Opinion: What America has learned from Iranian social media


US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has empowered a small staff at the US State Department to use Iranian social media to help craft US public diplomacy with Iranians. He is picture here at the State Department in Washington, DC, on March 25. — AFP

Most Americans have no idea who Nahid Shirbisheh is. But in Iran, she has become a powerful symbol of resistance. A little over a year ago, she witnessed her son’s murder at a government protest in Tehran. Last month she released a video made at the location of his killing that went viral in Iran.

When I spoke to her last month, she surprised me by thanking the Trump administration. "They mentioned my son’s name and my own name and they supported my voice when my son was killed and I was in prison,” she said.

Subscribe now and receive FREE sooka plan for 1 month.
T&C applies.

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month

Billed as RM148.00/year

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Tech News

Fibre optic cables should be considered 'critical infrastructure' in Africa, Google says
EU fines Meta 797 million euros over abusive practices benefiting Facebook Marketplace
ASML CEO says AI boom benefits the company
Spain's La Vanguardia joins the Guardian in leaving X, citing 'toxic content'
Analysis-Crypto industry pushes for policy sea change after Trump victory
EU says Booking must comply with Digital Markets Act
Samsung Electronics says it reaches preliminary wage deal with union
Trump’s victory could ease regulatory path for Musk’s robotaxi, but hurdles remain
Siemens to cut up to 5,000 jobs in automation business after downturn
Workers stage walkout at US maker of Fallout video game

Others Also Read