I wonder if this is an example of the "Obama" stage of U.S. imperialism. Using covert means but denying responsiblity and maintaining a "good image" which is so important for the U.S. to maintain right now.

A similar tactic, using covert sources as a cover to U.S. meddling in Venezuela was discussed in the linked article.

Quote:
"The US has been using Canadian and European foundations more frequently in recent years to filter funding to Venezuelan and other NGOs and political parties that promote their mutual interests," said Golinger, whose most recent book is The Imperial Web: Encyclopedia of Interference and Subversion. "It's a way of covering up US meddling and making the sources of foreign funding for political objectives more difficult to detect. Canada has been a major ally of the US in this respect, particularly in the case of Venezuela."