Iraq

Iraqi Journalists Struggle for Press Freedoms

Lindsy Embree — Tue, 31 May 2011 07:28:37 -0400

Full article: On the Media
Protests against the government of Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki in many of Iraq's big cities have been suppressed, as have the media attempting to cover them. Journalists in Iraq today are facing tactics reminiscent of the Saddam Hussein era.

Gunmen Kill Young Iraqi Journalist at his Home

Stevie Converse — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 09:19:30 -0500

Full article: CNN
Jomanan Karadsheh
Gunmen shot and killed a young Iraqi journalist in front of his family Sunday in the northern city of Mosul, an official at the Interior Ministry said. More than 230 journalists and media workers have been killed in Iraq since the U.S.-led invasion began in 2003.

Abducted Kurdish Writer Is Found Dead in Iraq

Lindsy Embree — Fri, 07 May 2010 12:14:23 -0400

Full article: New York Times
Sam Dagher
A Kurdish journalist was kidnapped in the capital of the semiautonomous Kurdistan region of Iraq, tortured and then found dead with two bullets in the head on a highway, his family and members of the security forces said.

Iraqi Journalist Sees Threat to Press Freedom

Stevie Converse — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 12:19:43 -0500

Full article: Washington Post
Ernesto Londoño
In Iraq, Government officials and private citizens have increasingly resorted to litigation to muffle critical reporting. And a commission that reports to Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki recently unveiled guidelines that Iraqi journalists and press freedom advocates call authoritarian.

For the First Time, Afghanistan Tops the Week’s News

Stevie Converse — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:20:23 -0400

Full article: Project for Excellence in Journalism
Amid signs of disagreement over war strategy within the Obama administration, Afghanistan led the news last week. The media attention last week was at a level that accompanied the politically explosive domestic debate over Iraq strategy several years ago.

Truth? Yes, Sir!

Stevie Converse — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 09:19:48 -0400

Full article: Columbia Journalism Review
When a country goes to war, its citizens need to be appraised of ongoing developments and what is being done in their name. They have a right to as close an approximation of truth as journalists can deliver, given the limitations. The right to bear witness is part of the fight. We have two wars on now, and not enough truth.

Disappearing Iraq

Stevie Converse — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 09:01:25 -0400

Full article: Columbia Journalism Review
Jane Arraf
Although its role has diminished, the U.S. military is still involved in almost every facet of Iraqi society, from mediating disputes to providing drinking water to conducting combat operations. But reporters have been reduced to covering ribbon cuttings and positive news stories, which has perpetuated a convenient fiction.

Times Reporter Is Freed in Afghan Raid that Kills Aide

Stevie Converse — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:17:32 -0400

Full article: New York Times
Eric Schmitt
Stephen Farrell, a <em>New York Times</em> reporter held captive by militants in northern Afghanistan, was freed in a military commando raid, but his Afghan interpreter was killed during the rescue effort.

Iraqi Threat to Press Freedom

Lindsy Embree — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 11:11:58 -0400

Full article: The Guardian
Roy Greenslade
Iraq, which remains the most dangerous country in the world for journalists, has drafted a law that poses a new threat to reporters. Ostensibly designed to "safeguard" journalistic rights, the draft law contains worrying provisions, such as prohibiting journalists from "compromising the security and stability of the country."

Iraq Mulls Web Site Ban, Fuels Censorship Fears

Lindsy Embree — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 09:08:30 -0400

Full article: Reuters
Suadad al-Salhy
Iraq is considering blocking Web sites deemed pornographic or that incite violence or crime, triggering fears of a return to Saddam Hussein-style state censorship and government propaganda. Iraq's Interior Ministry said it was looking into blocking sites that are connected to crimes such as money laundering, robbery, prostitution, bomb-making and terrorism.