Comments on: Working for Reuters as an Iraqi in Baghdad - The Editor responds

By: Olden Atwoody

Olden Atwoody — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 05:31:51 +0000

Brian: The Iraqis prefer to work for us for the “relative safety”? Apparently, you’ve not been here. Anyone working for Westerners is a target, and even those that work in the “Green Zone” (Reuters employees do not) must pass through the gates to the Red Zone twice daily. They alter their routes home, constantly being observed and followed. Three in my office have been hit, either relatives or themselves murdered. Genocide is occurring here daily. So, paying the Iraqis, even at $5 a day only fuels their desire to get out.

By: Brian Dear

Brian Dear — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 13:38:12 +0000

In response to Olden Atwoody, regarding the salary issue: It seems unfair to suggest that salary disparities are somehow deceptive. In most companies with overseas employees, the difference in salaries is usually based on a difference in cost of living. In India, top quality apartments rarely exceed $200 per month, so of course an $8000 per year salary is proportionately in line with an employee in London making $100,000 per year. The difference in salary seems like a non-issue. No one forces anyone to work at a given salary. Market conditions determine salaries. I would expect that an Iraqi would much rather work for Reuters in relative safety than work for another company at a higher wage and higher danger level.

By: Olden Atwoody

Olden Atwoody — Sun, 05 Nov 2006 09:45:01 +0000

I like the way you tap-dance around the salary issue. I’m in the IZ and I know full well your highest paid staffers make in excess of $200,000 USD annually, while your lowest paid Iraqi cooks and cleaners make as little as $6,000 USD annually. Speak clearly and honestly please.

By: Peter Buckley

Peter Buckley — Sat, 04 Nov 2006 16:46:16 +0000

Wow, it sounds so honest and genuine! Too bad Reuters record speaks for itself- solidly on the side of terrorism and completely anti-freedom. Here’s to hoping the lamestream media like Reuters and the rest keep going the way of the dodo and we get some basic objectivity and integrity instead of nonstop editorializing and outright lies that are the hallmark of so-called “journalists.”

By: Brian Dear

Brian Dear — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 05:25:20 +0000

Mr. Holmes, as a former Reuters contract photographer in Houston, I am very glad that you stepped up to the plate concerning the “doctored” photo incident. The swiftness of Reuters’ action in dealing with the fraudulent photos reinforces my own passion for the Reuters organization. Thanks for answering reader questions so directly and completely. Although I’m in Seoul, for a few minutes I could almost taste the sand and feel the heat from the war in Iraq.

By: Alvaro Alarcon

Alvaro Alarcon — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 04:01:42 +0000

I thought these were thoughtful, conscientious answers which addressed the issues at hand. At the end of the day, these Reuters reporters perform a life-saving function for free peoples in the world.

Alvaro

By: Ralph Dratman

Ralph Dratman — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 01:57:23 +0000

I want to thank Reuters, as always for its superb international coverage. I believe your organization is at the top of the heap in terms of breadth, fairness and objectivity.

Your work is indispensable. My own weblog would be greatly impoverished without you.