The Problem With Words
Remember all the "bad Syria" talk of recent weeks? It's making news again.
Reuters reports Rumsfeld as saying today, "I think it's a mischaracterization that we threatened Syria. We are not in the business of threatening. It was a fact, not a threat and that's all I have to say."
Here are some of the things that have been said. Are these facts? Threats?
Ari Fleischer said Syria is a "terrorist state" and a "rogue nation."
Colin Powell says Syria should "review its action and behavior" and the US will "examine possible measures of diplomatic, economic or other nature."
Jack Straw says Syria must prove it's not a rogue state and explains that "given the changed reality," Syria must understand and cooperate.
More recently, "Israel's ambassador to the US called for 'regime change' in Iran and Syria yesterday as players in the Middle East staked out their positions before a crucial Palestinian vote that is expected to trigger publication of the American-backed 'road map' to peace."
When does a fact become a threat? Or, do we just assume now that threats are part of all facts?
permalink posted by: jgh 9:33:00 AM
|
