Foreign Policy: Let's play pretend

January 19, 2:36 PMForeign Policy ExaminerAimee Kligman

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Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad waves to the media (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

On January 15th, before the so-called cease fires were announced from both Israel and Hamas, and subsequently violated, it was important to view the news as reported directly in the Middle East without US filter. This would not be a first for the writer, but perhaps a first for many American readers who don't have access. Let's pretend, for the sake of this article, that you are in the Middle East, that you are Muslim or Jewish, and that you are either a peacenik, or a militant.

Keep in mind that some of the channels are independent, and others are state controlled.

This report is from an Abu Dhabi channel in Gaza. Reporter is speaking about violent battles and the martyring of 1100 people. Making an appeal to UN relief & work agencies to protect the people (read civilians). We hear that the IDF is trying to advance into the city. The next screen shows the bombing of a cemetery by an F-16 and reporter laments that Israel is attacking the dead in addition to mosques, homes and poses the question: Who are the terrorists?

Next, he's explaining the effects of white phosphorus which is causing people to suffocate and burn. We see the dead and are told that to date, there have been 4700 injured, that medical teams are exhausted. We see piles of rubble which are remnants mostly of homes. Reporter indicates they expect Israel to intensify its activity.

Israeli TV comes on next and shows an Israeli soldier being interviewed in the evening. He declares: "Hamas looks like rags to me, they don't look like soldiers, they are not a real army. Every time we engage we kill them; we are going from home to home. The camera then show an empty field. We see a Palestinian sniper shooting. The Israeli soldier is on his cell phone next to a house relating his position (supposedly to his commanding officer). Fade.

The next report is from Israel's IBA News

Ehud Barak repeating mantra that Hamas are using children as human shields, and Israel is merely responding to Hamas attacks and doing everything in its power to avoid civilians. We learn that Amos Gilad is in Cairo to discuss a cease fire.

From Qatar, we get the Al Jazeera report.

We are told that artillery, air and sea attacks continue in what is deemed to be the worst day of violence. The IDF is penetrating deeply into Gaza and trying to root out the resistance. Images of the dead and a tally of 1070 dead to include 335 children, and 80 women. Graphic images of dead and wounded. Report that 20 rockets have hit Southern Israel, and killed and wounded "several Israeli soldiers". A child crying serves as background. Next we see the center of Gaza City where Israel has now entered, firing phosphorus bombs fill the sky with smoke and burning gas. Reporter speaks of random shelling that hit buildings with media ; screams are heard, people are dropping to the ground. UN headquarters and hospital hit with shelling. One woman said she got hit on the 10th floor where she was hiding, and declares she can't rely on anyone but God, and she's so scared. Civilians are leaving their apartments looking for safe places but there are no safe places. Reporter closes by saying: "Gaza will continue to bleed"

Next report comes from Dubai of the UAE

Hospitals are a tragic scene, but doors are wide open for thousands of wounded people; we see see doctors in their white coats who are being hailed as heroes because they are helping. At last, they are coming from other Arab countries.  We see more wounded. Reporter asserts that "every minute Gaza calls on the world to stop the crimes", zooms to scene of destroyed buildings and rubble. Last statement is that Israel is forcing their demands on the people but that the resistance is fighting back.

A report from TV in Ramallah

Reporter announces that 900 have been martyred, and that the Security Cabinet said it will continue the operation. Next image is a young boy dead and bloodied, followed by image of Israeli air force and military men smiling. Comments that the invasion is politically motivated  asserting that claim is confirmed by the Israeli Media. Ehud Barak is using the war to bolster his standing. Explains that Israeli reserves are being trained in the desert before entering the third phase of the assault. Ends with: "there is no battle; it's an invasion on civilian homes".

Next report comes from Iran TV

Spokeswoman reports that Lieberman (referring to Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman) declared that  Gaza should be like treated the same way the U.S. handled Japan, referencing Hiroshima and World War II . There is a deliberate targeting of civilians. This unveils political mask and shows nature of US imperialism and role in international terrorism. The ban of arab political parties is discussed, which disqualifies from running in the election. Ironic statement regarding Israel's democracy at work. Comment on the occupation being trapped in a cycle of defeat. Calls Israel a terrorist state and opines that peace from Israeli left is gone. (referring to "Peace Now" movement).

Next report comes from Cairo, Egypt

Reporter says that Egypt strongly condemns the action in Gaza and talks about a meeting of anger & hope. The plight has taken a bad turn because of Palestinian divisions, and is now reduced to talking about tunnels. Political support for the Palestinians is weakened though humanitarian support is strong. Within Egypt, the National Democratic Party is shown meeting (they oppose Mubarak and support Hamas). Egypt calls on the international community to accept the terms of its latest proposal. The situation is tragic,  ordinary people are suffering and the rights to Palestinians must be returned. Egypt is unequivocal in its support for the Palestinians.

What does the ordinary Muslim viewer think after he/she is subjected to reporting of this kind for nineteen days? What would you think?

If you have missed this kind of TV reporting, you can see these reports online, nightly, by watching Mosaic or you can also install Livestation on your computer for news in more than one language.

For more info: What the US cannot veto: the ICC at the Hague, Diplomacy: explaining Operation Cast Lead to the Arabs who don't get it, Why are we allowing our weapons to be used against civilians in Gaza?, Is US Foreign Policy responsible for the carnage in Gaza?