Syria's 'Propaganda' Interview vs. Our 'Freedom of Press'
Syrian state media recently broadcast an interview with Ahmed al-Sharaa (formerly Joulani), aiming to counter accusations from an Erbil-based channel that previously shelved the same interview over 'incitement' fears. Apparently, only certain narratives get the green light for public consumption, lest citizens be 'incited' by… well, by hearing from someone accused of inciting. (The irony meter
just broke.) One might wonder if 'incitement' is just a fancy word for 'anything that doesn't fit our preferred geopolitical narrative.' It appears the journalistic sin isn't broadcasting controversial figures, but broadcasting the wrong controversial figures. When Western outlets platform former officials, intelligence assets, or even literal war criminals (often with massive fossil fuel or
defense industry cash filling their coffers, according to OpenSecrets.org data), it’s called 'investigative journalism.' But when Damascus does it? 'Propaganda.' Funny how that works.