It’s never fun when you are invited to a party that you have to attend and you know that a despised fiend will be given the floor. Should you stay or should you go? The World Jewish Congress and other groups are urging the latter. That is, they want diplomats to boycott the September 23 U.N. General Assembly address of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who is fresh off a contested reelection bid in which an unknown number of protestors were beaten and killed in the streets by his henchmen.

Nonetheless, U.N. rules clearly declare that as a head of state the ruler must be admitted to the world body and allowed to address it if desired.

Few readers need detailed reminders of Mr. Ahmadinejad’s pathological hatred of the State of Israel, the United States and freedom in general. Nor are they likely oblivious to his overt interest in making Iran a nuclear power.

While the Iranians say they are pursuing nuclear energy for domestic energy consumption, their years-long refusal of International Atomic Energy Agency inspections has led numerous governments to conclude that they are well-engaged in a nuclear weapons program. When one combines that with Iran’s long-time support for terrorist groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah (which until 911 had killed more Americans than any other terrorist group – remember the Marine barracks bombing in Lebanon?), and Mr. Ahmedinejad’s pledge to wipe out the state of Israel, the concern is palpable.

That noted, diplomats should not walk out of the U.N. hall when the Iranian president takes to the rostrum. Rather, they should simply stand and turn their backs on him. Further, as he speaks they should refrain from any applause or cat-calling. Let him and the world see that he is being shunned for what he is – a pariah.

Meanwhile, let us work to ensure that if the Iranian leader does make other public appearances, that he is met at every turn with a broad coalition of those opposed to his venomous thoughts and actions. He might spoil the mood of the party for all, but that does not mean that he should have a good time doing it.