Posted on 05/16/2005 10:19:56 AM PDT by West Coast Conservative
In an apology to readers this week, Newsweek acknowledged errors in a story alleging U.S. interrogators at Guantanamo Bay desecrated the Quran. The accusations, which the magazine vowed to re-examine, spawned protests in Afghanistan that left 15 dead and scores injured.
Responding to harsh criticism from Muslim leaders worldwide, the Pentagon promised to investigate the charges and pinned the deadly clashes on Newsweek for what it described as "irresponsible" reporting.
"We regret that we got any part of our story wrong, and extend our sympathies to victims of the violence and to the U.S. soldiers caught in its midst," Editor Mark Whitaker wrote in the apology.
The White House said Monday that Newsweek's response was insufficient.
"It's puzzling. While Newsweek now acknowledges that they got the facts wrong, they refuse to retract the story," said presidential spokesman Scott McClellan. "I think there's a certain journalistic standard that should be met. In this instance it was not.
"This was a report based on a single anonymous source that could not substantiate the allegation that was made," McClellan added. "The report has had serious consequences. People have lost their lives. The image of the United States abroad has been damaged. I just find it puzzling."
In its issue dated May 9, Newsweek had reported that U.S. military investigators had found evidence that interrogators placed copies of Islam's holy book in washrooms and had flushed one down the toilet to get inmates to talk.
Whitaker wrote that the magazine's information came from "a knowledgeable U.S. government source," and writers Michael Isikoff and John Barry had sought comment from two Defense Department officials. One declined to respond, and the other challenged another part of the story but did not dispute the Quran charge, Whitaker said.
(Excerpt) Read more at apnews.myway.com ...
WHO ADVERTISES IN NEWSWEEK?
That's who we should put pressure on.
Another stellar moment in journalism. This is worthy of a public apology, at a televised press conference, by the editor of Newsweek. Personally I think these reporters knew exactly what would happen if that story was published, and didn't care. They should be fired at least, charged with something at best. Inciting a riot, committing a hate crime...
It seems Newsweek is part owned by Kerry's economic adviser Warren Buffet "Buffett is a pro (and a director of NEWSWEEK's owner, The Washington Post Company". More info.
It's the pattern of journalist abuse. Newsweek, while the extremest already hates America, gave them more ammo. President Bush has said we must change the hearts and minds of people in the middle east but the MSM doesn't want their hearts and minds changed because they run out of controversy. While it's people that kill some of them just don't need a gun in their hand and if they have one don't give them the ammo.
I tell what would be really. Wait until the press conference starts and then have McClellan, say 'Wash post, Newsweek , your fired!'
Then have the SS make them do a perp walk out....
Extreme publicity for the MSM and muslim to see!
"I say we roll in a couple of canisters of CN-20, and nerve gas the lot of'em."
-Private Vasquez
Aliens.
WHO ADVERTISES IN NEWSWEEK?
There're so many advertisers --they link to msn shopping which of course features TARGET -apparently Wal-mart bashing is for Al Jezira liberals.
But just the same I say boycott the slime-- all of them. I don't really care if they see reason or not.
"We regret that we got any part of our story wrong, and extend our sympathies to victims of the violence and to the U.S. soldiers caught in its midst,"
So the family of the dead and our soldiers can hit the "reset" button on their playstation and start over? Whew! Glad that's cleared up. The main thing is they apologized. "Okay people, back to work. We got deadlines looming."
"WHO ADVERTISES IN NEWSWEEK?"
Bank of America is a big fish.
"mail them back with the words:NEWSSWEEK LIED-PEOPLE DIED"
I love it! I'm going out this evening to do exactly that.
exactly. Time for hardball. This isn't freedom of the press. This is tyranny of the press.
"You mean the part about a book being flushed down a toilet was serious, and you were wanting a denial of it? Who knew?"
Extreme publicity for the MSM and muslim to see!
***
I don't know that the Muslims will be all that impressed with the publicity. Seems that more than a few of them still believe there is truth to that story.
Personally, I think civil litigation against Newsweek, et al. for wrongful death would be the way to go.
I think criminal charges are in order!
Apology by Newsweak too Little, too Late
People are still dying in riots and after riots over there. The Mullahs desire their revenge and Newsweak is now a primary target. If I were a reporter working for this foul rag, I would be looking to change employers rapidly. In fact, I would take a vacation right away. That jerk spokeman for Newsweak who appeared on the MSM this weekend better learn to 'duck and cover.' I do not think he will be sleeping very well for several months. Or, the Mullahs may have him scheduled for a dirt nap. If you get my drift . . . 'Nuff said.
Absolutely. Like all public institutions, Newsweek has an obligation to serve the common good. They have done a tremendous amount of damage to our society that must be repaired or compensated for.
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