The Local MSM

For those that don't know MSM is the mainstream media, and almost every week I try and get an analysis of the local MSM just for you.

Here is this week's edition, again courtesy of D. (Click "continue reading" to view the analysis.)

Analysis of the media 14-20th February

Business Day

Business Day gave a varied output of news from the Middle East last week. Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas released Hamas funds in order to engender goodwill towards the newly created ceasefire with Israel. Business Day highlighted the retirement of Israel's army chief Yaalon who is stepping down just before the implementation of disengagement from Gaza. Also Shin Bet's Avi Dichter also will be stepping down at the same time. There is concern in regards this change as it is felt that Yaalon is needed to implement disengagement effectively as he has been involved personally in the process towards disengagement. Although disengagement has been approved by the Knesset there is the danger that Sharon's government could fall if the 2005 budget is not approved.

The Citizen

The Citizen as well covered disengagement and Palestinian reaction to the Jericho pullout showing that on the ground many issues still need to be clarified particularly in regards security. The pullout from Jericho will probably set a precedent for other withdrawals from other West bank towns. The settlers from Gaza will be free to settle in the West Bank (the settlement blocs that will remain as Israel territory in any end of conflict agreement) as well as inside Israel. Jailed Palestinian terrorist Marwan Barghouti believes the Intifada will continue in spite of the recent ceasefire between the two sides. Both The Citizen and Business Day mentioned Omri Sharon's indictment for setting up a straw company to direct cash to his father's primary campaign.

The Star

The cartoon on 14/02/05 wonderfully illustrates the dilemma facing "peace." Cautious optimism and the burden of implementing the peace falls on both sides and this Dov Fedler humorously shows. The Star reported positively on the freeing of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails quoting PM Ariel Sharon as stating that "this neither an easy nor a simple step but it is possible that this gesture will assist the PA in establishing its control and increase mutual confidence between the sides." An excellent letter by a reader was a first on the Arab-Israeli conflict in the Star for at least two years. The reader adequately pointed out that Sharon has never threatened to destroy the Palestinian people despite this being well within Israel's capabilities. "Sharon, "the hawk" has tirelessly defended Israel against continual indiscriminate attacks directed against both military and civilian targets over the past 50 years." The Star reported on the Palestinian reservation in regards Israel's unilateral decision to disengage. Empathy and mixed feelings in the Palestinian areas about the release of Palestinian prisoners was also given coverage. A balanced week!

Mail & Guardian

The Mail and Guardian reported on the possible return of This Day but as a weekly publication.

The Sowetan

The Sowetan had a small insert relating to the handover of Jericho to the Palestinian Authority. The Sowetan like every other news outlet described the shock and devastation felt by the Lebanese after the assassination of Rafik al-Hariri.

The Sunday Independent

The Sunday Independent editorial states that the "US is right to put pressure on the autocracies of the Middle East to stop funding terrorism and interfering outside of their own borders. The newly invigorated peace process between Israel and the Palestinians is at a delicate stage and must be protected at all costs." However, " America must still tread carefully as it already embroiled in one conflagration in the region. It is in no one's interests for the fire to spread any further."

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