After the big Newsweek scandal, I think it’s time to sit back and remember that the American media isn’t the only one that uses "unnamed sources" for journalistic reasons.  For example, I just read about the official Palestinian Authority Television broadcast of Sheik Ibrahim Mudeiris’ sermon.  

The day will come when everything will be relieved of the Jews - even the stones and trees which were harmed by them.  Listen to the Prophet Muhammad, who tells you about the evil end that awaits Jews. The stones and trees will want the Muslims to finish off every Jew.  (via Memri)

It’s pretty clear that the speech is anti-Semitic.  The bigger question is, "Who are these stones and trees who hate Jews so much that they want Muslims to "finish them off."  Is it all of the stones and trees, or just the leadership of the stones and trees?   Do they have names, or are these stones and trees "unnamed sources"?

I do remember skimming stones in Sylvan Lake at Camp Kinder-Ring when I was a kid, but I’ve never even carved my name in a tree.  In fact, most American Jews are not very nature friendly.  I did go to Joshua Tree National Park once.   It was too hot and I got lost driving.  Luckily, I found the way to Palm Springs, where I stayed at a really nice hotel and spa.

I spoke to a couple of other Jews here in Los Angeles, suggesting we go rioting and killing people, or at least injuring some Palm trees.  That seems to be the proper response to the insult.  Unfortunately, several people already had plans to watch "American Idol" tonight, so I guess the rioting is off.

Commentators are having a field day blaming Newsweek’s bad reporting for riots that killed at least 16 and injured 100.  Heads should roll over at the magazine.  Nevertheless, it’s important to remember that Newsweek didn’t start the riots, any more than "guns kill people” (as anti-gun control backers like to say) or the videogame "Doom" caused the Columbine shootings.    It would be sad to see journalists backing away from hard reporting out of fear of the international reaction.  I love news stories about Paula Abdul’s affair with Corey as much as the next guy, but I want real reporters to search for real stories (and verify them!), even if it is embarrassing to the U.S. government. 

Rioters usually want to riot and wait for a reason to do it.  It’s not surprising to me that after the Newsweek retraction and apology, the Arab "street" continues to believe the story. 

Jay Rosen has a great overview of the whole Newsweek story.