BuzzMachine

The media pundit's pundit. Written by NYC insider Jeff Jarvis, BuzzMachine covers news, media, journalism, and politics.

When the pen isn’t mightier than the sword

3 comments on When the pen isn’t mightier than the sword

When the pen isn’t mightier than the sword
: There were many questions at this morning’s Centcom briefing about the deaths of journalists under fire in Baghdad. Centcom just put up a press statement reminding everyone that war is dangerous — especially when you’re sitting in the heart of a military target controlled by the enemy:

U.S. Central Command has received further clarification on two incidents of journalists being harmed during combat operations in Baghdad today.

The first incident involved reporters from Al Jazeera. According to commanders on the ground, Coalition forces came under significant enemy fire from the building where the Al Jazeera journalists were working and, consistent with the inherent right of self-defense, Coalition forces returned fire. Sadly, an Al Jazeera correspondent was killed in this exchange.

In the second incident, commanders on the ground reported that Coalition forces received significant enemy fire from the Palestine Hotel in Baghdad and, consistent with their inherent right of self defense, Coalition forces returned fire. Sadly, a Reuters and a Tele 5 (Spain) journalist were killed in this exchange.

Unfortunately, both of these buildings were being used by journalists reporting on the war.

These tragic incidents appear to be the latest example of the Iraqi regime

3 responses to “When the pen isn’t mightier than the sword”

  1. Gray Avatar
    Gray

    Guess you can read non-CENTCOM releases
    Read it
    ——————
    “I never heard a single shot coming from any of the area around here, certainly not from the hotel,” British Sky television’s correspondent David Chater said.
    “In all the three weeks I have worked from this hotel I have not heard a single shot fired from here and I have not seen a single armed person enter the hotel,” Swiss television correspondent Ulrich Tilgner said in a report from the hotel.
    ———–
    Who are liars – reporters or your occupation forces?

  2. Theresa Avatar
    Theresa

    Good Morning Gray
    How you doin? Do we have to go over this old theme again? Okay, just for you, WAR IS HELL!! I doubt the veracity of the reporters cause, well damn, there has been continues fighting in and around that area for a couple of days now. How do the reporters distinguish where the shots are being fired from? I would ass u me they would have the brains to take cover when hearing gun fire, so again, how do they distinguish where it’s coming from hiding underneath something? Reporters are notorious for making things up just to have copy (they are trying to make a living). I’ve witnessed this first hand, just as you witnessed “first hand” the attack on the russian convoy. All this aside Gray, I gave some thought to you and your situation last night. I have a wish for you and the Iraqi people. I wish you long life, good health, clean water, freedom from hunger, the right to live and work where you want, education for your children (both male and FEMALE), safety in your own home, medical care regardless of your religious preference, freedom of speech, and the right to worship in the place of your choice. I also wish for you the RIGHT to elect your government and know that they work for you, not the other way around. Iraq has an abundance of natural resources, which belong to all the Iraqi people, not a select few. I hope in the future you benefit from this gift from God. God Bless America, our troops, and Mr. Bush.

  3. Jurjen Avatar
    Jurjen

    It’s been noted that a bloke with a amera on his shoulder, seen at long range, looks remarkably like a bloke with an anti-tank missile launcher; the tank crew, at worst, made a tragic mistake. At best, they were fully entitled to return fire, and we can blame whichever Iraqi decided the Palestine Hotel made a good firing position.
    I recall a stroy about a journalist who had criticized the local PD for being to “trigger-happy” being invited to take part in the firearms “situation simulation” course, in which the trainee is presented with potentially hostile targets. The journo drew his weapon significantly faster than any real police officer ever did.
    Anecdotal, I know, but it’s easy to criticise “lack of restraint” when you’re not a combatant.