Suicide bombers make way for romance on TV

[Violet_Crumble]

By Inigo Gilmore
Jerusalem
February 7, 2005

The new Palestinian leader has ordered a more peaceful tone in local broadcasting.

Palestinian television has been ordered by new President Mahmoud Abbas to cleanse its screens of bloody imagery to align with a new mood of peace in the region.

Eulogies to suicide bombers, or "martyrs" as they were previously known, have given way to "feel-good" nature programs and romantic films. Instead of referring to "martyr operations", suicide bombings are described as "explosions".

The changes have been made as Israelis and Palestinians prepare for this week's summit between Mr Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon in Egypt.

Mr Abbas summoned the TV station directors and told them to tone down aggressive programming.

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Palestinians have welcomed them, with reservations. "People salute (Mr Abbas') understanding of the need to make the broadcasting moderate, because the old style under Arafat was not only dull but it brought incitement and hatred," Bethlehem resident Ibrahim Wahbeh said. "But if the positive mood is to be built up, we need to feel real improvements to our lives, and soon."

http://www.theage.com.au/news/Middle-East-Crisis/Suicide-bombers-make-way-for-romance-on-TV/2005/02/06/1107625057701.html?oneclick=true

[Igel]

1. It's a start. n/t

[Spinzonner]

2. Haven't they considered Synergy ?

They could have an Israeli-Palestinian Romeo-and-Juliet-style romance with his and her suicide bombings.

[centristo]

3. i saw something close to that

on an Israeli commercial I found on some website.

It showed this Arab looking guy running around with a bomb jacket on. looking sinister, etc. Then this super-hot Israeli girl walks by and the two make eye contact. The next shot shows the bomb jacket fall to the ground as the guy goes over to lay the mack down. The message is something like "love and peace, not war".

Its not Romeo and Juliet but it's a step in the right direction. I couldn't find the link, too many sites pop up when you enter Israel, bomber, and commercial.