(Iraqi) Minister tells media to fall in line

[ECH1969]

Iraqi newspapers inciting violence will be suspended and their journalists arrested, Defence Minister Saadun Al Dulaimi said yesterday, unveiling a new security plan for the violence-wracked country.

"This is a warning to media working in Iraq," he said in a press conference.

Dulaimi also slammed the media for exaggerating violence since the blowing up of the Al Askariya shrine in Samarra on Wednesday which sparked days of sectarian violence, saying the official death toll was 119 civilians.

"After verification on the ground, 119 civilians were killed since Wednesday, not 183 as reported in the media," he said. "The government calls on them (media) to assume full responsibility and play a role in reinforcing unity and to reject anything promoting violence or sedition," he said.

http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=World_News&subsection=Gulf%2C+Middle+East+%26+Africa&month=February2006&file=World_News2006022625449.xml

[IndianaGreen]

1. Looks like the Iraqis want to do what Arroyo is doing in the Philippines

Martial-law in everything but in name, arresting journalist and politicians that won't fall in line, shutting down newspapers, etc.

How long before Bush does the same here?

[LynnTheDem]

2. Iraq Patriot Act; dissenters = traitors.

Come on, Iraq, ya know ya wanna do it! Just ask bush for his copy!

Fascism; just another word for democracy.

[DavidDvorkin]

3. Freedom is messy

That's why it has to be so carefully restrained.

[madmark]

4. just pay them more; thats what bushco does