Discipline and Publish According to a “Western Diplomat.” Brenda. “Editors Suck." The Ray Bonner Effect

Beyond deep background and background, there is “on the record.” Few journalists are granted this right to direct attribution and, once again, only on a quote by quote basis. The Embassy staffers reserve the right to choose which statements will actually be attributed to themselves. It is uncommon for a journalist outside the most trusted circle of A Team reporters to be accorded the privilege of directly quoting an interviewed Embassy official.