Much
of the media have been reporting fairly and accurately the
reality of the Hamas terrorist organization, which is now
forming the next Palestinian Authority government. However, we
are starting to see a disturbing trend by those
who shy away from using the word "terrorist" in favor of the
more neutral "militant" or "activist."
AP's Dubious Distinction
The Associated Press actually used the words "terror network."
What is surprising is that they use the phrase to label Al-Qaida, while
referring to Hamas as a more neutral "militant group."
Hamas officials shrugged off the support offered by
Al-Qaida's
No. 2 leader, saying Sunday the Palestinian militant
group has a different ideology than the
terror network and won election through a moderate
approach to Islam.
In a video aired Saturday by Al-Jazeera, Ayman al-Zawahri
(pictured) called for jihad, or holy war, to reclaim
Palestinian lands and implied Al-Qaida's support for Hamas'
refusal to recognize Israel despite international pressure
since the militant Islamic group swept parliamentary
elections in January.
AP does not use a direct quotation from Hamas officials.
This is not surprising because it would seem inconsistent for Hamas to
brand another organization in these terms. The words are AP's. It leaves open the
question on what basis AP has decided to reserve the words
"terror network" for Al-Qaida.
For the record, Hamas has not
declared any break in their
ideology or a desire to change their
charter.
AFP quotes Khalad Meshaal, Damascus- based Hamas leader:
"The demand that Hamas and the resistance movements lay
down their weapons and become political parties is unrealistic
and has nothing to do with the Palestinian reality on the
ground," said Meshaal in an interview broadcast on
Dubai-based Arab news channel Al-Arabiya after the end of his
landmark visit to Moscow Sunday.
The New York Times Gets It Right
On the other hand, it is The New York Times, who
Honest Reporting has frequently criticized for failure to use
the word "terrorism", that sets the right tone. In an
editorial this week, the Times says:
America cannot bankroll a Hamas government that preaches
and practices terrorism, denies that Israel has any right
to exist, and refuses to abide by peace agreements signed by
previous Palestinian governments...
...the American people are not prepared to support
governments, elected or unelected, that proclaim the
annihilation of other nations as their goal and embrace
terrorism as an acceptable tactic for achieving it.
We commend the New York Times for correctly labeling Hamas
for what it is and expect that they will continue to paint
this clear picture in their future reporting.
Ask the Associated Press why they make this distinction:
Feedback@ap.org
Commend the New York Times and ask that they be consistent
in their reporting:
letters@nytimes.com
If you see your local media using the words
"militant" or "activist" to describe Hamas, let them know that
"terrorist" is the more accurate term.
Thank you for your ongoing involvement in the
battle against media bias.
HonestReporting
