Media Views

A major problem, according to media pundits, is the Iraqi people's lack of appreciation for just how much the U.S. has sacrificed to "liberate" their country. In a piece titled "Easy Scapegoat," the Washington Post's editors contend that "the frustration [with Maliki] is understandable enough. As American soldiers have fought and died to stabilize Baghdad and other key areas in recent months," while "the parallel progress toward political reconciliation expected by the White House—and promised by Mr. Maliki—has been virtually nonexistent." The New York Times editors claim that "threatening to pull out [of Iraq] may be the only way to get cooperation from Iraq's prime minister."... The Times has even attacked the Bush administration for its initial hesitancy in getting tough with Maliki by issuing an "ultimatum" to end the sectarian violence. Missing from all this media and political arrogance is one simple, but vital question: who designated the United States global judge, jury and executioner when it comes to determining other countries' political decisions? The answer to this question is simple if one bothers to look at world opinion: no one.