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10 MIDDLE EAST REPORTING RULES FOR WESTERN MEDIA
It's interesting to watch the western media interpret the events of the recent Israeli bombings of Lebanon and Gaza.
They all seem to be following the same primer or rules and it's certainly not by accident. To my rescue comes Stephen Gowans who brilliantly uncovers the ten rules for reporting Israeli/Arab conflicts.
Read these rules carefully and you will be amazed at how well the western media stays in step.
Allen L Roland
Rules for reporting on the war
by Stephen Gowans Monday, Aug. 14, 2006
gowans.blogspot.com/2006/08/rules-for-reporting-on-war.html
The standard operating procedure, where Israel is concerned, is to turn the truth on its head. And the chief truth inverter is the Western media.
Rule #1. The “who started it?” rule. It is always the Arabs who attack first, and always Israel that retaliates in self defense. The current Israeli assault on Gaza is attributed to the capture (called a kidnapping) of corporal Gilad Shalit, by a group of Palestinians who tunnelled under the border and attacked an Israeli watchtower. But the day before Shalit’s capture, Israeli forces crossed into Gaza and captured (that’s captured, not kidnapped) a Palestinian doctor and his brother. Israel has kidnapped 64 Hamas members, including cabinet ministers, mayors and legislators. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Rule #2. The terrorism rule. When Arabs kill Israelis, it’s called terrorism.
Rule #3. The self defense rule. When Israelis kill Arabs, it’s called self defense.
Rule # 4. The reaction of the international community rule. When Israel kills too many civilians all at once, the West calls for restraint. Israel pledges it will take care to limit civilian casualties, then goes about its merry way, blasting apart civilians, blaming the deaths on the militants. “We had to take out the civilians. They were in the way. But we didn’t mean to.”
Rule # 5. The kidnapping rule. Palestinians do not have the right to capture Israeli soldiers, not even a limited number, not even one or two.
Rule # 6. The war on terrorism rule. Israel has the right to capture as many Arabs as it wants. There is no limit. Israel doesn’t kidnap Arabs, it arrests them. This creates the impression of legality, and that Israel is simply carrying out a police action. Legitimate authority arrests “suspects” and “terrorists.” Criminals kidnap.
Rule # 7. The David vs. Goliath rule. When you say Israel, never say “supported by the US and Britain.”
Rule # 8. The destablizer rule. When you say Hezbollah, always add “supported by Iran and Syria.” Iran and Syria are a “destabilizing” force in the region, in the same manner Venezuela is a destabilizing force in Latin America. They resist the hegemony of the US and its subalterns. That’s why they’re destabilizing.
Rule # 9. Things we don’t mention rule. Don’t mention the occupied territories, ignored UN resolutions, or violations of the Geneva Conventions.
Rule # 10. Amplify the voice of the Israelis and minimize the voice of the Arabs. Let Israelis speak out as much as possible, so they can explain rules one through nine. (7)
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