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.