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Peter ArnettAmerican journalist of New Zealand origin.
Date of Birth: 13.11.1934
Country:  New Zealand |
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Biography of Peter Arnett
Peter Arnett is an American journalist of New Zealand origin, known for his international reporting. He was born in New Zealand and is currently 68 years old. Arnett achieved global recognition when he received the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for his coverage of the Vietnam War while working for the Associated Press (AP). In 1991, he gained further fame as a correspondent for CNN, reporting on the Gulf War.
Controversial Interview and Dismissal
However, Arnett's career took a major turn when he was fired by the American television network NBC. This decision caused significant international controversy and was the result of an interview he gave to Iraqi state television. In the interview, Arnett stated that the initial plan of the United States military in Iraq had failed due to the resistance of the Iraqis. This revelation caught American military strategists off guard, as they had underestimated the strength of the enemy forces. Arnett's statements in Baghdad sparked irritation and even outrage among many in the United States.
Initially, NBC attempted to defend Arnett by stating that his remarks were of an analytical nature. However, after intervention from Washington, the network changed its position and decided to terminate his employment. Arnett promptly apologized and in his final report said, "I want to apologize to the American people for an egregious error of judgment on my part. I am ready to leave Baghdad at this moment and swim to some tiny island in the Pacific, where I can settle on a slope."
Continued Career
Despite the controversy and dismissal, Arnett's journalistic skills were highly sought after. He was swiftly hired by the London-based newspaper, the Daily Mirror, known for its opposition to British involvement in the war against Iraq. Thus, the renowned journalist did not require the island he mentioned in his apology.
