I've never been a fan of how Israel spins media coverage. If it's not to the liking of its elite, then it must be anti-semitic, anti-Israel and pro-arab.
Most serious journalists just shrug when confronted with such accusations. As in, we're not your cheerleaders, we're covering what's happening, not our fault if you don't always like it.
But UK journalists screwed-up big time by demanding the boycott of anything Israeli. This, in response to Israel's apparent lack of enthusiasm for securing the release of kidnapped BBC reporter Alan Johnson.
Sadly, such are the risks inherent to convering war zones. OK, there's no war in Gaza. But it's not exactly the most secure place in the world.
The problem with the Journalist's strategy, is that it flies in the face of what their role is about: We REPORT the story, we don't become part of it.
And while the union of UK journalists reminds its members to continue reporting with fairness and objectivity, the call to boycott suggests the opposite.
Who, in Israel, will want to cooperate with a press that's just outlined a boycott, no matter how symbolic? (Pass the Sufganiot, Pete. No, I'm on a Falafel diet today!)
All this will do is further question the objectivity of the media. It will also give ammos to Neo-conservatives who already despise the media for not giving Israel a systematic free ride in their coverage.
Most countries in the world are hostile to the press. Ever been to Russia or China lately? Ever try walking around with a press card in Columbia, Zimbabwe or Turkey lately without having to look over your shoulder?
That's the sad reality of our job. The powers-that-be hate our presence because we ask questions and report things that very often embarass world leaders. Of course they want us silenced and/or dead!
Let's expose the facts. And the thinking adults will make-up their minds.
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Say Angry... got a minute? Or does the Muslim community "get a free ride"?
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I suspect that you favour the Palestinians more than I do, AR, but there's a lot of sense to your post here, regardless of our likely differences of opinion on the Israeli/Palestinian situation.
Between this, and the shameful way that Tony Blair, his government, and even the EU in general, responded to the Iran hostage situation, I really start to worry for Great Britian these days. I get a sense that they're culture is suffering a great deal, and that they're admirably courage and zeal of yesteryear may be getting squashed by political correctness.
I don't claim to be on Palestine's side. I just think their griveances are as legitimate as Israel's and I have an issue with the way the whole nation is told, get lost, deal with your terrorists, and then we'll talk.
Quebec has a reputation for being a little too chummy with Arabs, but it's important to know that most of them arrived here speaking SOME French, and it made their integration with the majority much easier compared to other nationalities.
And on top of that, 63% of all Arabs in Quebec are actually of Christian faith! (Egypt, Lebanon) So it destroys a lot of stereotypes.
AR wrote... And on top of that, 63% of all Arabs in Quebec are actually of Christian faith! (Egypt, Lebanon) So it destroys a lot of stereotypes.
Now that's interesting. I find that a bit encouraging, actually, only since it means things like the recent hijab controversy in Quebec isn't likely to blow up into something bigger.
I see your point on Palestine. It is a bad attitude for Isreal to take to Palestine since I don't think that the more diplomatic and peaceful elements within the Palestinian regime had the ability to deal with their terrorists.
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