Iraq

Despite Prominence of Coverage, Pakistan Doesn't Merit News Bureaus

by Judith Siers-Poisson — January 2, 2008 - 1:53pm

When former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was assassinated on December 27, 2007, the only American TV networks to have full-time employees in Pakistan to call on were ABC and CNN. Other networks were forced to rely on stringers, freelance reporters on retainer with news agencies, until they could get their own reporters to Pakistan.

Main Source: 
New York Times, December 31, 2007

War Stories

by Sheldon Rampton — December 31, 2007 - 11:49am

The war in Iraq is notable, observes Michael Massing, for the number of "books by soldiers" that have "appeared while the fighting was still going on -- accounts written not just by generals like Tommy Franks but also by lieutenants, sergeants, reservists, and privates.

Main Source: 
New York Review of Books, December 20, 2007

The Rhetoric Beat

by Sheldon Rampton — December 28, 2007 - 1:23am

Language plays a powerful role in shaping political decisions, argues Brent Cunningham. As an example, he points to the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, "when the choice of words -- by the press and government officials -- played a crucial role in setting America on a course that led, ultimately, to our military action in Iraq. ...

Main Source: 
Columbia Journalism Review, November/December 2007

"Posted to YouTube, Sir!"

by Judith Siers-Poisson — December 20, 2007 - 6:24pm

YouTube has become de rigeur for posting official war propaganda. As CMD reported in October 2007, NATO has dedicated at least 1 million Euros (about $1.46 million U.S.) to produce and post footage to the popular video sharing site. In Britain, the Ministry of Defence (MoD), Royal Navy and Royal Air Force all have channels on YouTube, with dozens of short videos shot by or with their forces.

Main Source: 
BBC News, December 13, 2007

2007 Most Deadly Year for Journalists in Over a Decade

by Judith Siers-Poisson — December 19, 2007 - 4:18pm

The Committee to Protect Journalists has released a report stating that 64 journalists died as a direct result of their profession in 2007. That marks the highest mortality rate since 1993. Nearly half of those deaths occurred in Iraq, with Somalia following in second place.

Main Source: 
<i>New York Times</i>, December 18, 2007

Bush a Uniter -- of Iraqis, Against the U.S.

by Diane Farsetta — December 19, 2007 - 2:24pm

The PR firm outed in 2005 for planting U.S. propaganda in Iraqi newspapers is still in Iraq, working for the U.S. military.

Main Source: 
Washington Post, December 19, 2007

The White House Appreciates Bloggers Who Regurgitate

by Diane Farsetta — December 6, 2007 - 5:11pm

In an interview with Texas Monthly, former White House counselor Dan Bartlett complains that many reporters are overly critical of President Bush. "White House correspondents have been tagged, unfairly, with not being tough enough on the administration and President Bush in the run-up to the [Iraq] war. ...

Main Source: 
Texas Monthly, January 2008

Wolfowitz Rides Again with Bush/Cheney

by John Stauber — December 6, 2007 - 12:08pm

Bill Berkowitz reports that Paul Wolfowitz "has been offered a position as chairman of the International Security Advisory Board -- formerly known as the Arms Control and Nonproliferation Advisory Board -- a prestigious State Department pane

Main Source: 
Media Transparency, December 6, 2007

A Victory for Ehren Watada -- and for Freedom of the Press

by Sarah Olson — November 26, 2007 - 10:00am
  • Topics: Journalism, Iraq, Defend the Press, Human Rights

    • Army First Lieutenant Ehren Watada saw his case move one step closer to resolution earlier this month when a federal court issued a preliminary injunction against a second court martial. The Army's prosecution of the first officer to publicly refuse to deploy to Iraq has been in legal limbo since a February court martial ended abruptly when the military judge threw out a stipulation agreement and declared a mistrial.

    Deadly Cowboys

    by Bob Burton — November 25, 2007 - 4:49am

    Blackwater USA is a private military contractor facing a federal U.S. grand jury investigation for the shooting of Iraqi citizens. The company recently hit the headlines after its personnel opened fire on Iraqi civilians in September, killing 17.

    Main Source: 
    Washington Post, November 20, 2007
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