Ahmadinejad's photographer applies for asylum in U.S.
A cameraman who accompanied Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to New York for the U.N. General Assembly has applied for asylum in the United States, and "he's afraid to return to Iran," his attorney said Monday.
New York City-based lawyer Paul O'Dwyer, who said he is working with U.S. authorities on behalf of Hassan Golkanbhan, said his client is afraid of persecution because of his perceived political beliefs.
"He's perceived as not being a supporter, or being an opponent of the Iranian regime," O'Dwyer said. "Somebody who has betrayed the regime and who can no longer be trusted by them."
O'Dwyer said while the cameraman didn't have any suspicion cast on him before his trip to New York, "there were things that he was expected to do that he was uncomfortable with doing," and "while he was here... his position on certain things became known to the Iranian government."
When Golkanbhan's part of the Iranian delegation returned home last Thursday after Ahmadinejad's addressed the General Assembly on Wednesday, the cameraman stayed behind, O'Dwyer said.
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Post by: Filed under: Iran |
KTH: Big questions for both candidates
President Obama and Mitt Romney will face tough questions about recent events and their policy plan details during the debate. Anderson Cooper is Keeping Them Honest and looking at the key issues that will likely be brought up by the moderators.
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Post by: Filed under: 2012 Election • Keeping Them Honest • Mitt Romney • President Barack Obama |
RidicuList: Non-Beliebers
Justin Bieber barfs on stage and doesn’t miss a beat. The show must go on. Say hello to The RidicuList, all you non-Beliebers.
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Post by: Filed under: The RidicuList |
The bane of the 'October surprise'
Dana Bash looks at past "October surprises," unexpected events believed to have cost some candidates their elections.
Candidates pressed for policy specifics
Ari Fleischer and Robert Reich weigh in on issues that will be challenging for both sides during the debates.
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Post by: Filed under: 2012 Election • Mitt Romney • President George W. Bush • Raw Politics |
Letters to the President #1351: 'Poll vaulting'
Reporter's Note: President Obama and Mitt Romney continue to close in on their big debate on Wednesday, just like I continue writing every single day to the man in the Oval Office.
Dear Mr. President,
Did I see a little movement in the polls this morning? Yes, I did, and I’ll bet you did too. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Pretty much every advantage in political races these days is fleeting, and if I were you I would be sounding the klaxon for all hands on deck at campaign headquarters right now.
I mention it, because I have noticed that you look pretty comfortable on the trail these days. Lots of nice, relaxed smiles…big waves…jokes…all the signs that say you are a confident president coasting into a solid second term. For your sake, I hope it’s an act. If a few weeks of good poll numbers have you actually easing up and assuming you will win, you could be making a dreadful mistake.
The American electorate is fickle, unsettled, and short tempered. The candidate, who thinks he has the race in the bag today, may be packing his bags tomorrow. And make no mistake about it: The Republicans are formidable foes, no matter how much some of your Democratic pals may dislike and insult them. (And they do…I’ve heard them.) Sure, Romney has made some stumbles, and he’s had some weak poll showings since your Democratic convention. But the luster is wearing off of that event now…the race appears to be sliding right back to where it was before all the kerfuffle, with you just barely a squeak ahead.
Granted, if you can hold that edge, it is big enough for you to win. But it is also small enough for you to lose.
If I were you or Mitt Romney (well, first, America would be really confused) I would be waking up every single day saying “This is the first day of the race. I must run as if my political life depends on it.” Because in a race this close, that is pretty much the case…and it looks like it just might be getting closer.
Hope all is well. Are you watching the Bears tonight? I can come over if you want. Just call to let me know if I should bring extra ice.
Regards,
Tom
Giuliani: Debate more important for Romney
Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani tells Anderson Cooper what it was like debating Mitt Romney four years ago. He also outlines what he sees as the candidate's objectives for the upcoming debate: Romney has to be presidential, show he's a decent man and set a new narrative.
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Post by: Filed under: 2012 Election • Mitt Romney • President Barack Obama • Raw Politics |
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