Why are neocons so easily conned?

How embracing political frauds causes immense harm

I feel obliged to write this because I can’t help but feel disturbed by it. I am unapologetically part of the conservative movement, as my writings and public posts will show. I waste no time in pointing out the moral failings of the Left, not least the appalling choices of allies the Western Left makes to the detriment of freedom, dignity, human rights and rule of law. We all know its devastating costs, especially in the “Global South” (however you want to call it) of Left speak.

However, I am speaking to my fellow conservatives here because we have a big problem on our hands and the sooner we clean this up the better of all of us will be. Yes, it relates to the ongoing revolution in Iran and the affairs of the Middle East.

Sadly, a certain set of people in the conservative movement, mainly linking the USA, UK and Israel, have forged a terrible tendency to be conned by people who pose as the great hope of their countries and the region, but are in fact frauds who are complete nonentities and simply prey on the gullible by telling them what they want to hear.

I give you two examples: Amir-Abbas Fakhravar from Iran and Mudar Zahran from Jordan.

Both people present themselves as alternatives to existing regimes (in the case of Fakhravar, posing as an alternative to Iranian opposition as well). Both are delusional and known for public grandstanding, as well as claiming to lead organisations which likely amount to nothing in the real world. A quick read of their websites not only shows grandiose claims, but nothing that makes any real sense or has any kind of authenticity.

Yet both have been stupidly embraced by a certain kind of neoconservative, who are told exactly what they want to hear: namely that this person has the key to solving all of the country’s and region’s problems, and thus are the one to support. There have been similar con men regarding Iraq and Syria as well, although not of relevance to current discourse.

Fakhravar was called out on Twitter regarding his alleged credentials. I can’t claim to be surprised. And I hope this becomes an embarrassment for those in media and politics who foolishly embraced him and ignored real Iranian opposition. Similarly, Mudar Zahran has been denied entry to Israel despite his cultivation of gullible allies in that country.

The level of gullibility among many in neocon circles defies belief. It is little wonder that organisations like the MEK, universally despised by Iranians, have been able to con so many of this crowd into believing they are the Iranian opposition force to support. Also little wonder why ethnic activists and the Azerbaijan lobby also manage to con many of the same people.

As a committed conservative, I find this an utter embarrassment. We need to clean our act up here. Our credibility, especially on foreign policy and even more so on Middle East affairs, is at stake. I might tire of keep telling you this but I am obliged to anyway because it feels like nobody has learned anything.

Don’t be conned.