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May 22, 2006
Non-Iraqi Arabs "Out of Touch"
By Tina Grazier Post Scripts Co-Writer,
Media reporting often paints a distorted or misleading picture of world events and the story in Iraq is no exception. An article entitled "The Word On the Street" by Richard Nadler writing for
National Review reveals this glaring truth.
Surveys were conducted between 2002 and 2005 in six Arab countries: Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordon, Monoco, and The
United Arab Emirates by Zogby International. The Arabs in these six nations were found to believe that Iraqi's were "worse off after the war" by a margin of 77% to 6%.
When Iraqi's were asked, "Thinking about any hardships you might have suffered since the US-Britian invasion, do you personally think that ousting Saddam Hussein was worth it or not?", 77% answered
"worth it". The main reasons for their optimism are improved conditions of security, safety from crime, freedom of speech, availability of education, medical care and basic household necessities.
Al-Jazeera and the Arabic TV-News station broadcasting from Dubai dominate the air-waves in the region. Reporting suggests that US-British efforts are colonialist in nature. There is competition emerging from Iraq, however. The three state owned radio and three state owned television stations have given way to 44 commercial TV stations, 72 commercial radio stations, and 100 independant newspapers. The free press is alive and working for the Iraqi people earning al-Jazeera a newfound level of contempt. Ayad Allawi, a secular Shiite, accused al-Jazeera of inciting hatred. Falah al-Naqib, a Sunni interior minister in the interim government said al-Jazeera had, "agreed to become the voice of terrorist groups".
A new democracy has emerged in Iraq and the Iraqi people have an opportunity to create a beacon of hope for others. I remain hopeful that the media in Iraq will begin to play a major role in changing
the hearts and minds of Arabs in the entire region. Freedom is contagious.
United Arab Emirates by Zogby International. The Arabs in these six nations were found to believe that Iraqi's were "worse off after the war" by a margin of 77% to 6%.
When Iraqi's were asked, "Thinking about any hardships you might have suffered since the US-Britian invasion, do you personally think that ousting Saddam Hussein was worth it or not?", 77% answered
"worth it". The main reasons for their optimism are improved conditions of security, safety from crime, freedom of speech, availability of education, medical care and basic household necessities.
Al-Jazeera and the Arabic TV-News station broadcasting from Dubai dominate the air-waves in the region. Reporting suggests that US-British efforts are colonialist in nature. There is competition emerging from Iraq, however. The three state owned radio and three state owned television stations have given way to 44 commercial TV stations, 72 commercial radio stations, and 100 independant newspapers. The free press is alive and working for the Iraqi people earning al-Jazeera a newfound level of contempt. Ayad Allawi, a secular Shiite, accused al-Jazeera of inciting hatred. Falah al-Naqib, a Sunni interior minister in the interim government said al-Jazeera had, "agreed to become the voice of terrorist groups".
A new democracy has emerged in Iraq and the Iraqi people have an opportunity to create a beacon of hope for others. I remain hopeful that the media in Iraq will begin to play a major role in changing
the hearts and minds of Arabs in the entire region. Freedom is contagious.
A new democracy has emerged in Iraq and the Iraqi people have an opportunity to create a beacon of hope for others. I remain hopeful that the media in Iraq will begin to play a major role in changing the hearts and minds of Arabs in the entire region. Freedom is contagious.
Posted by Post Scripts at May 22, 2006 09:50 AM
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Comments
Ron, The biggest difference is CNN is easier to spell.
Tina
Posted by: Tina at May 23, 2006 06:37 PM