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The supreme accolade, coveted by journalists of integrity worldwide - condemnation by a government - has been bestowed by No 10 Downing Street. In a publicity document released yesterday: 'issued by Downing Street to mark 100 days of the "war on terrorism" ', the Independent's Robert Fisk was cited first and second in "ten media views which have been proved wrong." John Pilger for his Mirror articles, George Monbiot for the Guardian and Susan Sontag in the New Yorker Magazine, included those honoured. (Independent, 22.12.) Their outstanding awards deserve a special noting, since one was badly beaten, some risked their lives being vapourised by bombs dropped by their own countries (from high in the sky - no risk to those attacking fighters on horseback in a mediaeval land) colleagues were murdered - but they all wrote from current or previous front line experience, most had risked their lives on numerous occasions. Not so the MOD or DOD beaurocrats, in safe, warm offices, far away, 'spinning'. The 'coalition' now plans to use thermobaric bombs (sucks all the air and lungs and organs from humans and leaves buildings intact) to 'smoke out' Bin Laden etc., and will thus cross another rubicon and surely use them in battered, shattered, poverty stricken Sudan, Somalia or Iraq on the ' travels against terrorism ' from safety, high in the sky. Those honoured by Downing Street undoubtedly played a part in realities creeping into this farcical 'war' to such an extent that an Orwellian 'Ministry of Truth' had to be established in London, Washington and Islamabad, to explain its reasons. Again, the wishes of so many of the beareaved, not to cause grief to others, to examine the causes of such a mind bending tragedy,to build bridges from their loss, have been ignored. Congratulations to the the journalists for the honour extended to them by the highest Office in the UK. And the most heartfelt greetings and warmth at this time especially to all the bereaved - where ever they are. best, friends, and compliments of the season to you all . felicity a. -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- This is a discussion list run by the Campaign Against Sanctions on Iraq For removal from list, email soc-casi-discuss-request@lists.cam.ac.uk CASI's website - www.casi.org.uk - includes an archive of all postings.