The BBC website's reporting of the judgement was big, bold and triumphal: "Celebrations hail Saddam verdict in Baghdad's Shia-dominated Sadr City." (BBC news online, November 5, 2006) The following day, the New York Times website echoed the emphasis:
"Quotation Of The Day: 'This is a very great happiness. I will never forget this day.' Abdul Razzaq Hassan, a laborer, on the sentencing of Saddam Hussein."
A few lines below, however, a more realistic version of events could be found: "In a Divided Iraq, Reaction to Saddam Death Sentence Conforms to Sectarian Lines - The guilty verdict was met with carefree celebration in Shiite towns and brooding bitterness in Sunni ones." (Sabrina Tavernise, New York Times, November 6, 2006)
In other words, the response in Iraq was, of course, mixed. But both the BBC and the New York Times chose a focus that presented the verdict as a joyous success for the occupying forces.
(more)
http://www.medialens.org/alerts/index.php
Saddam’s Trial in Context: Episode of Victors’ Injustice
http://www.palestinechronicle.com/story-11100653536.htm
Felicity Arbuthnot: Who Are the War Criminals?
http://www.palestinechronicle.com/story-11130625853.htm
"Quotation Of The Day: 'This is a very great happiness. I will never forget this day.' Abdul Razzaq Hassan, a laborer, on the sentencing of Saddam Hussein."
A few lines below, however, a more realistic version of events could be found: "In a Divided Iraq, Reaction to Saddam Death Sentence Conforms to Sectarian Lines - The guilty verdict was met with carefree celebration in Shiite towns and brooding bitterness in Sunni ones." (Sabrina Tavernise, New York Times, November 6, 2006)
In other words, the response in Iraq was, of course, mixed. But both the BBC and the New York Times chose a focus that presented the verdict as a joyous success for the occupying forces.
(more)
http://www.medialens.org/alerts/index.php
Saddam’s Trial in Context: Episode of Victors’ Injustice
http://www.palestinechronicle.com/story-11100653536.htm
Felicity Arbuthnot: Who Are the War Criminals?
http://www.palestinechronicle.com/story-11130625853.htm