Newsweek Investigating Quran Story Errors

[sabra]

<<SNIP>>
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=762304

Newsweek Investigating Quran Story Errors

Newsweek Investigating Errors in Quran-Desecration Story, Will Make Further Corrections if Needed

NEW YORK May 16, 2005 — Newsweek magazine, under fire for an article that prompted violent protests by mistakenly reporting that U.S. interrogators at Guantanamo Bay had desecrated the Quran, said Monday it was investigating the matter and would make other corrections or retractions if needed.

Newsweek acknowledged problems with the story and its editor, Mark Whitaker, apologized in an editor's note in this week's edition. The magazine had reported that a U.S. investigation had found that interrogators had flushed a copy of the Quran down a toilet in an attempt to shake up detainees. The accusations spawned protests in Afghanistan that left 15 dead and scores injured.

Responding to harsh criticism from Muslim leaders worldwide, the Pentagon promised to investigate the charges and pinned the deadly clashes on Newsweek for what it described as "irresponsible" reporting.

"We regret that we got any part of our story wrong, and extend our sympathies to victims of the violence and to the U.S. soldiers caught in its midst," Whitaker wrote in an editor's note.
The White House said Monday that Newsweek's response was insufficient.

"It's puzzling. While Newsweek now acknowledges that they got the facts wrong, they refuse to retract the story," said presidential spokesman Scott McClellan. "I think there's a certain journalistic standard that should be met. In this instance it was not.

<</SNIP>>

[leetrisck]

1. And the facts on WMD were wrong -

Puzzling, huh?

[Pacifist Patriot]

4. This is one of those days when I need a primal scream.

The hypocrisy is so thick it's suffocating. SM needs a good bitch slap for being able to say these things with a straight face.

[warrens]

2. Be careful what you wish for, Scotty

Investigations are more likely to confirm the story than disprove it. You probably should have kept your mouth shut.

[Pacifist Patriot]

5. That could definitely be the up side, but my fear...

is a cover up. The smoke and mirrors around the article have given them time to address any evidence.

[rodeodance]

6. so Scotty is puzzled--tsk tsk--just listening to him makes me dizzy.

"It's puzzling. While Newsweek now acknowledges that they got the facts wrong, they refuse to retract the story," said presidential spokesman Scott McClellan. "I think there's a certain journalistic standard that should be met. In this instance it was not.

[rodeodance]

3. DU was talking of this story last week. Why the blow up today? I was

away for 3 days and turn on the cable and it is cover to cover with story the last 4 hours.

[rodeodance]

7. Wolf B. is saying Newsweek is formally retracting the story--just now

on CNN

[cliss]

11. Amazing. Like they really believe

that silencing the press will put an end to the problems. I personally believe the Koran incident is really nothing more than a symptom of a greater problem.

It's the problem of the US going out on a "crusade" against islam. This is not the source. It's just the tip of the iceberg.

[bunny planet]

8. Is there any end to the hypocrisy of this administration.

Where oh where is the individual or group of individuals who will ask the simple question

"At long last sir, have you no decency, have you no shame."
(not sure if that's the exact quote but close enough)

[rhett o rick]

9. This smells of Karl Rove. Newsweek runs a story that is embarrassing to

the White House. The Pentagon investigates and wallah Newsweek retract.

[KamaAina]

10. They loved Michael Isikoff when he was helping them get Clinton

And now? Time to throw him under the bus.

Advice to all who choose to deal with Bush**co: Watch your back!

[lolly]

12. Well, maybe some good will come of this

Maybe somebody will flush Newsweek down the toilet?

All their favor-currying with the right wing (attacking Clinton, splashing Jeebus all over the cover once a month) made them think they had some sort of "in" with the administration, I guess.

Wrong, guys! You were punk'd by the Pentagon!