Description
Book SynopsisOften demonized by the Western media and press, Hezbollah's origins are rooted in activities of the Lebanese Shi`a in the late 1970s and early 80s. Covering the Shi`a: English Press Representation of the Lebanese Shi`a 1975-1985 chronicles how the English-language press and media represented the most consequential group in Lebanon to Western audiences during the critical period of 1975-1985. Focusing on three of the most prominent English-language newspapers at that time, the book outlines how the Western media frequently disregarded the Shi`i civil rights movement in Lebanon. Conflating that movement with other Arab independence campaigns, the Western media missed key aspects and the dynamics at work in the Lebanese Shi`i community. Additionally, in failing to understand and report the nature of the transnational networks that supported the Shi`i community in Lebanon, the resultant news narrative reported in the English-language media was at odds with the narratives harbored by the L
Trade ReviewBob Tomlinson is a world class scholar on the Shi'i dynamic within Lebanon, and this book reflects this sentiment perfectly. He provides an oft-ignored perspective on this critical group, and with it an alternative lens vital toward understanding the global Shi'i narrative during a key historical period. -- Paul S. Lieber, Joint Special Operations University
This book deftly explores an important and oft-ignored aspect of the Lebanese Civil War: how Lebanese Shi`a and Shi`a political movements were misperceived by western media. Tomlinson uncovers how Western media organizations overlooked the significance of the Shi`a community and developed narratives that simplified their role in Lebanese politics and war. His work makes a compelling case for the importance of accuracy in war reporting, particularly insofar as such reporting can influence and shape the policies of intervening foreign powers. -- Afshon Ostovar, author of Vanguard of the Imam
Table of ContentsChapter 1: Musa al-Sadr and the Shi`i Narratives in Lebanon Chapter 2: The Shi`a Expulsion from Nab`a Chapter 3: The Effects of the Iranian Revolution on the Lebanese Shi`a Chapter 4: The Israeli Invasion of Lebanon 1982 Chapter 5: Epilogue
