Can there be investigative journalism in Palestine?
Nabhan says he thinks not.
He attended a workshop last week in Ramallah on this issue, and he later explained that he came to the conclusion that it is impossible to carry out investigative journalism in Palestine — not just because of the political division between the two main Palestinian factions (Fatah and Hamas), and not just because of the constant pressure and regular incursions of the Israeli military occupation.
No, Nabhan says he thinks investigative journalism is impossible because, as he explains, Palestinian culture is a culture of reconciliation, where direct confrontation is avoided and intensely disliked.
I do see Nabhan’s point.
Formulaic appeasement, especially when accompanied by smiling and smooth stroking, is an art form here, highly admired. Honesty is often detested as vulgar aggression, as “trouble-making”. Back-stabbing may be painful to the victim, but it is considered preferable to straight talk, which is thought of as bad form.
Filed under: Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law, Israel, Journalism and Journalists, Palestine & Palestinians
Leave a Reply