The past week played host to two major news events. The first was the visit to Columbia University by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The second was the increasingly visible struggle in Myanmar for political and social liberty and the institution of democracy. Both topics received considerable attention and brought out many different views and commentaries, especially on the issue of Ahmadinejad. Both issues have a major effect on the world-wide political stage. It is hard to believe that two stories and one person, encompassing three countries, thousands of miles apart, can be connected in any way, but the events are very connected. They are connected in a manner that is both regrettable and disturbing. (more…)