Iraq Orders 44 International Media Outlets Closed in Licensing Dispute

The Iraqi government has ordered the closure of 44 international media outlets including the Voice of America and the BBC in a dispute over licensing fees. The government insists the orders to shut-down are unrelated to the various media organizations’ coverage of events in Iraq, including the ongoing sectarian warfare. In addition to Voice of America, US-funded Radio SAWA is on the closure list. None of the outlets affected are claiming the reason for the orders have anything to do with their reporting, but all argue that closing he bulk of media outlets during a time when the public needs to be informed can have political implications.