TwitterView with David Mac Dougall
May 20, 2009
KEZI9 @davidmacdougall David, thanks so much for taking the time today! I know there's a lot going on in your neck of the woods.
davidmacdougall @KEZI9 It's been a busy last month in Pakistan Brandi. So much happening. Fighting taliban, humanitarian crisis.
davidmacdougall @KEZI9 UN says 1.7 million refugees displaced by recent fighting. Pakistan military tackling Taliban head on. Difficult days for the country
KEZI9 @davidmacdougall What is it like as a journalist?
davidmacdougall @KEZI9 I rely on team of Pak journalists to gather video. They get to parts of the country I can never reach. Local knowledge invaluable.
KEZI9 @davidmacdougall You just recently visited a refugee camp. Can you describe it for us?
davidmacdougall @KEZI9 The people were angry. Emotional. Lost everything. No sanitation. Now, that camp has been closed down/moved on 2x by government.
davidmacdougall @KEZI9 many aid agencies & govt are working hard to stop the humanitarian situation deteriorating. but refugees want more help, faster
KEZI9 @davidmacdougall For most journalists, the situation would probably be shocking, but this isn't your first war zone. You spent years in Iraq
davidmacdougall @KEZI9 Spent 5+ years going to Iraq. Mostly with Fox News. Fascinating time in history. Dangerous, heartbreaking, inspiring all at once.
KEZI9 @davidmacdougall How do the two environments compare?
davidmacdougall @KEZI9 Iraq had largely collapsed as a funcioning society. Pakistan functions. Fighting here only in 1 part of the northwest.
davidmacdougall @KEZI9 Plus scale of violence in iraq was shocking. pakistan is nothing like it. people here seem more determined to prevent slide to chaos
KEZI9 @davidmacdougall In which one was it more difficult to be a reporter? To be a citizen?
davidmacdougall @KEZI9 Iraq. Without a doubt for me more difficult to be citizen AND reporter. The scale of violence, lack of services, siege mentality.
KEZI9 @davidmacdougall Are you ever surprised that you survived? There have been so many stories about journalists kidnapped or killed there.
davidmacdougall @KEZI9 There were close shaves. I survived due to professionalism of US military, the excellent Fox News team and sometimes sheer luck.
KEZI9 @davidmacdougall How much did things change in Iraq from the first day you reported to the day you left?
davidmacdougall @KEZI9 Rollercoaster. Relative safety at first in Oct 03. Then the worst days of violence 05 & 06 & 07. Now there is hope & better security
KEZI9 @davidmacdougall I remember reading your status updates about showers and air conditioning. It made me realize I took a lot for granted.
davidmacdougall @KEZI9 We take so much for granted. Clean water, reliable power, able to walk down street without fear. Iraqis starting to get those things.
KEZI9 @davidmacdougall Things seem to be better in Islamabad (besides the power outages). What do you see in the future for Pakistan?
davidmacdougall @KEZI9 There's a willingness here to confront Taliban's radical vision of Islam. Pakistanis for now pretty united behind govt & refugees.
davidmacdougall @KEZI9 but the refugee crisis will not be resolved without more swift action, money, keeping 1.7 million people in global public eye.
KEZI9 @davidmacdougall How long do you plan to stay in Pakistan?
davidmacdougall @KEZI9 Been here 1 month. Will stay 6 more weeks. Then? Who knows. Many interesting stories out there I still want to cover. Maybe Oregon?
KEZI9 @davidmacdougall It would certainly be a change, that's for sure! Any final message you would like to convey to our viewers?
davidmacdougall @KEZI9 First, hello to my 3 new Oregon followers!
davidmacdougall @KEZI9 But also, I know there's a lot happening in US news, politics & economy. But please spare some time to follow foreign news too.
KEZI9 @davidmacdougall We'll be watching out for you! David, thanks again for the Twitterview. Enjoy the rest of your day -- and stay safe!
davidmacdougall @KEZI9 Goodnight Oregon...
Wednesday, 20 May 2009
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