For decades, RFE/RL has been a beacon to those fighting oppression. Radio Free Europe first broadcast in shortwave to European nations suffering under communism, while Radio Liberty covered the Soviet Union; later the scope was broadened to other unfree lands, such as Iran and Afghanistan. These U.S.-funded stations don’t spout pro-American propaganda. They provide a forum for brave dissidents to report in their local languages on what is happening in their home countries. One of those dissidents was Vaclav Havel, whose banned anti-communist writings were read over the air in Czech, inspiring his countrymen while he was imprisoned in the 1970s and ’80s. “Truth and love” was Havel’s motto. Under authoritarian rulers who lie, you must tell the truth—and don’t let them persuade you to hate your fellow citizens.
After communism…
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The Week (Digital) - 1 Issue, April 4, 2025