What's in the media in the US around this?

Just out of curiosity, we get a relatively balanced covering of the Iraq crisis here in the European media, with thorough analysis on what the real reasons could be for an attack on Iraq (last night a rather shocking documentary on the background of GWB, and the cash flow from oil gigants towards his campaign, amongst other things like the very doubtful selling of stock with pre-knowledge
as an auditor of the company - investigated, but investigated by what seem to be close friends of GWB). Also the motivation behind the viewpoint of Blair, historic reasons why he acts the way he acts etc.

How do the media cover all this in the US? Do you get this kind of balanced analysis as well? If not, it could lead to a biased public opinion.

I watch CNN regularly, but hardly hear anything about it on that channel.


D.

Hi James,

Interesting background information. I consider Powell to be one of the more intelligent statesmen of the last decades in the US (at least of the ones we get to see in the media over here). I wonder if he wouldn't make a better president than the one you have now (don't start this debate please !!!!).

The information about Blair's reasons was on tele, not on the net, but basically it came down to the British failure to cope in time with Hitler back in the 30's while they still had time to do so, and the fear of hitting the same
stone twice.

d.

We get fairly balanced coverage, but you have know where to look for it. The Big 3 broadcast networks are mostly anti-Bush, but some of the cable/satellite channels are more even-handed.

As for balance and reasons to support or oppose the war, does the European media cover the French & German oil contracts with Saddam? Their cozy backroom deals with Saddam might explain part of their reluctance to go to war against him. And what about French sales of military equipment (proscribed by sanctions) to mysterious middle-men who then route the equipment to Iraq? Are these stories part of the "thorough analysis" presented by the "balanced" European media?