You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who, over the past decade, has been more aggressively outspoken against Trita Parsi and NIAC than I have.
But I’m deeply uncomfortable with what’s being reported.
Unless the USG can demonstrate that Parsi violated U.S. law (and I’m open to the possibility that it can), deporting him would amount to targeting someone for their speech and political beliefs.
And an abuse of government power directed at someone you despise today can very easily be directed at you, or at someone you support, tomorrow.
Trump's threats to destroy Iranian civilization are a gift to the regime. They will alienate even its fiercest opponents, who believe the Islamic Republic has spent decades erasing 2500 years of Iranian civilization. It's malpractice for the U.S. president to threaten the same.
@AaronBastani@mehdirhasan and sticking to confirmed numbers, the same organization is reporting almost 1600 civilian casualties in iran.
both are terrible. stick to facts.
@AaronBastani@mehdirhasan incorrect. 6500+ according to HRANA (solid track record) based on limited data out of iran. 11000+ under investigation. this was before the war started and they switched to covering the war casualties. don’t downplay the iranian deaths.
The greatest countervailing force against the Islamic Republic is pluralistic Iranian nationalism. Reports that the US may fund or arm Kurdish factions inside Iran will alarm many Iranians—and undermine the regime’s opposition. My interview w/ @OutFrontCNN https://t.co/TZ8ufOIGTM
Canadians in #Iran: Due to ongoing tensions, hostilities in the region could resume with little or no warning. Leave Iran now if you can do so safely. Ensure travel documents are up-to-date and keep sufficient supplies in case you need to shelter in place. https://t.co/99clK5kSni