Mission Al-Jazeera: Build a Bridge, Seek the Truth, Change the World

by Josh Rushing, Sean Elder (Contributor)

Blending his riveting personal story with innovative ideas about how to win the war on terror, former marine turned Al Jazeera reporter Josh Rushing addresses all the issues he was not allowed to talk about when he was in uniform. If we are to win the war on terror, Rushing explains, we have to interact with the media at home and abroad in order to control the way we are perceived. By refusing to appear on Al Jazeera, Western leaders allow people who disagree with the current administration to represent the West to the Arab world in a skewed, negative way. By taking readers inside Al Jazeera, Rushing offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at the controversial news channel and shows how the West can harness it to its advantage, relay a positive message to the Arab public, and hear what it has to say in return.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, History, Memoir, Journalism, Biography, Middle East

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Born in Texas, Rushing joined the Marine Corps in 1990. During the opening stages of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Rushing served as a spokesperson for General Tommy Franks. In 2004, Rushing retired from the Marine Corps. The following year, he joined the staff of Al-Jazeera English, a position he currently holds. Rushing currently co-hosts "Fault Lines", which covers news in the Americas.

Rushing is featured in the film "Control Room", a documentary about Al-Jazeera's coverage of the beginning of the Iraq War.

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

In 2007, Al Jazeera had just launched its English-language version a few months ago, and most Americans simply knew it as the network bin Laden sent his beheading videos to. The U.S. military was thoroughly bogged down in a military mission in Iraq that was rapidly going south in the public's eye. In that situation, Rushing's primary foci were adjusting the paradigm through which the military engages the media (particularly the foreign media) and trying to rehabilitate Al Jazeera's reputation in the U.S. He does a reasonable job on those twin goals in his book. I think he did better on the first one than the second, personally. The portion of the book focused on the military's engagement with the media was well argued, concise, and showed an awareness of all the driving motivators involved. Unfortunately for someone who tries to position himself as an honest broker between the U.S. and the Arab nations, the portion of the book focusing on Al Jazeera's reputation came off way too cheerleadery for my taste. Whether he likes it or not, those who perceive an anti-American bias from Al Jazeera (particularly its Arabic-language branch) aren't all clueless people who consider it "Terrorist TV" (though there are a lot of those too). Some have noticed certain events that, while not damning of the entire network, are certainly disconcerting. Here's just one example. A truly honest broker who wanted to make a positive case should have acknowledged the likely bias that exists at the network and simply explain that most networks have a certain degree of bias but that the network does make a significant effort to be even-handed and rigorous. There wasn't a ton here that I haven't picked up somewhere else, though a couple of the anecdotes were memorable. But that's an issue that I have with memoirs generally, and this one isn't any less interesting than most. It was a solid read, though I'm not sure I'll re-read it in the near future.

[Claire Binkley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The reason I like this book is that it helped me negate the irrational fear that Arabic-anything brings. I bring to this book a vague memory of discussions made in Comparative Politics about the history of the Middle East, and, I suppose, leftover apprehension from studying terrorism (the Cheka immediately springs to mind but too much remaining fear prevents me from prying deeper - it's an extremely troublesome subject! Maybe don't follow - I understand the Cheka and its successor agency, the KGB, are Russian, not Arabic, but the terrorism it's brought is what I recall to process my understanding of this book).

The other interesting thing about this book is that the author J. Rushing, an Al-Jazeera English editor (or maybe something else associated with the organisation), is an ex-Marine, so reading his words excavated my fears regarding the US armed forces, as well. I don't have a problem with war as much as the terrifying recruiters who patrol campus every once in a while. I have never had a positive experience interacting with one of those.
J. Rushing helped show that not everyone associated with the USAF is a horrifying person, which is what I've concluded for years. For this reason, I like his book.

So in conclusion, I am glad to have read this memoir, to get a fresh look at what has upset me for semesters. I mean, fear has shaped many of my actions, and this book helped me examine what exactly bothers me so much.
Maybe some day I'll gather enough courage to finish watching Control Room...

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was very excited when I read the dust cover of this book. I mean, a Texas-born Marine that ends up as a reporter for Al Jazeera English? Sounds fascinating, right? And it was interesting. Unfortunately, the quality of the writing left something to be desired. I also found the author to be a bit too much of an apologist for my taste. Even so, it was an enjoyable read on a fascinating topic.

[Michael Best · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's interesting that 25 years later, we as a country and people still suffer from the myopic view of the "U.S." as being the center of everything. We as a people and a country love to talk about democracy first and how we want to spread it worldwide. Yet, democracy looks different in England, Canada, Germany, France, etc., than it does in America. But, we do not give the same grace to "developing Nations" to let their version of democracy be organic as we do hte "developed nations". The more short-sighted we become as time goes on, we only have ourselves to blame for the perspective of hypocrisy that becomes prevalent from other countries in the world towards the U.S. Our media has become so polarized that it really does not give news but just reinforces whatever beliefs/agenda they espouse. It is rare for me to watch a "major' network nowadays; I mostly get my news from Reuters,
Scripps, BBC, AlJazeera, CBC (Canadian), and Bloomberg. Rushing makes the case (even back then) that we our minds are less informed and prone to self-delusion when we isolate ourselves from the lives of others. In this day and age of instant communications, there is no reason or excuse. Like the old saying, "Travel broadens the mind!" We now have the capabilty to "travel" anywhere we want, when we want. Take advantage of it and become a better HUMAN BEING!

[Byju.V · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book narrates the journey of Josh Rushing, a US marine, who went to fight in Iraq but finally ended up as a journalist for Al jazeera English. It is a story that is inspiring, thought provoking, nuanced and revelatory in turns. His sincerity and ability to communicate complex ideas lucidly stand out. He attempts to break through the iron curtain that covers the peoples of the Western countries from the realities of the Arab world. It tells the history of al jazeera too. The book is especially notable for the absence of polemics. A must read for anyone interested in how international politics and media works and how one of the foremost media institutions of our times developed.

[Christiangal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting man. Very interesting life. I look forward to seeing what else he accomplishes in his life. If you know me, then you know I enjoy reading as many different accounts of a subject. This is one that I'd recommend because of his deep belief of what he is doing. I see a man working through raw truth and honesty. Sadly, there are not many of his kind, especially in the media.

Info from Amazon.com:
"Book Description
Blending his riveting personal story with innovative ideas about how to win the war on terror, former marine turned Al Jazeera reporter Josh Rushing addresses all the issues he was not allowed to talk about when he was in uniform. If we are to win the war on terror, Rushing explains, we have to interact with the media at home and abroad in order to control the way we are perceived. By refusing to appear on Al Jazeera, Western leaders allow people who disagree with the current administration to represent the West to the Arab world in a skewed, negative way. By taking readers inside Al Jazeera, Rushing offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at the controversial news channel and shows how the West can harness it to its advantage, relay a positive message to the Arab public, and hear what it has to say in return.


About the Author
Josh Rushing works for Al Jazeera English as a military and current affairs correspondent. While providing news packages and insight on military issues, the Texas native also shoots thought-provoking stand-alone specials and long-form documentaries. A former U.S. Marine captain with 15 years of service, Josh served as a spokesperson at Central Command during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Unbeknownst to him the documentary film, Control Room, captured his efforts to communicate the American message on Al Jazeera and debuted at the Sundance Film Festival in 2004. The film was released in theaters across America and on DVD by Lionsgate Films.
Josh speaks to universities and organizations across America and around the world. He has been featured in GQ, Fast Company magazine, Time Magazine, and USA Today , and has appeared on The Today Show, Anderson Cooper 360, and The O'Reilly Factor. Josh lives in Washington, D.C, with his wife and two sons. More can be found about Josh at www.JoshRushing.com http://www.joshrushing.com/. Sean Elder work has appeared in Salon.com, Details, New York magazine, The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, National Geographic, and many other publications. He teaches writing at the Eugene Lang College at theNew School and lives in Brooklyn."

[Laurel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I looked to this book for light, enjoyable reading and a sort of juicy, insider's view of both military public affairs and Al Jazeera. I would say the book partly delivered. The chapters about Rushing's times in the media center of the military's Central Command in Qatar were fairly well-written (at probably a 4th grade reading level) and entertaining. However, when Rushing discusses his experiences at Al Jazeera, the book's focus and quality wanes. Instead of writing of the real challenges and gifts of his experience with Al Jazeera, Rushing writes as though for a brochure meant to convince us to subscribe to Al Jazeera English. He also fawns over Qatar and its Emir, who funds Al Jazeera, while perpetuating the ridiculous notion that all of the Middle East was horribly culturally repressive and closed to critical discussion prior to the founding of Al Jazeera. This book provides a quick, sloppy perspective from an American who knows just a little about the Middle East. As such, Mission Al Jazeera is not required reading, but it is still a mostly enjoyable read, especially the first few chapters.

[Kelsey · Rating 1 out of 5]

i was introduced to josh rushing about 2 years ago in a class i was taking. i immediately fell in love with his ideas & his character! i got really into learning about what he was doing & found a movie on him called the control room, after that i was hooked! i had a hard time with this book though. i bought it years ago & tried to page through it feeling it was all just going right over my head. i only made it about three chapters in before quiting. i thought it was hard because of the culture difference & things i didn't quite understand. i picked it up again, & the found it still hard to understand. it focused so much on the government & the ties it has to news stations. which i wish i understood more, but i just don't! i did learn a lot but i still found most of it was over my head. hey, i've got to be honest, right? =].

[Flora · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off, I can't believe we took any work from this guy's ghostwriter. I wanted to like this book a lot more than I do. It's sloppily structured, and the writing's weak. It seems from Rushing's point of view that "Control Room" was an accident/afterthought, and I suppose in the course of one's life this is true. But if that were the case it might have been better to put the documentary and initial aftermath all in one chapter instead of referring to this and that here and there.

It was interesting getting his view of how things worked at CentComm media operations. Also, kind of a bummer to learn General Franks was a dick.

Editor's note: I gave the same number of stars to Heads in Beds. Mission: Al Jazeera has more important content, but HiB was better written by far. That says something.

[Erikhart Hart · Rating 2 out of 5]

This gift from last year's Christmas haunted my nightstand in a state of perpetual "almost finished reading" for about a year. A quick, breezy read that gives insight into the world of international media, and the politics of military media affairs. Unfortunately, a far better view of Josh Rushing can be seen in the documentary "Control Room", from which he gained his notoriety. I would far sooner recommend you watch "Control Room", and see an EXCELLENT piece of documentary filmwork before you decided how much more information on Lt. Josh you needed. And, as always, ensure you are getting your news from more than one source...

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book could've used an editor. Although Rushing's critiques of the American media system are interesting, I found that the book wandered a bit and at times lacked focus. That said, if you've seen "Control Room" this book takes his story a lot further, explaining more of his motivations and the US military's side of the situation.

In many ways I also understand that ONLY a member of the USMC could make the same kind of criticism Rushing does in "Mission Al Jazeera."

Despite some of my frustrations with the organization, the book is interesting, a quick read, and addresses an aspect of war that is often missing from typical military histories.

[Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was interested in reading this book after seeing Rushing on The Daily Show, and he definitely has an interesing story to share. I agree with other comments posted about this book that the writing is not necessarily exceptional, and is overall a light and easy read.

It would be interesting to hear from him again in a couple of years after working for Al Jazerra-English. I think Al-Jazeera plays an extremely important role in the media world, and what, if any, impact they will have on US media would be interesting for Rushing to reflect on in the future.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up after hearing Rushing interviewed on WNYC's "On the Media." His career path is just amazing - from Marine with no interest in journalism to Marine public affairs officer to disillusioned Marine public affairs officer to, now, reporter for Al-Jazeera English. Unfortunately, there isn't much depth to the book, which is a very quick summary of his career and some background on Al-Jazeera and its rocky relationship with the U.S. The added detail is interesting, but I think he actually made his case in a stronger way in the interview.

[Shawn Mullet]

This guy is really something. He was the Marine Corps press liaison for al-Jazeera during Iraq war. Now he works as a correspondent for al-Jazeera international. His reports are on youtube. Some are really interesting. It's also pretty funny that he was a Marine, but he got a degree from UT-Austin in Classics.

[Brian Indrelunas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although it definitely could've used another look from a copy editor before being printed, Rushing's book offered valuable insight into the inner workings of both the Arabic- and English-language Al Jazeera networks. I also enjoyed reading the former Marine's thoughts on his former employer's approach to Middle Eastern media outlets.

[Maurice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting. One of those rare books that had me break my habit of reading 3 or 4 things at a time and had me experience one of those cover-to-cover-couldn't-put-it-down experiences. In an era during which 'journalists' caved-in en masse to the White House imperial agenda spin, Rushing did seek the truth. Wrote a helluva' good book in the process.
MCP

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was a very fast read, much like an extended article and written in a very clear voice. At times, it quotes direct scenes from "Control Room", which shines a light on Josh's point of view during the documentary and gives a more rounded look at that film. I would recommend it.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although the prose is a bit flat in some places, I admire Rushing's courage and agree with his message that in today's world, it is foolish for the United States not to actively engage the Arab world through its media, specifically Al Jazeera.

[Grey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great points, though at times slightly redundant and not the best written book (though not written poorly). I felt he could have explored the larger global context of stigma and fear in the media and foreign policy better.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not all that well-written, but still worth reading just because it's such an interesting story.

[k8inorbit]

(yes, i'm an On The Media addict, but i also find this dude fascinating.)

[Eve · Rating 2 out of 5]

OK, UN TEMOIGNAGE

[Ginger · Rating 5 out of 5]

quick and easy, but good read. Rushing makes some very valid points about the U.S.'s refusal to acknowledge the Arab press. and does a lot to dispel common misconceptions about Al Jazeera

[ylin002 · Rating 5 out of 5]

easy read; very engaging.

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very interesting read and a perspective about the media in the middle east (and in the West) that you don't hear a lot about here in America.

[Rachel Grepke]

I really enjoyed this book. He gave some very interesting ideas towards how we view the middle east. I thought his writing was well done and it kept my attention throughout the book.

[Joel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very quick and very informative read.