Ahmadinejad: US supports terrorism in Iran

John Coatsworth, dean of Columbia's School of International and Public Affairs, told CNN that it is necessary to deal with Ahmadinejad because "Iran is going to hold the key to peace in the Middle East."

"We have to be able to deal with and negotiate with leaders like this, however much we may disagree with their views," Coatsworth stated, downplaying suggestions that it was "foolish" to allow American's to hear Admadinejad's views. "We're going to ask him tough questions. If he gives terrible answers, that will be known ... by everyone in the world."

"The reasons for doing this really go to freedom of speech and academic freedom," explained Bollinger. "What's at stake here is really the opportunity to be able to learn about the world. ... It's extremely important to know who the leaders are of countries that are your adversaries, to watch them to see how they think, to see how they reason or do not reason." President Lee Bollinger told ABC News

The following video is from CNNs CNN Newsroom, broadcast on September 22, 2007.