Why do 90% of US journalists say Baghdad is still too dangerous to visit?

Question

Yet 48% of Americans think the military efforts in Iraq are going well. The American people are getting their info on Iraq from the journalists, so why the discrepancy?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071128/ts_nm/iraq_usa_journalists_dc_1

Answer 1

Because white house propaganda through their many channels in the so called free press is clouding the judgment of the American public opinion.

It has less effect on those who actually saw and witnessed the situation with their own eyes.

Answer 2

Journalists are reflecting the fact that they can’t go out in many areas and report on stories without substantial security. The Iraqis who work for the news agencies are also in danger of being kidnapped or killed.

The policing efforts of the US military have quelled a lot of the violence but the journalists would have to actually venture into the various areas in order to collect information for stories. Without security escorts they can’t do so. That results in the underreporting that is mentioned in the article.

The polls of the American people are reflecting their perception of the decrease in violence but the polls indicate that the majority of the American people want the troops to come home soon.

Also, reporters are aware of what they are not able to report, such as what is going on in Sadr City, whereas the American people are generally not aware of the topics that are not being reported on.

Answer 3

Well as you know and I know, the discrepancy is wholly on the basis of 48% of Americans are happy to support the Military despite what the facts on the ground are, 90% of WORLD journalists KNOW that the carnage that is Baghdad is going through the lull before the storm... The insurgents are merely keeping a low profile, re-aligning their thought processes, re-grouping before they re-engage the military and already we are seeing the return of daily bombings.....

No matter how much candy coating this administration wants to cover the Iraqi issue with, it is a farce that is failing.

Answer 4

"going well" is a relative term. it is also a term preferred by the powers that be, part of their propaganda ploy.

here's something to think about (vietnam). on 21 november 1967 general westmorland "reported that, as of the end of 1967, the communists were 'unable to mount a major offensive...I am absolutely certain that whereas in 1965 the enemy was winning, today he is certainly losing...We have reached an important point when the end begins to come into view.'" at the national press club meeting.

what he didn't realize was just how wrong he was. he thought the communists were on the run. in fact, they were regrouping. at the end of january, they struck, the 1968 Tet offensive.

Answer 5

Perhaps because the journalists are IN Baghdad whereas the "American People" are not?

Answer 6

Because they are not carrying guns. It's different if you are in the Marines or Army and patrolling the streets, than walking around with a camera and note pad.

Answer 7

So 87% say that at least 1/2 of Baghdad is too dangerous to visit.

I could say that about Detroit or D.C., too.

Answer 8

cause if you say that Baghdad is still extremelly dangerous then you are not supporting the troops and that makes you a traitor and it means that you can get kicked out of the country with the label war criminal on your forehead. (sarcasm, just so you don't report me lol)

Answer 9

Perhaps the news agencies would like to hire Blackwater to protect them?

Answer 10

who would want to visit Baghdad. Not exactly a top vacation spot.