Time Magazine's loose cannon
The last time we took note of Michael Ware, Time Magazine's Baghdad correspondent, it was to comment on his decision to embed himself with troops fighting in Iraq. Troops on the other side, that is.
He continues true to form. Last Friday, according to Winds of Change,
Two years ago, some dumb sex therapist in California triggered at least one huge suicide bombing simply by posting an essay on the internet, for US consumption, in which she used rape as a metaphor for the US invasion of Iraq. Rumors flew all over the Middle East that thousands of US troops were raping Iraqi women.
Friday night, Time Baghdad bureau chief Michael Ware got drunk on camera for Bill Maher, live from a city where alcohol is frowned upon (to put it mildly), in front of a cheering laughing studio audience, made vague allegations about US soldiers "manhandling" Iraqi women (while Maher made sarcastic asides about "good news from Iraq"), and explained how hopeless everything is. You could almost see the insurgent's hand up his butt making his little arms wave.
Seixon explains that words have consequences:
Mr. Ware, if you were trying to demonize the United States in a country where you were having massive problems with public support, what do you think the implications of demanding the release of female prisoners who do not exist are? Do they include the public believing that there are female prisoners? OHHHH! You didn't think that far did you?! Nope, you were too busy propping up the terrorists that have beheaded dozens of people, and slandering the US troops:WARE: We've also seen insurgents criticize other insurgent groups, 'cause you're not doing enough to get the chicks out! I mean, that's how important it can be, this is a matter of great honor, and it's a spark.Yes, insurgents groups are trying to out—propagandize each other in order to get most public support by demanding the release of non—existent female prisoners. A matter of great honor, indeed! A spark? You're kidding. I never realized that propaganda would be used as a spark, you must be joking:WARE: So, let's hope we never see that lit.If that spark gets lit, I doubt Mr Ware will think he had anything to do with it.
This guy should be fired for his unprofessional behavior. If he has evidence of sexual abuse by US troops he should report it carefully and soberly; that's part of his job. But drunken sneering and bellyaching on live TV isn't.