Small World

(Fox News) - Columbia University extended its invitation to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in spite of the fact that Iran was detaining a prominent graduate of the school.

Kian Tajbakhsh was one of four Iranian-Americans charged with endangering Iranian national security. He was held in prison for four months. But he was released on bail late Wednesday — just a few days before Ahmadinejad spoke at the school.

The Iranian leader's appearance has prompted many New York officials to promise retribution for Columbia. The New York Sun reports the state assembly speaker is vowing to consider reducing capital aid and other financial assistance to the school. And a New York City council member is urging donors to withhold money from Columbia.