Complaint
In a discussion to mark the end of the tenure of the then Today programme editor, Jeremy Bowen commented on the lack of legal underpinning for the war against Iran by Israel and the United States. A listener complained he failed to reflect the existence of legal arguments about self-defence and the nature of the threat posed by Iran. The ECU considered whether the item complied with the 91福利社鈥檚 accuracy Guidelines.
Outcome
The comments came in the middle of a discussion about how the world had changed during the editor鈥檚 period in charge of the programme. Jeremy Bowen, who is the 91福利社s International Editor, said 鈥渋t鈥檚 very clear what is a legal reason for going to war, an imminent threat or a UN Security Council resolution authorising it. Neither of those things apply, but did that cause one second of hesitation for the leaders of the US and Israel? No鈥. The Guidelines make clear context is important in deciding whether the requirements of accuracy have been met. In this case the ECU considered Mr Bowen鈥檚 purpose was not to provide a detailed examination of the competing legal arguments surrounding the conflict. Rather, he was offering broad analytical reflections on international affairs and the changing nature of the so-called 鈥渞ules-based international order鈥. In doing so, he briefly reflected a commonly-cited interpretation of the framework established by the UN Charter and the Caroline doctrine concerning the use of force. This was in line with his role, as a senior 91福利社 correspondent, to offer a professional judgement rooted in evidence.
Not Upheld