As the voice of the Hizbullah, you might expect al Manar to present a grim and gritty image, reflecting the Islamic organization that has upended Lebanon’s politics. But that’s not the case and the twist is fascinating, as Anne Marie Baylouny explains.
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Nasrallah and the compromise and rehabilitation of Hizbullah’s reputation
A pitched battle on the streets of Beirut backed Hizbullah’s opponents into a corner last May. But it was media savvy and the powerful rhetoric of Hassan Nasrallah that turned a tactical victory into a strategic success, argues David Wilmsen. Features video and full translations of three speeches.
Read More »The voice of a commander and statesman: Bashir Gemayel
Contributing Editor Pete Ajemian traces the rhetoric and media techniques of Bashir Gemayel from his years as a military commander to the days before his assassination as president-elect of Lebanon. Featuring video and full English translations.
Read More »Lebanon’s media battle
Media were at the forefront of Lebanon’s bloodiest infighting since the civil war, relaying the heated words of politicians while beaming out propaganda thick and fast, writes Contributing Editor Paul Cochrane.
Read More »Resistance beyond time and space: Hizbullah’s media campaigns
Were the 2006 war and the assassination of Imad Mughniyeh operational setbacks but propaganda victories? Pete Ajemian traces recent developments in Hizbullah’s media strategy. (features video)
Read More »The Spectacle of War: Insurgent video propaganda and Western response
Middle East insurgencies are learning from each other’s media strategies, writes Contributing Editor Andrew Exum. Can the U.S. Military catch up?
Read More »That Joke isn’t Funny Anymore: Bass Mat Watan’s Nasrallah skit and the limits of laughter in Lebanon
When is a joke in Lebanon not funny anymore? When it mocks Hassan Nasrallah and stokes highly tense sectarian sentiments, demonstrates Contributing Editor Sune Haugbolle. (Features Video)
Read More »Are Lebanon’s Media fanning the flames of sectarianism?
Politics have become so divisive in Lebanon that the national media council chief urged the media in January to curb "tense rhetoric" that could instigate violence among the country's religious sects, writes Contributing Editor Paul Cochrane. So what are the media up to? Are they guilty of fanning the flames?
Read More »Press Under Siege Conference Raises a Cry for a Freer Middle East Press
It was not clear whether the ultimate point of the conference was to support Arab journalists in their struggle for protected freedoms, or to promote Siniora’s government?then under heavy fire?as democratic and free before a would-be sympathetic international audience, claims Abigail Hauslohner.
Read More »From A-lists to webtifadas: Developments in the Lebanese blogosphere 2005-2006
During the Hizbullah-Israel War, blogs provided alternative on-the-ground accounts of events, says Sune Haugbolle. But can they challenge the social authority of old media?
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