Knowledge Tree
Relations (1)
cross_type 3.17 — strongly supporting 8 facts
The Washington Post is linked to Saudi Arabia through its reporting and editorial coverage of the Gulf War, specifically regarding the perceived threat of an Iraqi invasion of the kingdom [1], [2]. Furthermore, the newspaper is accused of participating in a disinformation campaign to justify U.S. military intervention in Saudi Arabia [3], [4], [5].
Facts (8)
Sources
The Persian Gulf TV War by Douglas Kellner (http://www.gseis.ucla ... pages.gseis.ucla.edu 8 facts
claimMary McGrory claimed in her Washington Post column that Saudi Arabia was in imminent danger of being invaded by Saddam Hussein.
accountFormer national security adviser Robert McFarlane cited a Washington Post story as evidence that Saddam Hussein was not going to leave Kuwait and that U.S. military intervention in Saudi Arabia was necessary.
quotePatrick Tyler reported in the Washington Post: "Saddam called in the ranking U.S. diplomat in Baghdad, and told him categorically that Kuwait now belongs to Iraq and there was no going back, according to Administration officials. 'It's a done deal,' one U.S. official said, characterizing Saddam's message. Another official said Saddam appended a specific warning that if Saudi Arabia shuts down the Iraqi crude oil pipelines that cross the Saudi desert to the Red Sea, Iraq will attack the kingdom. The warning further stated that if American forces intervene in the region, Iraq will 'embarrass' the United States, the official said."
quotePatrick Tyler wrote in a Washington Post summary article: "The initial move to seize Kuwait was relatively painless. But the next step that Saddam reportedly threatened yesterday--a possible invasion of Saudi Arabia--would pose immense difficulties for the Iraqi leader, forcing his army to operate far from home, at the end of long supply lines, in the intense summer heat of the desert" (p. A9).
perspectiveDouglas Kellner argues that the Washington Post engaged in 'yellow journalism' and participated in a disinformation campaign to legitimate U.S. military intervention in Saudi Arabia.
claimDouglas Kellner observes that Washington Post editorial writers and columnists advocated for a military attack on Baghdad prior to President George H.W. Bush's announcement of troop deployments to Saudi Arabia.
claimIn a Washington Post column titled 'Force Hussein to Withdraw,' Jim Hoagland asserted that Saddam Hussein had gone to war to gain control of the oil fields of Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
claimThe Bush administration and the Washington Post utilized disinformation regarding Iraq's readiness to invade Saudi Arabia to shape media discourse, influence public perception, and legitimate U.S. policy.