[Media-watch] [Fwd: Panorma 27 April / Jane Corbin's inaccurate remark]

[Darren Smith]

letter sent to Panorama...

-----Forwarded Message-----

> From: Darren Smith <djs1 at stir.ac.uk>
> To: Mike.Robinson at bbc.co.uk, Jane.Corbin at bbc.co.uk
> Cc: editor at medialens.org
> Subject: Panorma 27 April / Jane Corbin's inaccurate remark
> Date: 29 Apr 2003 14:05:23 +0100
> 
> Dear Panorama,
>  
> I wish to complain about Jane Corbin's closing remark during Panorama,
> 27 April 2003. She left viewers with the thought, regarding the
> residents of Basra, "the people may turn on those who came to liberate
> them." While rhetorically pleasing her claim that UK forces "came to
> liberate" is both inaccurate and seriously misleading.
>  
> UK forces "came" to Iraq not to liberate the Iraqi people but, according
> to US/UK leaders, to disarm Saddam Hussein of the weapons of mass
> destruction they claimed he was hiding. Aside from this being the
> constant theme during months of pre-invasion build up, the war leaders
> presented this message at the Azores summit, saying "If Saddam refuses
> even now to co-operate fully with the UN, he brings on himself the
> serious consequences foreseen in resolution 1441 and previous
> resolutions." [1]
>  
> Further evidence to highlight Jane Corbin's inaccurate remark comes from
> the Prime Minister's spokesman. Referring to Blair's "moral case,"
> repeated by Corbin, he denied the 'liberation' motive, saying if "Saddam
> Hussein co-operates, if he's serious about disarmament, then he can stay
> in power." [2] Blair also repudiated the "moral case," stating
> "detestable as I find his regime, he could stay in power if he disarms
> peacefully." Blair also explained the main reason for invasion "will be
> to uphold the authority of the UN and to ensure Saddam is disarmed of
> his weapons of mass destruction, not to overthrow him," [3] which is
> consistent with the Azores statement.
>  
> So please could Jane Corbin answer: why did she leave viewers with a
> remark which clearly implies th inaccurate conclusion that UK forces
> invaded Basra to liberate people from Saddam Hussein?
>  
> Regards,
>    
>  
> [1] Kieran Doherty, "We Will Deliver Iraq From Being A Pariah Nation And
> Help People Build A New State At Peace", The Independent (London), 17
> March 2003
>  
> [2] Paul Waugh, "Retreat In Downing Street: Blair's Spokesman Says
> Saddam Can Stay In Power If He Is Disarmed", Independent, 18 February
> 2003
>  
> [3] Andy McSmith And Steve Richards, "Blair: My Christian Conscience Is
> Clear Over War", Independent on Sunday, 2 March 2003
> 
> 
> --