Journalist challenges State Department over U.S. foreign policy on Israel: "People are sick of the BS"

By richardbrown // 2024-10-11

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In a striking moment during a recent State Department briefing, journalist Liam Cosgrove, representing The Grayzone, confronted spokesperson Matthew Miller over the United States government's contradictory foreign policy and its escalating military involvement abroad. As tensions rise globally, with conflicts ongoing in Ukraine, Gaza and Lebanon, the Biden-Harris administration's approach has been increasingly criticized for its lack of consistency and accountability. Cosgrove's outburst came in response to what he perceived as a dangerous game of nuclear brinkmanship being played by the U.S. with Russia, particularly as the administration continues to support Ukraine in striking targets deep within Russian territory. This escalation is occurring alongside multiple ongoing wars, with the potential for a broader conflict erupting between Iran and Israel. Despite these rising tensions, the U.S. has persisted in distributing billions in military aid to these conflict zones, exacerbating violence while sidelining calls for negotiations or ceasefires. During the briefing, Cosgrove questioned Miller about the moral implications of U.S. policies in the Middle East, specifically regarding the conflict in Gaza. He pointedly remarked, "This administration has financed a genocide in Gaza for the last year, and every day you’re up there denying accountability for it. So, what gives you the right to lecture other countries on their morals?" Miller's response avoided directly addressing the accusation, focusing instead on maintaining a policy-oriented discussion. He stated that Cosgrove could share his views elsewhere, dismissing the journalist's concerns as outside the scope of the briefing. The exchange escalated as Cosgrove passionately retorted, "People are sick of the b------- in here. It [the Gaza conflict] is a genocide. You are abetting it. And you are risking a nuclear war in Ukraine for this proxy war." This moment resonated widely on social media, with many praising Cosgrove for his candidness. Users expressed gratitude for his willingness to articulate sentiments that many feel but struggle to voice in public forums.

Biden-Harris administration hampering ability of journalists to cover conflicts

This confrontation underscores a broader frustration among journalists covering complex international conflicts, particularly those with competing narratives. Since the renewal of hostilities between Hamas and Israel over a year ago, media coverage has faced scrutiny, with accusations of bias from both pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian perspectives. The ongoing restrictions on international journalists' access to Gaza have further complicated reporting efforts, leading to calls for greater media freedom. (Related: Four columnists quit Jewish Chronicle over Gaza coverage based on "wild fabrications.") Rebecca Vincent, director of campaigns at Reporters Without Borders, highlighted the dire situation for journalists working in conflict zones. "Israeli forces have systematically restricted coverage of Gaza and targeted journalists who take enormous risks to report the truth. This has directly impacted global access to information on the war, which is critical to the public interest," she noted. Vincent emphasized the necessity for journalists to operate freely, asserting that the world has a right to know what is happening in Gaza. The complexities of these conflicts, combined with government policies and restrictions on the press, have contributed to a growing distrust in mainstream media. Many argue that reliance on official sources has only deepened the divide in narratives, fueling misinformation and confusion among the public. As Cosgrove's remarks reverberate through online platforms, they reflect a collective yearning for accountability and transparency from those in power. His passionate critique highlights the urgent need for a more honest dialogue about the consequences of U.S. foreign policy, particularly as the stakes continue to rise in an increasingly volatile world. Watch this clip featuring the spat between Liam Cosgrove and Matthew Miller. This video is from the CADKIAH channel on Brighteon.com.

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Biden-Harris administration hampering ability of journalists to cover conflicts

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