Libya News Comparisons

Mazen Hassan

3/4/2011

Reading Journal – Libya

Hard News Lede : In an effort to gain control of Ziwaya, Libya, Colonel Mummar El-Qaddafi has amplified his counterattack on radical adversaries, by attacking local oil towns, and opening fire and peaceful protesters, with 35 people reportedly dead, over 100 wounded, and 65 still currently missing.

Comparisons:

(Hard News) http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/05/world/africa/05libya.html?_r=1&hp

This article presents straight up factual, solid, and concise information as to the events taking place in Libya. It immediately delves into the severity of the situation, stating from the beginning how many people have been reported killed, missing, or injured. All of the information and quotes are very stern and serious, with one witness stating that the shootings are “a massacre.”One thing I really appreciated was how they not only give background information pertaining to the entirety of the country who are obviously under an immense amount of distress, but they also are in epicenter of where all the action is going on, in Ziwaya. I feel this article was very succinct, and is best for someone who has no idea what’s going on, to read and be able to fully comprehend the current condition of Libya.

(Opinion Piece) http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jon-rainwater/libya-a-worsening-humanitarian-crisis_b_831138.html

I loved the way the basis of this article, stripped away all the “shock value” of murders, blood, etc, and really focused on the humanitarian aspect, and what people (specifically America) can do to aid people, and not let them continue to suffer. Rainwater clearly describes how America how donated, what he says is a “modest” $12 million dollars, concentrating on humanitarian operations and emergency evacuations – but he says that this is simply not enough. He then goes on to illustrate, in length, all the different actions he feels America can do to be of assistance to Libya – from working closely with the UNHCR, to developing field hospitals, funding medicine/medical equipment, and providing shelter, blankets, bedding, generators etc. He also states that rushing urgently to “just do something,” by sending military involvement, is naïve on America’s part to think that is enough. I always say that if you can’t find a solution, don’t bring up a problem. And John Rainwater has done just that; not only succesfly explaining the dire situation, but providing resolutions to solve them.

(“Soft” News) http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/01/libyan-refugee-food-crisis-looms

This article provides more background as to the plight Libyan citizens are currently facing. It describes the overwhelming concern of lack of food stocks and resources. It has gotten so bad to the point that over 140,000 Libyan people have crossed over into Egypt and Tunisia. I think Borger did a good job speaking to the right sources, to get the proper information regarding his topic. He spoke to Josette Sheeran, executive director of the World Food Program, obtaining quotes and specific information as to why it has gotten as bad as It has, what actions are being taken to rectify the problem, and when she thinks these issues will be taken care of. He also put information I had not seen in other articles, detailing how Libya relies 90% on imports for food, and how drastically its been affected by its recent state of turmoil. All in all, I feel Borger did a successful job merging a “softer” aspect as to what’s currently taking place in Libya, but still providing concrete and necessary facts that may be overlooked, as opposed to the protests and deaths.