Skip to main content
Syria: how the British media keep the British people in ignorance
The media’s shocking lack of interest in US-British involvement in Syria means it has effectively been a secret war, argues IAN SINCLAIR
Starmer chat

“THE press and politicians for the most part keep the people of this country in ignorance of the real treatment meted out to the natives,” Keir Hardie noted in 1906.

While much has changed in the intervening 119 years, this quote from the Labour Party’s first parliamentary leader remains an astute observation about much of the British media today.

The British military and their political masters are, of course, still keen to keep the often dirty and deadly reality of British foreign policy from the public. For example, in his 2021 book The Changing Of The Guard, author Simon Akam explains the British army’s “highly restrictive media policies meant that much of the fighting” during the British occupation of Iraq “went unreported.”

Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
Geopolitical abuse
Features / 16 April 2025
16 April 2025
Despite liberal whining that Trump threatens the ‘international rules-based order,’ the historical record shows Western nations have repeatedly overthrown democracies, backed genocides and violated sovereignty, writes IAN SINCLAIR
deluge
Books / 1 April 2025
1 April 2025
IAN SINCLAIR draws attention to the powerful role that literature plays in foreseeing the way humanity will deal with climate crisis
In this photo provided by Ukraine's 24th Mechanized Brigade
Features / 29 March 2025
29 March 2025
Detailing the deluge of delusion and dishonesty pushed by the pro-war camp, IAN SINCLAIR identifies four key tactics corporate journalists use to confuse audiences and suppress opposition to the proxy war in the east
IS web
Album reviews / 24 March 2025
24 March 2025
New releases from Black Country, New Road, Anouar Brahem, and Jaywalkers
Similar stories
In this photo provided by Ukraine's 24th Mechanized Brigade
Features / 29 March 2025
29 March 2025
Detailing the deluge of delusion and dishonesty pushed by the pro-war camp, IAN SINCLAIR identifies four key tactics corporate journalists use to confuse audiences and suppress opposition to the proxy war in the east
Tony Blair
National archives / 31 December 2024
31 December 2024
Syria opposition
Features / 9 December 2024
9 December 2024
VIJAY PRASHAD reflects on the latest developments in Syria and what they mean for the Middle East
Syrians celebrate the fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad'
Editorial: / 8 December 2024
8 December 2024