I say Good On Them!

[OriZ 3,157]

Or is this Islamophobia?

Rohani’s upcoming trip has already caused an uproar in France, where RTL radio reported on Monday that the Iranian president has refused to dine at the Elysée presidential palace if wine is served during the meal.

Although Iran had requested a halal menu, which customarily means no alcohol, France was unwilling to break with the traditions surrounding official state lunches or dinners, according to RTL.

Nobody should bend over backwards for anyone just because of their religious beliefs.

[OriZ 3,157]

I suppose a link for the source would help, forgot it before

http://www.france24.com/en/20151110-france-iran-president-rouhani-objects-french-wine-paris-visit

[X Factor 1,112]

The French won't compromise on their wine. They are practically weaned on it. When I was in the army, we couldn't drink alcohol during lunch and right across from us US soldiers were the French soldiers gulping down wine.

[Dakine10 5,452]

The French won't compromise on their wine. They are practically weaned on it. When I was in the army, we couldn't drink alcohol during lunch and right across from us US soldiers were the French soldiers gulping down wine.

So they didn't insist that you be served wine then, right? Because that difference seems to be the premise of the article.

[X Factor 1,112]

So they didn't insist that you be served wine then, right? Because that difference seems to be the premise of the article.

We had to abide by US laws and couldn't drink wine. The French soldiers understood that and didn't insist. They just enjoyed their lunch with wine.

[Dakine10 5,452]

We had to abide by US laws and couldn't drink wine. The French soldiers understood that and didn't insist. They just enjoyed their lunch with wine.

I wonder how that works with official state visits. Serving alcohol with Islamic guests present is problematic, to say the least. It's not just a matter of not consuming, but they are not even supposed to sit at a table where alcohol is served.

You would think there would be existing protocol. I would disagree with the article saying Iran's president snubbed France. Seems to be the other way around. Why hold a dinner for someone who can't possibly attend?

[Sousuke 1,214]

I wonder how that works with official state visits. Serving alcohol with Islamic guests present is problematic, to say the least. It's not just a matter of not consuming, but they are not even supposed to sit at a table where alcohol is served.

You would think there would be existing protocol. I would disagree with the article saying Iran's president snubbed France. Seems to be the other way around. Why hold a dinner for someone who can't possibly attend?

I'm not aware of not being able to sit at a table with alcohol.

[Dakine10 5,452]

I'm not aware of not being able to sit at a table with alcohol.

It's true. I'm not sure if it's universally observed or not.

[GandD 5,966]

No, the customs of the country being visited are more important than the customs of the visitor. Any guest should know that. They don't have to drink it. Dig really hard and you'll prob find illegal alcohol in lots of places in Iran. Including state owned property.

This is why I don't get all bent out of shape when our president bows to another leader. It's a respect for the culture you're visiting. Part of leaving your home is accepting the world. Can't do it? Stay home.

Edited November 10, 2015 by GandD

[Janelle2002 3,865]

No, the customs of the country being visited are more important than the customs of the visitor. Any guest should know that. They don't have to drink it. Dig really hard and you'll prob find illegal alcohol in lots of places in Iran. Including state owned property.

This is why I don't get all bent out of shape when our president bows to another leader. It's a respect for the culture you're visiting. Part of leaving your home is accepting the world. Can't do it? Stay home.

Sooooooo you invite your wife's friends over for dinner. You cook pig, cow and chicken knowing she's a vegetarian? Why invite them?

[Sousuke 1,214]

Sooooooo you invite your wife's friends over for dinner. You cook pig, cow and chicken knowing she's a vegetarian? Why invite them?

Yep, as long as there is a vegetarian option.

[GandD 5,966]

We have some vegetarian friends. We make them a separate dish because we want them to have something good to eat. Then the rest of us eat whatever my wife decides to cook. Like I said, they don't have to drink the wine but they shouldn't make that choice for others.

[GandD 5,966]

Yep, as long as there is a vegetarian option.

Yeah the kind of person that wouldn't come to my house if meat was being served is the kind of person I wouldn't want at my house. I accept them and they have to accept me. It's common courtesy.

[Dakine10 5,452]

No, the customs of the country being visited are more important than the customs of the visitor. Any guest should know that. They don't have to drink it. Dig really hard and you'll prob find illegal alcohol in lots of places in Iran. Including state owned property.

This is why I don't get all bent out of shape when our president bows to another leader. It's a respect for the culture you're visiting. Part of leaving your home is accepting the world. Can't do it? Stay home.

Generally there is a level of compromise i would think, and it depends on the countries. Do you think they would invite Netanyahu to the White House and serve pork? I think they would try to be accommodating and have some Kosher options, and I don't think being accommodating is considered bending over backwards.

That said, I think in the article in question, the compromise would be relatively simple. If they are both being stubborn just to make issue, what's the point having a state function anyway. Hollande can go one meal without wine, and Rouhani can request a separate table. Otherwise it starts out as more of a bad will visit for both sides.

[Dakine10 5,452]

Yeah the kind of person that wouldn't come to my house if meat was being served is the kind of person I wouldn't want at my house. I accept them and they have to accept me. It's common courtesy.

The problem with world leaders. They can't even come to a compromise on dinner.

It should never be a surprise when they cant accomplish anything on real issues.