Perspectives on cultural and religious diversity in Iraq

This study draws up an appraisal of how diversity-related issues are currently being dealt with in the Lebanese, Iraqi and Syrian media.

It was launched by CFI and the SKeyes Center for Media and Cultural Freedom (run by the Samir Kassir Foundation), as part of the Naseej project – 'Naseej' meaning 'weaving' in Arabic – which calls on the media to restore and maintain a balanced and peaceful debate focusing on these issues.
Over a two weeks period, researchers identified the articles and reports dealing directly or indirectly with this subject, analysing their size and frequency, and ranking the various media groups in terms of how often they focus on the subject.
They examined the terminology, semantic field, cultural references and stereotypes, assessing whether – in the same media outlet – the subject is dealt with differently depending on the pages and departments.

Synthesis of the results of this study for Iraq.

Findings

There has been a significant change in the Iraqi media since the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime in 2003. Some degree of diversity is emerging in media organisations. However, the country is still in a stage of transition; there has not been enough time yet to gain solid experience in providing civilians with impartial information and in strengthening the media sector in order for it to guarantee freedom of opinion and media professionalism, as well as the management skills of a sector guided by the interests of various political, religious and private groups.

Recommandations

In light of the prevalence of stereotypes and preconceived ideas, and on a domestic and regional scene racked by one of the most vicious conflicts, the media ought to expound opinions in an impartial manner, guarantee an equal balance in the presentation of viewpoints and not promote hate speech.

Likewise, minorities' positive participation in public life is also an essential element in a peaceful, democratic society. Governments ought to take the necessary measures to strengthen this participation and not repress it. In this context, it is vital that there should be radio and television programmes produced with the aim of increasing knowledge of these minorities' cultures, and programmes broadcast in these minority languages. Above all, governments ought not to restrict this right, but rather allow the various groups to have access to public media, or even help them to have their own media outlets, and encourage the public media, or publicly financed media outlets, to devote part of their programming to diversity-related issues.

It would also be advisable to raise Iraqi journalists' awareness of the questions and challenges posed by diversity, through training workshops. To train journalists specialising in diversity, so as to succeed, ultimately, in establishing a specialist press for diversity-related issues, similar to a specialist press for environmental, gender equality and human rights issues etc. And to include in Iraqi university courses in journalism and news media some programmes that explain about diversity, its challenges and how it should be dealt with in the media.

The media ought to comply with the broadcasting regulations published by the Media and Communications Commission, in the aim of guaranteeing adherence to professional standards, ensuring fair media coverage and avoiding hate speech.

Find all articles of the contest Naseej in the booklet What does the future hold for minorities in the Middle East?