Should the BBC call Islamic State terrorists?

THE BBC is completely wrong in giving the ‘so-called IS’ legitimacy and credibility by referring to ‘Islamic militants’. Most armies have a code of conduct and endeavour not to harm civilians, especially women and children. IS has no such qualms: it creates terror deliberately by targeting civilians. This is to instil fear in both its supporters and opponents with its savage medieval slaughter. To be considered a ‘state’, it should have the support and recognition of other legitimate states. It is not a state; its members are ‘terrorists’ and should be recognised as such.

BILL WESTSMITH, Cobham, Surrey. THE BBC has exposed its own hypocrisy by citing impartiality to justify whitewashing Islamic state terrorists. after all, the BBC itself showed no interest in impartiality last November when its executives secretly dined with ed Miliband, who told them he wanted to ‘weaponise the NHs’. Or when, from January onwards, it duly broadcast a campaign of NHs-related antiGovernment propaganda — proof of collusion with Labour at the highest levels of the Corporation.

STEVEN R. HARVEY, Cheadle Hulme, Cheshire. THERE has been some misinterpretation of the BBC’s position on the so-called ‘Islamic State’. We have used the name ‘Islamic State’ with a qualifier such as ‘so-called’, and the same terminology has been used by the majority of the British media and many politicians. Suggesting that the BBC wants to be fair to the so-called ‘Islamic State’ distorts the truth. Our aim, as always, is to report accurately and report the facts — nothing else. The BBC has at its cornerstone a commitment to democracy and its pillars. The BBC is no friend of authoritarian repression anywhere in the world and our history shows it. DAVID JORDAN, Director, BBC Editorial

Policy and Standards, London W1.