Amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran, the Iranian government has revoked the press credentials of a New York Times reporter, effectively barring the journalist from covering the government for the past four months, the Times reported Tuesday.
The Times correspondent, Thomas Erdbrink, who is a citizen of the Netherlands, has been covering Iran for the Times since 2012. He’s been unable to work since February, the newspaper said. While it is unclear whether there is a correlation, the Erdbrink ban comes as the U.S. sends more troops to the region in response to apparent threats against U.S. personnel in the Middle East.
The Iranian authorities have reportedly assured the Times correspondent that his credentials would be restored, but have not yet explained the rationale for the revocation.
Maybe Iran should make American journalists register as “foreign agents”. Just for fun.
Anyone else read this expecting to find out that it was the U.S. State Dept. banning him and not Iran?
Looks like the the EU just gave Trump the middle finger.
When the day the dollar is no longer the only alternative as a global currency, our interest rates are going to spike with our debt level.
Remember kids - it’s totally cool when the USA busts whistle-blowers, threatens publishers with imprisonment, and forces them to register as “foreign agents”.
But very, VERY bad for “Democracy” when other nations do the same.
GOOD AND JUST: “Americans have a right to know who is acting in the United States to influence the U.S. government or public on behalf of foreign principals,”
BAD : “Iranians have a right to know who is acting in the Iran to influence the Iranian or public on behalf of foreign principals,”
I don’t agree with what Iran has done. They would benefit far more from opening their country, which is frankly the most modern and civilized in that region, than by closing down further. However, considering the role US media played in the run up to the Iraq war, whether intentionally, or by playing the role of loudspeakers for the US govt, can anyone blame them if they want to reduce US media presence in their country?