Bush to spend $3m in Iran to "promote democracy"

[CatWoman]

U.S. aims to spend money in Iran
By Barbara Slavin, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — For the first time in a quarter-century of estrangement from Iran, the Bush administration is openly preparing to spend government funds in that country to promote democracy.
Congress has appropriated $3 million, and the State Department is inviting proposals from "educational institutions, humanitarian groups, non-governmental organizations and individuals inside Iran to support the advancement of democracy and human rights," according to an announcement posted Friday on the Web site of the State Department's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor.

Although the amount is small — and Iran's government may try to bar Iranians from accepting funds — the move is a significant departure for the United States, which by policy and treaty has not publicly sought to funnel money into Iran for such a purpose in 25 years.

"It's a sea change," says Les Campbell, who is in charge of Middle East programs at the National Democratic Institute, which receives U.S. funds to promote democracy and human rights abroad. "We're very interested."

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2005-04-10-us-iran_x.htm

[bullimiami]

1. you know it is illegal for foreign governments to put money into

us politics.

why the doublestandard?

[jmatthan]

2. How much is the Chimp going to spend

to bring democracy to the US?

http://jmpolitics.blogspot.com

Jacob Matthan
Oulu, Finland

[sasquatch]

3. Bush needs to stay the hell out of Iran

The young reformers will be set back by 30 years if Bush tries to get involved with this mess.

[KoKo]

4. While he says SS is Bankrupt he can't resist spending millions overseas

to promote Democracy and draining our treasury further to try to convince Americans that SS is just empty I.O.U's.

He's a joke. What happened to all those conservatives who hated "Foreign Aide." Oh wait they didn't want money to help feed starving children...they prefer the money for "Foreign Aide" to topple governments to spread Democracy. If it's for that,then it's okay. :crazy:

[bobthedrummer]

5. Sounds like his "perception management" plan in action.

Bush's 'Perception Management' Plan
by Robert Parry
http://www.consortiumnews.com/2004/111804.html