, Columnist
Judge Iran’s Coronavirus Crisis by Regime’s Deeds, Not Words
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When leaders lie, people suffer.
Photographer: Ali Mohammadi/Bloomberg via Getty Images
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How serious is Iran about its coronavirus epidemic? That depends on whether we believe the Islamic Republic’s words or actions — and, in some crucial aspects of crisis management, its inaction.
On the one hand, the regime in Tehran is asking for $5 billion in financial aid from the International Monetary Fund, ostensibly to fight the virus crisis. On the other, its proxy militias in Iraq have stepped up rocket strikes on military bases housing American and other NATO troops. President Hassan Rouhani has indicated more are coming.