By
definition, he has spent far too much time in war zones, post war zones and assessing
pre-conflict politics. He has also witnessed actions and events that no one
should have to see, and he has done so over and over.
An Englishman,
based in Beirut for 41 years, few if any can claim greater expertise about this region.
I attended a
lecture and subsequent interview with him yesterday and it was as interesting
as it was challenging.
Robert Fisk
is firmly of the view that balance in journalism, is not responsible journalism
and provided multiple examples to support his view.
In simple
terms, his argument is the journalist should report the facts and add
commentary from the point of view that is the opposite of evil.
There were
very many areas of interest ranging from the lack of commitment by Governments
to determine where funding and supplies are coming from for the likes of ISIS.,
through to the United States obsession with inflicting democracy under the
guise of being the solution to troubled countries.
It was the commentary
about democracy that I found most enlightening and he specifically referenced
the uprising in Egypt. While America was obsessed with imposing a democratically
elected leadership upon Egypt, the people had no such desire.
Robert Fisk
suggested that Egyptians simply wanted dignity and freedom, that’s all. Further,
he said that is all anyone wants. It is simple and it is basic and cited
numerous examples where the imposition of democracy had not delivered freedom
and dignity.
The presentation
by, and discussion with Robert Fisk was indeed fascinating and educating and it
was a privilege to be in the auditorium.
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