Who cares about Iraq?

On CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News, it's all Israel-Lebanon all the time. Meanwhile, top U.S. military commanders testifying before the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee this morning seemed to confirm fears that a stable Middle East and a democratic Iraq are all but a pipe dream. Here's the assessment by Gen. John Abizaid, who runs the ...

On CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News, it's all Israel-Lebanon all the time. Meanwhile, top U.S. military commanders testifying before the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee this morning seemed to confirm fears that a stable Middle East and a democratic Iraq are all but a pipe dream. Here's the assessment by Gen. John Abizaid, who runs the U.S. Central Command:

On CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News, it's all Israel-Lebanon all the time. Meanwhile, top U.S. military commanders testifying before the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee this morning seemed to confirm fears that a stable Middle East and a democratic Iraq are all but a pipe dream. Here's the assessment by Gen. John Abizaid, who runs the U.S. Central Command:

A couple of days ago, I returned from the Middle East. I've rarely seen it so unsettled or so volatile. There's an obvious struggle in the region between moderates and extremists that touches every aspect of life."

What about Iraq?

I believe that the sectarian violence is probably as bad as I've seen it, in Baghdad in particular…."

It couldn't be a worse time for Americans and — perhaps more importantly — the media to stop caring about Iraq. But that appears to be what is happening. According to recent research, for instance, news from Iraq has dropped by 60 percent on network newscasts since 2003.

More from Foreign Policy

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping give a toast during a reception following their talks at the Kremlin in Moscow on March 21.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping give a toast during a reception following their talks at the Kremlin in Moscow on March 21.

Can Russia Get Used to Being China’s Little Brother?

The power dynamic between Beijing and Moscow has switched dramatically.

Xi and Putin shake hands while carrying red folders.
Xi and Putin shake hands while carrying red folders.

Xi and Putin Have the Most Consequential Undeclared Alliance in the World

It’s become more important than Washington’s official alliances today.

Russian President Vladimir Putin greets Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
Russian President Vladimir Putin greets Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

It’s a New Great Game. Again.

Across Central Asia, Russia’s brand is tainted by Ukraine, China’s got challenges, and Washington senses another opening.

Kurdish military officers take part in a graduation ceremony in Erbil, the capital of Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, on Jan. 15.
Kurdish military officers take part in a graduation ceremony in Erbil, the capital of Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, on Jan. 15.

Iraqi Kurdistan’s House of Cards Is Collapsing

The region once seemed a bright spot in the disorder unleashed by U.S. regime change. Today, things look bleak.