Editorial: Historic Responsibility Facing the Media

Iraqi media outlets have responded positively to the reconciliation plan initiated by the prime minister. Their treatment of the incident was quite different to that of the Arab satellite channels, which reported it as second-hand news that needed neither comment nor analysis, not as a major move to halt the bloodshed and save Iraqis from the circle of death which some of these TV channels would like to see continue. Iraqi media proved its professionalism as the “fourth estate” with the power to mobilise public opinion, support the reconciliation plan and help make it a success. Media need to promote the social coherence of Iraq by highlighting ideas that are shared by people of all backgrounds. All media outlets should work to render the initiative a success, because this is a historic responsibility.