Misreading the Media
Reader comment on item: Polls, Palestinians and the Path to Peace

Submitted by Julian (Canada), Mar 11, 2003 at 23:43

Pipes reasons that the fact that most Israeli and Americans polled on the issue feel that the Palestinians want the destruction of Israel "testifies to the wisdom of a free and informed people". It could also testify to the fact that both Israel and the United States have an incredible propaganda machine at work. Both media represent the issue in a tainted light for slightly different reasons. Israel needs a population that is ready and willing to adhere to the mandatory conscruption as well as the constantly morally questionable action of the IDF. On the other hand, the United States devotes billions of dollars in military aid to Israel because it is a stratigic ally in an area rich in oil. Not to mention the fact that there is heavy American investment in the Israeli economy.
CNN, until recently the American news station with the highest ratings, has on several ocassions reported unreliable facts, which have sometimes turned out to be blatant lies. The fact that they have had Jerry Falwell express his views on more than one occasion speaks volumes for how much, and the type of propaganda that they are constantly espousing.
Pipes is right to point out that Israel's press at times reports with some freedom and integrity, Ha'aretz being a good exmaple of this. However, as is the case in the United States integrity does not gaurantee circulation and popularity. The sad fact is that most media does not have high integrity and all too often are a willing participant in the propaganda machine of the government and military.

---

Note: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of Daniel Pipes. Original writing only, please. Comments are screened for relevance, substance, and tone, and in some cases edited before posting. Reasoned disagreement is welcome, but comments are rejected if scurrilous, off-topic, vulgar, ad hominem, or otherwise viewed as inappropriate. For complete regulations, see the Guidelines for Comments. For informational purposes, we identify countries from which comments are sent.