US lobbyists tune in for regime change in Iran

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

http://news.ft.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=FT.com/StoryFT/FullStory&c=StoryFT&cid=1069493769508

By Guy Dinmore
Published: December 5 2003 20:53 | Last Updated: December 5 2003 20:53


With a touch of under-statement - "we are trying something a little out of the ordinary today" - one of America's most influential neo-conservative lobby groups this week started broadcasting a live radio chat-show out of its Washington headquarters and into Iran, featuring interviews with opposition activists in both countries.

The teaming-up of the well-funded and well-connected American Enterprise Institute (AEI) with Los Angeles-based Radio Sedaye Iran (Voice of Iran) marks a new step in the efforts of the US right to influence regime change in the Islamic republic.

Danielle Pletka, acting as AEI host, expressed the often-heard view among America's neo-conservatives that President George W. Bush's forceful policy messages on spreading global democracy were not being matched by action.

US policy over Iran was unclear, debate within the Bush administration "has not been as robust as one might hope" and as a result little had been done, Ms Pletka told a packed audience at AEI headquarters on the capital's 17th Street.
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