ahmadinejad can denounce “extremism” in favor of an authentic version of Islam: when Muslims in the West speak this way, their non-Muslim hearers all assume they’re saying that Muslims should renounce violence and supremacism and coexist peacefully as equals with non-Muslims in a state without an established religion on an indefinite basis. It is doubtful, however, that Ahmadinejad means that.
Note also the wooing of Pakistan, and Pakistan’s apparent willingness to be wooed.
“Iran – President: Extremism should be replaced with Islamic thoughts,” from Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, November 20:
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Tuesday that restoration of security in Pakistan is of prime importance and all should strive to help replace extremism with genuine Islamic way of thinking inspired by Great Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).
President Ahmadinejad made the remarks in a meeting with visiting Pakistani Federal Minister for Population Welfare Firdous Ashiq Awan.
President Ahmadinejad said that the Islamic Republic of Iran sets no limits on expansion of all-out relations with Pakistan, calling for enhanced economic, scientific and energy cooperation and sharing experience in health sector and medical treatment.
The Islamic Republic of Iran fully backs Pakistan and during the recent massive flood which devastated the country, Iran extended humanitarian assistance and is willing to continue with helping the victims in the future, President Ahmadinejad said.
The President said that Iran and Pakistan would cooperate on international issues and helping the oppressed nations worldwide.
The Pakistani minister, for her part, said the Islamic Republic of Iran is an exemplary model for Pakistan as well as the world Muslims.…