MediaMatters: MSM Has Ignored Doubts About Captured Terrorist's Importance

[Hissyspit]

For related threads this morning about the castrated U.S. media, see:

ABC Gives Up; Admits Covering Iraq "Just Too Hard"
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x3649127
"BUSHABLANCA; Starring the MSM! The Beautiful Friendship Continues..."
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x3649927


http://mediamatters.org/items/200505130001

Media Largely Ignored Doubts About Importance of Captured Terrorist al-Libbi

In reporting on the recent capture of Al Qaeda operative Abu Faraj al-Libbi, many news outlets -- including the Associated Press, USA Today, CNN, and The Boston Globe -- echoed claims by the Bush administration and Pakistani officials, who described al-Libbi as Al Qaeda's "third-in-command." But these outlets have generally failed to qualify these initial reports, even as European intelligence officials and U.S. terrorism experts have questioned al-Libbi's role in the organization, describing him as a " 'middle-level' leader" and even raising doubts about the captive's true identity.

The Libyan-born al-Libbi was Pakistan's most wanted man for his involvement in two plots to kill Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf, according to numerous news reports. Following al-Libbi's May 2 capture in Pakistan, President Bush described al-Libbi as "a top general for bin Laden," and "a major facilitator and a chief planner for the al Qaeda network," declaring al-Libbi's arrest a "critical victory in the war on terror." Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice called al-Libbi a "field general," saying, "his is a truly significant arrest."

But over the past week, doubts about al-Libbi's role in Al Qaeda have surfaced -- doubts that potentially undermine the administration's claims. A May 8 article in London's Sunday Times quoted several sources questioning al-Libbi's importance within Al Qaeda. According to French intelligence investigator and leading expert on terrorism finance Jean-Charles Brisard, "Al-Libbi is just a 'middle-level' leader. ... Pakistan and US authorities have completely overestimated his role and importance. He was never more than a regional facilitator between Al-Qaeda and local Pakistani Islamic groups." The Times also quoted "a senior FBI official" admitting that al-Libbi's "influence and position have been overstated."

- snip -

A Media Matters for America Nexis search revealed that few U.S. media outlets have noted the questions surrounding al-Libbi's status. The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, and the New York Daily News have each published articles that mention the dispute. The Christian Science Monitor described al-Libbi as "Al Qaeda's new No. 3 leader" in a May 5 article reporting on his capture. The Monitor did subsequently address al-Libbi's disputed importance -- not in print, but in a May 10 "Terrorism & Security" online column. The Boston Globe ran a May 12 letter to the editor that noted the dispute over al-Libbi's importance, but no Globe news articles have addressed the issue.

— S.S.M.

[Atman]

1. Cliff May didn't ignore it

On CCN yesterday afternoon, he used Al Libbi's capture as an example of Bush's great efforts to keep us safe. He didn't downplay it or express doubts. He flat out declared it was a major capture of a top Al Q officer.

And of course, not one talking head challenged him.

The check is in the mail.

[Hissyspit]

2. a kick and then off to take a nap