Myth busting n Beirut

by Paula Schmitt January 1, 2007

written by Paula Schmitt January 1, 2007

Reporting on the Middle East for Brazilian viewers is no easy task. The world has been fed so many half-truths from this region that I spend most of my time having to concentrate on the other halves. So, when my report is about Iran’s wish to enrich uranium, I must explain to my TV audience that the only country in the region with nuclear weapons is Israel. And then I must clarify the principle of MAD – mutually assured destruction – and deterrence power. Making this intelligible on television is challenging, but essential. When I report, say, on Israel’s massacre in Beit Hanoun, I must give Israel’s official excuse for the attack. But, once I mention their justification – “to defend against the Palestinian rockets” – I feel compelled to add that, in the past five years, all the rockets launched from Gaza have killed fewer than ten people, less

Paula Schmitt

Paula Schmitt is a correspondent for RFI, SBT, and RT, as well as a writer for Rolling Stone and Vogue. She has also been a columnist for O Estado de S.Paulo and Folha de S.Paulo. Throughout her career, Schmitt has worked across various locations, including Beirut, Berlin, Brazil, and Rome. She was also a contributing writer for Executive magazine in Lebanon. Schmitt holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications and Journalism from Fundação Cásper Líbero and pursued further studies at the American University of Beirut from 2002 to 2007

Myth busting n Beirut

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