On 30 October 1998, the U.S. launched a high-profile media intervention in the Middle East when the U.S.-sponsored Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty began broadcasting two new services into Iraq and Iran, two countries that are most controlled by repressive regimes. Paul Goble, RFE/RL’s foreign relations director, said that:

We believe when people are fully and accurately informed about developments in their own country and around the world, they will be in a better position to help their society develop and maintain democracy” (The Washington Times, 31 October 1998, A8).

Mr. Goble added that “the programming mix would be similar to the communist-era stations, which many credit for helping to end the Cold War. Programs will aim at breaking the grip on information held by Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and the Iranian government.”