Special needs?

By Salama A Salama

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The public now gets its information from dozens of uncensored satellite channels and local and international newspapers, aired and printed in more than one language. The reputation of media sources now depends on their objectivity and speed. Major newspapers and satellite television stations use a massive network of professional reporters and specialists from across the world. This is one advantage that most Arab -- and definitely Egyptian -- media lacks, with one or two exceptions.

The preponderance of media makes it increasingly hard to hide the truth. Those who disseminate information are left with one of two options. Either they act with professional objectivity or use spin-doctors to camouflage the truth. In our region, however, official media is still trying to twist the facts. And it treats the public as if it were a group of people "with special needs". Stories are oversimplified and then presented out of context, without detail or regard for objectivity. The aim, obviously, is to instill a sense of fear into the public and discourage the nation from taking any initiative. I will give you a few examples.

In the recent Shura Council elections, there was no denying the irregularities, fraud and violence that took place. Local and foreign sources, including the National Council for Human Rights, admitted the irregularities and reported an extremely low turnout. Because of ineffectual judicial supervision by the Higher Committee on Elections, the National Democratic Party managed to gain overwhelming control of the Shura Council, a matter that wouldn't have happened in a true democracy.

Despite that, official media went on singing the praises of the elections, calling them a shining example of democracy and proof of public confidence. More puzzling yet was the fact that the people appointed in the Shura Council came solely from the NDP and its Policies Committee. They couldn't even bring in representatives from other political currents to even things out a little. This shows that all talk about democracy and reform is mere lip service.

Regarding events in Palestine, where weeks of infighting have brought about a near separation between two governments, one in the West Bank and one in Gaza, each claiming legitimacy. Egyptian official discourse couldn't rise over the rivalries of factions, as if outside parties were expecting the schism and trying to accelerate it. Now we have a schism on our hands, one that pits Egypt, Jordan, Israel and President Mahmoud Abbas against Hamas and Iran (and some say Al-Qaeda and the Muslim Brotherhood too). Now we're asked to believe that Egyptian national security is being compromised by Hamas being on our borders. Hamas; not Israel with its well-known ambitions.

In Lebanon, a similar story developed. The Arab League's Secretary- General Amr Moussa went there to mediate and then claimed a breakthrough that would lead to the creation of a national unity government; the holding of presidential elections. Hours later, the Arab League chief declared his mission a failure and came back home. No other explanations were given. We were never told who was responsible. The best the public can hope for now is French, US or Israeli insight into what really happened.

The public is not a group of people "with special needs". The public is smarter than our officials are willing to admit. Ultimately the truth comes out -- people see it.