Newly embedded reporter from Iraq: "Everything I thought I knew was wrong."

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Newly embedded reporter from Iraq: "Everything I thought I knew was wrong."

Posted: 12/23/2005 7:19:16 AM EDT

Good read…

But John Murtha says…

newsminerextra.com/iraq/blog/considering-another-side_26

The view from on the ground

Think about everything you’ve heard about the conditions in Iraq, the role of U.S. forces, the multi-layered complexities of the war.

Then think again.

I’m a journalist. I read the news everyday, from several sources. I have the luxury of reading stuff newspapers don’t always have room to print. I read every tidbit I could on Iraq and the war before coming.

Everything I thought I knew was wrong.

Maybe not wrong, but certainly different than the picture in my head.

I liken it to this; It was real struggle for me to choose to see the Harry Potter movies. I had read the books and loved the pictures I had in my mind of the details I read. I didn’t need to see a movie; I had a movie playing in my head of exactly how I perceived the stories.

I had similar notions about Iraq, Mosul, the war and what exactly soldiers do. And it was handily shattered like glass today by a group of soldiers, half of them younger than myself.

There are houses of this city that by Fairbanks standards are luxurious. Or at least they were at one time. They are ornate and gated and in neighborhoods with schools, stores and mosques. They are also ghosts of what they once were. They are still lived in, but after years of war and lack of many basic municipal services, the houses look spent and tired around the shutters.

There is garbage on the streets, in yards, in open areas. There is a stench. There is grime. But there are also people.

They are vivid, unlike their surroundings. They are excitable and friendly and conversational. They live in conditions I hope I don’t have to experience in my own life. Yet, if my neighborhood saw two wars, the breakdown of the national and local governments and decline of municipal services, I’m not sure I wouldn’t be in the same boat.

I still haven’t seen U.S. troops engaged or encounter car bombs or explosives. But I did see them play backgammon with some local police and Iraqi soldiers. I saw them take photos with more locals and make jokes mostly lost in translation. They gave advice and expertise to local troops on how to conduct a neighborhood patrol. They drank the local customary tea, and many admitted they’ve become addicted to it. They know several locals by name. I didn’t hear one slight or ridicule of a very distinct culture. One soldier mentioned it might be a good idea to clean up the trash around one polling place, and another commented on the status of women in the culture, but they were nothing but respectful, friendly and buddy-buddy with the Iraqis they mingled with today.

And this is good stuff.

More than anything in the last few days I’ve heard from soldiers and commanders that people back home don’t quite get it. They don’t see the real picture. They don’t get the real story. Some of them, like Lt. Col. Gregg Parrish, look seriously pained in the face when he says only a part of the picture is being told; the part of car bombs and explosives and suicide bombers and death. It’s a necessary part of the picture, but not a complete one, he says.

I’ve listened to the soldiers and Parrish about the missing pieces of the puzzles that don’t reach home. My selfish, journalistic drive immediately thinks “Perfect. A story that hasn’t been told. Let me at it.”

But I have a slight hesitation; I need to keep balanced. I can’t be a cheerleader, even if I have a soft spot for the hometown troops, especially after the welcome they’ve shown me. I still need to be truthful and walk the centerline and report the good or bad.

But then I realize it’s not a conflict of interest. If I am truly unbiased, then I need to get used to this one simple fact; that the untold story, might in fact, be a positive one. It takes a minute to wrap my mind around it, as a news junkie that became a news writer. The great, career-making, breaking news stories usually don’t have happy endings; they usually revolve around disturbing news, deceit and downfall. Nasty political doings. Gruesome crimes and murders. Revealing secrets.

But I’ve come upon something that is none of those. Not this aspect of it. There are politics to this war and controversies and investigations. But there is another side.

Posted: 12/23/2005 7:24:05 AM EDT

[#1]

Unfortunately, stories like this don't sell papers or make ratings, death, destruction and mayhem make the $$'s!

Posted: 12/23/2005 7:31:10 AM EDT

[#2]

That story needs to be on the front page of every newspaper in the U.S. and read on every televised newscast.

Posted: 12/23/2005 3:27:50 PM EDT

[#3]

Bump for tonight.

Posted: 12/23/2005 4:15:02 PM EDT

[#4]

Quoted:
Bump for tonight.

Apparently it doesn't even interest folks HERE either.

Posted: 12/23/2005 4:16:11 PM EDT

[#5]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Bump for tonight.
Apparently it doesn't even interest folks HERE either.

Yup

Posted: 12/23/2005 4:20:06 PM EDT

[#6]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Bump for tonight.
Apparently it doesn't even interest folks HERE either.

Because it speeks for itself.

Posted: 12/23/2005 4:21:54 PM EDT

[#7]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Bump for tonight.
Apparently it doesn't even interest folks HERE either.

Because most of us already knew what he didn't.

Posted: 12/23/2005 4:23:35 PM EDT

[#8]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Bump for tonight.
Apparently it doesn't even interest folks HERE either.

Yup

well....how about a tack for awhile, huh?

Posted: 12/23/2005 4:24:19 PM EDT

[#9]

I read it. Doesn't surprise me. It will get squashed because it doesn't involve torture, dead Americans, insurgents, IED's, Bush's fault or any other false, misleading sensationalism.

Too bad it won't get past here.

Posted: 12/23/2005 4:25:41 PM EDT

[#10]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Bump for tonight.
Apparently it doesn't even interest folks HERE either.
Because it speeks for itself.

No because good news rarely generates interest, whether measured by TV ratings, newpapers sold or responses to posts.

Posted: 12/23/2005 4:35:34 PM EDT

[#11]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Bump for tonight.
Apparently it doesn't even interest folks HERE either.

Because most of us already knew what he didn't.

Yep

Posted: 12/23/2005 4:41:22 PM EDT

[#12]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Bump for tonight.
Apparently it doesn't even interest folks HERE either.
Because it speeks for itself.

No because good news rarely generates interest, whether measured by TV ratings, newpapers sold or responses to posts.

I rarely feel a need to respond to such posts. There are usually enough comments to let it slide by. I don't feel I need to add a +1 to what the article says.

Posted: 12/23/2005 4:45:02 PM EDT

[#13]

Tag

Posted: 12/23/2005 6:03:56 PM EDT

[#14]

BTT ( a tag with a purpose )

Posted: 12/23/2005 6:16:56 PM EDT

[#15]

OK, Yay! One reporter saw the light.

Fairbanks?

Posted: 12/23/2005 6:29:03 PM EDT

[#16]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Bump for tonight.
Apparently it doesn't even interest folks HERE either.
Because it speeks for itself.

No because good news rarely generates interest, whether measured by TV ratings, newpapers sold or responses to posts.

The riots in France were bad news, and generated little coverage.

Posted: 12/23/2005 6:39:02 PM EDT

[#17]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Bump for tonight.
Apparently it doesn't even interest folks HERE either.
Because it speeks for itself.

No because good news rarely generates interest, whether measured by TV ratings, newpapers sold or responses to posts.

The riots in France were bad news, and generated little coverage.

Same can be said for the death of a family pet.

Posted: 12/23/2005 8:38:41 PM EDT

[#18]

might be interesting to fwd this to your local paper, although I'm sure it'll be ignored.

Posted: 12/23/2005 8:55:09 PM EDT

[#19]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Bump for tonight.
Apparently it doesn't even interest folks HERE either.
Because it speeks for itself.

No because good news rarely generates interest, whether measured by TV ratings, newpapers sold or responses to posts.

The riots in France were bad news, and generated little coverage.

hhmm, I thought that was good news

Posted: 12/23/2005 9:03:13 PM EDT

[#20]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Bump for tonight.
Apparently it doesn't even interest folks HERE either.
Because it speeks for itself.
No because good news rarely generates interest, whether measured by TV ratings, newpapers sold or responses to posts.
The riots in France were bad news, and generated little coverage.

Who was rioting? And where?

That's why it got little coverage.

Posted: 12/23/2005 9:19:42 PM EDT

[#21]

Quoted:
Unfortunately, stories like this don't sell papers or make ratings, death, destruction and mayhem make the $$'s!

And they don't get Democratic antiwar candidates elected to the highest office in the land.

Posted: 12/23/2005 9:21:51 PM EDT

[#22]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Bump for tonight.
Apparently it doesn't even interest folks HERE either.

Because most of us already knew what he didn't.

+1

Posted: 12/23/2005 10:24:04 PM EDT

[#23]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Bump for tonight.
Apparently it doesn't even interest folks HERE either.

Try posting it at DU. Please get back to us with your results.

Posted: 12/23/2005 10:42:00 PM EDT

[#24]

Doesn’t surprise me coming from the NewsMiner, it was a fairly conservative paper when I lived there 8 years ago.
The Anchorage Times on the other hand is a very liberal newspaper, but I bet you would even see something like this in it.

Posted: 12/24/2005 7:15:53 AM EDT

[#25]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Bump for tonight.
Apparently it doesn't even interest folks HERE either.

Try posting it at DU. Please get back to us with your results.

He'll get banned and the post will be missing within five minutes of posting it.

Posted: 12/24/2005 7:45:35 AM EDT

[#26]

My cousin is over there. The first line of the last email he sent to his parents was "Don't worry about me, it's not like you see on CNN".

Posted: 12/24/2005 8:23:31 AM EDT

[#27]

Where did that article come from? Got a link?
I am guessing the link provided is not to the actual story, but to what Murtha said. . .

M4-CQBR

Posted: 12/24/2005 8:25:42 AM EDT

[#28]

Wow, an "embedded" (aka US military-approved) reporter has something good to say about the US Military! Who would have thought!</sarcasm>

Posted: 12/24/2005 8:37:28 AM EDT

[#29]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Bump for tonight.
Apparently it doesn't even interest folks HERE either.

It's because nobody here is surprised (except for a few

s). It's like posting an article that says "guns don't cause crime".

Posted: 12/24/2005 11:13:12 AM EDT

[#30]

Never read this piece in the Philly Inquirer!

Posted: 12/24/2005 11:46:56 AM EDT

[#31]

tag

Posted: 12/24/2005 2:38:32 PM EDT

[#32]

Quoted:
Wow, an "embedded" (aka US military-approved) reporter has something good to say about the US Military! Who would have thought!</sarcasm>

good article

Posted: 12/24/2005 2:42:26 PM EDT

[#33]

good read, thanks.

Posted: 12/24/2005 2:46:03 PM EDT

[#34]

... A fantastic read, but for many of us that have friends and relatives there, we knew this already.

Posted: 12/24/2005 2:59:26 PM EDT

[#35]

The fellow who helped me buy my engagement ring a few days ago was from afghanistanstan and told me that he visited last year and things are a million times better than they were pre-US invasion.

Posted: 12/24/2005 5:36:22 PM EDT

[#36]

This is why we are only hearing now about the NSA "spying" operations.

The only thing that matters to the media and their Democratic party masters is winning the White House.

The thing is that the NSA spying storie is probably as fake as the Valerie Palme affair or the fake "we are losing the war in Iraq" stories.

Posted: 12/24/2005 9:52:33 PM EDT

[#37]

Tag the tack.

Posted: 12/25/2005 3:15:34 AM EDT

[#38]

I read it. I have a different take.

The reporter only skirted the edges of the good news but made sure you know there are still bad things going on. I believe it is still written from a rotten, bloated ego, attention whore liberal perspective. It's not about the war it's about HIS interaction with the war.

Posted: 12/25/2005 6:03:36 AM EDT

[#39]

Excellent read!!!!!

Posted: 12/25/2005 6:13:01 AM EDT

[#40]

Good story, he should have TOLD US MORE ABOUT THIS "OTHER SIDE"!

Posted: 12/25/2005 10:51:48 AM EDT

[#41]

Nice,
Isnt it funny how the truth never make the news???

FREE

Posted: 12/25/2005 6:50:27 PM EDT

[#42]

thx

Posted: 12/25/2005 7:11:55 PM EDT

[#43]

Spent six months rebuilding the Baghdad city govenment in 2003-2004, our group would put on press events, write media releases, shoot video interviews for hometown papers on the good stuff that was happening, new infrastructure services, new schools opening, new health clinics, courts opening again, streets repaired, housing rebuilt, local neigborhood govenments set up and rebuilding their own communities.
NONE of it EVER made it onto the American Press.
I did end up at a Thankgiving meal put on by the paper media, quest of an invited liberal. Rooms full of paper reporters, they hate Bush, Republicans, Conservatives, Christians, Pro-lifers, the WOT, Americans in the red states "fly over people" being able to decide who became president.
Four hours and I was sick, had some considerate discussions but it was like "throwning pearls before swine, so I did even waste my breath.

So this reported, Margaret Friedenauer, who will never be heard from again.

Posted: 12/25/2005 7:34:52 PM EDT

[#44]

Good read.

Thanks!

Posted: 12/25/2005 10:43:36 PM EDT

[#45]

<DUh> Right-wing propaganda <DUh>

Posted: 12/25/2005 11:04:28 PM EDT

[#46]

Quoted:
<DUh> Right-wing propaganda <DUh>

Interesting story......

I still wonder, what is the exit plan time table for leaving Korea, Japan and Germany? OH WAIT... we never did.....

And wasn't that during DEMOCRATIC administrations? (Extream sarcasim)

Posted: 12/26/2005 12:12:19 AM EDT

[#47]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Bump for tonight.
Apparently it doesn't even interest folks HERE either.
Because it speeks for itself.

No because good news rarely generates interest, whether measured by TV ratings, newpapers sold or responses to posts.

I rarely feel a need to respond to such posts. There are usually enough comments to let it slide by. I don't feel I need to add a +1 to what the article says.

My thoughts exactly.

OK I tagged it. Feel better now?

Posted: 12/26/2005 3:42:37 PM EDT

[#48]

Thanks for that.

Posted: 12/27/2005 3:18:24 AM EDT

[#49]

Quoted:
Wow, an "embedded" (aka US military-approved) reporter has something good to say about the US Military! Who would have thought!</sarcasm>

yeah, asshole, just like the nbc reporter who caught that marine shooting the wounded iraqi and caused such a stink for awhile, that kind of "us military approved" embedded reporter.

and just for your information, jerkoff, he was told by the military afterwards he could still remain with the unit if he wanted.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Newly embedded reporter from Iraq: "Everything I thought I knew was wrong."

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