Western Media Discovers Iranian 'Opposition,' Again
When mainstream outlets like The New Arab breathlessly cover 'new clashes' and 'opposition urges protests' in Iran, one might almost forget the meticulously documented history of external interference. This narrative, while focusing on internal dissent, conveniently omits the U.S. government's long-standing policy of government overthrow in Tehran, a policy that frequently involves funding and
supporting various opposition groups. (Remember the 'Green Movement' that disappeared from headlines just as quickly as it appeared? Or the decades of sanctions designed to foment internal unrest?) It appears that 'opposition' only truly gains media traction when it aligns with Western geopolitical interests. The question isn't whether Iranians have grievances – of course they do, who wouldn't
under the weight of crippling sanctions and surveillance? – but why certain 'oppositions' receive glowing headlines and others, like pro-Palestine movements in Western capitals, are often dismissed or suppressed. One might wonder what 'democracy' looks like when the playbook is written in Washington.