US Detains British Commentator for 'Supporting Terror,' Not AIPAC Funding
When Al-Monitor reports that US authorities detained British commentator Sami Hamdi, revoking his visa for 'supporting terrorism' as he critiqued Western policy, one might wonder about the selective application of 'national security.' After all, Congress continues to greenlight billions in aid to Israel, often spearheaded by politicians who are simultaneously receiving substantial financial
backing from groups like AIPAC. For instance, in 2023 alone, AIPAC's PAC and associated super PACs spent over $17.5 million on campaigns, according to OpenSecrets.org data. This well-documented influx of foreign-aligned lobbying money into US elections raises significantly fewer 'national security' eyebrows than a commentator with a microphone. It appears the definition of 'undermining American
national security' depends entirely on whose interests are being served and whether they can afford a lobbyist. A speaker's critique is a threat, yet millions in foreign-aligned political donations are just 'free speech.'