The Guardian’s foreign leader writer David Hearst recently attended a discussion with Middle East Monitor Online’s Ibrahim Hewitt, about perceived bias in the BBC’s reporting on the Middle East.
Let’s have a look at MEMO’s own Middle East reporting.
There’s this from last month:
Sudan has paid a “heavy price” for its connection with Palestine
Ismail Haniyeh has praised the people and government of Sudan for their support for the Palestinian cause, especially the Gaza Strip. “It was a pleasure for Sudan to pay a heavy price for their links with us,” said the Palestinian Prime Minister approvingly.
Speaking at a welcome ceremony for a delegation from Sudan on Sunday, Mr Haniyeh pointed out that the country had not hesitated to embrace the Palestinian struggle and offer political and media support. “Despite the long distance between Sudan and Palestine, such delegations as this bring us closer together in solidarity,” he said, adding out that marches and demonstrations have a huge “moral significance” in the struggle.
Sudan has stood beside the Palestinian government in good times and bad, even though the government in Khartoum has itself faced destabilising plots and threats. “Sudan was the first Arab country to revolt against injustice,” said Mr Haniyeh, “raising the banner of Islam and the Law of God in authority.”
In response to the prime minister’s praise and thanks, a spokesman for the Sudanese delegation said that its members were delighted to be in the blessed land of Palestine; he praised the steadfastness of the Palestinians and expressed the hope that all occupied Palestinian land will soon be free.
MEMO’s reporting clearly supports the Hamas leader’s position on Sudan, even speaking of “destabilising plots and threats.” From the quotes here, Sudan appears to see its genocide in Darfur – which took 300,000 lives despite Sudan placing the number at 10,000 – as “revolting against injustice.” A genocide against the Darfuris is therefore the justice of God.
MEMO appears to back up this position by dismissing Sudan’s detractors as destabilising and menacing plotters, whilst linking criticism of Sudan’s government to its “pro-Palestinian” political outlook.
Really, Hearst should not be proud of treating MEMO as a fair and credible media outfit.
