McClatchy's Iraq bureau chief surfaced in Washington DC, where she gave a remarkable presentation 10/12 to a convention of professional journalists. Accounts said her presentation included a question and answer session with Helen Thomas.
Fadel told the assembled gathering her job has become more and more difficult as the war has gone on, "because the Iraqi government releases so little information." She also told the gathering that danger is present and can interfere with her work. She added, "It's difficult and frustrating, and sometimes you feel like, 'why am I here?'" More here. The SPJ article says Fadel received a standing ovation from her fellow journalists.
Pardon me if I don't applaud. From these accounts Fadel comes across as a self-absorbed adolescent with no appreciation of the people who are making the real sacrifices.
I have a suggestion for Leila Fadel: Instead of complaining about how hard your job is, try to inform McClatchy's readers what the troops are doing.
For starters, how about some articles on the troops helping Iraqi citizens. Articles on the troops doing the dangerous work of capturing Al Qaeda terrorists. Articles on the troops patrolling the streets. Articles on the character of our combat troops.
I wish somebody could tell McClatchy the real heroes in Iraq are not self-congratulating journalists. They are the troops carrying the 100 pound backpacks, patrolling the streets, working with the Iraqi military to kill and capture terrorists, doing the maintenance work to keep Apache helicopters flying, helping reconstruct schools, helping train the Iraqi army.
