January 2: The New York Times magazine has an interesting article today about Al Arabiya, the Arab news channel that is attempting to compete with Al Jazeera--a.k.a., Air Al Qaeda--by adopting a more moderate tone, particularly when it comes to the United States. For example, writes author Stephanie Shapiro, the network refers to Coalition troops forces in Iraq as "multinational" rather than "occupying" forces. If an Arab news channel avoids the word "occupation," do you think the West's MSM can bring itself to follow suit? No, I don't think so, either.
January 1: the New Year started with latest atrocity carried out Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. Osama's amir is reportedly behind the execution of five security offiers in the streets of Ramadi. As shown on the snuff-film released by the courageous terrorist, the Iraqis are lined up, hands bound behind them, and shot in the back. In the video, one of the men identifies himself as Lt. Bashar Latif Jassim and states that his mission was to "prevent terrorists from entering Iraq." When asked whom he defined as "terrorists," Lt. Jassim replied, "Those who sabotage the country."
Question: in this act of wanton murder, who comprised the "Iraqi Resistance:" a) the five masked paramilitaries of "Al Qaeda in Iraq;" or b) the five security officers? If you answered "a," you number among a group which includes al-Jazeera, MIchael "Minuteman" Moore, the Financial Times and, sometimes, the New York Times. If you answered "b"--you were right. (Thanks to Will at Globalstuff)
December 31: from an AP news story headlined "Top Colombian Official Extradited to the US":
Analysts say Uribe's ultimatum to the FARC was unrealistic and part of an effort by the president to deflect criticism over his uncompromising attitude toward the rebels even as he shows leniency toward right-wing paramilitary militias, which are pursuing peace talks.
When reactionary gunmen operate in Latin America, they are called "right wing paramilitary militias. When they do their dirty work in Iraq, they are "guerrillas." Same killers, different designations. Why?
Comments