IRAQI PRESS COVERAGE OF THE GULF–QATAR CRISIS A CASE STUDY OF AL-MADA AND AL-SABAH AL-JADID NEWSPAPERS

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the performance of Iraqi journalism in covering the 2017 Gulf–Qatar crisis, using a descriptive-analytical approach that combines both quantitative and qualitative methods to understand the mechanisms of media coverage of regional crises. The study’s significance lies in the scarcity of Iraqi research critically addressing Gulf crises, as well as its contribution to filling a knowledge gap in media and crisis studies within the Iraqi context.

The study analyzed 84 press materials published in Al-Mada and Al-Sabah Al-Jadeed newspapers between June 5 and July 5, 2017, focusing on journalistic sources, editorial formats, highlighting tools, and coverage trends. It relied on the theories of agenda-setting and media framing, and employed critical analysis tools to understand the relationship between language, power, and culture.

The findings showed the dominance of the political dimension in coverage and a prevalence of negative framing at 53.57%, with a heavy reliance on correspondents as primary information sources. The news format exceeded 60%, revealing limited professional diversity and weak analytical depth.

The study concludes that Iraqi journalistic discourse was characterized by superficial treatment and susceptibility to the political environment, highlighting the necessity of reinforcing professional standards in crisis coverage and integrating theoretical frameworks to interpret future patterns of media treatment.