AP Iraq Guidelines: ‘To Begin With, Combat In Iraq Is Not Over’

by Glynnis MacNicol | 10:16 am, September 14th, 2010

» 7 comments

AP press releases have provided some fascinating reading of late — between banning the use of the term ‘Ground Zero Mosque’ and refusing to provide images of burning Korans it’s almost like watching cable news but without all the hyperbole and shouting. Here’s the latest.

Despite the fact President Obama announced the end to Operation Iraqi Freedom and the cablers (specifically MSNBC) made a big deal of covering the last U.S. combat troops leaving Iraq the combat there is not actually over. Not by a long shot. Subsequently, the AP will not be refraining from use of the word “combat”. From last week’s press release on the matter:

Whatever the subject, we should be correct and consistent in our description of what the situation in Iraq is. This guidance summarizes the situation and suggests wording to use and avoid.

To begin with, combat in Iraq is not over, and we should not uncritically repeat suggestions that it is, even if they come from senior officials. The situation on the ground in Iraq is no different today than it has been for some months. Iraqi security forces are still fighting Sunni and al-Qaida insurgents. Many Iraqis remain very concerned for their country’s future despite a dramatic improvement in security, the economy and living conditions in many areas.

As for U.S. involvement, it also goes too far to say that the U.S. part in the conflict in Iraq is over. President Obama said Monday night that “the American combat mission in Iraq has ended. Operation Iraqi Freedom is over, and the Iraqi people now have lead responsibility for the security of their country.”

However, 50,000 American troops remain in country.

Emphasis mine. If the day actually arrives when we find ourselves without mainstream news organizations I suspect we will suffer the most from the possible loss of guidelines like these.

AP, Ground Zero Mosque, Iraq War, Koran Burning

mspat

Like to see them stop using the terms “troop” or “troops” to describe our soldiers fighting in all wars. They are “SOLDIERS” or “MEN and WOMEN.” Time to fight back against de-sensitizing doubletalk. These are PEOPLE, media folks!
Nachi

It will never “be over.” Thank the 2 BushDrunks eternally. Alcoholic, megalomaniacal morons & national disgraces – supported by our vast uneducated electorate. Duh.
jk76

uneducated electorate…when did that become the meme that people who vote Repubs are uneducated? Facts don’t support your slander.

Have you seen the videos of people questioned about Obama? The awe-inspired youngsters, very bright indeed, just like him and the 57 states.
USMCVET

mspat, the media properly uses the word troops when talking about the US Military in Iraq. See Soldiers refer to the Army, Marines are not soldiers we are Marines or troops. So calling a Marine soldier is actually an insult. The Navy Corpsman is not a soldier they are Docs. Airforce does not have soldiers that have Airmen. So when referring to the military as a whole it is more than correct to refer to everyone as troops because I would be offended if called a Soldier. i earned the title Marine and was not given the title Soldier.
http://none pyrope

‘To Begin With, Combat In Iraq Is Not Over’

No foolin’?
http://none pyrope

mspat said:
These are PEOPLE, media folks!

Amen.
http://none pyrope

USMCVET said:
So calling a Marine soldier is actually an insult.

You are correct, but I would still say that even most of the Marines I’ve met are, in fact, people.

Just ribbing you Jar Head. Semper Fi.