Who cares about Iraq?

Posted By Mike Boyer Thursday, August 3, 2006 - 6:00 PM Share

On CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News, it's all Israel-Lebanon all the time. Meanwhile, top U.S. military commanders testifying before the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee this morning seemed to confirm fears that a stable Middle East and a democratic Iraq are all but a pipe dream. Here's the assessment by Gen. John Abizaid, who runs the U.S. Central Command:

A couple of days ago, I returned from the Middle East. I've rarely seen it so unsettled or so volatile. There's an obvious struggle in the region between moderates and extremists that touches every aspect of life."

What about Iraq?

I believe that the sectarian violence is probably as bad as I've seen it, in Baghdad in particular...."

It couldn't be a worse time for Americans and -- perhaps more importantly -- the media to stop caring about Iraq. But that appears to be what is happening. According to recent research, for instance, news from Iraq has dropped by 60 percent on network newscasts since 2003.

EXPLORE:MIDDLE EAST, IRAQ, ISRAEL/PALESTINE, LEBANON, MEDIA

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