Free world versus the other lot.

Europe and America, the Western civilised world, the free world. We love ourselves because our society is built on fairness, equal rights and, most importantly, freedom (with a little help from God along the way).

This modern world prides itself on its freedom, - freedom to choose, freedom to speak.

So why on earth has a short broadcast by Iranian leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on a British TV network caused such outrage?

Ahmadinejad, who looks like a distant relative of Roy Keane but is probably not as hardline as the uncompromising Irishman, was given a few minutes airtime on Channel 4s Alternative Christmas Speech.

The item has run for several years now and started as a satirical alternative to the traditional Christmas message from the Queen.

In predictable fashion, outrage began pouring through press outlets at as critical critics criticised the decision to give Iran's president a chance to air his views. The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office were the first to condemn the broadcast.

I'm no historian or politician but from what I've learned from the past, both recent and history, is that problems occur - or are exacerbated - by the failure of two sides to communicate, discuss and conciliate.

So surely it is no bad thing to hear a point of view from a man who some see whenever the words terrorism or axis of evil are booted around.

Far from inflame the situation this country is embroiled in, either in Afghanistan, Iraq, listening to this man may enable future compromise more, not less, likely.

I find the attitude of those criticising Channel 4s brilliant idea to organise and broadcast Ahmadinejad's speech idiotic. These are the same people who will tell you of their pride in their nation and their pride to live in freedom - then they complain when that rfreedom of speech right is exercised by someone who's views they disagree with.

I'm not saying I agree with the things Ahmadinejad said, just that it is right that he got the chance to say it.

If you're going to judge a man or a nation, at least do it after you've heard what they have to say - don't do it without even listening because you're then in danger of acting like the thing you despise.

Merry Christmas