Why is Rupert Murdoch Endangering U.S. Soldiers?

thinkprogress.org
Why is Rupert Murdoch Endangering U.S. Soldiers?

Thanks, Rupe…



The United States military expressed anger and dismay today over the unauthorized release of photographs of a jailed Saddam Hussein in his underwear and performing menial activity. …

“These photos were taken in clear violation of Department of Defense directives and possibly Geneva Convention guidelines for the humane treatment of detained individuals,” the military statement, issued in Iraq, said, promising an investigation. …

The pictures were published today on the cover and inside pages of two tabloids controlled by the media magnate [and Fox News owner] Rupert Murdoch, The Sun, a British daily, and The New York Post. [NYT, 5/20/05]

UPDATE: And here’s an ironic note. After the administration harped on for a week about how Newsweek journalists were directly responsible for the riots in Afghanistan, etc., President Bush now suddenly can’t see much of a connection between media coverage and insurgent activities:


President Bush, when asked if he thought the pictures would stoke more anti-Americanism in Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East, voiced some doubt. “I think the Iraq insurgency is inspired by their desire to stop the march of freedom,” he said. …

“You know, I don’t think a photo inspires murderers,” Mr. Bush said, at an appearance with Prime Minister Anders Rasmussen of Denmark. “I think they’re inspired by an ideology that is so barbaric and backwards that it’s hard for many in the Western world to comprehend how they think.”