Israel's free ride ends

As Israel pulverises Gaza, questions and doubts about Israeli policy are becoming more prominent in the American media

An American media that turned a blind eye to Israeli expansionism and human rights abuses ultimately made the Jewish state less, not more, secure. Without the US putting pressure on Israel to dismantle the settlements and loosen the blockade in Gaza, leaders there had neither the incentive nor the political cover to do so. Now that the American press is displaying a bit of courage in facing an unfolding catastrophe abetted by American leadership, perhaps our politicians will have room to do the same.

But, I'll wager this will only go so far...

What is Really Happening

• Mentions of Hamas Rockets as reason for war - 37
• Mentions of illegal Israeli settlements - 0
• Mentions of Palestinians killed by Israel during "ceasefire" - 2
• Mentions of Sderot - 12
• Mentions Sderot used to be Palestinian - 0

In the US, Gaza is a different war

The mainstream US media has been careful to balance images of Gazan suffering with those of Israelis, leading to accusations it is not reflecting the unequal death toll [EPA]

Like many major news organisations in the US, The Washington Post has chosen to cover the conflict from a perspective that reflects the US government's relationship with Israel. This means prioritising Israel's version of events while underplaying the views of Palestinian groups.

Huffing and puffing to silence criticism of Israel

The world needs to hear from eminent statesmen such as Archbishop Tutu -- after a recent visit to Gaza, he called the humanitarian situation of 1.5 million Palestinian civilians trapped by the Israeli siege an "abomination." In addition, former United States President Jimmy Carter labeled it "one of the greatest human-rights crimes on Earth."

News media downplays Iraq war

"As America heads into a Presidential election year where Iraq is a central issue, mainstream media outlets plan massive cutbacks in war coverage and reductions in resources and personnel dedicated to reporting on the conflict."

Debunking Iran's Nuclear Program: Another 'Intelligence Failure' -- On the Part of the Press?

"Press reports so far have suggested that the belated release of the National Intelligence Estimate yesterday throwing cold water on oft-repeated claims of a rampant Iranian nuclear weapons program has deeply embarrassed, or at least chastened, public officials and policymakers who have promoted this line for years. Gaining little attention so far: Many in the media have made these same claims, often extravagantly, which promoted (deliberately or not) the tubthumping for striking Iran."

How to Control the Story, Pentagon-Style

"From the beginning of the American occupation in Iraq, air strikes and attacks by the U.S. military have only killed "militants," "criminals," "suspected insurgents," "IED [Improvised Explosive Device] emplacers," "anti-American fighters," "terrorists," "military-age males," "armed men," "extremists," or "al-Qaeda.""