Fairly balanced, and unafraid

The media are at their best during a crisis, and they are collectively doing a good job right now on Middle East reporting. Sure, there are biased exceptions, but the MSM are doing what they do best — staying on top of critical, breaking news with round the clock coverage, on location and in harms way, to cover this war.

Here’s just one media blog that makes a few good points, even about the New York Times. I’ve found war coverage comprehensive and analytical, for the most part. The best reporting puts a face on the people caught up in this crisis, whether military or political decision makers, or the civilians who pay the consequences of those decisions.

And here’s a post from a blog by Fox News’ Jeff Goldblatt with one human interest story worth reading.

Jerusalem

George, Mike, and Nate. Typical American names for three kids whose “game” was anything but typical. More accurately, it was a collectively awful display. The game had the hallmarks of an elementary school free-for all, where fouling and traveling are the keys to victory.

Although Israel has some outstanding basketball players, this didn’t seem like the playground where “hoop dreams” were made. Dreams of peace, on the other hand, were certainly more relevant for conversation, yet seemingly just as unrealistic, as Maroun’s chance of making the NBA.

“I wish for peace,” Maroun said in broken English. As a Christian Arab who lives in Israel, he says he prays for both Muslims and Jews in this current conflict. Mike, who is Muslim, nodded his head, smiled, and said, “Yes,” when I asked him if he wants peace. The Jewish players did the same.

Why is it that Jewish and Muslim boys can get along on a basketball court in Israel, but want to kill each other when it comes to the broader field of life? Why is it that aggression on this playground comes in the form of fouls, but off the court, the hits are intended to be fatal? Why is it that Jews and Muslims can play basketball together, but on the battlefield, hate each other’s guts? These are rhetorical questions, with complicated answers. Regardless, I am thankful for this game. It serves as a slim ray of hope that perhaps peace in the Middle East is not as fleeting as a dream.

We hear a lot of stories about children being taught to hate and to regard violence as a noble means to a higher goal, and those stories are true. But there are more stories like the above than we’re hearing, and those who know have a duty to tell. They give hope.