Recommendable! Why are Western democracies often so naive about the enemies of open societies?
With Russia, the situation is similar.
"The evidence that Iranian officials ran an influence operation that penetrated the State and Defense departments is damning. Not only did Iranian American academics and think tankers meet with Iranian officials, but leaked emails suggest they also took direction from them. Not only financial gain motivates espionage; ideological solidarity motivated some of the most damaging spies in American history.
While the Biden administration seeks to downplay the scandal, more than 30 senators now demand the Pentagon suspend and review the security clearance of Ariane Tabatabai, one of the members of the so-called Iran Experts Initiative, now in a sensitive Pentagon position. ...
For decades, the Iranian regime traded access for self-censorship. Only those willing to parrot Iranian talking points could expect visas, or meet with top officials, unique access that visitors could then use to heighten their platforms in Washington. While pundits see those who pal around with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov or dine with President Vladimir Putin as demonstrating poor judgment if not being compromised by Russia, somehow elite opinion treats former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif or late President Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani differently. ...
For decades, the Iranian regime traded access for self-censorship. Only those willing to parrot Iranian talking points could expect visas, or meet with top officials, unique access that visitors could then use to heighten their platforms in Washington. While pundits see those who pal around with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov or dine with President Vladimir Putin as demonstrating poor judgment if not being compromised by Russia, somehow elite opinion treats former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif or late President Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani differently. ...
The apparent Iranian influence campaign also extends to Voice of America. Problems with the American broadcaster’s Persian service are nothing new. ...
VOA’s new acting director is John Lippman, who came to notoriety due to the matter of Setareh Sieg, the former Persian Service chief, whom he backed in word and deed. Whistleblowers said that under Sieg’s tenure, VOA was nicknamed “Voice of Tehran” due to its skewed, pro-Iran coverage. ..."
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