Terrorists… Crusaders… Fanatics… Infidels… 

Terrorism and covert operations have replaced diplomacy as a political first option. Even as "terrorist cells" get their footing around the world, traditional global economic mechanisms are breaking apart. We now find ourselves living in a post spy-vs-spy world. A murky, slightly sinister haze obscures a clear view of our near future, making prediction difficult and more than a little fuzzy. Our traditional sources will be helpful, but perhaps are not as accurate as they once were. Just because Fox News, or for that matter MSNBC says it's so doesn't make it really so.

The question of sensational reporting for the sake of television ratings aside… once the practice of “embedding” network news correspondents into military units became a common occurrence… their impartiality has come into question. It is not necessarily a question of conscious biasness on their part. It is more a question of objectivity. It is completely understandable that a war correspondent would become close to the military outfit they were assigned to and begin to identify with said unit. At that point, it would be impossible to report events as they occurred without prejudice.

The NATO led "police action" against Libya's Muammar Gaddafi appears to be in disarray as the leader of the rebel forces, Abdel Fattah Younes was recently shot dead in an incident that remains shrouded in mystery and may point to deep divisions within the movement trying to oust Gaddafi. Rumors abound that Younes was killed by his own side, making developments even more surreal and bizarre.

The speculation of Iranian nuclear proliferation, real or imagined, has many governments, both eastern and western, eyeing the middle-east with jittery anticipation. The prolonged and continued occupation of Bagdad, ancient capitol of the land widely believed to be the cradle of civilization, can only be considered an invasion of infidel crusaders by its population.

The beliefs expressed in the above are also examples of prejudice… understandable… but prejudice none the less. So where does that leave us in these “world infotainment wars”? Where can we obtain accurate, unbiased intelligence on global events? What sources can we rely on to provide us with the truthful, compassionate information we so desperately need in this holy-jihad-crusade world we find ourselves living in? 

The answers will not be found without the application of critical thinking, research, patience and above all, a willingness to consider the situation from all perspectives. This objectivity is essential in digging up the truth. Like an archaeologist, uncovering with wonder an ancient scroll, so too must the truly inquisitive respect the past in order to understand the present and glean insight into possible trajectories of our shared future.   

Question authority and think for yourself...