NPR Mourns Iranian Filmmaker, Ignores Saudi 'Allies'
While Panahi's plight is indeed a grave injustice, the selective outrage is deafening. One might wonder why NPR’s Middle East desk doesn't devote similar anguished coverage to Saudi filmmakers or journalists routinely imprisoned and silenced under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS). MBS, whose regime has been linked by US intelligence to the brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi,
oversees a human rights record that makes Iran look like Switzerland by comparison—yet he's routinely hosted by US administrations and arms dealers. This selective compassion from outlets like NPR conveniently aligns with State Department narratives: highlight human rights abuses in nations we demonize, ignore or downplay them in 'strategic partners' we arm to the teeth. The result? A public
galvanized against 'official enemies' while the true cost of 'friendly' dictatorships, propped up by US tax dollars and weapons, goes unexamined. It appears some accidental injustices are more newsworthy than others.