When then-Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-NE) delivered a controversial speech in March 2007 at Rutgers University, he did so at the invitation of Hooshang Amirahmadi, an officially-approved candidate for the presidency of Iran in 2013 and advocate for the Tehran regime, according to a report by Charles C. Johnson at the Daily Caller.
Hagel’s remarks at Rutgers have drawn renewed attention because of allegations that he made the claim during the question-and-answer period that “[t]he State Department has become adjunct to the Israeli Foreign Minister’s office.” Hagel has since denied making such a remark, or agreeing with it. Video or audio of the event has yet to be produced; Hagel’s words were reported by a blogger in attendance who agreed with his views.
Amirahmadi’s involvement was first reported on Feb. 15 by the Washington Free Beacon, which also noted that Amirahmadi directs the Rutgers Center for Middle Eastern Studies and the Iranian American Council. Amirahmadi disputes the blogger’s account of the speech, though he concedes that it was “possible” Hagel made the remark.
Johnson notes Amirahmadi has accepted funds from the Alafi Foundation, a front group for the Iranian regime.
Mage source: Daily Caller
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