Lawyer Zaki Kamal Decries Media Manipulation and Terminology Twisting
Lawyer Zaki Kamal argues that a pervasive and often intentional use of misleading media terminology obscures the truth across various global and local issues. He cites ongoing conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war and the situation in Gaza since October 7, 2023, as examples of events that have faded from prominent media coverage. Kamal also points to the US-Israel conflict with Iran over its nuclear program, the conflict with Hezbollah, and organized settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, often met with media silence or veiled justifications.
Kamal contends that a significant gap exists between political and economic realities and their media portrayal, driven by economic interests, ideological leanings, and political influence. He criticizes media institutions for adopting narratives of powerful entities and avoiding confrontation with populist trends, leading to the creation of new, biased terms. These terms, he explains, are designed to prioritize political interests over factual truth, downplay the severity of situations, or justify actions that are legally, humanely, or internationally indefensible. Examples include using "voluntary migration" to mask forced displacement in Gaza.
He extends this critique to analysts, academics, and experts who, he claims, avoid stating clear truths, hiding behind eloquent but empty analyses. Kamal specifically addresses the recent US-Iran military exchanges regarding Iran's nuclear program, suggesting they portray the US as weak and invite ridicule. He controversially asserts that a war between the US and Israel against Iran, beginning in February 2026, resulted in a "devastating strategic defeat" for both superpowers, paradoxically accelerating nuclear proliferation in the region and allowing Iran to dictate navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Kamal further criticizes the US approach to nuclear proliferation, noting agreements with allies like Saudi Arabia and the UAE for civilian nuclear energy, which he sees as a step towards nuclear weapons. He contrasts this with the pressure on Iran, highlighting the double standard applied to countries like China and North Korea, which possess significant nuclear arsenals. He laments that this media manipulation is particularly acute in Israel, especially as parliamentary elections approach, with terms like "holding" instead of "occupation" and "settlement" replaced by "settling." He notes that since October 7, 2023, daily killings in Gaza are framed as mere "events" or "attacks," and forced displacement is termed "relocation to safe zones."
Looking ahead to upcoming elections, Kamal predicts an escalation in the use of media spin and deceptive terminology to evade responsibility and distract from failures. He anticipates the amplification of external threats, such as Turkey, and the reframing of military actions in Lebanon as "security positioning." Domestically, he foresees discussions about leadership accountability being framed as weakening the country during wartime, and the marginalization of "leftist" or "non-Zionist" viewpoints. He also warns of attempts to delegitimize Arab parties and suppress Arab voter turnout, potentially questioning the integrity of the 2026 elections if the right-wing bloc loses, drawing parallels to the January 2021 Capitol attack in Washington.
In conclusion, Kamal references George Orwell's "Politics and the English Language," Stanley Cohen's "States of Denial," and Victor Klemperer's "The Language of the Third Reich" to underscore how political language is used to disguise lies, sanitize violence, and manipulate public consciousness. He urges readers to resist the infiltration of "poisonous" terminology that creates false realities and to insist on using accurate language to understand the present and secure a better future, emphasizing this as a personal and societal responsibility.
