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. . . .

[cinFLA]

If everyone called National Geographic, PA would be toast. If nobody calls, he wins.

[Pan_Yans Wife]

I agree with you completely. And, when his interview is aired on Iraqi TV, the military and the pro-Hussein population will only be encouraged by it, and fight that much harder against the US forces.

[ILBBACH]

Why, on earth, was he being interviewed anyway?!?!

[cinFLA]

Why, on earth, was he being interviewed anyway?!?! Iraqi propaganda.

[JudgemAll]

I'd like to see him visit one of the Iraqi torture sites. Would they have let him in on Iraqi torture of the 4 US soldiers then found in a shallow grave?

[Pan_Yans Wife]

Why didn't we charge him with treason or sedition when he aired Iraqi propaganda during the first Gulf War? He was terrible, even back then!

[Az Joe]

Sorry, not buying it.

[John Lenin]

They are definitly using propaganda against us. It may seem tame compared to Sauidi and Egyptian TV but it is propaganda that is firing up the entire ME. The point I'm making is OUR media is feeding the defeatist anti-war movement, I just cannot believe what I'm seeing in America, I'm ready to go along with total control of all media outlets during wartime, this is disgusting and it is killing US citizens !!!

[JakeINJoisey]

I understand and agree with your outrage and resentment, but media time and space spent on yet another denouncement of Arnett's already established anti-US bias simply distracts us from the task at hand AND could be used by our enemies (without and WITHIN) as a wedge issue to weaken our resolve.

"Consider the source" and move on applies here. Deal with
Arnett post-victory.

[cinFLA]

...he's doing what he needs to do to save his operating credentials in Iraq.

Then let's do whatever it takes to make sure he LOSES his credentials in the US.

[Az Joe]

He's giving aid and comfort to the enemy. It could not be clearer.

[ILBBACH]

...when he aired Iraqi propaganda during the first Gulf War...

Maybe it's 'cause I'm a drunk, but I can't remember what he did in GWI.

[ILBBACH]

I just cannot believe what I'm seeing in America, I'm ready to go along with total control of all media outlets during wartime, this is disgusting and it is killing US citizens !!!

Dad, is that you?

[cinFLA]

I understand and agree with your outrage and resentment, but media time and space spent on yet another denouncement of Arnett's already established anti-US bias simply distracts us from the task at hand AND could be used by our enemies (without and WITHIN) as a wedge issue to weaken our resolve.

NOT! You can never convince me that keeping quiet is the better course. You are wrong. It is strengthening our resolve.

[John Lenin]

Send a letter to the editor of National Geographic here.

[Pan_Yans Wife]

I was younger then, and didn't pay much attention to GWI (my defense is I believed my Daddy when he told me "We will win, quickly. Don't worry, child."

But, from what I remember, his reporting was always slanted against the US forces. Many people call him "Baghdad Peter" because he was so against us, and gleefully reported whatever the Iraqi media wanted him to!

This time, though, I really think he is guilty of SOMETHING.

But, look, we had McDermott traveling to Iraq, Rather kissing up to Saddam, what is different with Peter, NOW, is that he is airing this Iraqi propaganda, while Iraqi people are in danger of dying, because of his advice!

They will listen to him, because the Iraqi government has marched him onto the airwaves, to spout off. I do not think for one moment that there were not armed men in the room, and that he was aware of the danger he could face if he said anything anti-Iraq.

But, he blatantly LIED to the people, in my opinion. How dare he say that our military plan is failing? Do the people of Iraq think that he has Bush's ear? What have the people been told?

[John Lenin]

Dad ?

[Pan_Yans Wife]

Torrie Clark had the brilliant idea of embedding reporters with the troops. I think the majority of the American public who wishes to pay attention to the news, are actually gleaning more information from the reporters in harm's way, than they are from the anti-Bush ex-generals, and Peter Arnett!

You shouldn't be surprised by the leftist media, they want Bush to lose this war. Because, if he wins, he WILL be re-elected. I almost think that the leftist media is breathlessly counting body bags, hoping that the US forces are defeated. They hate Bush that much, that they want this war to turn into Vietnam, TODAY!

[YaYa123]

I'll have to look to see if Howard Kurtz, media reporter, is the only Washington Post mention given to Arnett. Arnett's misdeed rates front page scorn.

[rolling_stone]

Listen to Peter toot his own horn and excuses..barf alert.

http://www.newseum.org/warstories/interviews/mp3/journalists/bio.asp?ID=24