President Obama has recently faced additional criticism after the State Department denied funding to some organizations with projects supporting civil society, rule of law and human rights monitoring efforts in Iran.

VOA: standard.2009.10.28

He underscores the importance of the state and society being able to identify and encourage talented and critical thinkers, adding that young people should be raised in an atmosphere of intellectual freedom and civic engagement.

VOA: standard.2009.11.12

Republican Representative Chris Smith was among seven members of Congress who wrote to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton expressing concern that programs promoting democracy, civil society and rule of law in Iran were being de-funded or halted.

VOA: standard.2009.10.28