A different version of last night’s piece about Michael’s visit to the Sunni commanders in Baghdad ran on Newsroom this morning. A lot more footage and a completely new VO. I am converting it now and will post it shortly.
Entries from November 2007
Michael Appreciation Day
November 28, 2007 · 27 Comments
Okay, so we appreciate him every day… but you’ve read my story about how I first saw him; how did you guys discover him, and how has his reporting helped your understanding of what is going on in Iraq? (Or for that matter, of rugby!)
Categories: Michael Ware
New site design
November 28, 2007 · 3 Comments
Well, the uploading has begun! Wish I could say that I’m sitting here raising a glass to the site on this auspicious occasion, but I actually have to work tomorrow, so…
Anyway, please let me know if you discover any problems. I’ve been testing everything as best I could, but you never really know until you you go live… guess I’d better set that alarm a bit early in case I wake up to a mailbox full of issues to deal with!
Categories: Michael Ware
New design
November 26, 2007 · 18 Comments
Well, I hope everyone made it over here… You can already see some of the…um… improvements now possible. The redesign of the site will happen very early Wednesday. I had to do this ahead of time in order to get all the code done correctly.
Categories: Michael Ware
International Correspondents
November 26, 2007 · 1 Comment
Délie sent me a clip of Michael appearing on IC over the weekend, the clip is now converted and uploaded. I have been wondering what he thought about this case; now I know… one additional thing I didn’t know I should have been worrying about… Looks like this was recorded the same day as this week’s TWAW, which is normally Friday but may have been done on Wednesday due to the holiday?
5 Responses to “International Correspondents”
Categories: Michael Ware
Things to be thankful for…
November 22, 2007 · Leave a Comment
…that my prognostication skills are so truly bad… another interview done in Paris, coming to newsstands soon. And a tasty photo to whet your appetite (please note that I refrained from saying mouth-watering. Barely, but I did refrain…)
CNN’s man in Baghdad, Michael Ware is one of few western journalists to have reported from insurgent camps. An avid rugby fan, we met him in Paris where he was covering the World Cup. He selects the touristy Thai restaurant Asian for his last meal.
(”Last meal” being the name for the recurring feature in the magazine.)
Judging solely by the attire, this was taken Saturday, October 13, the day of the England/France semifinal. (Sorry for the reminder, Délie!) I expect to have the accompanying article next week.
23 Responses to “Things to be thankful for…”
- delie Says: November 22nd, 2007 at 13:09 edit
Wow! Wow! Wow! Do you think it’s French wine in the glass? I hope so…
I may try this restaurant on Georges V avenue, one day! I just have to find the good guy to invite me
Oh Cyn, France’s ruin in the RWC still hurts me… But you know what? The English soccer’
s team failed to the Qualies for the Euro Cup! Such a shame for them!!!!
Well, another magazine to buy… That’
s good for my English!
- Cyn Says: November 22nd, 2007 at 13:18 edit
Délie, would they serve anything other than a French wine in Paris? I would have thought it was required! I just can’
t imagine them offering a California (or Aussie!) wine!
- delie Says: November 22nd, 2007 at 14:19 edit
You have forgotten the Argentinan wines!Believe me, you can order Californian wines in lots of restaurants (and sometimes some Aussie and Argentinan) in Paris. Most of all, if it’s a trendy and/or fancy restaurant of the 8th district of Paris, like the Asian Restaurant!The question is: what kind of wine do you drink with a Thai meal? And the answer could depend of… what did he order? What did he eat? Fish, seafoods, meats, if so Chicken, beef… Because you can’t mess with the type of wines and this meals! Not in France!!! We learn that in kindegarten! Or almost…Ok, Cyn, after the astrology – horoscope page and some talks about coats and t-shirts (Hmmm black t-shirt and black sport coat!), we have the culinary one here! Next step: music or movie! Guys, I think we are ready for running some Women’s magazine’
s blog!
Seriously, on this Thanksgiving Day, I have big thoughts for all your people in Afghanistan and Iraq. May they have some peace and rest today…
- Cyn Says: November 22nd, 2007 at 15:14 edit
CNN Domestic kept saying that Michael would be on with an update about the mortar attack on the Green Zone, but they never got to him before they went to the docu-marathon. No injuries apparently, another thing to be extremely grateful for…
And don’t make me start a book club…
- jodi54 Says: November 22nd, 2007 at 19:06 edit
Oh my darling webmistress ……
I do so love this new photo!
- Mavis Says: November 23rd, 2007 at 06:34 edit
This is a remarkable photo. I am on my way to Borders and Barnes and Noble to see if they have it here in Buford. We are a suburb of Atlanta.
I just can’
t wait to read the whole article!!!
- Cyn Says: November 23rd, 2007 at 11:53 edit
Everyone here still has the November issue…
And yes, I would have braved a retail store on Black Friday to get it!
- jodi54 Says: November 23rd, 2007 at 11:57 edit
Please, what is the name of this magazine? (I must have missed something!)
- Cyn Says: November 23rd, 2007 at 11:59 edit
Whoops, sorry — it’
s called Monocle and this is in the December issue.
- jodi54 Says: November 23rd, 2007 at 12:53 edit
Thank you, Cyn, as always.
After posting my message I remembered that I, too, could do an internet search instead of being lazy! I have called my local Barnes & Noble and Borders bookstores. Neither offer that magazine for sale. I assume that, given all the British actors we have in this city, someplace on the Westside will have it for sale. There are so many sidewalk periodical vendors on the Westside and the San Fernando Valley.
I’ve e-mailed the magazine requesting direction to whomever sells it in Los Angeles. If you can find it in Oregon or Georgia, I’ve got to be able to find it in L.A. …. don’
t cha think?
What seller are you finding carry this magazine?
- Cyn Says: November 23rd, 2007 at 12:56 edit
I found it carried by both Borders and B&N. I’m sure it’
s carried at a lot of places in L.A.
- jodi54 Says: November 23rd, 2007 at 13:28 edit
Have they said when the December issue will arrive?
Hey, I guess this shows me how “unfashionable” my part of town is …. they don’t even bother stocking our local chain bookstores with “exotic”
magazines.
*hanging head in shame*
- Cyn Says: November 23rd, 2007 at 13:33 edit
They are expecting it next week. So you have the weekend to track down a “fashionable”
store! LOL
- PatiMc Says: November 24th, 2007 at 04:43 edit
Finally Cyn! Finally I was able to log on to your wonderful blog!
Hi you guys!
This picture of Michael is just *sigh* beautiful. Cyn, I am so glad that you refrained from mentioning mouth-watering. We should “try”
to be good. LOL.
Thanks for the info on the magazine article. As it is the end of Novemeber I would think that it would be out by now. I am planning on hitting my local Barnes & Noble this weekend, so if I find it I will surely let you know. If I am able to find it and any of you want copies, let me know, I will keep you posted. Like Jodi54 I live in a somewhat out of touch area, so we shall see. Let’
s keep our fingers crossed that I can find it.
- Mavis Says: November 25th, 2007 at 18:59 edit
GREAT! Finally, the article!!!!
“If they want to own me, they go via my stomach.”
Thanks for the tip, Mick!
- MWmcFan Says: November 25th, 2007 at 20:57 edit
Mick I’ll cook Thai food for you anytime, anyplace! LOLI’ll even bring the ingredients to Baghdad! I’
ll feed you until you are the size you were playing rugby.
- jodi54 Says: November 25th, 2007 at 22:58 edit
Wonderful! Thanks to those responsible! Interesting and revealing for such a short and focused article.
I live on the Pacific Rim and am surrounded by Thai food and language. Here I mostly find Thai dishes that are spicy or quite sweet …. lots of coconut, lots of peanuts added or peanut sauce …. strong flavors …. and very sweet, delicious ice tea. Does that jive with everybody else’
s experience?
- delie Says: November 26th, 2007 at 04:06 edit
Thanks to Maxie!!! Great article! I join Jodi on the “revealing”
feature for short article. This reading made my day for many reasons
!
I love Thai food. I am so into curry (Hmmm… prawns in curry sauce!!!). Curry, coconut and coriander…
There are flavors I like to mix!
And welcome to PatiMc! It’
s so nice to see you there too!
! - jodi54 Says: November 26th, 2007 at 08:56 edit
Does anyone recommend the magazine beyond this very special article?
- jodi54 Says: November 26th, 2007 at 12:59 edit
Just as an aside, I wonder if he uses a fork or chopsticks for his Thai food?
- Cyn Says: November 26th, 2007 at 13:05 edit
I would think it common to use chopsticks in Australia, but that’
s just a guess. (Although come to think of it, I do recall seeing a photo of Ian Thorpe using chopsticks to eat sashimi.)
- delie Says: November 26th, 2007 at 13:33 edit
I got my issue. I found it at my usual press shop! And got the answer to my question about the wine: Château Châtain Lejard (it’s a Bordeaux, a merlot based one). Great choice, Mick! They give the recipe of the “Tom Yum Goong”
.
Jodi, it’s not the type of magazine I will monthly read but I found a very interesting article about the film director Stephen Frears, another one called The world at war, it’s a map with “military build-ups”. Another one about Israel and its new anti-missile shield and a last one about HD Television based on the French-German channel Arte. The rest is more about design, travels…
Chic brands and places.
- jodi54 Says: November 26th, 2007 at 14:29 edit
Thank you, Delie, thank you.
Categories: Michael Ware
Tuesday’s clips
November 21, 2007 · Leave a Comment
So here I was thinking it would be a quiet week from Baghdad, and in addition to TWAW Michael was on once Monday and twice Tuesday! Guess I won’t be making it as a prognosticator anytime soon! Heck, I’m not even good enough to be a pundit, and you know what low standards those guys have! So, thanks to Liz I finally checked my TiVos… and yes, there was the return of the winter coat. (Bet he wished he’d had that thing with him in Paris!) He almost always is on during the second hour of TSR, and never live… my best guess is that it’s a satellite issue, anyone else have a theory? But I imagine it was recorded no later than midnight Baghdad time. (According to the BBC, nighttime lows are around 4 degrees Celsius, or 38 degrees Fahrenheit.) Thanks Cyn for the clips…and Liz! Sorry for telling that but I’m glad you are a bad prognosticator!The TSR was so interesting. It seems everyone has missed Mick!
Midnight in Baghdad is what? 3 or 4 pm ET? No worries, Délie — I am glad as well! Midnight Baghdad is 4pm ET.2 Responses to “Tuesday’s clips”
Categories: Michael Ware
Quiet times ahead
November 20, 2007 · Leave a Comment
Judging by the last couple of weeks, it would seem that a quieter Iraq translates into fewer reports from Michael… Based on what he said on TWAW this week and just the general fact that we’re all waiting for the Iraqi parliament to step up and get things moving, I assume he’s interviewing a lot of politicians these days. And one truism the world over is that if you stick a microphone in front of a politician, he or she will say whatever serves their interests. Makes for a lot of useless tape. (Or I guess I should say useless data, since it’s all done digitally these days…) And since here in the States the news is filled to bursting with politicians droning on with their platitudes and platforms, I doubt that a piece about Iraqi officials doing the same thing would get a green light.
So…things are better in Baghdad, which is wonderful news for the Iraqis and for the world at large, even though it means we see less of Michael. And if he sticks to his “normal” schedule, he will be leaving on holiday sometime late next month. Not that there is anything normal about his schedule, but you get my drift: we should expect only a handful of reports for the next five weeks or so, followed by none at all for the following six weeks or so.
And while I haven’t declared this a No Whining Zone keep in mind that there are, at least, very good reasons for his absence… so, respectful whining only, please!
3 Responses to “Quiet times ahead”
- Mavis Says: November 20th, 2007 at 17:33 edit
It scares me how many people I talk to think that since the violence is down that the war is over and everything is ok. Everything is not ok. There is still a huge question mark as to whether the politicians are going to step up to the plate. After all this I hope they do.
- delie Says: November 21st, 2007 at 05:35 edit
Whining? Us? Who would dare to whine for such an Absence? He deserves so much his holiday.BTW, Australia in December – January means summer, sun, beach… Hmmm. Tennis new season begins there! Anyone is tempted for a trip there?
- Cyn Says: November 21st, 2007 at 09:33 edit
Oh, I know — it is cold and rainy here, and will be for months (with some occasional *shudder* snow thrown in as well) — believe me, if I was filthy rich, I would spend winter in Australia every year!
Categories: Michael Ware
This Week at War, this week
November 17, 2007 · Leave a Comment
The show is pre-empted on Saturday, so we’ll have to wait until Sunday, but:
“Breathing Space” in Iraq: Will Iraqi politicians throw away this opportunity?
Rend al-Rahim, United States Institute for Peace (DC)
Jamie McIntyre, CNN Senior Pentagon Correspondent
Michael Ware, CNN International Correspondent (Baghdad)
15 Responses to “This Week at War, this week”
- jodi54 Says: November 19th, 2007 at 20:12 edit
Well, apropo of nothing ….. I half expected people to be saying “happy birthday” to Michael and regretting that he had to be back in Baghdad … because I had decided (all by myself) that he was born in November (though November isn’
t over). My other guesses are December or April.
Is Michael’
s birthday a matter of security – or do we just not know what the day is?
- Cyn Says: November 20th, 2007 at 01:47 edit
Not sure it would be any kind of security issue, but I’
ve never seen his birthday listed anywhere.
I have $20 on it being in October…
and my second choice would be July.
- Mavis Says: November 20th, 2007 at 04:00 edit
I vote for over the holidays or around May. He is always home during those times. Maybe he is there to collect birthday cake and home cooked meals from Mum!
Of course, there are a list of other more reasonable reasons for him to be on vacation during those times.
One of the nice things about this blog is we can speculate about fun stuff. And the answers don’t matter. It’s just fun to speculate. (well maybe Mick’
s birthday matters to him! He wants his presents!)
- delie Says: November 20th, 2007 at 05:57 edit
Cyn, you made my day!!! Thanks for the clip of American Morning. “There has been phenomenal change in Iraq.” If it could last…
I was amazed to get This Week at War last saturday on CNN Int. Did you have it Sunday or Saturday on your CNN? It would be a first if for once we got it a program before CNN US!
$ 20 on October for me too! Only because it’
s also my month (and Mavis too!
) But July and December would also be good.Seriously, why are you thinking about October or another month? Are you into some astro -psychological thing? - jodi54 Says: November 20th, 2007 at 10:19 edit
Okay! Cyn – since I work in the gaming industry, I’ll take that bet! But can I have 3 months to your 2? Would you like to expand your “spread”
and add another month?
$20. is on the line. My choices: November, December or April (or roughly, Scorpio, Saggitarius or Aries, LOL). Cyn is down for October, July or …….?(Actually, I like your choices, too. But wouldn’t Anderson or *someone* have said happy birthday to him … or have it added to CNN’
s calendar of birthdays if it had just happened in Octber?). I dunno.
We may be getting desperate to have Mick info at this point. I really do fear that Iraq will become less prominent in the news cycle and in the election coverage. The implications extend, of course, far beyond whether we get more reports from Michael or not.
But, okay – do we have a bet? (And would you like to add another month?)BTW, any compelling reason for choosing October or July that you would like to share with us? Is your birthday in either of those two months?
- Cyn Says: November 20th, 2007 at 11:15 edit
Jodi, I already have money on October, made the bet two years ago with a friend of mine. (Specifically, sometime between the 10th and 17th.) But I’
ll stand on my choices.
As to why…
only because there are several men who have been important in my life, three of them writers, whose birthdays are between the 13th and 16th. And if astrology matters, Libra is the sign of truth and the search for justice.
July…
just because he has several traits that remind me of my brother, whose birthday is in late July. (My brother is a stand-up guy, the one you want at your back in a barfight, so he could take that as a compliment if he ever sees this.)
- LizM Says: November 20th, 2007 at 13:22 edit
Call me obsessed but if past articles are anything to go by then I put his birthday in late April/early-middle May (Taurus). I love horoscopes! But my own doesn’t completely match me and I have some traits from other signs, so I don’t use it as the definitive (since I also don’t know Mick). I’m also guessing that he was born in ‘69 if you want to trust the math. The videos on the website show that he was gone in May or leaving. Maybe June at the latest. So that’s my bet! I’
ll go for $20!
- jodi54 Says: November 20th, 2007 at 14:07 edit
Wow … hashcash just wiped out my entire post! Let’s see if this works ……
..
- jodi54 Says: November 20th, 2007 at 14:46 edit
Late July is Leo the Lion – that makes all kinds of sense – for your brother and for Mick. My brother was born in late June; Sun in Cancer, Leo rising and Moon in Scorpio. He was a questing mind with no fear of physical pain. His Mercury and Venus in Gemini were probably the source of his great restlessness, he couldn’
t sit still for a moment. And, if Astrology has no truth to it whatsoever, it does offer valuable archetypes with which to discuss human character traits.
Libra males are found in abundance in the professions of both law and writing. But *astrologically speaking* I believe Mick would have to have the influence of a fire sign (or more aggressive sign) if his Sun were in Libra because Libra is also about balance, beauty and harmony … and negotiation. Mick seems to crave the “untidiness” of extreme circumstances … he seems to want to be challenged physically and mentally…
to look for confrontation. And he, too, seems very restless.
Moreover, he appears to have great depth …. beyond just the mental …. he seems to have great emotional depth and communicates with great passion. (Not to say that Libras aren’t deep! But they often appear very cerebral and express things articulately and beautifully, but with emotional restraint). And it’
s rare to find a typical Libra behaving aggressively.
If he turns out to be a Libra, then I bet he has a strong placement in Scorpio, like a rising sign or mercury). It’
s rare to find a Libra that will blurt out criticisms so cavalierly, as Mick does (which is very typical of Aries or Saggitarius). Yeah, I bet he has a strong placement in a fire sign or in Scorpio.
Cyn, how does my “analysis” (such as it is) compare with your experience? Were the Libra men you’
ve known as aggressive as Mick?
- Cyn Says: November 20th, 2007 at 16:58 edit
Hmm, hadn’t thought about it, but I wouldn’t call any of them “aggressive”
types.
- jodi54 Says: November 20th, 2007 at 17:22 edit
Cyn, in what way do “your Libra men”
remind you of Mick?
Does your brother remind you of Mick (in personality or behavior, or whatever)?
- Cyn Says: November 20th, 2007 at 18:58 edit
Hmm, Hashcash just did me in, too, and considering the fact that this is MY SITE… *grrr* Although in my case, I suspect that it’s because I took too long to finish it, since I was working on updating Mavis’
website.
Anyway…
Well, it wasn’t so much that “my”
Libras remind me of Mick, it was more that their birthdays are all so close together, it is just odd to me that so many men I admire have birthdays so close together. And most of them are writers. Although the whole search-for-truth thing seems to be a theme.
And I can’t really reverse-engineer compare Mick to my brother, I’
m afraid. Much easier to go the other way.
- jodi54 Says: November 20th, 2007 at 19:11 edit
I have something similar in my life – it’
s what attracted me to astrology to begin with. Whether it is meaningful or not, it struck me odd that so many MEN I admired (and desired) were all born within 2 weeks of one another. Hmm?
An astrologer would probably say that you (Cyn) have your Venus in Libra or in another air sign, (Gemini or Aquarius). Venus represents what is pleasing to you, what you like, how you find pleasure, where and how you love.
How does Mick remind you of your brother, then? If you don’
t mind me asking.
- delie Says: November 21st, 2007 at 12:22 edit
Jodi, your skills in astrology are impressive! I like that!! As Scorpio with Cancer, I know that I have good vibes with the other water signs. But , all the men who have been important for me were Virgo, Capricorn or Taurus!!! My best friend is Virgo, like two of my colleagues and my boss! I am surrounded by Virgo!
I hope one day we will know who has won this bet
! - jodi54 Says: November 21st, 2007 at 16:37 edit
Thanks, Delie! It sounds like you have an Earth placement … maybe in Venus or your moon. If you are Scorpio with Cancer …. what is the Cancer placement? Is it your rising sign or moon, or …
? As a Scorpio it would be very possible for you to have Venus in either Virgo or Capricorn. Your Earth sign men would be much more restrained in their emotional displays than a Scorpio with Cancer, though! A good balance, no doubt.
*confession* I am a Pisces with Cancer rising.
Poor Cynthia. She’s done such a good job of keeping everyone on topic, respectful and articulate. Now I’
ve sullied her site with talk of astrology! LOL
Yes, I hope one day we will find out who has won the bet! Are you “betting” he’
s an Earth sign?
Categories: Michael Ware
New interview
November 14, 2007 · Leave a Comment
I just posted a terrific Q&A with Michael that was in an Arabic newspaper today. A lot of very interesting insight. His love for the country and people of Iraq really comes through. It made me want to go there (I hear the State Department is hiring…) although, sadly, the place he speaks about is alive only in memory now, and there’s no telling how many years or decades it will take to bring it back to life…
8 Responses to “New interview”
- delie Says: November 14th, 2007 at 13:53 edit
“Schloonak” I like this word! I love learning new foreign words!It’s so interesting! Thanks, Cyn! I’d like to come with you! I would like to go there once. Unfortunately, it may happen in another life! Who knows… My only experience in the Middle East is a business trip to Israel. I have seen many reports about Iraqi art and the National Museum in Baghdad. So many artifacts have been destroyed. The Middle East has such a rich culture. One of my friends went to Iran four years ago and she always talked about the Persian architecture and the museums she was able to go to.. Did someone see the movie “Persepolis” or read the novel? The author Marjane Satrapi described her childhood in Iran after the Revolution. Great graphic novel!
Sorry, I’m pretty off topic! Back to Iraq! I thought we would have some news from Baghdad in AC360 last night with the Tukish bombing. Maybe tonight!
Tomorrow, we will have a report about Baghdad on a French TV famous news program called Envoyé Spécial (Special Correspondent). It’s “our” 60 Minutes. One of my fav reporters, Diego Bunuel (muy caliente guy
!) has followed our Minister of Foreign Affairs during his suprise visit to Baghdad in August. The report is about the French Embassy in the Red Zone. I can’t wait to see that! - jodi54 Says: November 14th, 2007 at 16:11 edit
Thanks, Cyn … how ever did you find this article?
Also, it sounds like he was freelancing while traveling into Iraq. He was working for Time when he went to Afghanistan, but then….. what? He was “on his own” hoping that Time would publish something of his? Then he started working for Time again as their Baghdad Bureau chief? Then CNN?
I need to understand more about how foreign correspondents work, how freelance journalists work and how it all intersects with major news outlets. Can anyone shed some light on these topics? Or any recommendations on a book addressing them?
Delie – your English is so good -and writing in another language is so difficult! I’m impressed. Was Israel interesting?
Mick does make us all want to “taste” Iraq, doesn’t he? Ancient lands and cultures fascinate me. I was overwhelmed while in Greece and Turkey. There were never enough hours in the day to soak up everything.
I wish Mick would get on with his book!!!
- Mavis Says: November 14th, 2007 at 20:01 edit
It makes me sad that the artistic culture has been destroyed by the war.
I wonder if Mick still has the art he purchased from these artists. That’s an art collection I would like to see!
- MWmcFan Says: November 14th, 2007 at 20:39 edit
Hi delie,I subscribe to French TV5Monde and I get Envoye Special on Sunday nights. I guess it takes time to come across the Atlantic. LOL I agree Diego Bunuel is very hot and not only does he have hotness in common with our Mick, but he also lies to his Mum when he is in dangerous places – just like our Mick. Have you seen his 4 part series “Don’t Tell My Mother” on Nat Geo Adventure? I read one interview with him in English where he told his Mum that he was having fun in San Francisco when he was really in Iraq during the war and there was a mosque call and before she heard the sound he’d say Okay gotta go Mum! Yes, he is very hot and very cool! Guess I have to wait until Sunday night to see him doing his report about the French Embassy in Baghdad. By now I guess both Mum’s know exactly what is going on.
- delie Says: November 16th, 2007 at 08:32 edit
Jodi54,The books I know about journalism and field reports are in French. That won’t help you… Did you check on the Reporters without Borders website if there is any publications list? I work with journalists but in Sports. So, it may be different. Our free lance writers, most of the time, come with an idea and try to sell it to our chief editor. It’s very rare when they come with the story already written and done. They need our “stamp” to get their pass for an event or they need our “name” to get in touch with someone. Being just a name without the guaranty of a media is not enough for an interview requesting. When they don’t work for a magazine, radio or TV, they are at least in touch with the major press agencies (Reuters, AP…). They always inform them where they are and find by this way some “clients” to hire them. But sports journalists act often like spoiled kids so… (Not sure I will get new friends saying that!
!) Mick working “on his own” between two contracts doesn’t really surprise me. I guess he knew what he was doing. If you are at the right place, at the right time…Israel is one of my best memories! Jerusalem is breathtaking, such a beautiful place, so full of history. You have so much to see in this town, the atmosphere is very special, sometimes heavy. I was impressed and almost scared by all the guns I saw there. Not only the soldiers and militaries in each part of the town but also “normal” people, fathers walking in the streets with their kids but with a gun attached at the belt… So strange! Tel Aviv means for me bars and restaurants along the beach with lots of young people having fun each evening. So different! Everyone I met in this country was so kind. I’d like to go there once again.
Thanks for saying my English is good. You are too kind! If you knew the times I stop writing and end up to delete my message and then post nothing…
Mavis, maybe one day, Mick could open an Iraqi art exhibition! What do you think about that?
MWmcFan, how come you are a TV5 viewer??? You understand French? Oh, you should write me an e-mail! It could be fun! Well, Diego Bunuel’s report was interesting yesterday, very focused on the Embassy… It looks surreal for me sometimes! You won’t see Diego in this report (like always in French reports: you don’t see the journalist or only at the end of the story). You will only hear his (so charming) voice! But Diego is on the set just after to talk about it. So don’t turn off at the end of the story! I saw his “Don’t Tell my Mother” stories on Canal Plus (the best French tv channel!). I can’t wait for the next one ; I’ve read there will have five locations. On Youtube, you can find the trailers for these stories in Spanish! Nice to hear him speaking his other native language.
Oops! Sorry, Cyn! It’s the longuest post I ever wrote in English. I’m too talkative.
- jodi54 Says: November 16th, 2007 at 18:39 edit
Thank you, Delie! Reporters Without Borders? Never heard of it … I’ll check it out. It was wonderrful to hear your description of Israel, too!
- Cyn Says: November 16th, 2007 at 18:54 edit
Michael’s been added to the TWAW schedule for this weekend…
- MWmcFan Says: November 17th, 2007 at 13:57 edit
Hi delie,While I know several Asian languages and have lived in Asian countries it seems only logical that I should try to learn French. Hundreds of years ago my ancestors came from France to America. I don’t really understand the language, but I continue to try. Your English is just amazing, what a writer you are. It’s so funny here in the US they say Diego is French-American. I guess everyone wants to claim him. I’ve heard his commentaries in English and he speaks with only a slight accent. That’s great he is going to do a 5th part to “Don’t Tell My Mother” so far I only know about the filming in Afghanistan, Congo, North Korea & Colombia.
Categories: Michael Ware
Thanks Delie and Cyn.Very disturbing. I’ll assume it’s Mick’s ability to walk the knife’s edge, and the respect from each side that he’s earn that has kept him safe so far. Probably being Australian and with CNN has helped him a bit, too. The photographer that was the subject of this piece had the vulnerability of being Iraqi.
Sorry, Folks. I don’t put anything past our current administration nor the current Iraqi government … nor, of course “the enemy”. Hard to know what the truth is. Pity. I feel I have no one to trust but Michael Ware. What is this world coming to? Perhaps this attention from CNN will help.
Thank you Delie and Cyn for this important clip. On the Reporters Without Borders website www.rsf.org there is a petition you can sign that will go to the Ambassador of Iraq for the release of media workers held hostage in Iraq. I think it’s important not be too cynical about petition signing and how it might not help, but to act to do something to say there are many of us in the world that are watching what you are doing to silence journalist/photographers.And this clip does take your breath away about what a fine line our Mick has to walk everyday. Stay safe Michael.
Hi ladies. I have been following your site for awhile and finally decided to add my comments. I have been really amazed by Michael’s work- his honesty is refreshing in a time when it seems like we are always “fed” what people think we want to hear.
I enjoy getting to see the clips that I miss while I am at work and have been to lazy to switch to DVR. I know this is the place to go to see what’s up with Michael and see that many others admire his work (not to mention his smile)
Welcome Jenmelia! Cyn really does a lot of work so we can all see the clips.
Greetings and salutations to jenmelia …. Cyn’s fine work, in conjunction with others, has lured you out of the shadows – welcome.