Resistance and Resilience theme
The Iranian regime's ability to resist economic sanctions is a testament to their cunning, but also raises questions about the true cost of their resilience and whether they're just digging in for the long haul.
Iran Vows To Resist US Economic War The US is unlikely to succeed in its economic war against Iran, according to expert Samir Abu Eid. The new tough economic sanctions imposed by the US on Iran are the toughest economic measure ever taken against a country, but the regime in Teheran will do everything possible to avoid and mitigate them. Iran has learned to live with harsh sanctions for decades and has developed smuggling networks and shadow fleets to export oil, among other things. The regime has also trained its soldiers to confront and defeat enemies. It is likely that the economic penalties will harm Iran, but the regime will do everything possible to soften them and continue to live under harsh sanctions. US President Donald Trump has stated that the new sanctions are a "maximum economic pressure" on Iran, but it's unlikely enough to bring the regime to its knees. See article on SVT News.
FSB Coerces Former Pussy Riot Member Into Espionage Role A Former Pussy Riot Member Forced to Work for FSB After Raid Margarita Konovalova, also known as Rita Flores, shares her experience of working for Russia's security service FSB after a raid on her apartment. She recounts how she was coerced into collaborating with FSB and threatened with death. Konovalova describes her assignment to gather information on artists and activists, with the goal of identifying works of interest to Russian authorities. She also reveals that FSB attempted to recruit her in a plot to abduct and kill a Russian journalist. The experience was ambiguous, but Konovalova insists it was a conscious decision to work for FSB. However, she admits to feeling pressured into working under their supervision and has been anxious about her own fate. Konovalova's story highlights how the Russian government's security service can exert pressure on opposition groups and civil society. It also underscores the importance of giving voice to those who have been subjected to this kind of treatment. It is a tale of power, control, and freedom. A narrative of how one can struggle against another and how crucial outspoken voices are in an open and free society. See article on SVT News.