Kendall fills us in from Washington, Megyn.
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Neil Cavuto: Now if you dont fight them, coerce them. The Bush administration thinks there is a lot to be said to saying a lot about democracy period in of all places, Iran. Even if it can appear illegal. Megyn Kendall fills us in from Washington, Megyn.
Something the State Department flatly rejects.
Richard Boucher (State Department Spokesman): Supporting democracy and human rights around the world is something the United States does everywhere; its not an attempt to decide someone elses internal affairs.
Neil Cavuto: Thank you Megyn very much. Megyn Kendall in Washington. Well, add that three million to another fifteen million the US already spends annually on radio and TV broadcasts in Iran; but is this a good idea? My next guest says yes it is. Alireza Jafarzadeh is the President of Strategic Policy Consulting and a FOX News Foreign Affairs Analyst. Good to have you.
Neil Cavuto: Its interesting because I always wonder where this money goes when we try to promote freedom in Iran. Where do you think it goes?
Alireza Jafarzadeh: Well, Neil I think first of all, this is a good idea, not because of the financial value of the money, but I think because of the political message. It sends a signal to the Iranian regime, that the United States is ready to take some tangible steps to help the democracy movement in Iran, to help unseating the Ayatollahs. It helps the Iranian people, because it encourages the opposition both inside and outside of the country. So, I think the significance is really beyond the three million dollars.
Neil Cavuto: But did we get that kind of bang for our buck with Radio Free Europe or Voice of America in countries that had totalitarianism regimes or are there other forces that eventually change that around?
Neil Cavuto: Yea, but that means doing something. Weve got to do something beyond just democracy broadcasts into the country, right? And we are not doing that.
Alireza Jafarzadeh: You are right Neil. I think what the United States needs to do is to empower the Iranian opposition; to remove any restrictions on the opposition. Megyn was just making a report earlier about imposing terrorist label on the Iranian opposition. You cannot encourage regime change when Irans main opposition is labeled as terrorists. So, thats the first step, thats what needs to be done. You need to pressure the Europeans to do the same and take practical steps in helping the opposition.
Neil Cavuto: All good ideas, Alireza. Thank you very much, good having you on.