Somehow, some outlets heard progress and joy.
Which is really strange when you grasp that Martin Kobler (above) sounded one alarm after another.
Kobler noted early on, "Almost seven years ago, the Iraqi people laid the foundations for democracy in their country by adopting their Constitution. Today, however, key institutions have yet to be established and fundamental legislation remains outstanding -- including the establishment of the Federation Council, the strengthening of the Judicial System, the legislation on revenue sharing and hydro-carbons, the protec -- the protection of minorities. Just to say a few."
Seven years later they remain unestablished and some 'news' outlets got progress out of that?
He noted the ongoing political stalemate (using the term "political stalemate") and expressed serious concerns about upcoming elections, "Mr. President, there is no democracy without elections and there are no credible elections without a strong and truly independent election commission. As we speak, my political deputy, Mr. Georgi Boston, is engaged in facilitation efforts to bring about the formation of a new, Independent High Election Commission which is representative of the main components of Iraq -- including women and children and minorities. The urgent selection of the commissioners is essential for ensuring that the provincial council elections due to take place in March 2013 can be conducted on time. I'm concerned that the ongoing political stalemate is hindering the process however."
Those elections are supposed to take place in eight months. And Kobler's concerned but some news 'outlets' got "turned corner" as they rushed to file yet another version of Operation Happy Talk.
At some point, most likely after the 2012 US elections, news outlets are going to have to start telling Americans the truth. They may be shocked at the anger from consumers when that day arrives. 2007 found the US press hitting a new low in polls as the public expressed less and less confidence in it. It would appear they're bound and determined to poll even lower.
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Photo of Kobler is by UNAMI's Anne Czichos. For coverage of Kobler's presentation, see the Thursday "Iraq snapshot" and the Friday "Iraq snapshot."