CNN Fraud in Syria

https://www.peoplesworld.org/article/cnn-reporter-clarissa-wards-on-air-liberation-of-syrian-prisoner-exposed-as-fraud/

This story broke in December 2024 in connection with the fall of the Assad regime. CNN was caught red-handed in a lie. The whole thing was a set-up. One has to wonder how many other such episodes take place? It is certain though that it's getting harder to pull off. Amid all the negatives, it's certainly one of the positives of the Internet Age.

As far as the public knows, Ward has not been held to account. The Right-wing media is of course gleefully reporting this seeking to discredit a mainstream 'liberal' outlet - as if they have any integrity or moral standing either.

That said, the mainstream media is often despicable and this is especially the case when it comes to any coverage outside the United States. All too often the bias and manipulation strains credulity.

And speaking of Syria, there's been very little attention given to events post-Assad. Elements connected to the HTS rulers have gone on a killing spree. There has been copious international coverage and some outlets like NPR have touched on it. I believe the Washington Post had an article but the big outlets like CNN, CBS, ABC, and NBC have paid little attention to these events. FOX mentioned it in passing only to vindicate Trump appointees and focus on the threat of ethnic Christian communities falling under the HTS knife - an angle that even official mouthpieces of Iran have picked up on. As readers will know, the Tehran regime is not a fan of HTS and al-Jolani (al-Sharaa).

In addition to the Alawite districts experiencing a great deal of violence, there's also fighting that's affecting the Druze and Yezidi communities - and tangentially some of the ethnic Christian communities. Though there are suggestions that they will face a real threat in the immediate future.

On what many hope will be a lighter note the Kurd-dominated SDF has agreed to integrate with the new Syrian government which should end the fighting in the northeast. At the same time the PKK has (once again) called for a ceasefire and end of operations. This should (in theory) allow Ankara to back off as the YPG units (part of the SDF) will disarm and/or simply join the official Syrian army. The threat of PKK incursions from within Türkiye and without would end - if this actually happens.

The West is eager to support this new government and while it does not support Erdogan, it wants the situation pacified. The focus will continue to be on the crimes of the Assad regime and you can be sure CNN will play its part.