While I no longer have to watch 24-hour newsbabble from the cable networks, I do tune in to the PBS NewsHour once in a while. It always opens with a news summary, and I found yesterday's brief coverage of Iraq quite breathtaking [RealAudio at 4:17]. Had to dash off a note this morning—

Thank you for your pro-occupation coverage of Iraq in yesterday's news summary.

It was refreshing to hear you repeat the reassurances from Iraq's foreign minister that "the danger of civil war has past," though we were left to wonder why "he warns of the danger of U.S. troops leaving too soon." As he put it himself, "I think that the consequences would be disastrous. All the gains, the achievements would evaporate." By gains and achievements, was he referring to the return to the 2005 level of violence?

It was also comforting to know that "Vice President Cheney insisted today that the U.S. would complete its mission in Iraq." We seldom have the opportunity to hear from the Bush administration on the war.

It must be very difficult for the NewsHour to find spokespeople holding different views--either among the Americans or the Iraqis. That's just as well, since they could only confuse the public.

Tags: news and politics Iraq war withdrawal media bias right-wing media