Dialogue with Washington Post

Dear Editor,

By publishing an editorial by Hamas deputy political chief Mousa Abu Marzook [What Hamas Is Seeking Jan. 31, 2006], the Washington Post has given a forum and sanction to an internationally-recognized terrorist organization allowing them to spout their propaganda. Hamas’ goal is to gain world opinion – the place where battles are currently being fought. Their words become legitimized by the coverage giving them the opportunity to win the war of ideas despite their lies and fabrications. Giving them editorial space is no different than sending them weapons and bullets – only it is more powerful. By supplying this coverage, the Post is aiding and abetting those that espouse terrorism giving them the ammunition for free. Would the Post allow Osama Bin Laden, Iranian President Ahmadinejad, or the former Taliban leaders to spread their propagandist lies in an editorial?

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RESPONSE FROM THE OMBUDSMAN:



From: Deborah C Howell
Sent: Wednesday, February 01, 2006 4:52 PM
Subject: Re: What Hamas is Seeking


I don't have purview over the editorial pages, but I will pass this on. I think their thinking is that it's better to know what Hamas says than not to know and that printing it is not agreeing with it. Deborah


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RESPONSE FROM THE EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR:

The ombudsman forwarded your letter to me (the editorial page editor).
Thank you for writing.

I certainly considered the arguments you make before publishing this piece.
Our job is to present a broad range of opinion relevant to the day's news.
Hamas perpetrates terrorism; it also is now the elected majority party of a Palestinian parliament. U.S. and other officials are in the process of deciding what policy to take toward this new government, and many experts are debating the same question. In that context, the party's platforms and intentions seem to be more than newsworthy. I agree we should publish responsible analyses of Hamas, but in my view the words of the actors themselves also can inform the ongoing debate.

Publication does not equal endorsement.

Again, I appreciate your reading the paper, and taking the time to write.

Best,
Fred Hiatt