A hostage, Michael White, has been freed by Iran, apparently in exchange for the Iranian citizen just returned by the U.S. after acquittal. There are at least three hostages remaining held by Iran. But … the Regime’s record is to release and then catch others. Hostages are for trading. “Michael White: Iran releases US navy veteran held for two years,” The National, June 4, 2020. See “American and Western Hostages,” UANI, June 4, 2020.
The Regime has not convinced all Iranian citizens that Israel is the Little Satan. “Israel Considering Asylum Requests From its Iran-Based Social Media Followers,” Michael Lipin, VOA, June 4, 2020.
This is another story about how Iran is enabled beyond its borders by other countries who want to hurt freedom and free markets and the U.S. and the West, and how Iran is enabled by greedy individuals. “Federal prosecutors say former Alaskan laundered nearly $1 billion for Iran through United Arab Emirates,” Jon Gambrell, AP, June 4, 2020. See also the statement released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Alaska, December 7, 2018, “Former Anchorage Resident Sentenced to Federal Prison for International Money Laundering Conspiracy.”
59 died from coronavirus on Wednesday, announced Thursday. “Iran: Number of daily virus cases quadruple,” Muhammet Kursun, AA, June 4, 2020.
“Iran signs two-year contract with Iraq to export electricity – IRNA,” Reuters, June 4, 2020.
“Facebook Starts Labeling Russian, Chinese, And Iranian State Media,” RFE/RL, June 4, 2020.
“Iran frees American, U.S. allows dual citizen to visit Iran in deal,” Humeyra Pamuk and Mark Hosenball, Reuters, June 4, 2020.
“Iranian citizenship law for children of foreign fathers approved,” Reza Shirmohammadi, InfoMigrants, June 4, 2020.
“Google says Iranian, Chinese hackers targeted Trump, Biden campaigns,” Zack Whittaker, TechCrunch, June 4, 2020.
Whenever you see another of these enabler stories, where the reporter sets it up as one country (Russia) versus another (U.S.) and doesn’t examine the arguments (simply reports what the parties say), and doesn’t consider other country’s viewpoint on the issue, ask a question such as “Hey Russia, what does Israel say about Iran’s ballistic missile program?” or “Hey Russia, what does Saudi Arabia say about Iran’s ballistic missile program?” or “Hey Russia, what does Egypt say about Iran’s ballistic missile program?” See “Russia defends Iran satellite launch against US opposition,” Edith Lederer, The Republic, June 4, 2020.
“Iran’s new tactics in Syria,” Middle East Eye, June 4, 2020.
The gruesome nature of this one honor killing is not the real story. Inside the article is a statement—“A police official said in 2014 that about 20 percent of all murders in Iran had been honor killings.” That is a statement that warrants further research. See “Gruesome Death Of Iranian Teenager Shows Shame Of ‘Honor’ Killings,” Golnaz Esfandiari, Radio Farda, June 4, 2020.
Also enabling Iran are various media accounts over the years that don’t capture the reality on the ground. For example, today Michael White’s mother said, “For the past 683 days my son, Michael, has been held hostage in Iran by the (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) and I have been living a nightmare. I am blessed to announce that the nightmare is over, and my son is safely on his way home.” But look at the headline and story from CNN, where White is not a hostage but a detainee. “US Navy veteran detained in Iran has been released,” Vivian Salama and Jennifer Hansler, CNN, June 4, 2020.