Target Iraq: What the News Media Didn't Tell You : Book Review

"Target Iraq: What the News Media Didn't Tell You" by Norman Solomon is a thought-provoking book that delves into the media's influence on public opinion and its role in the decision to go to war with Iraq. Through thorough research and analysis, Solomon exposes the biased reporting, government propaganda, and sensationalism that contributed to the march towards war.

Solomon takes a critical stance towards the mainstream media, arguing that they failed to provide objective and balanced coverage of the situation in Iraq. He reveals how news outlets unquestioningly amplified the government's claims about weapons of mass destruction, despite the lack of concrete evidence. This led the public to be misled and influenced in favor of war.

The book's strength lies in its comprehensive examination of media coverage before and during the Iraq War. Solomon dissects prominent examples of misinformation, selective reporting, and the demonization of dissenting voices. He highlights how media outlets prioritized emotion over facts, simplifying complex geopolitical issues to narratives that supported the pro-war agenda.

Moreover, Solomon emphasizes the detrimental impact of this biased reporting on democracy and public discourse. He asserts that an informed citizenry is crucial for a functioning democracy, and the media's failure to provide accurate and critical information hindered the public's ability to make informed decisions about the war.

"Target Iraq" is an enlightening read that challenges the prevailing narrative surrounding the Iraq War. Solomon's meticulous research and astute analysis expose the media's complicity in promoting the war and provoke important questions about the role of journalism in a democratic society. This book is highly recommended for those interested in media studies, politics, and gaining a deeper understanding of the Iraq War.

What are readers saying?

Norman Solomon's book "Target Iraq" has generated a range of opinions among readers. The book delves into the media's involvement in promoting the Iraq War and offers a critical examination of the mainstream narrative presented to the public. Here is an overview of the reviews.

Many readers appreciate the book's incisive analysis and find it to be a revealing and thought-provoking read. They commend Solomon for his extensive research, which exposes the manipulative tactics employed by the media to shape public opinion. Reviewers praise the author for shedding light on the propaganda used to justify the Iraq War, with some noting that the book has encouraged them to approach mainstream media narratives more critically.

However, there are some reviewers who express concerns about the book's biased approach. They argue that Solomon's strong anti-war stance undermines the book's credibility and objectivity. These readers believe that the author's writing lacks balance and fails to present a comprehensive picture of the situation.

A few readers find the book to be dense and challenging to follow at times. They struggle with the book's extensive amount of information and mention that the writing style is not particularly engaging. These individuals believe that "Target Iraq" may cater more to those with a specific interest in media studies or political science, rather than appealing to a general audience.

Moreover, some reviewers criticize the book for being outdated, as it was published in 2003, shortly after the invasion of Iraq. They argue that the book may not offer a complete understanding of the current political landscape and suggest that more recent developments should be taken into account.

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