Summary of "The Day Saddam Hussein’s Statue Came Down"

On the Media Podcast | WNYC Studios | Released May 3, 2023

1. Introduction: Revisiting a Pivotal Moment

The episode commemorates the 20th anniversary of the toppling of Saddam Hussein’s statue in Baghdad's Firdos Square—a moment widely broadcast as a symbol of liberation during the Iraq War. Hosts Brooke Gladstone and guest Peter Maass delve into the events of that day, exploring the disparity between the televised narrative of triumph and the chaotic reality on the ground.

2. The Toppling of the Statue: A Televised Triumph

On April 9, 2003, U.S. Marines ceremoniously dismantled Saddam Hussein’s statue in Firdos Square, an event that was heavily televised and portrayed as the definitive end of major combat operations in Iraq.

Brooke Gladstone [00:00]: “...major combat operations in Iraq have ended. In the battle of Iraq, the United States and our allies have prevailed.”

Peter Maass, a contributing writer for The New York Times Magazine at the time, provides an eyewitness account of the event:

Peter Maass [01:20]: “It was perhaps the most televised event of the Iraq war. U.S. marines toppling a statue of Saddam Hussein...”

3. Behind the Scenes: Journalists and Military Dynamics

Maass reveals that hundreds of journalists were stationed at the Palestine Hotel in Firdos Square, equipped with broadcasting gear. The arrival of U.S. Marines provided the perfect opportunity for live global coverage, capturing the statue's dismantling repeatedly.

Peter Maass [02:35]: “All of these journalists were sequestered at the Palestine Hotel with... their transmission equipment. When the US Marines arrived... they were able to broadcast it to the entire world live.”

The sense of liberation felt by journalists was personal, influenced by their immediate threats under the Iraqi regime.

Peter Maass [03:28]: “For these journalists... they were feeling that this was a moment of relief and liberation for them.”

4. The Reality Beyond the Broadcast

While Firdos Square appeared calm and celebratory, Maass emphasizes that this was not reflective of the broader situation in Baghdad. Outside the square, violence, looting, and fear prevailed.

Peter Maass [06:17]: “Was Peaceful around Firodo Square... but if you went a couple of blocks in almost any direction, you would have encountered fighting, looting...”

The square itself was sparsely populated, with most attendees being American military personnel and journalists rather than Iraqi civilians.

Peter Maass [07:22]: “There were maybe at most a few hundred people in the square. And at least half of the people were American military or journalists.”

5. Media Construction of the Event

The orchestrated presence of cameras and journalists played a significant role in shaping the narrative of liberation. Drawing parallels to the 1953 Langs' study, Maass suggests that media presence can provoke staged reactions.

Peter Maass [08:52]: “The cameras, more than the military, were actively engaged in the construction, in the creation...”

Lieutenant Colonel Brian McCoy recognized the missed opportunity to capture a genuine moment of liberation and took decisive action to ensure the statue was toppled, thereby solidifying the televised narrative.

Peter Maass [11:10]: “He realized that there was an opportunity that was being missed. And so then McCoy gave the order for one of his vehicles...”

6. Editorial Decisions and Suppressed Stories

The podcast highlights how media outlets prioritized the triumphant image over the ongoing chaos. Reporters like Martin Savage, who were experiencing violence while others captured the statue's fall, saw their critical reports sidelined.

Peter Maass [15:29]: “Martin Savage was sitting on the other side of the river under fire, not broadcasting...”

Additionally, journalists attempting to report the grim reality faced editorial pressures to conform to the liberation narrative.

Peter Maass [17:02]: “Ann Garros... had reported dispassionately... but had been told by editors, hey, you're not getting it.”

7. The Persistence of Myths and Unaddressed Realities

Despite two decades passing, the myth of the statue toppling as the definitive moment of liberation remains unchallenged in public memory. Maass laments the lack of acknowledgment of the war's devastating aftermath.

Peter Maass [19:57]: “I don't think it's been dispelled at all... the scenes of that day still are printed and discussed in a positive way...”

He underscores the immense human cost, with over a million Iraqi civilians killed due to violence, malnutrition, and disease—facts seldom highlighted in mainstream narratives.

Peter Maass [20:45]: “More than 300,000 Iraqi civilians were killed and probably as a result of... probably somewhere around or above a million.”

8. Reflections on Accountability and War Narratives

Maass criticizes the absence of accountability for the atrocities committed during the war, highlighting the paradox of political leaders being revered as heroes despite orchestrating illegal invasions.

Peter Maass [22:46]: “An illegal war, an illegal invasion is a huge war crime... but those [leaders] are held up as heroes and honored statesmen.”

He draws a comparison to contemporary conflicts, suggesting that similar accountability should apply universally, not selectively.

Peter Maass [23:54]: “The notion of that occurring with respect to America's political leaders... is a fantastic notion, fantastic in the sense of fantasy.”

9. Conclusion: Lessons Unlearned

The episode concludes with a critical examination of media's role in shaping public perception and the enduring myths of war. Maass advocates for a more honest and comprehensive portrayal of conflicts to foster accountability and prevent the repetition of past mistakes.

Notable Quotes

• Peter Maass [08:22]: “The first person who came up with the idea was actually a gunnery sergeant... there was no big Pentagon master plan.”

• Peter Maass [18:36]: “It was such a creepy thing because it didn't look phony, did it?”

• Peter Maass [16:40]: “If you don't have all of the information in proper context and in proper balance, then, no, they really can't decide for themselves.”

This episode of On the Media offers a critical lens on the interplay between military actions and media narratives, urging listeners to question the stories presented to them and recognize the often overlooked complexities of war.