We have a very longstanding policy of not distributing material that is found to be offensive. These images have not met that standard.
We don't distribute content that is known to be offensive, with rare exceptions. This is not one of those exceptions. We made the decision in December and have looked at the issue again this week and reaffirmed that decision not to distribute.
It is not automatically safer for our Iraqi staff. It's not just because they're working for a Western news organization, but because they have a job with income coming in and that makes them vulnerable to kidnapping and ransom.
While it's true that power is being restored and schools are being painted and progress is being made
Information may become available in the days before an election that demands vigorous reporting. You make a decision about whether or not to publish based on what that reporting finds.
