One of the most courageous and esteemed journalists in the world, known for his impactful reporting during the Gulf War, has passed away at the age of 91. Peter Arnett, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, delivered compelling dispatches from Baghdad for the Daily Mirror during the conflict.
Arnett was recruited by the Mirror following his controversial dismissal by NBC due to a dispute over impartiality. The newspaper’s front page bore the headline “Fired by America for telling the truth. Hired by the Mirror to carry on telling it,” expressing their support for Arnett’s commitment to truthful reporting.
Renowned for his Pulitzer Prize-winning coverage in Vietnam and his contributions to CNN during the first Gulf War, Arnett gained widespread recognition when he chose to remain in Baghdad as other Western journalists evacuated before the US-led offensive. Despite the escalating danger, Arnett provided live updates from his hotel room via cellphone as the city faced missile attacks.
Reflecting on his experience in 2003, Arnett acknowledged the professionalism and support he received from the Mirror after his dismissal. The newspaper swiftly offered him a platform to continue his reporting from Baghdad, focusing on the escalating risks faced by Iraqi civilians and journalists as US forces advanced.
Arnett’s tenure with the Mirror included a tragic incident when a US tank mistakenly targeted the Palestine Hotel in Baghdad, resulting in the deaths of two journalists and injuries to others. While the US military deemed the attack unintentional, it was later deemed avoidable by the committee to protect journalists.
Baghdad fell to the US military coalition on April 9, 2003, marking the end of the war. Colleague Paul Martin paid tribute to Arnett, describing him as one of the bravest journalists he had worked with. Arnett’s storied career spanned from his early reporting in Vietnam to his controversial interview with Saddam Hussein, showcasing his unwavering dedication to truthful journalism in conflict zones.
Arnett’s legacy extends beyond his reporting, evident in his decision to preserve historical documents from his time in Vietnam, which are now part of the AP’s archives. His memoir, “Live From the Battlefield: From Vietnam to Baghdad, 35 Years in the World’s War Zones,” published in 1995, encapsulates his remarkable journey through some of history’s most turbulent regions.