A lesson
was learnt at Vietnam. The American government had recognized the importance of
the force called “media” and the folly to ignore or underestimate it. The media
could not be allowed to become an obstacle in America’s future war plans.
Furthermore, the potential of the media to sell the war to the always gullible
audience was also acknowledged. Thus, in the interim period between “Desert
Storm” and “Perfect Storm”, began one of the most panoptic propaganda campaigns
by the government to fool the media and in the process, its own people. Large
scale “global conflict” was given the name of “war against terrorism”. The gun
was loaded and then 9/11 provided the trigger. The propaganda was escalated to
another level, one which eventually led to the slaughter of two nations. The
disappointing part was that every form of media was engulfed by the deception.
It exposed gaping holes in the depth of the American media and has left doubts
over its reliability and righteousness. Doubts inked by the blood of innocents
and the decisions of few.
First
the sanction, then the invasion and finally the occupation has ensured the
death of a nation. The American media still has to learn its lesson. Although
there have been admissions and apologies from different organizations and
journalists, the overall scenario is far from a renaissance. After the bias,
now it’s the boredom. The media is bored of Iraq, their agendas have changed.
The fact that around 400 civilians die on an usual month in Iraq is still not germane.
Lack of electricity and a four year draught adds to the suffering of Iraq.
Since 2005, 100,000 people have abandoned their homes with thousands more ready
to follow suit. (The forgotten war. 2010)
Yet, the American media finds time only
to cover the Iraqi elections or some issue which cannot be linked to the
invaders. The fourth estate continues its rapid relegation to just another pawn
in the game of power. A game where the world watches and America disposes.
