Synopsis
Discusses some of the advantages and disadvantages of the real-time reporting of the 2003 Iraq War and provides some background on the history of war correspondents.
Rebecca Watson - Children's Literature
During Operation Iraqi Freedom more than five hundred reporters were embedded in U.S. military units. These reporters ate, drank, and slept with the troops. They also faced many of the same dangers the military faced. For the first time ever, Americans at home had real-time, front-line views of what our troops were experiencing at war. This thorough and well-written book examines the history of war-time reporting from the first war photos taken during the Civil War to the current fighting in the Middle East. With thoughtful examination of both sides, it looks at the balance needed between freedom of the press and security during wartime, and the different ways the United States government has dealt with this issue over the last two centuries. Special attention is given to the most recent wars. Included is a discussion on whether up-close, real-time reporting gives people at home a better understanding of the war, or fragmented pictures out of context. A time-line, glossary and index are included along with many full-color photographs. This book is part of the "War in Iraq" series by ABDO and Daughters. 2004, ABDO and Daughters/ABDO Publishing Company, Ages 8 to 12.
Editorials
Children's Literature
During Operation Iraqi Freedom more than five hundred reporters were embedded in U.S. military units. These reporters ate, drank, and slept with the troops. They also faced many of the same dangers the military faced. For the first time ever, Americans at home had real-time, front-line views of what our troops were experiencing at war. This thorough and well-written book examines the history of war-time reporting from the first war photos taken during the Civil War to the current fighting in the Middle East. With thoughtful examination of both sides, it looks at the balance needed between freedom of the press and security during wartime, and the different ways the United States government has dealt with this issue over the last two centuries. Special attention is given to the most recent wars. Included is a discussion on whether up-close, real-time reporting gives people at home a better understanding of the war, or fragmented pictures out of context. A time-line, glossary and index are included along with many full-color photographs. This book is part of the "War in Iraq" series by ABDO and Daughters. 2004, ABDO and Daughters/ABDO Publishing Company, Ages 8 to 12.— Rebecca Watson