In a few short weeks, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will descend on New York City to deliver his “swan song” speech to the UN General Assembly. If the past is any guide, the tyrant will spend his days spewing vitriolic and hateful anti-American and anti-Semitic rhetoric, as well as wild and offensive conspiracy theories. And when the sun goes down, he will likely rest his head on a fluffy pillow at the Warwick Hotel on 54th Street.
That’s right: United Against Nuclear Iran has recently learned that the Warwick is preparing to host Ahmadinejad and his delegation for the second year in a row. This is a true outrage, particularly considering that US Secret Service and NYPD will be responsible for securing the premises, at taxpayer expense.
Last year, a few city leaders responded to New Yorkers’ anger toward the Warwick by suggesting we “grin and bear it” when it comes to hosting Ahmadinejad and other thugs, since the United Nations is good for the city and its economy. We strongly oppose that sentiment —particularly since Ahmadinejad could easily stay at his country’s UN mission, as some other world leaders do.
Ahmadinejad is entitled to speak at the United Nations, but neither the Warwick nor any other hotel is obliged to provide him VIP treatment and accommodation. Instead, the Warwick should do what other Manhattan hotels have done, and tell Ahmadinejad and his cohorts that they’re not welcome here, and never will be.
How else should a New York business treat a person who leads a criminal regime, calls 9/11 a “big lie,” brutalizes his own people and prominently sponsors terrorism around the world?
For this reason, UANI is calling for a boycott of the Warwick and its other properties. We will do whatever it takes to show Americans what the Warwick’s values are these days, and remind them that they always have a choice when it comes to where they stay.
We are also calling on UNITE HERE and other unions that include Warwick employees to refuse service to Ahmadinejad and his delegation during this last week of September. Iran is supremely hostile to unions and workers’ rights, and no worker should be expected to play host to such a regime here in New York.
It is time for Americans to say “enough” to a leader who has openly vowed to destroy our allies, is building a nuclear weapon and who has so deeply insulted the people of New York.
By refusing Iran’s delegation, the Warwick could send a powerful message that it as a business cares about more than just dollars. If it goes ahead with its irresponsible decision, it will only help legitimize this heinous regime.
Mark D. Wallace is CEO of United Against Nuclear Iran. He served as US ambassador to the United Nations, representative for UN Management and Reform.