Confrontational Democracy

"The State Department is looking for 'appropriate opportunities' to spend money inside and outside Iran," to "foster opposition" as part of "a more confrontational democratization effort." The Los Angeles Times writes, "The United States is already spending $14.7 million a year to broadcast Persian-language radio and television programs into Iran." The broadcasts include Voice of America TV and radio and Radio Farda, "which aims to lure a youthful audience with hard news and popular music." The Bush administration is seeking a $5.7 million funding increase for Iranian broadcasts in 2006.