Gary Fitleberg, October 30, 2004

A media watchdog group criticized Israel for crackdowns on press freedom in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

But the Jewish state ranked 36th out of 167 countries cited in the third annual Press Freedom Index issued this week by Reporters Without Borders.

While the group recognized Israel as the most liberal Middle East country when it comes to the media, it said Arab "Palestinian" areas under Israeli military control ranked 115th in terms of press freedom.

However, this still beat the Palestinian Authority, which came in at 127th place. By comparison, the United States was ranked 22nd for press freedom in the world, while U.S.-occupied Iraq was 108th.

Ironically and moronically, Israel is the only beacon of democracy and freedom in the entire Middle East that allows Freedom of the Press and freedom of Speech even when it criticizes the Israeli government. This also includes the state-sponsored, controlled and dominated Arab media and press within its borders.

One can make no blame or criticism without first pointing the finger at the Palestinian Authority/Palestine Liberation Organization.

Gary Fitleberg is a Political Analyst specializing in International Relations with emphasis on Middle East affairs.

Copyright © 2004 Gary Fitleberg