The recent war with Iraq has had the greatest impact on journalism since the Vietnam War. Before the next war arrives, how the news media cover conflict -- and international affairs more generally -- should be scrutinized. The questions explored in this book include:

* Were embedded journalists' reports from Iraq overused and was context sacrificed in favor of drama?
* Is the relationship between news organizations and the Pentagon too cozy?
* Has Al-Jazeera's impact been underestimated?
* Is the Internet superseding other media?
* Has public diplomacy become mired in clumsy propaganda?
* Do policy makers understand how news coverage affects global politics?

Beyond the Front Lines examines news coverage of modern war, with particular emphasis on the performance of journalists during the 2003 U.S.-Iraq war. It also analyzes the relationship between news coverage and American foreign policy, as well as how globalization is reshaping the news business. Philip Seib also describes the changing technologies and ethics of modern warfare, suggests ways journalists might carry out their job better, and offers a new perspective on the role of the news media in a high-tech, globalized, and dangerous world.