SATISH SHARMA - not just Rotigraphy.: The Guardian regurgitates British state propaganda by accusing a UK "influencer" of spreading "Iranian regime messaging".

https://x.com/Jonathan_K_Cook/status/2061230877338747051

The Guardian regurgitates British state propaganda by accusing a UK "influencer" of spreading "Iranian regime messaging". On a visit to Iran, Bushra Shaikh reported the effects of US-Israeli air strikes, including one on a girls' school that killed some 170 Iranians, mainly children.

That used to be called journalism – stuff the Guardian and BBC claim to do. The Guardian amplifies calls for Shaikh to be investigated for "sanctions violations".

The Guardian sees a particularly sinister agenda in Shaikh's posts because:

* They "appeared timed to coincide with critical events in Iran, including the intensification of the conflict, ceasefire talks and nationwide protests in January" – that is, her posts were topical and newsworthy.

* They showed a “highly calculated pattern of social media manipulation” – that is, she was good at promoting her posts.

* They attracted "disproportionately high engagement” – that is, lots of people were interested to read her posts.

* They "offer followers unmediated, at times citizen journalist-style access to a war zone" – that is, she didn't have to submit her reports to Guardian editors so they could edit out information that might embarrass western leaders.

Shaikh herself is reported as being "aligned with anti-imperialist, anti-colonial frameworks” – that is, she doesn't simply regurgitate British state propaganda, like the UK corporate media.

This Guardian hit-job isn't about getting to the truth. It's the paper desperately trying to protect its traditional information monopoly for "liberal-left" audiences, and thereby remain useful for the security services.