Framing of Arab countries on American news networks following the September 11 attacks

Through close reading and an ideological critique of network news reports this study investigates network television coverage of Arab countries during the two weeks following the September 11, 2001 attacks. The framing of countries as either enemies or friends of the United States of America was a recurring aspect of national network coverage immediately following 9/11. The analysis reveals distinct differences between portrayals of Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Iraq on network news after the attacks. The networks marginalized public opinion in Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, while emphasizing American military and diplomatic relations with these countries. Iraq, however, was discussed primarily in the context of a future invasion.