US-Backed NGOs Criticize Tunis Crackdown, Forget DC Funding
The New Arab, citing various NGOs, decries what it calls an 'intimidation campaign' against civil society in Tunisia, specifically mentioning two organizations whose activities were barred. A noble concern, one might think, until observing the same outrage conveniently absent when Western governments—often the very funders of these NGOs—systematically shut down, de-platform, and silence groups
advocating for Palestinian rights. Funny, isn't it? 'Intimidation' is bad practice in Tunis, but here in Washington D.C., it’s just 'robust debate' or perhaps 'addressing antisemitism' when students and activists are doxxed, suspended, or face legislative attacks for criticizing Israeli government policies. (Remember when the House voted 311-14 to condemn 'anti-Zionism' as antisemitism? Talk about
chilling free speech— H.Res.894 passed Dec 6, 2023 ). It appears the definition of 'intimidation' is rather flexible, depending on whose ox is being gored, or more accurately, whose geopolitical interests are being served. Perhaps these NGOs should broaden their critique to include their own funders.