verbena-19

MediaChannel.org: Deciphering Between Freedom of the Press and Freedom of the Terrorists (Re: ABC's Interview with Accused Chechen Terrorist Leader)

Home
Deciphering Between Freedom of the Press and Freedom of the Terrorists
Submitted by editor on August 1, 2005 - 1:37pm.
Source: RIA Novosti

MOSCOW, August 1 (RIA Novosti political commentator Peter Lavelle) - The interview with accused Chechen terrorist leader Shamil Basayev on the American television network ABC cast serious doubts on whether the United States is committed to war against global terrorism.

The interview is also another troubling indicator that Washington tacitly supports the "privatization" of American foreign policy to further the political agendas of a small number of neo-conservatives and out-dated Cold Warriors.

The U.S. government responded to Moscow's indignation over the interview by explaining that the editorial position of an independent television network is beyond government control. Though it would be hard to believe, as it has often been suggested, the U.S. government would be pleased or even allow an interview with Osama bin Laden on American television.

U.S. State Department spokesman Sean McCormack stated there is no inconsistency between the U.S. government's approach to the Basayev interview and its repeated criticism of the Arabic news channel al-Jazeera. The U.S. has criticized al-Jazeera for broadcasting tapes of Osama bin Laden that might include signals to the al-Qaida terrorist network and other terrorist cells. According to McCormack, the U.S. government is unaware of any concern that the Basayev interview contained any cryptic codes meant for terrorists.

McCormack was gravely wrong when he suggested that Basayev didn't send any signals during the interview. Basayev signaled that his terrorist activities will continue and used the interview to appeal for international funding. ABC helped Basayev signal that terrorists and terrorist activities are somehow divisible - some acts of terrorism and terrorists are more legitimate than others.

The interview also suggested that American media are willing to undercut Russia as an important ally in the war on terrorism. Additionally, the interview signaled that Basayev can continue to find support from a small section of the American political and media elites whose only purpose seems to be to destabilize Russia.

ABC's rationale for broadcasting the interview demonstrates just how irresponsible and uninformed Western media are in regard to Russia and the on-going tragedy in Chechnya. Ted Koppel, host of ABC's Nightline, the program that aired the interview, defended the decision. "It is of real value only because it guarantees us access to the unpopular espousing the unacceptable. Then we can reject or accept it, condemn it or embrace it. No one should have the authority to make that decision for us. Not our own government and certainly not somebody else's."

Koppel's defense of ABC's independent editorial policy is reasonable. But the decision to broadcast the interview is not. What is the value, in this particular case, of giving Basayev a soapbox to express the "unpopular" and the "unacceptable?" What is the value of giving media attention to the person who admits to being the mastermind behind the Beslan massacre and has proclaimed his intent to continue to perpetrate acts of terror? What is the value of giving media access to a person who claims to be fighting for Chechen independence, when in fact his terrorist activities have only brought misery to the Chechen people?

ABC's choice also undermines the United States' credibility in the world. Official U.S. foreign policy has repeatedly been criticized by Russia for applying double standards when it comes to the war on terrorism. Individuals and groups that directly threaten American interests are labeled as terrorists; those who don't mention the United States by name, but are nevertheless engaged in terrorism activities are treated differently.

The Basayev interview signals that, yet again, the United States' commitment to the war on terror may be too selective to be effective and that the country may not be a reliable partner for countries confronting terrorists.

ABC has the right to defend its independence, but it should also be reasonable and responsible. As a news agency, ABC has a strong interest in airing an exclusive interview. However, it should also be aware that by doing so, it may damage The United States' reputation and support those in the business to "privatize" American foreign policy, institutions like the National Endowment for Democracy and other so-called taxpayer-funded NGOs.

ABC may not be aware that its broadcast of the interview directly promotes those more interested in destabilizing Russia than fighting international terrorism - no different from Basayev's agenda. Basayev probably had a good laugh during and after the interview, knowing how easy it is to divide those who should be working together to destroy self-proclaimed terrorists like himself.

- The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and may not necessarily represent the opinions of the editorial board.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

posted by Annamarie at 1:12 AM