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April 22, 2004
Does This Make You Angry?
From Al Jazeera's English-language web site, which is far more restrained than it's Arabic language outlets: A series of shocking pictures revealing US soldiers tying up Iraqi women and children in their own home has provoked international outrage. He added: "A normal human being should be repulsed by the very idea of tying up children. Or check out this angle intent on stoking the flames of Jihad (once again, via the toned down, English-language site): Saudi fighters 'join resistance' in Iraq ''There are around 5000 mujahidin fighters from Saudi Arabia in Baghdad, and many others joining them from all over the Muslim and Arab world. "These men have already stepped up their efforts to kick out the American imperialists from Iraq, but what we are seeing is the tip of the iceberg,'' he said. And how about this:
And this:
And this Livejournal account from a military blogger in Iraq: Any Credibility that Al Jazeera may have had before today has been smashed. Today a demonstration was to be held to demand the release of an Imam who was a close personal friend of Saddam and used his Mosque to store weapons and as a Refuge for Baath Party members. The Demonstration was to be broadcast live on the Arabic news network and they wanted to get real exclusive News. They wanted Americans to fire on the crowds. In order to ensure that we would, they PAID people to carry weapons in the crowd and to fire them at us in order to provoke a Violent Response from US troops. Thing is, this isn't the first time Al Jazeera has PAID for the spreading of Anti-American Sentiments in this country or even this city. And these people are so desperate for money right now that they will do anything for it. A little boy who used to hang out at the Gate of the Civilian/Miltary Operations Center (C-MOC) and has since we occupied the building was given money and photos of Saddam Hussein and told to run through the streets shouting Anti-American slogans. Now, this boy had until that day been at the C-Moc every day, hanging out with American Soldiers who treated him pretty well. When stopped by us and asked why he was shouting such things, he replied that two men had paid him to do so. ... The two men turned out to be Local Al Jazeera correspondents. Nothing like making your own news, eh? You're angry, right? Almost makes you want to do something, huh? Then DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! You have the power! Give to the Marines in Iraq that are trying to develop alternative local media outlets to combat this hatred. Donate today! I don't want to hear any excuses. (Livejournal link via Instapundit) Posted by Bill at 12:52 AM
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Comments
This certainly sounds horrible, and I believe it is true. Nevertheless, there are Iraqis who have lost family members in this war and they probably feel these cartoons are accurate. There are as many faces to the war as there are victims. The combat troops on the ground are to be commended, and I wish them safety and a quick return. I also wish for the Iraqis to get what they need as soon as possible. Posted by: Dave at April 22, 2004 07:38 AMI am aware that innocent civilian victims have a valid and heartbreaking perspective, but there is a difference between painting their deaths as tragic vs. intentional. And find me an Al Jazeera story about "resistance" fighters shielding themselves in Mosques to avoid attacks, or hiding behind civilians, and I'll send you a check for a thousand bucks. And you certainly won't see any cartoons about this: http://www.nbcsandiego.com/militaryconnection/2782530/detail.html They are playing up the clash of civilizations, stoking the fires. It's deadly. I've actually met Iraqis that are furious with the coverage in the Arab satellite news channels ... Posted by: Bill from INDC Journal at April 22, 2004 09:32 AMIsn't Al Jazeera based in one of the Gulf States? Sounds like it's about time to pursue a little "steely diplomacy" with their host government. Posted by: Boyd at April 22, 2004 11:12 AMAl Jazeera is based in Qatar, Al Arabya in Dubai. Posted by: Bill from INDC Journal at April 22, 2004 11:25 AMAgreed, I didn't pick up the subtle difference between the tragic and implying it was deliberate, but the middle east seems to love a conspiracy. Posted by: Dave at April 22, 2004 03:54 PMPost a comment
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