Protecting Journalists in Foreign War Zones
Abstract
In light of the recent beheadings of journalists Steven Sotloff and James Foley at the hand of ISIS, this paper will examine the threats to life and freedom of expression that foreign correspondents face in war zones, ultimately arguing for greater protection for combat journalists. The paper begins with an overview of the history of war reporting, which began in the American Civil War and saw heightened repercussions in the Vietnam War. Next, this paper inspects the current extent of journalist fatalities, the problem addressed in this policy brief. Journalists in war zones are under considerably greater danger today because the changing nature of war makes the frontlines of battle less recognizable. Reporters are often specifically targeted as a result of their status, and fatalities of foreign correspondents are on the rise, with the highest death rate in 2012. With the growing importance of this problem, three solutions are offered in attempt to solve the growing issue. The plans presented in this policy brief intend to better protect foreign correspondents and the truth they uncover in war zones.
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