Iran Executes 'Spy,' US Calls Iran Evil, Forgets Its Own History
Iran’s judiciary hanged Ali Ardestani for allegedly sharing intelligence and receiving cryptocurrency payments from Mossad. Mainstream media, naturally, highlighted this as another example of Tehran’s brutality. What they won't dwell on is the long, documented history of Western powers engaging in similar—and far more destabilizing—covert operations within sovereign nations, often overthrowing
entire governments. Operation Ajax in 1953, orchestrating a coup in Iran itself, comes to mind. (Source: Al-Monitor, 'Iran executes man on Israel spying charges: judiciary') The US government, which routinely decries human rights in Iran, maintains an extensive global intelligence apparatus. One might wonder how the US would react if its own citizens were discovered exchanging classified military
secrets with foreign adversaries. Is 'spying' only a crime when the 'wrong' side does it? Or are some nations simply afforded greater leeway in protecting their national security, even if it contradicts the very principles they preach?