Four NY Times reporters are missing in Libya. Read the full story here.
This is not the first time reporters have gone missing or have been harmed, as the article linked above mentions. However, it is important to address some of the issues and questions that arise from this situation.
If it is the Libyan government who has taken them, presumably it is because they are trying to control the media and what is said about the revolution. How much can a government control? It's one thing if the government controls the media in their own country, but to kidnap citizens of a different country and try to control media in other countries? In addition, it doesn't really seem feasible. Even if they got these four reporters, there are hundreds more from around the world!
Another point I'd like to raise is the value of embedded journalism and war correspondents. We Americans like our news, and we like it from reliable sources (ignoring the bias issue). But how much is too much? How much is it worth to compromise safety and well-being of journalists. Obviously, these reporters do know what they are getting themselves into and that they are risking their lives to do their jobs, but is it worth the price?
A good question. So far journalists have decided collectively that it's worth it. They're the ones who pay the price, in the end, like Daniel Pearl or Lara Logan.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't be surprised if the Libyan government was responsible for the kidnapping. If you think of it in the terms that you set out, then of course it seems foolish to try and stop these journalists from reporting abroad and especially when there are hundreds more embedded in your society. However, in a country like Libya, I don't think it is really unheard of for the government to try its hardest to stop journalists from reporting about its government abroad and it does make sense to act against just a few journalists for two reasons: 1. 4 kidnapped are more than 0. You have to deal with the problem one at a time 2. These kidnappings are generally meant to send a message to the public and especially to other journalists. The government is warning the other journalists about the fate that awaits them, should they continue to report.
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