Sun-Tzu for President

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad yesterday called for a "direct televised debate" with President Bush. Ahmadinejad (AHK-muh-DIN-i-jad) is hoping Bush doesn't get the "let's not even have a debate" jitters like he did before finally having to succumb to do doing so in the run up to the 2004 election after John Kerry's (and the American people's) insistance.

The Bush Administration has a history of not wanting to converse with their enemies, as was demonstrated during the most recent Israel/Hezbollah conflict, opting instead to share their solution ideas over microphones they weren't aware were on.

This is the second open attempt that Ahmadinejad has made to start a dialogue with Bush. In May, Ahmadinejad wrote an 18-page paper covering topics from religion to foreign affairs, among others. Instead of taking one side's version of the opposing side, I read the paper. Call me anti-American (and some most certainly would), it was actually level-headed and reasonable.

Ahmadinejad's only condition for the proposed debate is "that there can be no censorship, especially for the American nation," no doubt referring to the Hitler-stache that Fox News would inevitably superimpose over the Iranian PMs already bearded jawline. Ahmadinejad also repeated his claims that their nuclear push is not in the direction of nuclear weapons.

Now, I certainly do not take Ahmadinejad's rosy claims at face value. All I am saying is, at least he's approaching this disagreement in a civilized fashion. While Fox News has constantly equated Ahmedinejad to Hitler-going so far as to put both of their pictures up side-by-side in broadcasts-in Hitler's case the only invitations to debates-televised or otherwise-he ever gave anyone was to their houses versus his tanks.

If Bush were truly a strong leader, or even only skilled in conflict-a mark of a true leader-he would at least see what his enemy has to offer. Bush could learn a lot from someone with a lot of experience with enemies. Oh, you know who has a lot of experiences with enemies? Samurais. That's who.

If you know the enemy, and know yourself, you need not fear the outcome of one hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will suffer one defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.
-The Art of War III-18

Sun Tzu knew about enemies...and philosophy. George Bush knows about, well, world record setting perch. A good leader should look forward to open debate to expose an opponent, not rely solely on figer pointing. This should be an opportunity to prove beyond the shadow of a doubt that Ahmadinejad is the beast they proclaim. As of now, the Administration has taken to writing off the debate invitation as a "diversion".

It is time for an open debate between our side and the Muslims, instead of an open war. We have seen the outcome of allegations (candidate for understatement of the year). Ahmadinejad is providing Bush the perfect opportunity to right allegations he's being increasingly accused of, and all in one meeting. I might not even mind if he has to have help again, as long as he shows he can face a challenge resolutely. Ok, I would mind.

I'm betting the chances of this potentially incredibly important debate taking place are about as likely as Bush getting reelected, even if he was eligible. And we, as the people of Earth, will miss out on a great opportunity right along with him.