Using to Your Advantage

In a recent article in the NY Times, Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi was reported to have invited international journalists into the country to confirm for the world that the Col still retained control over Libya. His plan backfired however when journalists spotted the neighborhoods that bore clear signs of unrest. City workers painting over anti-government slogans and the many injured and killed during the clashes.

This reminded me vaguely of the Red Cross visits to Nazi camps in WWII. There, the Nazis were successful in manipulating the system to maintain their image. I am please that el Qaddafi was less successful in his endeavors and that the journalists get to be the revealers of truth. I believe this is a situation where journalists can take on the "watchdog role" for the international community, and play a vital role in exposing the real situation in Libya and other Mid East countries.

Full Article: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/27/world/africa/27libya.html?_r=1&hp