August 25, 2006
Getting the Story
I spent all day today in the southern region near Gaza and learned part of the story about what’s going on down there. An IDF soldier I ran into said “It’s about time you got down here,” “you” being the media. Most foreign correspondents left the country after the cease-fire in Lebanon, and I don’t know what the rest are doing right now. But then the rental car broke down in the evening and I was stranded for hours. (That in itself is a story.) So now I’m finally back in civilization, but in this time zone it’s way too late to write all this up. Stay tuned, though. I’ll get to it soon.
Posted by Michael J. Totten at August 25, 2006 01:48 PMGotta apologize to you, Michael. I commented the other week that what we needed from you was not digital photography, but lots of interviews. I stand corrected: I'd much rather have these pics from you, rather than faked tableaux from pro-terrorist Arab stringers. Photography delivers impact, not context, I believe. But these dispatches of yours have really contributed to the accomplishment of the true journalist's goal: informing folks back home as to what's going on.
Posted by: The Sanity Inspector at August 25, 2006 05:47 PMBest of luck Michael, you are providing great insights into that part of the world.Good to see you out of Sully's place and back in the mix.
Posted by: ck at August 26, 2006 11:19 AMExcellent posts, Michael!
Posted by: Fabian at August 27, 2006 12:45 AMHey Michael J.T.
Hope you didn't get caught in the attack on Reuters' news vehicle. Although it look like your were busy with Pics and Doc files. But in any case that shows the vulnerability n dangers of being caught in hostile or friendly cross or direct fire.
Stay safe n God be with you;
J.fly
I understand why the IDF isn't letting anyone into Gaza a little better about now.
Posted by: glasnost at August 27, 2006 10:17 AMThe diff between American Soliers and the IDF. The IDF wonders where you have been.
The Americans in Iraq when spotting some "media type" would say man get those fags outtahere. Only worse especially if they were TV types.
Posted by: john beard at August 27, 2006 07:16 PMHi Michael,
If you are interested in a kibbutz experience, I recommend you try Kibbutz Nirim which is very close to the border with Gaza. I remember seeing the very same road sign you photographed when visiting years ago.
I'm sure you'll find the hospitality very welcoming, and perhaps a local can give you a bit of a tour. There are some fields where there are still old signs of the Yom Kippur war, with a few bullets scattered here and there.
Good luck and I can't wait for your next post.
Posted by: Jono at August 27, 2006 09:29 PM
