I have just heard that the President of Iraq, Jalal Talabani, visited Cambridge today. He has been speaking at the Cambridge Union Society. I asked if I could have a press pass, but was told that all names for those wishing to attend had to be submitted to police in advance and vetted by them.
Geoff called me after noticing the intense security checks and sniffer dogs in the area, he said he had never seen anything like it before.
My name has now been added to the Union Society’s media list for future invites, they do have great speakers.
Update: The President told students that US and British troops need to stay in Iraq for another one or two years. He also met Tony Blair during his visit and described him as a “dear friend” and “great leader”.
Well he has to say that if he wants out troops to remain.
lol Elle, went past the Round Church and Student’s Union around nine this morning, and saw a very long line of policemen going right round the block – Jesus Lane and up Bridge St.
Thought it couldn’t be that much security for the filming of a period ‘drama’ outside Trinity College.
I guess the Iraqi students in who invited the new President of Iraq to Cambridge SU supported the invasion of Iraq – and clearly believe that military action is a ‘legitimate’ way to conduct business in a modern democracy.
Mind you isn’t that how Saddam came to power too?
I was there. He seemed like a very nice man, but didn’t really instill confidence in anyone that the situation in Iraq is going to be getting better anytime soon or that the government is making meaningful progress.
My notes on the event: http://nicholasthartman.com/blog/2007/05/11/iraqi-president-jalal-talabani/
Nicholas, thank you for the link to your post, lucky you for getting in. I enjoyed reading it and have cut and paste it below:
“Earlier today Iraq’s current President Jalal Talabani visited the Cambridge Union Society. President Talabani created somewhat of a strange situation for the police as he required extraordinary security, not to mention the huge taxpayer costs incurred, despite the fact that likely less than 1 in 50 people on the street even knew who he was by name or face. However, regardless the Union was pleased to receive the President.
Mr Talabani arrived in the Union’s Debating Chamber to a standing ovation. This was, however, followed by a 40 minute speech read verbatim from shuffled sheets of paper that put most of the audience to sleep. About 25 minutes into the ordeal, I took a quick visual poll around the Chamber. Of those that hadn’t fallen asleep, about 75% of the remaining souls seemed to be staring off into blank space or counting the stained glass tiles on the windows.
The President’s performance during the first 40 minutes or so of the event was, to put it lightly, rather unimpressive. One would think that the head of state for a country in the midst of a bloody civil war of sectarian violence at the center of major international controversy might want to, even just a bit, talk about that fact in his prepared statement. But no, instead the Chamber was treated to a somnolent autobiographical lecture about the President’s life history in politics. I don’t mean to sound blunt, but if you’re the president of a country that is literally ripping itself apart, nobody bloody cares what you did at university. We want to hear what he thinks of the current state of Iraq and how he plans on sorting it out!
Fortunately, after Mr Talabani recited his life story, the Chamber was arisen from their deep sleep for a much more interesting 30 minute period of Q&A. I provided the first question and asked the President if, using the media present, he wished to pass a message on behalf of Iraq to the families of the coalition soldiers that gave their lives for his country during the current campaign. Given the minor language barrier, I thought Mr Talabani gave a very sincere response referencing America’s involvement in the European campaigns of WWII and concluding by saying that the current sacrifices were “noble.�
There was a wide rage of other questions; however the President disappointingly declined to comment on some of the tougher issues such as Turkey’s views on the Kurds and the Iraqi view on allegations that Iran has been assisting insurgent violence.
During the Q&A, Mr Talabani was very chiasmic and seemed to connect well with the Cambridge student body; however, that said he clearly didn’t manage to convince most people present that the Iraqi government was able to organize and manage a secure and responsible state.
The future of Iraq is now in the hands of the Iraqis. However, as of yet they have failed to demonstrate to themselves and to the world that the people of Iraq are capable of running a self managed stable and peaceful society. The events in Northern Ireland earlier this week serve as an example of a peaceful resolution to sectarian violence. We can only hope that the people of Iraq will eventually follow this path and fight their opposing views with words in democratic debate and not bombs in a market square.”