How the media covers for NATO, in even the smallest ways

In the latest example of "protecting" civilians, this time in Afghanistan, the U.S./NATO forces killed 14 civilians. Then why do the opening words of the Reuters article read: "An air strike by NATO-led troops in southern Afghanistan killed at least nine civilians"? Well, because "The commander of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in southwestern Afghanistan apologized for the deaths of nine civilians." If he had apologized for the deaths of two civilians, apparently the article would have lead with that. And what is the basis for the commander's figures? Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

Contrast that to the detail provided by the Afghan governor, who reports two women, seven boys, and five girls killed (and has the bodies to prove it). Ah, but who needs facts when NATO has put out its "story" and that story must be reported, regardless of the lack of supporting evidence.

Of course it's a small matter. In a war in which thousands of civilians have been killed by U.S./NATO bombs, whether nine or 14 more were killed yesterday has little significance. The significance is rather proof yet again that every day, in every way, the corporate media strives to put the best possible face on the world's biggest terrorists, so that they may continue their "work."