In late 2009, the British journalist Sara Firth became a Russian propaganda mouthpiece. MoreObama Contends with Congressional Back-Seat Drivers on UkraineIt’s Time for Europe to Get Tough With Russia'Lone Soldiers': Who Are the Americans Fighting for Israel? NBC NewsDeath Tolls Rise for Both Sides in Israeli-Gaza Conflict NBC NewsOverruled: Russia Caves to World on Jet Crash Investigation NBC NewsThe decision seemed to make sense at the time.