Media Diary – 19th October – British troops dispatched for Iraq

Writing about web page http://www.timesonline.co.uk/newspaper/0,,171-1317060,00.html and http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2004482157,00.html

Iraq – "Triangle of Death that awaits British troops" – 19th October (The Times)

This article discusses the fact that British troops are likely to be dispatched for service in central Iraq, to an area called the 'Trainge of Death', in order to free up American troops. According to this article, this particular area is notorious for kidnappings, assassinations and beheadings. It is also believed to be in a similar vincinity to when the execution of Kenneth Bigley took place.

This proposed deployment of troops has aroused various opinions on whether it is the correct thing to do. The article provides quotes for and against this decision. For example, the Labour MP Dennis Skinner suggests it was aimed at, 'helping President Bush with his re-election'. However, the defence secretary, Geoff Hoon claims Britiain is simply fulfilling its duty as an ally. It they do deploy, the British troops will be taking reponsibility for a 'strategicaly important area'.

The article finishes by stating that there is still a lot of work to be done in this area by the American or British troops. Also, the article claims that since the American Marines moved into the town two weeks prior, one of their men had been killed and many more had been injured.

Iraq – "Troops on alert for Iraq" – 19th October (The Sun)

In The Sun, a tabloid newspaper I found information on the same topic, in another article. It mentions that the troops were being sent to the same area in which Ken Bigley had been beheaded. One difference between the two articles which can be noted is that the Sun claims 650 troops were to be sent to the 'danger zones around Baghdad' whilst The Times announced it to be 900.

The Sun adds to the information provided by the The Times as it comments that the troops being sent out to replace the American Marines had been told that they were to be 'going home within weeks after serving four months of their tour' and they have now been told it will be extended to six months.

I think that The Sun had mentioned this in order to make the story more appealing and interesting to its audience. It creates scandall and arouses angry and irritation in its readers. this is a means by which to help sell the paper.

Thus, it can be seen that despite the two articles being written on the same news story they chose to focus on different aspects within it. For example, The Sun focuses on the fact that the troops plans had been altered. Also some of the information in the two articles does not match suggesting that one of them is incorrect.

My opinion:

I am focused to agree with Geoff Hoon that Britain should send the troops to this area, despite the fact it is dangerous because it is our duty as Americas ally. I do agree with The Sun that it is unfair to tell the troops one thing and then change it.

: 19 Oct 2004 21:31 |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Media Diary – 11th October – Bigley's Last Message

Writing about web page http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,2763,1324393,00.html

IRAQ - 'Bigley's last message: I just want a simple life' (11th October 2004)

I have chosen this article as i follows on from the one I wrote about on the 9th October. This subject is arguably the most prominant on Iraq at this point in time. This article tells of the final plea made to Tony Blair and the British people, by the British hostage, Kenneth Bigley.

He claimed amongst other things that he was, 'not a difficult person. I am a simple man who just wants to live a simple life with his family.' He commented that Tony Blair had done little to help him and appealed to the British people to help him. He believed this was possible by using their voices to, 'demand a better life for the females and the women who are imprisoned in the Abu Ghraib prison'.

The article desribes the execution of Kenneth Bigley and describes some of the video footage. The kidnappers announced that due to the fact that Britain has not released the women prisoners the dead of Bigley was inevitable, shortly afterwards pushing him to the ground and severing his head.

My Opinion

This story is upsetting and distressing to the average reader in Britain. It is obvious from Kenneth Bigley's speech that he is bitter towards Tony Blair and that he blames him for the situation in which he found himself. This was stated by Bigley when he knew his life likely to be viciously taken away and thus, it can be claimed this was a desperate plea. However, i believe this is unfair as Tony Blair can not be held solely responsible for this horrific problem and it can not be claimed that he did nothing to help Kenneth.

: 11 Oct 2004 09:41 |  Comments (1) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Media Diary – 9th October 2004 – The Execution of Kenneth Bigley

Writing about web page http://www.timesonline.co.uk/newspaper/0,,175-1301671,00.html

Media Diary

The ongoing action in Iraq has been of interest to me from the very beginning. Thus, i have chosen to present my media diary on the main headlines occuring in this country each time i have the chance to read the newspaper or look at articles on the internet.

IRAQ - 'Ken Bigley is beheaded' (9th October 2004)

The story i have chosen to begin with is that on the sensitive subject of Kenneth Bigley. This distressing story has aroused much attention and interest over the previous few weeks.

The article from The Times, dated the 9th October is discussing the fact that the British government had exchanged a series of messages with his captors in a final bid to keep him alive. It also gives information on his execution, for example the lead up to the action, the estimated time and location and on the reaction of Ken's family to the awful news. It includes quotes from various people, such as; the foreign secretary, Kennneth Bigleys' wife, Tony Blair.

My Opinion

This situation is extremely frightening and upsetting. The family of Kenneth Bigley must be in total grief from their loss.

: 10 Oct 2004 15:41 |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem