Author Topic: Iraq news - the other side (Read 1103 times)

eagl · « **on:** January 19, 2005, 01:07:45 PM »

Here's a link to some news from someone actually IN Iraq, instead of some armchair quarterback elitist summarizing a report from someone in Iraq who's been told to only go where everything is going wrong.

http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/05/breaking2453389.0680555557.html

The biased reporting is far more disturbing to the military than pretty much anything else. Soldiers are given orders, and they go in and carry them out regardless of why the orders were given. When their actions are mis-reported or only the crappiest 10% of their actions are reported, that's when the soldiers get upset.

Free media my butt... When Al-Jazeera is the only external media agency covering a school opening even though American news sources were invited, it's pretty clear which media agency is providing fair coverage and which one is aiding the enemy.

Boroda · « **Reply #1 on:** January 19, 2005, 01:19:06 PM »

I love this part:

From where I sit in Iraq, things are not all bad right now. In fact, they are going quite well. We are not under attack by the enemy; on the contrary, we are taking the fight to him daily and have him on the ropes. In the distance, I can hear the repeated impacts of heavy artillery and five-hundred-pound bombs hitting their targets. The occasional tank main gun report and the staccato rhythm of a Marine Corps LAV or Army Bradley Fighting Vehicle's 25-millimeter cannon provide the bass line for a symphony of destruction. As elements from all four services complete the absolute annihilation of the insurgent forces remaining in Fallujah, the area around the former insurgent stronghold is more peaceful than it has been for more than a year.

Looks like things are much, much worse then we are told.

eagl · « **Reply #2 on:** January 19, 2005, 01:20:40 PM »

Boroda he wrote that during the assault on Falluja.

Boroda · « **Reply #3 on:** January 19, 2005, 01:39:49 PM »

Sorry, didn't understand it.

BTW, didn't see you for looong time, have you been there?

Glas · « **Reply #4 on:** January 19, 2005, 02:02:07 PM »

I might be against the war, but I just LOVE the idea of the media being taken for a ride;

Quote

Recently, when a Coalition spokesman tried to let TV networks in on opening moves in the Fallujah operation, they misconstrued the events for something they were not and then blamed the military for their gullibility. CNN recently aired a "special report" in which the cable network accused the military of lying to it and others about the beginning of the Fallujah operation. The incident referred to took place in October when a Marine public affairs officer called media representatives and told them that an operation was about to begin. Reporters rushed to the outskirts of Fallujah to see what they assumed was going to be the beginning of the main attack on the city. As it turned out, what they saw were tactical "feints" designed to confuse the enemy about the timing of the main attack, then planned to take place weeks later.

Once the network realized that major combat operations wouldn't start for several more weeks, CNN alleged that the Marines had used them as a tool for their deception operation. Now, they say they want answers from the military and the administration on the matter. The reality appears to be that in their zeal to scoop their competition, CNN and others took the information they were given and turned it into what they wanted it to be. Did the military lie to the media: no. It is specifically against regulations to provide misinformation to the press. However, did the military planners anticipate that reporters would take the ball and run with it, adding to the overall deception plan? Possibly. Is that unprecedented or illegal? Of course not.

And to think they are bleating about it

Wolfala · « **Reply #5 on:** January 19, 2005, 02:41:44 PM »

If you read the entire article - it is a pretty terrible indictment against journalism as a whole. If I had to get an bellybutton chewing like that, I think Murrow would roll in his grave.

GreenCloud · « **Reply #6 on:** January 19, 2005, 02:49:29 PM »

that is sooo great.. CNN really disgusts me

thnx for link eagler..

pugg666 · « **Reply #7 on:** January 19, 2005, 03:25:17 PM »

Very good read Eagl, thanks.

Maverick · « **Reply #8 on:** January 19, 2005, 04:04:10 PM »

Good read. I can't wait for the first poster to claim it's all a lie.

Sandman · « **Reply #9 on:** January 19, 2005, 04:19:45 PM »

It might not be a lie, but I suspect that it is no more or less biased than anything else.

GtoRA2 · « **Reply #10 on:** January 19, 2005, 04:30:40 PM »

Good read, thanks Eagle

Sandy

He isnt really talking about Bias so much as simple lack of reporting anything positive.

Frankly this is what I meant in another thread when i said we were going to lose, not because we could not do it, but because the news media here is waging its own war of disinformation and it is going to break the will of the people in the country to want to stay and do the right thing.

I hope I am wrong though.

Crumpp · « **Reply #11 on:** January 19, 2005, 06:08:20 PM »

LTC Ryan is correct. I have NEVER seen a reporter present at ANY battle I have been in. They sit in the safe areas and wait to be spoonfed information putting whatever political bias they choose too on it. Most of them do not like Bush being from the traditionally left leaning media. Good news equals a boost for Bush to them.

The Western Media is the best friend the terrorist have in this war.

Crumpp

RedTop · « **Reply #12 on:** January 19, 2005, 07:40:42 PM »

I really enjoyed that article. Thanks for posting it.

Lizking · « **Reply #13 on:** January 19, 2005, 08:13:19 PM »

When your bellybutton is getting shot at and the "friendly" journalists do nothing but assist the enemy, well, I suppose the gentleman might have a TAD of bias.

eagl · « **Reply #14 on:** January 20, 2005, 02:12:26 PM »

FWIW I haven't been "there" in the last 6 years. I'm sure my rotation will come sooner or later though.