That is in fact generally exactly how it works.

If I host something on Substack called “Philip’s News,” and I publish Hossam Shabat’s last article, it becomes hard to tell whether it’s really his last article or if it’s just what I am claiming is his last article. People on the internet sometimes do publish lies about things like this, and it really is a genuine problem. Once it’s published by an organization with something to lose (which generally happens instantly for big news items like this, as it did for this), then it’s vetted, and it’s preferable to post it from that news source just so everyone knows it’s reliable and there doesn’t have to be a big argument about it every time.

I do think the policy could use some adjustment. There are some sources (Newsweek being a big one) that are “official” but have a track record of lying at this point, that shouldn’t be used even though AFAIK they are allowed on /c/world. There are some people who are professional journalists who publish on Substack, and I think that should be allowed as long as they are published professionals. But the rule is not some crazy conspiracy to silence the truth.

You could have spent your whining time just posting the article that Jordan already sent you a link to. You could spend your downvotes to my comments, instead on upvotes for the article I posted on your behalf. You seem like you’re more into the idea of a performative snit that you are in posting this news. Well, good luck with it. I hope your snit goes well. You seem like you’re enjoying it, so I encourage you to continue.