Wall, barrier, fence… does it really matter?
The BBC has regularly come under fire for bias in its coverage of the Arab-Israeli conflicts. But today, in an effort to make transparent its reporting on the Middle East, it has published its style guide on Israel/Palestinian coverage used by its journalists and correspondents. The Beeb explains why certain terms are used when covering ...
The BBC has regularly come under fire for bias in its coverage of the Arab-Israeli conflicts. But today, in an effort to make transparent its reporting on the Middle East, it has published its style guide on Israel/Palestinian coverage used by its journalists and correspondents. The Beeb explains why certain terms are used when covering the conflict, and also makes clear why it has taken a position on certain issues. Here's how the BBC explains the use of the word "barrier":
BBC journalists should try to avoid using terminology favoured by one side or another in any dispute. The BBC uses the terms “barrier”, “separation barrier” or “West Bank barrier” as acceptable generic descriptions to avoid the political connotations of “security fence” (preferred by the Israeli government) or “apartheid wall” (preferred by the Palestinians).
In all of the BBC’s attempts to be neutral, is it actually possible to remain completely unbiased on a matter of such high contention?
More from Foreign Policy

Chinese Hospitals Are Housing Another Deadly Outbreak
Authorities are covering up the spread of antibiotic-resistant pneumonia.

Henry Kissinger, Colossus on the World Stage
The late statesman was a master of realpolitik—whom some regarded as a war criminal.

The West’s False Choice in Ukraine
The crossroads is not between war and compromise, but between victory and defeat.

The Masterminds
Washington wants to get tough on China, and the leaders of the House China Committee are in the driver’s seat.