MENA Media
•30 days
42 sources in MENA Media are amplifying 277 narrative items relating to the narrative of regional cooperation and conflict. These narratives highlight Algeria's support for Gaza, the Houthis' diplomatic efforts, and their military responses, illustrating a complex interplay of political alliances, cultural values, and military strategies in the MENA region.
Reviewing a number of the most relevant narrative items indicates that the portrayal of recent events surrounding the Houthis varies significantly across different media sources. Al-Thawra presents a predominantly positive view of the Houthis and their initiatives, using language that emphasizes cooperation and sensitivity in governance, indicating an alignment with Islamic values regarding women's rights. Their framing suggests a commitment to mutual respect in international diplomacy, which could be interpreted as a form of propaganda to bolster the Houthis' legitimacy. In contrast, sources like Iran Press and Iran International adopt a more aggressive tone, depicting the Houthis as a formidable resistance against external threats, especially in relation to perceived provocations from Israel and the U.S. The language here is charged with calls for retaliation and emphasizes military capability, which could skew perceptions toward a narrative of heroism and victimhood in the face of foreign aggression. Conversely, Arab News and Ynet focus on the implications of maritime security and the practical impacts of Houthi actions on international commerce, portraying the situation in a more negative light by highlighting threats to shipping and the safety of international crews. This variation points to a broader trend of media framing that can either elevate or diminish the Houthis' actions based on the underlying ideologies of the reporting agencies, with some emphasizing resilience and resistance while others stress disruption and danger.
The MENA Media module tracks a large number of media organizations and journalists operating in and reporting on the Middle East and North Africa.