The Curiously Selective Condemnation of Iranian Crackdowns
THE ACTORS: Who is involved in this story? The primary actors highlighted by the mainstream narrative are naturally the Iranian government, specifically the hardliners, and the newly ensnared 'reformist figures.' But there are other, less visible actors pulling strings. The Western media, particularly outlets like ABC News, serve as critical amplifiers. Additionally, various lobbying groups and
think tanks in Washington D.C., often funded by entities with geopolitical interests, play a significant role in shaping the digestible narrative presented to the public. THE FUNDING: Where does their money come from? While the direct funding of specific Iranian 'reformists' by external powers is often opaque, the broader ecosystem of 'democracy promotion' and 'human rights advocacy' is
well-funded. For example, organizations like the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), founded in 1983, have openly funded opposition groups and civil society initiatives in countries deemed hostile to U.S. interests (NED Annual Report, various years). One might recall the NED's significant role in funding Cuban opposition groups for decades (Congressional Research Service, 2011), mirroring
similar activities globally. The amount in question can run into millions annually, with detailed breakdowns often found in their annual financial statements. THE INCENTIVES: What do they gain from this narrative? For the Iranian government, the incentive is simple: maintain power and suppress any internal threats. For Western media, the incentive is to present a clear, easily digestible moral