Got that and agree. Still don't understand the foreign interests part in this though.
Basically, while the USA is corrupt, they don't hold a candle to the insane, rampant corruption found in many other parts of the world.
This statement isn't even open to debate, as our of the 180 countries rated by the CPI, the US is the 24th best, while the vast majority of African, South American and East Asian countries are red-lining the corruption index to the point the rampant corruption is now a way of life. North America, Australian and Western Europe are still firmly in the yellow territory.
ICANN moving from US to foreign control was viewed by many (and openly by foreign proponents) as readying a cash cow to be milked and then slaughtered. Look at the .WEB auction process - it was changed to allow ICANN to directly receive $135 million in proceeds, rather than spread among the auction participants, as is traditional. Since the move to foreign control, ICANN attempted to extract $1 per domain from registrars competing with NSI (until lawmakers and critics shut it down), has been the subject of many collusion and bribery accusations and investigations (including the DOJ taking ICANN payments for insider info), as well as changing to "closed door" board meetings to keep their dealings top secret.
The list of illicit corruption, backroom dealings and other shenanigans that ICANN has pulled or tried to pull since the switchover to foreign control could fill this entire forum, and I'm sure George K has a long file on it.
And if you believe the timing is all one massive coincidence, then say hi to the Easter Bunny for me.