False Dichotomies

Imagine the following scenario:

“Jeremy Bowen’s arrest and detention by masked men from IDF special forces a fortnight ago has provoked a storm of media interest, with makeshift camps of journalists outside the Israeli army headquarters, from which they cover the ongoing story round the clock. World leaders have roundly condemned Bowen’s capture, calling on the Israeli government to intervene and release the newsman - threatening all kinds of draconian sanctions if the army fails to comply. The usual suspects are out in force in the broadsheets and tabloids, citing Bowen’s plight as further proof of the above-the-law attitude of Israel’s top brass, and using the incident to reinforce their views of Israel as an unruly partner for peace.

Hypothetical or not, you can be sure that an almost carbon copy of the above would take place if, God forbid, Jeremy Bowen - or any other journalist - were so detained by the IDF. Condemnations and censures would ring out of every quarter, and the world’s ire would not abate until he was returned, unharmed, to the bosom of the BBC. The ramifications would be felt for weeks, if not months, and the cause of the Zionist entity would be dealt a hammer blow as a result.

Fine. So, whither art thou, O fair and balanced leaders and media, whilst Alan Johnston remains hostage in Gaza’s fair city? The silence is deafening.” Read on at Comment is Free