In the 21st century, media outlets have transformed into a double-edged sword, serving both as informers and manipulators of public perception. The unimaginable revelation that even terrorists exploit international media for self-justification emphasizes the alarming state of media ethics.
Iranians, accustomed to the biased narratives of outlets like BBC Persian, are no strangers to media manipulation, often fueled by political agendas.
The recent exposure of media outlets recording criminal activities, particularly during the Hamas barbaric massacre on October 7, raises not only ethical questions but also concerns about the media's complicity in showcasing atrocities, reminiscent of ISIS tactics.
Nowadays, Israel is not engaging in war crimes. It is engaging in the global fight against terrorism, particularly when addressing Islamic terrorist networks It raises a valid question as to why there was silence from self-proclaimed human rights activists when thousands of opponents were killed by Khomeini or when Khamenei took the lives of innocent protesters. This disparity calls for a closer examination. Throughout history, various Islamic caliphates have been associated with terrorist actions carried out without legal process. It's time to acknowledge this issue and demand accountability.
The ISIS-Hamas Media Model:
ISIS's gruesome acts and the subsequent dissemination of horrifying images served as a blueprint for other terror groups. Hamas Terrorists, having taken a page from ISIS's media playbook, strategically capitalized on globalist and leftist-affiliated networks to propagate fear and terrorism. The perplexing use of titles like "Ayatollah" for a criminal mullah like Khamenei begs the question: which divine sign supports proxy terrorist forces?
The media's readiness to embrace figures associated with terrorist groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and others blurs the line between journalism and endorsing barbarism. Why should a media outlet respect a criminal leader? Did anyone address Hitler as "Your Excellency"? Why should a terrorist mastermind, who proudly acknowledges ignorance, be granted titles and accolades?
Journalists as Accomplices:
How can photographers accompany barbaric terrorists and call it "doing their jobs?" The unsettling image of a journalist alongside a savage Hamas leader during the attack on October 7 implies more than just reporting; it signifies a degree of complicity. The publicized kiss between a journalist and an assassin underscores the extent to which humanity is confronted with a disturbing phenomenon. As journalists entered with terrorists during the Hamas massacre, the entry itself a war crime, a sinister connection emerged, blurring the lines between those actively participating in terrorism and those engaged in media work. The ominous alliance raises questions about the true nature of modern terrorism and its exploitation of media as a strategic tool.
The Honest Reporting Revelation:
The watchdog group Honest Reporting brought to light the involvement of freelance photographer Hassan Eslaiah, alleging ties with barbaric Hamas leadership. While claims of news outlets having prior knowledge remain unverified so far, there is no doubt they were there, and the severance of ties by major outlets like the Associated Press, Reuters, and CNN with Eslaiah adds weight to the allegations. The report also raised concerns about potential embedding of other reporters with Hamas, sparking a broader debate on media ethics and journalistic responsibility in conflict zones.
Israel's Call for Accountability:
Israel's formal demand for international media outlets to explain the presence of their photographers during the Hamas attack underscores the severity of the situation. Honest Reporting's report prompted Israel to caution that those present could be held complicit in the crimes. The denial of prior knowledge by the Associated Press and Reuters adds complexity to the ethical dilemma surrounding journalists in conflict zones. It suggests the reporters acted on their own, an even more grave accusation.
Ethical Concerns and Urgent Inquiries:
The National Information System's urgent letter seeking clarification from media outlets about journalists collaborating with attackers emphasizes the ethical concerns surrounding media coverage during the Hamas assaults. Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi's call for a thorough investigation into The New York Times employees' involvement reflects the gravity of the situation.
Minister Benny Gantz's assertion that journalists aware of the massacre should be treated no differently than terrorists’ is a clear condemnation of journalistic behavior..
The media's role in conflicts is undergoing intense scrutiny, especially when allegations of collaboration with terrorists’ surface. As the revelations unfold, questions about journalistic integrity, responsibility, and the potential impact on public perception intensify. The intertwining of media and terrorism necessitates a reevaluation of ethical standards in journalism, emphasizing the imperative for transparency and accountability in reporting on violent activities. Media outlets must confront their responsibilities, ensuring that their role as informers does not transform into complicity with those perpetrating crimes against humanity.
There is a parallel between a past encounter with a terrorist manual and the recent Hamas attack on Israel. The manual described a strategy of conducting small-scale attacks to provoke a larger response, akin to flea bites causing irritation to a dog. Hamas terrorists aimed to elicit a forceful Israeli response, creating an opportunity to manipulate the "information space" and gain international sympathy.
The swift condemnation of Israel in the aftermath of the attack, particularly concerning an incident near Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza should be criticized. Despite evidence later revealing the thugs of PIJ (Palestinian Islamic Jihad)'s responsibility, some leaders and media outlets-maintained accusations against Israel unashamedly. Emphatically, the predisposition to blame Israel in global public opinion, drawing attention to historical prejudices and conspiracy theories against Jews.
The challenges Israel faces in garnering international support, as world leaders often call for restraint without condemning Hamas's use of human shields. Considerably, Israel's efforts for peace and improved relations with neighboring countries before the attacks. Hamas, with Iranian regime’s backing, aimed to disrupt these diplomatic initiatives, causing instability in the Middle East.
While Hamas may act as a "flea," the true victims are the innocent people of Israel who suffer the consequences of terrorism. A senior Hamas official's admitted that the group does not care about the well-being of the Palestinian Arabs in Gaza. As long as the Islamic Republic, the school for nurturing and educating Islamic terrorism, remains in power, these situations will persist. Hamas, with the aid of a venomous journalist - and possibly others - believing in cruelty and barbarism, joins a terrorist group on its path.
This means modern terrorism exploits media terrorism as a tool for its objectives.
Erfan Fard is a counter-terrorism analyst and Middle East Studies researcher based in Washington, DC. He is in Middle Eastern regional security affairs with a particular focus on Iran, counter terrorism, IRGC, MOIS and ethnic conflicts in MENA. He graduated in International Security Studies (London M. University, UK), and in International Relations (CSU-LA). Erfan is a Jewish Kurd of Iran, and he is fluent in Persian, Kurdish, Arabic and English. / Follow him from this twitter account @EQFARD / The newly published book of Erfan Fard is: “The Black Shabbat” , which has been published in the USA. www.erfanfard.com