MOTHER JONES BY E-MAIL

«--Previous Post | Blog Index | Next Post--»

Google Earth Lands in Hot Water in (Surprise) the Middle East

google-earth-gulf3.jpg

Reports Monday described how the Israeli town of Kiryat Yam is suing Google for slander after a Google Earth user added a note asserting that the town was built on the ruins of a Palestinian locality following the war of 1948. Google has said that it will not remove the note, which appears on the application's "community layer," because it is not "in any way illegal."

But earlier this month another problem developed that is potentially thornier for Google because it involves the company's official cartographic judgment. The problem comes in the form of a letter to Google's CEO from the National Iranian American Council loudly protesting the inclusion in Google Earth of the term "Arabian Gulf"—along with the more common "Persian Gulf."

Only a few years ago, in 2004, Google's co-founders told shareholders that "focused objectivity" was a trait "most important in Google’s past success" and "most fundamental for its future." But that was before Google Earth. And if the two complaints this month show anything, it's that a map is a highly subjective thing. Including "Arabian Gulf" was a classic hedge on Google's part, probably an attempt to strive for that ideal of objectivity. NIAC's letter, however, explains the term's somewhat untoward history:

The application of false and divisive references made to the Persian Gulf were first observed approximately 50 years ago, and formed part of a pan-Arab strategy aimed at diminishing the status of non-Arab influences in the Middle East. Iran and Israel, being non-Arab states, were the obvious target of this practice within the movement, initially attributed to and adopted by former Egyptian President and strongman Gamal Abdel Nasser, later promulgated and employed (violently, as evidenced by the Iraqi invasion of Iran in September 1980) by the deposed Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.

I talked with two experts on the region and an official at the U.N. Cartographic Section, all of whom agree with NIAC that Persian Gulf is the preferred, historically accurate term (though Robert Vitalis, director of the Middle East Center at the University of Pennsylvania, called the matter simply "an aspect of nationalism" and, in the end, "a futile, unresolvable exercise").

As of this afternoon, according to NIAC, Google had not responded to the protest letter, nor to my requests for comment.

Google would do well to recognize that there can be no pure objectivity when it comes to political mapmaking. What would a map look like if every party's claims were afforded equal respect, without regard to merit or consensus judgment? Should, say, Taiwan really be identified as a province of China, as that government insists? It'll be interesting to see how Google plays the Arabian Gulf issue, if it decides to engage at all. And look for more, not fewer, controversies as the world discovers how addictive tinkering with Google Earth can be.

—Justin Elliott






Comments

Would Google call the "Gulf of Mexico" "Gulf of USA" if US-Americans decide one day to call it this way? Or would Google call the "English Channel" "French CHannel" if French decide to call it "French Channel"??

Posted by: Babak Barmar on 02/13/08 at 8:49 PM  Respond

This is about as interesting as baseball players using steroids.
Actually, the French call the English Channel La Manche.

Posted by: kirkbrew on 02/13/08 at 9:12 PM  Respond

It might not be interesting for you. But it is important for certain reasons for some people. By the way, I know how the French call the English Channel. My question (again) is what will Google do if French decide to change the name to "French Channel"?

Posted by: Babak Barmar on 02/17/08 at 7:20 PM  Respond

i want to join u.

Posted by: shaikh faisal on 02/18/08 at 10:11 PM  Respond


Google is engaging in the pure politicization of history... factually, it's inaccurate- ethically, it's inexcusable.

The gulf borders more Arab countries than Iran. Therefore it is proper to call it Arab. The Iranians do not object since they admire everything Arabic, including the Arab religion Islam. In Iran people play make believe and dress up in Arab costumes and observe Arab law and are encouraged to write and read Arabic. So this is all much to do about nothing.

Posted by: Nooshin Coas on 02/21/08 at 9:02 AM  Respond

There's only one name for this particular geographic region and it is Persian Gulf. It must be noted that Iran has never ever tried to rename Gulf of Oman to Gulf of Iran. Needless to mention also that India has never tried to rename Arabian Sea to Indian Sea. The fact that some Arab countries of the Persian Gulf are trying to rename this region is nothing new. Unfortunately for Arabs, not having a rich history and culture (evident by comparison between Persian scholars, scientists and philosophers to Arabs) has created a sense of insecurity! They can try calling it the whatever Gulf they like or call famous Persian scientists and philosphers as Arabs, but facts cannot be re-written!

We Persians support Arabs. Our culture is Arabic. We dress like Arabs, we learn the Arabic language, we have the Arabic religion, we pay homage to the Arabs by going to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. What Persian is left?

Posted by: Nooshin Coas on 02/24/08 at 5:32 AM  Respond

nooshin, you are free to say whatever you think about yourself but please don't give yourself enough right to talk on behalf of the whole nation. of course, sarcasm is clear from your comment but try to learn to comment on the issue and not try to address everything that you find problematic at once. but to emphasize again, speak on your behalf only and don't see yourself as the representative of the whole nation.
OMGGG sometimes i really just want to bang my head against the wall seeing so much ignorance and not realizing the consequences of one's ignorance.

and to comment about the Persian Gulf issue, i would like to just bring this quote:
"any change, destruction, or alteration of the names registered in
historical deeds and maps is like the destruction of ancient works and is considered as an
improper action. Therefore, the names of geographical features profiting from a unique
historical identity, should not be utilized as political instruments in reaching a political, tribal,
and racial objective, or in any clash with national interests and other's values ... The Persian Gulf is located in the southwest of the Asian Continent at 23 to 30 degrees
northern latitude and 48 to 56 degrees longitude on the south side of the vast country of Iran,
with a length of 1259 kilometer." from the the last UN Directive confirming the name of the Persian Gulf (reference ST/CS/SER.A/29/Add.2).

Posted by: elham on 02/25/08 at 9:19 AM  Respond

elham dool, you did not answer my question in my post.

Posted by: Nooshin Coas on 02/25/08 at 10:02 AM  Respond

That's simply rubbish Noushin! I serioiusly recommend that you read a little bit of history before commenting on such matters. That body of water has been called The Persian Gulf for long before any of the arab states on it's southern banks were established. There should be a limit for any struggle for identity when new states are born; part of which I suppose, must be to recognise and respect the undeniably evident and historically established names and identities of the neighbours who have always existed prior to their birth due to futuristic decisions of British intervention! Read some history my friend!

Posted by: Reza - UK on 03/05/08 at 2:06 AM  Respond

Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Google in the global Zionist/Neocon circle.
WE AS MID EASTERNS, AFRICAN, ASIANS, AND OTHER NON-ANGLO SAXONS MUST ESTABLISH OUR OWN SEARCH ENGINE CAPABILITIES FREE OF ENEMY'S HANDS. THE HELL W/GOOGLE AND ALL OTHERS WHO GIVE IN TO THE UGLY BLOOD THIRSTY AMERICAN/EUROPEAN/ZIONIST AGENDA.

Posted by: H. Foutouhi on 03/22/08 at 12:04 PM  Respond

First of all, the person who says Islam is Arab religion, obviously does not know anything about the Islamic religion. It's like saying Christianity is a European religion and nobody else can be Christian. Which is very idiotic thing to say.
Second, Iran and Persians have contributed to the Islamic religion and culture more than any other Arab countries have in the history (go study the truth).
If you call Persian Gulf, Arab G. You are are a person who does not read or does not know anything about history, or you are a person who, truth and integrity is not part of your character.

Regardless of political disagreement any country has with current government in Iran, you can not and should not compromise the facts and truth even it's not to your liking. That is a true sign of character and integrity. Be brave and admit it.

Posted by: saeed on 04/29/08 at 3:52 AM  Respond

Post a comment





 

RECENT COMMENTS

Google Earth Lands in Hot Water in (Surprise) the Middle East (13)
saeed wrote: First of all, the person who says Islam is Arab religion, ... [more]

White House Emails and The Case of the Missing BlackBerrys (1)
DaveD wrote: "We can only hope that this security breach has served as ... [more]

Rev. Wright: A Neverending Cross for Obama To Bear (17)
Douglas wrote: Excuse me? Talk about calumny. What exactly about what the... [more]

Nebraska Teacher Taken Out Of Classroom For Showing Iraq Documentary (38)
video izle wrote: thanks... [more]

Clapping Along With Bush at the White House Correspondents' Dinner (21)
barbara branham wrote: There is an unbelievable disconnect between the President'... [more]

"What Are We Going to Change To?" (4)
jacksmith wrote: DEBATE! DEBATE!! DEBATE!!! It's time for everyone to face... [more]

HRC Says Wright Would Not Be Her Pastor; So Who Would Be? (9)
Kathy O'Malley wrote: Hopefully, Sharlet's expose will get something going withi... [more]

In Open Letter, Journalists Slam ABC Debate (42)
harkin wrote: It's nice that Rev Wright put all these annoying questions... [more]

Congressman Hodes Calls for Investigation of "Independent" Military Analysts (11)
Michael L. Wagner wrote: I'm not good enough for this field, or, you've all gone so... [more]

Charlie Black, John McCain Aide and Super-Lobbyist (5)
Jack Soto M/GYSGT USMC RET. wrote: Mr.Black, I have been trying to locate U and Huckabee and ... [more]

XML RSS Feed

Powered by
Movable Type 3.33

Jail.org - Inmate Search
Criminal records, instant public records & people search & current court records. www.jail.org

U.S. Public Records Search
Search County & State Court Records, Criminal records, Vital and Adoption Records www.PublicRecordsInfo.com

Records.com - People Search
Public Records and Background Checks. Instantly Search Criminal Records, Addresses and Court Records www.Records.com

Court Records & County Records
Find Instant Public Records, Criminal Records as Well as County Property Records Search. www.PublicRecordsIndex.com

















bookIN PRINT

CLICK HERE
for more great reading

headphones IN TUNE
New music every issue

CLICK TO LISTEN


This article has been made possible by the Foundation for National Progress, the Investigative Fund of Mother Jones, and gifts from generous readers like you.

© 2008 The Foundation for National Progress

About Us   Support Us   Advertise   Ad Policy   Privacy Policy   Contact Us   Subscribe   RSS