Peter Arnett, Back in the Minefield - Praises Iraqi "Handling" of News Media

The Washington Post ^ | 31 March, 2003

[Happy2BMe]

Peter Arnett, who fought off charges of conveying Iraqi propaganda during the first Gulf War, has handed fresh ammunition to those who say he sympathizes with Saddam Hussein's regime.

"It is clear that within the United States there is growing challenge to President Bush about the conduct of the war and also opposition to the war. So our reports about civilian casualties here, about the resistance of the Iraqi forces . . . help those who oppose the war. . . .

[Happy2BMe]

I remember watching this worm's mug in Saudi during Desert Storm. Didn't think ugly could get any uglier - I was wrong.

[Happy2BMe]

. . .

Tom Rosenstiel, who runs the Project for Excellence in Journalism, said that given the past criticism of Arnett, "this is even more alarming or damaging for him. . . . Blurring the line between reporter and actor in the drama invites that same confusion and maybe even makes it worse."

Two members of Congress chided Arnett on Fox News. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.) said the reporter's remarks -- including praising the Iraqi Information Ministry for "unfailing courtesy and cooperation" -- were "Kafkaesque" and "just crazy. Let's hope that he's being coerced." The ministry has expelled reporters for Fox, CNN and other Western news outlets.

Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) told the network that Arnett's comments were "absurd."

A White House official said Arnett was "coming from a position of complete ignorance. He's never designed a war plan or implemented a war plan. His judgment is suspect. . . . For him to state that to the Iraqi people is, I'd suspect, a certain level of pandering."

[Coleus]

He should be tried for treason and war crimes.

[Happy2BMe]

"Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.) said the reporter's remarks -- including praising the Iraqi Information Ministry for "unfailing courtesy and cooperation" -- were "Kafkaesque" and "just crazy. Let's hope that he's being coerced."

TRANSLATION: My fellow members of Congress have taken note - researching his nationality and treason laws while we speak.

[Cold Heat]

This is Arnett "two"!

The guy is a worm. he had nearly resurected himself after the CNN disaster but now he has done it again.

He believes he has support from the vast anti-war movement, but he will not be returning to the U.S. IMHO.

Passports are funny things!

[Happy2BMe]

"he will not be returning to the U.S. IMHO."

Baghdad has YET to be liberated - he is a worm and the fish are just about ready to start biting.

I'd give him less than 50% of ever having to worry about returning well.. anywhere.

[JakeINJoisey]

Forget Arnett...what he said has been stated by many analysts in the US as well and isn't all that detrimental ...he's doing what he needs to do to save his operating credentials in Iraq. Keep your eyes on the prize folks...keep your eyes on the prize

[crazykatz]

He is reporting for the National Geographic as well. Perhaps a good freep is in order.

[CyberAnt]

I read somewhere on FR that Hillary is a friend of Peter's ... did anybody else read that ...??

If that's true - do you think she or x42 have got their fingers mixed up in this ...??

The reason I ask, is that Peter's statements are very similar to those which the dems are spouting here. Curious??

[Happy2BMe]

For Arnett's sake - HE hopes you are right.

[Happy2BMe]

"Perhaps a good freep is in order."

From another thread . .

Here are the private email addresses for NBC/MSNBC executives/decision makers:

bob.wright@nbc.com

phil.griffin@msnbc.com

erik.sorenson@msnbc.com

Let them know how YOU feel about them having traitor Peter Arnett on their staff.

[Humidston]

Arnett is just another media whore. They'd steal the pennies off a dead man's eyes for a good interview.

Problem is that soon, Baghdad will be crawling with G.I.'s, weapons at hand, and good memories. While they've been eating desert sand and dodging shells, he's been pandering to the enemy.

I'd say the fat boy is in trouble. Heheh

[Hiwayman]

I just e-mailed the Nat'l Geographic. I told them I was cancelling my subscription if they didn't fire Arnett. Hit'em where it hurts...

[Happy2BMe]

Exactly - but Arnett's "buddies" can turn on him in less time than it takes a raghead to pull a butcher knife.

[JakeINJoisey]

This isn't a smart move...MSNBC has already made an investment in Arnett and, though his slant isn't what I'd call US friendly, it is informative and valuable. We seem to be getting rather fair treatment from MSNBC, at least to my view (Although Forrest Sawyer is a bit over the edge on doom and gloom). Frankly, I'd like to see Arnett reporting from the streets of Baghdad when the US forces arrive.

[Happy2BMe]

"Frankly, I'd like to see Arnett reporting from the streets of Baghdad when the US forces arrive."

Arnett is another Dan Rather wannabe.

Granted, MSNBC is one camel turd up from CNN, but what good is a camel turd?

I'd rather not give him the satisfaction - BUT - IF he does survive until Baghdad is liberated, it could be quite a story - quite a story.

[redrock]

Maybe we could send a cruise missile to 'visit' Arnett....

redrock

[sine_nomine]

Didn't Arnett begin with reporting in Viet Nam? As I recall, he married a Viet Namese woman whose brother was a ranking Communist. However, no one suspected that his biased reporting meant he was one too. Then he was the only one tolerated to report on Gulf War I in Baghdad.

I hope he keeps opening his yap and pays the price for his treason. His visual image while stating this baloney was that of the lying traitor, not a man convinced of his facts. Maybe he is afraid for his life. Who knows what may befall him. I hope no company in America pays him a dime in the future. Let him report for France.

[Quix]

Lord, God,

Arnett has been a pleauge on our culture for far too long.

He already has hoof and mouth disease.

How about causing his tongue to fall out?

Or just removing him from public life to contemplate his navel lint for the rest of his life in a nice padded cell some where--like Siberia or Damascus.

Or maybe wandering around as a street person droolling and trying to preach in various empty parks--especially maybe in Canada or Alaska

Of course, if he's open to full confession and repentance to you and turning 180 degrees around to sanity in values and behavior--great.

Given the unlikelihood of that--please take whatever action your wisdom would dictate to get him thoroughly off the public stage the rest of his life.

Our welfare and survival would appreciate it. Besides, it would slug the globalists a good one to lose this stoole pidgeon/traitor.

Thanks for listening, Lord,
In Jesus' Name, Amen.