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Censorship Communications Social Networks Government Networking Security Software The Internet United States

US Calls On Iran To Unblock Social Media Sites Amid Protests (go.com) 135

Posted by BeauHD from the food-and-freedom dept.
The Trump administration is calling on the government of Iran to stop blocking Instagram and other social media sites while encouraging Iranians to use special software to circumvent controls. "The great Iranian people have been repressed for many years," President Trump tweeted yesterday. "They are hungry for food & for freedom. Along with human rights, the wealth of Iran is being looted. Time for change!" ABC News reports: Undersecretary of State Steve Goldstein, in charge of public diplomacy, said the U.S. wants Iran's government to "open these sites" including the photo-sharing platform Instagram and the messaging app Telegram. "They are legitimate avenues for communication," Goldstein said. "People in Iran should be able to access those sites." Iranians seeking to evade the blocks can use virtual private networks, Goldstein said. Known as VPNs, the services create encrypted data "tunnels" between computers and are used in many countries to access overseas websites blocked by the local government. Despite the blocks, the United States is working to maintain communication with Iranians in the Farsi language, including through official accounts on Facebook, Twitter and other platforms. The State Department also was to distribute videos of top U.S. officials encouraging the protesters through those and other sites.
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US Calls On Iran To Unblock Social Media Sites Amid Protests More

US Calls On Iran To Unblock Social Media Sites Amid Protests

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  • wonder where does the "Undersecretary of State Steve Goldstein" stand on government backdoors to encryption.

  • How about you butt out ? (Score:1)

    by Anonymous Coward
    " The State Department also was to distribute videos of top U.S. officials encouraging the protesters through those and other sites" yeah I can't imagine such an endorsement being appreciated, after the coup of 53, the later revolution, and the quite obvious sign that Iranian at large did not forget who put Shah in power , heck by their own admission in 2013 by the C fucking IA. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/... [wikipedia.org].

    So how about you butt out the fuck of that country internal affair ? Or are "interference" wi

    • Re: (Score:2, Insightful)

      by bobbied ( 2522392 )
      Like the previous administration didn't meddle in overseas affairs too... They may have had a different perspective on when it was appropriate and in the USA's interest, but they meddled a LOT in various things going on overseas. It's pretty much been the case since the USA came into existence in the 1700's where we got involved in various conflicts that didn't directly involve us.

      • Like the previous administration didn't meddle in overseas affairs too... They may have had a different perspective on when it was appropriate and in the USA's interest, but they meddled a LOT in various things going on overseas. It's pretty much been the case since the USA came into existence in the 1700's where we got involved in various conflicts that didn't directly involve us.

        Yes. Like every influential nation ever, and much like the French and British meddling in the affairs of the fledgling American nation.

        • The point is not that American meddling is unique, but that it is STUPID and COUNTERPRODUCTIVE.

          By speaking out on behalf of the protesters, we are helping the government paint them as unpatriotic stooges working for the benefit of Iran's enemies.

          We really need to learn when to just STFU.

          • Disagree.

            The Germans, the French, and the Americans have notably stepped forward in support of the protesters... and nearly every western democracy would issue an opinion if asked.

            Whether or not this aids the ruling Islamic regime is an interesting point for debate, but the shutdown of the internet and ongoing suppression of the freedom of speech will either snuff out the spark of revolution or kindle it. Either way, those in power will try to blame outside influence, rather than internal unrest, for the di

            • Re:How about you butt out ? (Score:5, Insightful)

              by jodido ( 1052890 ) on Tuesday January 02, 2018 @10:39PM (#55853261)
              I'll be more impressed when the US starts calling out Saudi Arabia or Bahrain. Or apologizes for the military dictatorships it sponsored in Latin America for decades.

              • Re: (Score:1)

                by Anonymous Coward

                SA and Bahrain bend over backwards to accommodate US policy and actions in the ME. On the other hand Iran celebrates it's version of the 4th of July with their "Death to America" parade. The Iranians created their own problems starting back in 1979. While the liberal and progressive students were busy holding US hostages the hardcore Islamists were busy taking over the country. It's ironic that the protests that paved the way for the hardcore religious fanatics created a state where protests were forbidden.

          • The point is not that American meddling is unique, but that it is STUPID and COUNTERPRODUCTIVE.

            By speaking out on behalf of the protesters, we are helping the government paint them as unpatriotic stooges working for the benefit of Iran's enemies.

            We really need to learn when to just STFU.

            We are involved, even when we don't want to be, lack of action is an action too. Isolationist policies don't work because they are impossible due to our shear size and power. We ARE involved by our shear presence in the world.

            What's stupid and counterproductive is not realizing that we are the world's sole remaining super power and taking or not taking overt action has consequences regardless of our intent. We don't have the option of not being involved...

      • Re: (Score:1)

        by AmiMoJo ( 196126 )

        Ugh... Can we please stop modding obvious what-about-ism posts up? What the last guy did is irrelevant, both to the point being made by TFA and to the behaviour of the current administration.

        • Re: (Score:2)

          by Mashiki ( 184564 )

          What the last guy did is irrelevant

          No, it's directly relevant because their actions or inactions have caused problems that other people have to deal with. Obama shipping boatloads of cash and gold, and knowingly doing so with the explicit fact that it would be used to fund terrorism isn't "what-about-ism." It's something that everyone should be pissed off about, just like if you raged over Bush Jr., and the neocons going into Iraq. Or why Lybia's nuclear program is sitting in Tennessee and was handed over with the explicit guarantee that

        • Ugh... Can we please stop modding obvious what-about-ism posts up? What the last guy did is irrelevant, both to the point being made by TFA and to the behaviour of the current administration.

          My post was about *more* than what the "last guy" did or didn't do. I'm pointing out the fact that foreign relations is the purview of the president and has been since our founding. Complaining about what the current administration does or doesn't get involved in is pretty much pointless as is isolationism as a policy. Like it or not, we are involved one way or another.

          Now if you want to discuss WHY one should or shouldn't do something... That's a totally different kettle of fish..

        • No. Obama is the most recent president so of course he is going to be what is compared to.

          If you disagree with what Obama did, than own it. Show some consistency. And honestly, he's out of office so I don't understand why that would be hard for you to do. You aren't going to lose anything.

          If you disagree with a policy only because Trump is doing it now instead of Obama, then take a look in the mirror and evaluate yourself.

    • During the last demonstrations after the bogus election in Iran protestors appealed to the outside world for help

      http://am.blogs.cnn.com/2009/0... [cnn.com]

      Mohammad: Yes. Let me tell you something. For about three decades our nation has been humiliated and insulted by this regime. Now Iranians are united again one more time after 1979 Revolution. We are a peaceful nation. We don't hate anybody. We want to be an active member of the international community. We don't want to be isolated. Is this much of a demand for a country with more than 2,500 years of civilization? We don't deny the Holocaust. We do accept Israel's rights. And actually, we want - we want severe reform on this structure. This structure is not going to be tolerated by the majority of Iranians. We need severe reform, as much as possible.

      Roberts: Interesting perspective this morning from Mohammad, a student demonstrator there in Tehran.

      Mohammad: Excuse me, sir. I have a message for the international community. Would you please let me tell it?

      Roberts: Yes, go ahead.

      Mohammad: Americans, European Union, international community, this government is not definitely - is definitely not elected by the majority of Iranians. So it's illegal. Do not recognize it. Stop trading with them. Impose much more sanctions against them. My message...to the international community, especially I'm addressing President Obama directly - how can a government that doesn't recognize its people's rights and represses them brutally and mercilessly have nuclear activities? This government is a huge threat to global peace. Will a wise man give a sharp dagger to an insane person? We need your help international community. Don't leave us alone.

      And no one did anything.

      http://www.bloggernews.net/122... [bloggernews.net]

      The the LA Times and other news outlets are reporting that the government sponsored "Anti American" demonstrations to celebrate the taking of the American hostages 30 years ago now have open demonstrations at the fringes of the government arranged crowds: and they are not shouting death to America but death to the dictators.

      The UK Guardian has photos HERE if you scroll down...apparently twitter is back up...and they have a bunch of photos from one of their photo-journalists...
      What is more, both of these newspapers report that some of the demonstrators are asking where is the American president, who has been so eager to make peace with the present dictatorship that he has failed to support those who are asking for democracy. Again, quote is from the LATimes:

      "Obama, Obama!" protesters chanted on a day marking the 30th anniversary of the United States Embassy takeover. "Either you're with them, or with us."

      And where is President Obama? Equivocating, as usual, and talking sweetly to the dictators;

      President Obama issued a statement Tuesday night urging Iran's leaders to join with him in overcoming the acrimony forged by the hostage crisis three decades ago.

      "This event helped set the United States and Iran on a path of sustained suspicion, mistrust and confrontation," Obama said. "I have made it clear that the United States of America wants to move beyond this past, and seeks a relationship with the Islamic Republic of Iran based upon mutual interests and mutual respect."

      This type of statement, of course, could be interpreted as President Obama backing the present regime: all in the name of peace, of course.

      I'm not suggesting the US invade or anything. But if a murderous and hostile theocracy is mowing down peaceful demonstrators the US should say that's a bad thing and nail it with sanctions.

      I've met a lot of expat Iranians and they all loath the Islamic Republic regime and consider it far worse than the Sha

    • The White House is asking nicely because Langley has spent a lot of time and money instigating this latest round of protests, after the Green Revolution one that fell flat. It looks like this latest CIA attempt will probably fall flat too.
    • Yeah, the US should definitely just ignore people who want human rights and democracy. FFS, it's not like Trump's saying he's going to invade, just that he supports their mission.
  • Couldn't the Iranian government just claim they detected foreign countries attempting to influence last year's election via social media, and use that as U.S.-proof justification for blocking access to social media sites? I mean I know it'd be ridiculous. But that's why censorship is a very slippery slope.

    • Re: (Score:2)

      by AHuxley ( 892839 )
      Let the NSA, GCHQ in. They want to help the CIA and MI6 do a color revolution https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/... [wikipedia.org]

    • The Iranian regime is going to blame Jews and Americans no matter what. Might as well take the opportunity to kick 'em while they look a bit unstable given they'll accuse you of it anyway.

      Here's Netanyahu explaining that Israel isn't to blame but wishing the demonstrators well

      https://www.haaretz.com/israel... [haaretz.com]

    • Re: (Score:2)

      by AHuxley ( 892839 )
      Re 'overnment just claim they detected foreign countries attempting to influence last year's election via social media, and use that as U.S.-proof justification for blocking access to social media sites?"

      That was the long slow case building attempted by most of the Warsaw Pact nations intelligence services in the early 1980's.
      Given more time they really thought they could to find the CIA, MI6 backed spy rings funding protesters in their cities. Another fews years and it could all go to an open trial. T

    • Iran will unblock Twitter when USA unblocks Kaspersky.

  • With the US request, and five dollars, you can still get a cup of Starbucks.

    This is a dictatorial Islamic Republic, in crisis. The squelching of dissent alone guarantees these sites remain as closed as Jimmy Hoffa's eyes.

  • Our ignorance about Iran is overwhelming. How many times have we heard news reports about what "The Government" in Iran is doing without even mentioning that there are two governments in Iran. The (fairly) democratic one and the repressive Islamic one. Without understanding that, and the resulting conflicts, you understand nothing about Iran.

    Ignorant vitriol from the US and Trump does not help the difficult situation on Iran. But they are not meant to. Their purpose is purely to whip up ignorant anger

    • Ignorant vitriol from the US and Trump does not help the difficult situation on Iran.

      You see a guy laying in the street bleeding, best just to avert your eyes and move along, right?

      Ignoring Iranian protests was what Obama did years ago, how well did that work? Protestors killed, the silence from the outside world ensured defeat and brutal submission.

      Even if you are not going to get involved just a word of support can mean a world of difference to fragile movements.

      It is time to stop letting the men, and es

      • Re:So ignoring helps more? How?? (Score:4, Insightful)

        by aberglas ( 991072 ) on Tuesday January 02, 2018 @07:07PM (#55852245)

        Your post provides good support of my original comment. You have no idea about Iran, yet strong feelings. You are probably unaware, for example, that the USA actively supported Iraq in the war against Iran in which over a million people were killed, many by Iraqi poison gas. The point being that while those demonstrators want change, you can be sure that none of them see the USA as a beacon of light and democracy, instead, vitriol from Trump really helps the religious reactionary's cause.

        As to North Korea, yes, should be dealt with far more forcefully, which means dealing with the USA's banker, China. But you are also probably unaware that N Korea was actually under control under Clinton. It was when Bush went to Iraq that the N Koreans saw their opportunity. And then, of course, Obama did nothing. And Trump will do nothing either except bluster, which may ultimately end up with a very bad result.

        • You are probably unaware, for example, that the USA actively supported Iraq in the war against Iran

          I know all of that and more, and like I said I actually have friends FROM Iran, and I followed the Iran/Iraq war far more closely than you could ever dream of. What makes you think your own knowledge is especially deep? It certainly does not seem at all well informed by history, by the way people were there before Islamist rule (and yes I ALSO know the part the U.S. played there, which doesn't make trying

      • Re: (Score:2)

        by AmiMoJo ( 196126 )

        While I admire the sentiment, what can we actually do that we are not already doing?

        Invading won't work, it will just create another Iraq or Afghanistan.

        Unfortunately you can't just make a country democratic, because the people will just vote for religious extremists. I think we may just have to accept that they will need to get there in their own time, with as much support from us as we can offer.

        • While I admire the sentiment, what can we actually do that we are not already doing?

          The governments of the world can do what the US and Israel (and probably other countries now) are doing - express support, so that if there is a regime change the protestors will know some countries will be willing to help them.

          That's not invasion, just providing a sounds base for the government to change according to people's wishes.

          We can also call out violations of basic rights - like the protestors that are being shot.

          • Re: (Score:2)

            by AmiMoJo ( 196126 )

            I basically agree, but we are already doing those things. Well, okay, I suppose more countries could join in.

            The people of Iraq were quite cosmopolitan in parts too. The problem is that after a war everyone is vying for power, and the moderates tend to get crowded out by extremists who can very effectively get their vote out and make sure the ballot isn't split.

      • USA is so outraged by Russian interference in US elections. All Russia "allegedly" did was air Clinton's dirty laundry and post ads on facebook. They didnt change any votes or rig any voting machines or tell any lies, "again allegedly".
        Yet USA is outraged and investigating and crippling a democratically elected President.

        Yet Americans see no irony in trying to interfere in Iran's internal politics?

    • Re:Iran is about Iran, not about the USA (Score:5, Insightful)

      by cheesyweasel ( 5072497 ) on Tuesday January 02, 2018 @07:12PM (#55852267)
      The current president of Iran, Hassan Rouhani, is a moderate reformer. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/... [wikipedia.org] How the fuck is a revolution going to make that situation better for the people of Iran or the stability of that region? This is clearly about the US working with the Saudis (who bombed the world trade center, which was used as a pretext to invade Iraq) and the geopolitical advantage the US has if they are allies with the Saudis, rather than allies of Iran (their protestant/catholic style enemy). It all boils down to the US worrying more about Russian influence in Iran, and countries closer to Russia, and trying to calm down the nutjob Saudis, while also keeping Israel happy so they don't have to stockpile more nuclear bombs. Isn't it about time we show countries like Russia that we can be more functional if we focus on fixing our democracies? Civil discourse, civil engagement rather than this individualistic meltdown that our society is currently experiencing. Maybe then we can show that the world that you don't need a strongman to run a country. Short answer.. fuck this world, fuck its leaders and its uninformed self-centered public.

      • Re: (Score:3)

        by Wovel ( 964431 )

        The revolt is against the theocracy. You should have spent a few more minutes building your Wikipedia presentation.

        • Re: (Score:2, Interesting)

          by Anonymous Coward

          No, the revolt is orchestrated for Israel. All our wars are for The Greater Israel Project where they take over the middle east and the world. I wish we would stop fighting wars for Israel and showering them with money. They can defend themselves. They just become more powerful and dangerous and manipulate our own country to have open borders and race mixing and anti-white policies while they create a fascist pure Jewish Ethno state out of Israel and push their borders into Syrian territory.

        • Look who's talking. The demonstrations clearly started for economic reasons. Then they got hijacked. It's nearly over I think. All that's left is the rioters.

    • And isn't it interesting how the White House and US media have so little to say about violent political repression in Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates (Look them up here: https://www.hrw.org/ [hrw.org] ), or the US tactical support for the Saudi bombing campaigns that target civilians (a war crime) in Yemen?

    • Re: (Score:2)

      by ghoul ( 157158 )

      Americans understand very well the concept of a deep state. You have the fairly democratic elected President Trump and then the FBI led deep state which is trying to trash and derail his agenda. The Ayatollahs are the deep state in Iran

  • Yea sure.... Not going to happen (Score:3)

    by bobbied ( 2522392 ) on Tuesday January 02, 2018 @06:36PM (#55852103)

    If you think that Iran will willingly let this unrestricted social media thing happen, you are sadly mistaken. Those in control in Iran are not interested in open debate or listening to protestor's complaints.

    I suppose you can ask nicely, but if you know the answer is going to be no, why bother?

  • Pls. also call on Germany to unblock social media (Score:5, Insightful)

    by ffkom ( 3519199 ) on Tuesday January 02, 2018 @06:37PM (#55852105)
    ... as it took only one day of the new censorship tool "Netzwerkdurchsetzungsgesetz" until the first Tweets with government-critical content were deleted based on it (under the allegation they would be hate speech, the new one-fits-all word to criminalize public dissent).
    • Holy mackerel! Think of all the Scrabble points you'd earn from that word.

      • It's not possible. Not enough Z-tiles. Scrabble tile letter distribution is as follows:

        A-9, B-2, C-2, D-4, E-12, F-2, G-3, H-2, I-9, J-1, K-1, L-4, M-2, N-6, O-8, P-2, Q-1, R-6, S-4, T-6, U-4, V-2, W-2, X-1, Y-2, Z-1 and Blanks-2.

        • Oh damn I'm wrong, there are enough blanks.

          • Oh damn I'm wrong, there are enough blanks.

            But a Scrabble board is only 15 squares across, OPs word has 27 letters. I win today's scrabble nerd competition.

            • I have no countermove to that! I hoped to play out my 'superscrabble' trump card but it only has 21x21 grid.

    • Re: (Score:3)

      by AmiMoJo ( 196126 )

      Not really anything to do with the new law. She is under criminal investigation, so even before for tweets would have been removed, at least until the investigation / prosecution ends.

      • Re: (Score:2)

        by ffkom ( 3519199 )
        If you think that the parliamentarian Mrs. Storch was the only victim already censored via the "Netzwerkdurchsetzungsgesetz", you are under-informed. Multiple postings from comedians and satire magazines were equally silenced using the new censorship tool - read on e.g. here: http://www.spiegel.de/netzwelt... [spiegel.de]

        And even if only Mrs. Storch had been censored, it clearly shows that this is a tool of censorship, and nothing else. I hope the Bundesverfassungsgericht will stop that nonsense sooner or later.

  • The Trump administration is calling on the government of Iran to stop blocking Instagram and other social media sites while encouraging Iranians to use special software to circumvent controls.

    Meanwhile, Iranians are calling on the government of America to start blocking Trump from Twitter and other social media sites while encouraging Americans to use the "block" button to remove him from their feeds.

    • You seem to have a fundamental lack of understanding of the first amendment of the constitution of the United States of America. It specifically forbids the government from making any law which restricts free speech. This is because the founding fathers knew that robust political discourse was the best defense against tyranny.

      • Clearly I didn't plant my tongue far enough in my cheek if you've taken it as a serious suggestion that anyone's free speech should be curtailed.

  • As an American (Score:1)

    by Anonymous Coward

    Why do we have to call on them to do anything? For once, can we just shut the fuck up and let others deal with things as they see fit.

  • I'll be impressed (Score:5, Insightful)

    by rsilvergun ( 571051 ) on Tuesday January 02, 2018 @06:43PM (#55852125)
    When we say the same thing to the Saudies. Until then this is just another example of an unpopular administration trying to start a preemptive war with a nation that posses little or no threat to the nation.

    • Re: (Score:2)

      by EzInKy ( 115248 )

      Most of us know that the Saudis are the real enemies. How many here know that is illegal not to be a Muslim in that country?

      • but they're not necessarily good people. I'd like to see my country really stand up for freedom. And to do that we have to do it everywhere. And not by declaring anyone an "enemy". That's not going to help. Better to lead by example. Don't attack unless your attacked. Demand human rights from our trading partners and our allies. And no, just because you're not an ally doesn't mean you're an enemy.

      • Re: I'll be impressed (Score:1)

        by Anonymous Coward

        You've been taught that by people who are woefully ignorant of history. Well, that Orr paid to deliberately misrepresent it. Iranian controlled militias have completed the ethnic cleansing of Talafar, continue their puppet war again Saudi Arabia without any regard to the humanitarian disaster they've created in Yemen, continue to enslave the people of Eritrea, and murder women and children in Somalia, but you took the bait and think it's just the Saudis who are bad.

    • No overtures for war were stated. Do you have any other strawman arguments to put up for us?

  • The USA "preaches" to other nations as if it's never done anything to stifle "free speech and expression" in areas under its jurisdiction.

    Don't we all remember what happened to the Occupy Wall Street demonstrations?

    For those that do not remember, folks engaged in these protests were all evicted [nytimes.com].

    • Re: (Score:2)

      by JustNiz ( 692889 )

      Seriously.
      Even Google, Facebook etc are actively searching for and removing anything they arbitrarily label as inflammatory.

    • Re: (Score:3)

      by Wovel ( 964431 )

      Seriously? Thats what you have? Moving people living in the middle of the park for months for months? Your are free to protest. It doesn't mean you can move onto public land and live there.

      • Re: (Score:3)

        by Uberbah ( 647458 )

        Your are free to protest. It doesn't mean you can move onto public land and live there.

        Camping on public land was the greatest protest idea since the 60's - which is why Obama crushed OWS at the federal level. Because a nice, polite, convenient protest is an irrelevant protest. But when all else fails (before violent riots) you make yourself enough of a (non-violent) pain in the ass that its easier for TPTB to throw you a bone than continuing to ignore you.

        • OWS wasn't camping on public land - that park was private property [cnn.com].

          • Re: (Score:2)

            by Uberbah ( 647458 )

            Thanks for a link that backs up my point:

            Zuccotti Park wasn't the protesters' original destination. The organizers first tweeted plans to gather at Wall Street's iconic Charging Bull Statue and at 1 Chase Plaza. But the New York Police Department got wind of that and barricaded both locations, which are city-owned parks that require protests to have permits.

            And you do know OWS was a nationwide protest movement, yes? Case in point, the pepper spraying pig meme [knowyourmeme.com] after the assault on protesters on UC Davis.

            • Your point appeared to be what you said - namely, "Obama crushed OWS at the federal level". NYC didn't let OWS protest in those in public parks because they weren't following city ordinances, not federal ones. Moreover, since you directly referenced camping on public land, I thought you'd want to know that hadn't happened.

              The bulk of OWS was in NYC. UC Davis students did a thing, and again, local cops shut them down. OWS had more than one location, but it wasn't widespread enough to be "nationwide", and l

        • Re: (Score:2)

          by Agripa ( 139780 )

          Camping on public land was the greatest protest idea since the 60's

          Since the 1960s?

          https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/... [wikipedia.org]

    • Re: (Score:1)

      by Anonymous Coward

      Evicted from squatting and evicted from life are substantially different.

    • OWS demonstrators were cleared off of private land [cnn.com], not public. The owners of the park had every right to remove people, especially when they were breaking the rules the owner set out (no tents, etc.) and making the park totally unsanitary.

      What's more, clearing people off of land is far different from running them over or shooting them dead in the street.
    • Taking a dump in a public park isn't free speech.

  • Why would the US government really care about Iranians access to social media?

    If Instragram, Facebook et al didn't all happen to be US businesses wuld they still give a shit?. Either that or they perceive a high value to the pro-US agenda brainwashing being actively pushed through such channels.

    • Re: (Score:3)

      by AHuxley ( 892839 )
      It allows the US and UK clandestine services to help create and support photogenic uprisings and protests all over Iran.
      Without domestic looking social media been open to all such coordination looks too much like other nations astroturfing https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/... [wikipedia.org]
      With social media it can still be passed to the 24 new cycle as been spontaneous domestic protests for better conditions and "democracy".
      Social media allows a few events in any nation to be presented as a national uprising.
      People

  • If the US were a comic book hero... (Score:3)

    by lionchild ( 581331 ) on Tuesday January 02, 2018 @07:59PM (#55852527) Journal

    Super Dipolamtic Powers...Activ...oh, nevermind. :-(

  • from Iran, this would be a great time to drive a bargain.

    In general you don't want to bargain with a regime that is too secure to feel the need to compromise. But it's a mistake to think you want to deal with a weak, insecure regime. Such a regime can't afford to be seen as compromising. What you want is someone who desperately needs a win, even a small one.

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