Comparing Soviet and western media coverage of Afghanistan
OutOfBreath
Posts: 1,804
Part 1: http://www.ukwatch.net/article/invasion_soviet_amp_western_media_compared_1
Part 2: http://www.ukwatch.net/article/invasion_soviet_amp_western_media_compared_2
Very interesting piece I read in a norwegian paper, which I found on the net.
The author, Nikolai Lanine, compares coverage before and now, and rhetoric used to defend the operations. The reason this is interesting, is because there are huge similarities.
Peace
Dan
Part 2: http://www.ukwatch.net/article/invasion_soviet_amp_western_media_compared_2
Very interesting piece I read in a norwegian paper, which I found on the net.
The author, Nikolai Lanine, compares coverage before and now, and rhetoric used to defend the operations. The reason this is interesting, is because there are huge similarities.
Peace
Dan
"YOU [humans] NEED TO BELIEVE IN THINGS THAT AREN'T TRUE. HOW ELSE CAN THEY BECOME?" - Death
"Every judgment teeters on the brink of error. To claim absolute knowledge is to become monstrous. Knowledge is an unending adventure at the edge of uncertainty." - Frank Herbert, Dune, 1965
"Every judgment teeters on the brink of error. To claim absolute knowledge is to become monstrous. Knowledge is an unending adventure at the edge of uncertainty." - Frank Herbert, Dune, 1965
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A russian who says there isn't much difference between Soviet rhetoric when they occupied Afghanistan in the 80s, and western rhetoric now, and noone has anything to add? (Or else this was too long and noone read it I suppose...
Peace
Dan
"Every judgment teeters on the brink of error. To claim absolute knowledge is to become monstrous. Knowledge is an unending adventure at the edge of uncertainty." - Frank Herbert, Dune, 1965
I agree that noone in the media is pointing the illegality of the invasion, especially in Iraq, but focusing on operation mistakes and so on.
Just think about how many countries should USA invade if the real intention is to bring democracy and destroy dictatorship. So the goals of Russia and USA being the same really doesn't surprise me. In the end both countries are/were imperialist, one using capitalism and the other communism. The same goals, different methods.
I don't know if you are aware of Turkey's clash with USA, USA not allowing Turkish army entering northern Iraq to pursue separatist Kurdish terrorists who are using the territory as a base to attack civilians and Turkish army in southeast of Turkey. In my point of view, we have the right to do this but the righteousness of the goal does not mean anything nowadays, only how much power you have to convince others that you have the right to do something illegal or legal matters and corporal media is the best tool that USA has to convince everybody that they are warriors of liberty and democracy.
Peace
Dan
"Every judgment teeters on the brink of error. To claim absolute knowledge is to become monstrous. Knowledge is an unending adventure at the edge of uncertainty." - Frank Herbert, Dune, 1965
As for Turkey and the Kurds, that's a completely different ball-game. The colonialists shit on themselves when they divided Kurds into a bit in all nations. When those nations became nationalist and ethnically based on the majority groups, the Kurds were essentially screwed. Turkey will not allow them a country of their own. Neither will Iraq, Iran or Syria, and in all those countries they are discriminated against. (Except in Iraq where they have gained some autonomy.)
In this case I feel it's a bit hypocritical to denounce the US their war based on security arguments, while feeling that Turkey should be allowed to invade Kurdish areas based on security arguments. It can be argued that the Turks are doing to the Kurds what the US is doing to Iraqis.
I dont want to pick sides too clearly there either, but Turkey doesnt exactly have a good track record in accepting cultural plurality and in the treatment of minority groups.
Peace
Dan
"Every judgment teeters on the brink of error. To claim absolute knowledge is to become monstrous. Knowledge is an unending adventure at the edge of uncertainty." - Frank Herbert, Dune, 1965
I read a norwegian translation of it that was organized a bit better, though.
Peace
Dan
"Every judgment teeters on the brink of error. To claim absolute knowledge is to become monstrous. Knowledge is an unending adventure at the edge of uncertainty." - Frank Herbert, Dune, 1965
I don't see how the US-Iraq situation can be described as the same as the Turkey-Kurd situation. Not even similar.
One fundamental difference is the PKK have staged attacks on Turkish soil.
I am not a fan of bombing expeditions because most things can be solved by diplomacy but you as a Turk should not compare the two situations as it will only weaken your argument. By that I mean, not many people support the US in Iraq unless it meant money for them.
See... there's a difference.
To Americans... we don't see the KPP or PPK or KPK as 'Terrorists'. 'Terrorist' are only people who want to kill us Americans. You Turks don't count.. because you are not Americans. Therefore, the Kurds in Iraq that are setting of car bombs in your country are really trying to 'Spread Democracy' to you so next time we want to invade and occupy some on on that side of the globe... you'll let us launch our airstrikes from your front door. So, how can they be 'Terrorists'?
Hail, Hail!!!
And when you have the power, noone can question your reasons.
I agree with your other points. I don't agree this because the US did not invade out of national security.
Only killed thousands of civilians in 25 years!!! Well it's the victims' fault not to get a green card when they had the chance.
You know what is really scary... I wasn't fat off on how many American REALLY feel about it. They think Turkey is trying to interfere and/or undermine american efforts to turn iraq into a democracy.
Turkey went on the 'Axis Of Evil' list along with France when they didn't want to participate in our little adventure into Mesopotamia.
Hail, Hail!!!
I guess Bush and its advisers should have chosen a name that is more despising.
Some countries may join the club just because they think it is a cool name, like me.
But to return to the topic, that is true. Kurdish region is the only part where USA could stabilize and we want to join the party at this point so of course the bells are ringing.
But USA don't understand that Kurds always look for masters, they need masters. they are one of the few nations in history who couldn't gain its sovereignty anytime. One bad side of this is they may call Iranians or anybody else master, when they see the benefit.
It would help if Americans did a little research into the Middle East... its history, culture, customs, religion... instead of writing them all off as a bunch of towel-headed camel jockeys who are sitting on top of our oil. Then, maybe there would have made some real, true assessments of the consequences of our going over there, guns-a-blazing.
The first person I would sign up for the remedial Middle Eastern History course is our President Bush.
Hail, Hail!!!