The Press and a Province: A Look at the Iraqi Media in Al Anbar

Perhaps true freedom of the press in Iraq never existed. Certainly not before the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 and certainly not immediately after the conflict began. Between suicide bombings, kidnappings and beheadings, the mere survival of the press became more of a challenge than its freedom. Eleven journalists, all Iraqis, were killed in Iraq in 2008 simply for doing their jobs, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, or CPJ. Believe it or not that means it is becoming less dangerous to be an Iraqi journalist. In the same report, the CPJ wrote, “Nevertheless, the figure was the lowest yearly toll since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003--and two-thirds lower than the annual figures for 2007 or 2006.”

Until very recently, journalists from all over the world were targets and casualties in the Iraq war. This is a nation where press freedom, even before the conflict began, was suppressed by the brutal regime of Saddam Hussein. Before the conflict, an Iraqi reporter’s words could get him maimed, if not killed.

“Before, no. They have limitation talking,” said Arabic media analyst Ubart Shaul. “Otherwise, their tongues were gone, will be cut.”

Right now it appears things have changed dramatically, especially in the once violent, Sunni-dominated Al Anbar Province in western Iraq. The media is flourishing here and covering major events. Take, for example, the Rule of Law conference this spring in Ramadi, the capital of Al Anbar.

As Brig. Gen. John Wissler, the deputy commanding general of Multi National Force - West, pointed out, the fact the conference was held at all reflected a measure of significant progress.

“We have overcome those violent times,” he told conference attendees as an interpretor translated his words to Arabic. “And the rule of law is finally coming to the forefront, once again, in Anbar.”

As the general spoke several microphones bearing the Arabic names of their media outlets lined the podium in front of him.

This type of open news coverage was unheard of until very recently.

“Basically what people knew was what bad guys were saying on the Internet or what the Iraqi or Arabic stations were saying,” explained Mahir “Mike” Isho, the Arabic spokesman who works for Multi National Force - West aboard Al Asad Air Base in western Iraq. “Unfortunately, those TV stations and those media outlets didn’t have representatives in Anbar. It was too dangerous for anybody to work in the journalism field.”

Security, however, is still a concern and it was a major topic at the Rule of Law conference held in Ramadi, the capital of Al Anbar.

“It’s big issue here, will always be big issue here because it will take time,” Shaul said. “That’s my opinion. It’s gonna take some time, but it’s much better than the way we are comparing, like in 2006. Now in 2009, it’s much, much, much better.”

If there is any doubt, however, as to the extent of progress made for the Iraqi media, all you have to do is turn on the television.

“Now journalists and reporters talk about any issue they can,” Shaul said. “I mean if they like any issue, it’s open.”

Shaul added it isn’t just television news that’s growing in Iraq. “I think Iraq now becomes the country that has too many newspapers,” he said. “The country is small to have a hundred, a hundred newspapers, maybe more.”

In a region filled with state-sponsored news, Iraq’s news media is evolving into an inspiring example of what could be in the Arab world.

“I like the freedom in the Iraqi media. I like it. I feel it. I’m very proud of it,.” Shaul said. “I believe most Arab media are very jealous of what level Iraqi media is.”

While Anbar appears safer for Iraqi reporters, the same isn’t necessarily true for other nationalities. Foreign media, like France and China, have set up bureaus in Al Anbar but use Iraqi stringers. Even American reporters who work out of Baghdad request to travel with the U.S. military before covering areas like Fallujah or Ramadi.

While there is more freedom for the press, and while there has been less violence against the media in 2009, Al Anbar Province, as well as the rest of Iraq, is still far from ideal. Perhaps in time, the power of the Iraqi press will pave the way for a safer environment for all journalists.