Today on MSNBC, Dan Abrams did a segment on Saudi Arabia in the aftermath of the rape victim flogging decision. It is important to note that MSNBC fulfilled a journalistic obligation to its viewers by reporting that the Saudis had not given them access to the victim or permission to film in Qatif, the victim’s hometown. Eager to protect their access to repressive regimes, networks and reporters have been known to slant their coverage in favor of those who restrict them.
Abrams’ piece highlights the plight of women in Saudi Arabia, saying the can’t drive, can’t vote, and can’t work without the permission of a male relative. Abrams also points out the recent Saudi release of terrorists, the Saudi Foreign Minister’s refusal to shake Olmert’s hand in Annapolis, and the fact that 41% of foreign terrorists in Iraq are Saudi.
Abrams fails to tie the plight of women and non-Muslims in Saudi Arabia with the larger Arab society. He would have found that Saudi Arabia is not unique, although the Saudis are among the most stringent enforcers of Sharia. But he does what many in the media are unwilling to do- criticize and judge a non-Western society as a Westerner.
Here is the video. Does he get it right?
[…] Check it out! While looking through the blogosphere we stumbled on an interesting post today.Here’s a quick excerptToday on MSNBC, Dan Abrams did a segment on Saudi Arabia in the aftermath of the rape victim flogging decision. It is important to note that MSNBC fulfilled a journalistic obligation to its viewers by reporting that the Saudis had not … […]
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