Comparing news perspectives

The Opposite end of China again has a good article on different spins the media has on the regional economic development and the "war on terror". Its a good testament to the possibilities that come with the beauty of media propaganda while readers around the world who are not familiar with a particular area gobble it up. I'm noting also similarities in western media with the Somalia situation.

A particularly interesting article is their take on Xinjiang 2021, despite the fact that the "local resistance factor" is a bit overblown (most "separatist" movements would happen in areas flooded by Han by marginalized local population, not in areas they have majority) as most Uygurs are very moderate and civilized, not the violent extremists the media paints them to be. Another interesting assumption is that China could occupy part of Afghanistan (dating back to Alexander the Great, history teaches that nobody wins a war in Afghanistan).

Anyway, it's nice to have a refreshing mix of relevant news of where I live, coupled with a good dose of cynicism. If these guys keep it up I might have to become a regular reader.

I do wonder if any of the authors who are so enthusiastic about the prospective economic impact Xinjiang could have not only on China but also on Central Asia will ever take a deeper look at the growing economic dualism and who the ones are that all the benefits are going to. As usual, my own observations and comments on such issues are not material for my blog but for personal conversations with friends. All that glitters is not gold however.