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| Ten years after 9/11, U.S. forces killed Bin Laden in a mansion outside of Pakistan's capital. |
North America
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| U.S. celebrations went deep into the night on May 1, 2011. |
It is significant to note, as well, that in addition to providing the facts and context of the event, The New York Times article also makes references to the “unknowns” associated with the effects of Bin Laden’s death. The reporters state, “What remains to be seen […] is whether it galvanizes Bin Laden’s followers by turning him into a martyr or serves as a turning of the page in the war in Afghanistan and gives further impetus to Mr. Obama to bring American troops home.” Bringing this point to light leads the readers to contemplate this, as well, and provides a more complete contextual analysis of the news story.
Europe
As a longtime ally of the U.S., it also comes as no surprise that Great Britain maintained a congratulatory tone towards President Obama in its accounts of Bin Laden’s death. In an article published in the Guardian, reporter Ewen MacAskill includes solely positive reactions among current and former international heads of government, notably leaving out any dissenting views of the news event. Among those mentioned in the article include Britain Prime Minister David Cameron and Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. Both prime ministers maintain the triumphant tone of the article, stating that Bin Laden’s death is a victory for justice and freedom in the world.
Africa
Ethiopian news coverage of the death was the most neutral of the bunch, although frequent mentions are made to Osama as “the world’s most wanted man.” In an article featured on the online Walta Information Center, reporters provide the facts and background of the story, pointing out that the American raid was the “culmination of painstaking intelligence work.” The article even gives details of the compound that Bin Laden was holed up at, as well as a brief history of his life and rise to power as the infamous Al-Quadea leader.
South African coverage of the event, on the other hand, put America in a less than positive light. An article from The Independent is much more negative compared to the previous countries and notably contains sources and quotes that discuss the death in a more critical tone. In one such quote, Young Communist League secretary Buti Manamela said, “Our view is that all of these things seek to prove to the entire world the brutality of the US. They claim to be the champion of peace and democracy, but they are nothing but invaders and their anti-terrorism campaign is the greatest cover-up of their own terrorism.” The article also references the Media Review Network, a South American organization with the mission of bringing about a greater understanding of Muslims and Islam, who asked why the U.S. had not allowed Bin Laden to defend himself in a court of law. It is also interesting to point out that unlike most of the other articles, this one does not provide any quotes from President Obama.
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| Egyptian citizens protested the killing of Bin Laden in Cairo on May 6, 2011. |
Asia
News coverage in India was positive, which arguably reflects the American-Indian strategic military and economic partnership. Indian Prime Minister Manhohan Singh reacted to the death in an article in The Times of India, stating that the death was a significant move forward and also requesting that the entire global community come together to fight terrorist groups. In another statement, the Indian home ministry discussed the issue that Bin Laden had found sanctuary in Pakistan, pointing out its concern that other terrorists might be also seeking refuge in the country. According to the article, India has expressed this point to the United States before and no doubt had an “I told you so” moment when news of Bin Laden’s whereabouts in the years before the attack circulated.
The Chinese reaction to Bin Laden’s death was mindful of the future effects the event would have on the country. In an article displayed on Al Jazeera’s Web site, reporter Antoaneta Beckerc points out that while China has “reluctant admiration at the success of the secret mission,” it also worries about where the United States will turn its attention to now. More specifically, Beckerc states that the country is concerned that “the U.S. strategists” will focus its efforts on restraining emerging economies such as theirs. Since China has previously expressed suspicion over U.S. motives associated with their presence in Libya and Afghanistan, it comes as no surprise that the country is worrying about what might come next.
After looking at the news coverage around the world on Osama Bin Laden’s death, it is clear that every country had its own take on the historical event. Each news story contained subtle or more blatant biases, proving Hatchen and Scotten’s point that every news story is indeed influenced by a cultural and national frame of reference. By looking at all of these reports together, we become more aware of the diverse views and perspectives surrounding news events and in turn, become more informed global citizens.
