Google Earth Lands in Hot Water in (Surprise) the Middle East
| Wed Feb. 13, 2008 3:56 PM PST
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:
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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
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"?
Submitted by Mossadegh Project (not verified) on Wed Feb. 20, 2008 8:51 PM PST.
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.
Submitted by Saeed Tasbihsazan (not verified) on Sun Feb. 24, 2008 4:35 AM PST.
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!
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).
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!
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.
Let's see Mr. /Ms. H.
Submitted by Aryo (not verified) on Thu Mar. 12, 2009 2:32 AM PDT.
Let's see Mr. /Ms. H. Foutouhi: it is the Arabs who try to rename the Persian Gulf, not Israel nor the U.S.A. The Israeli and the U.S. media has always referred to the Persian Gulf consequently as PERSIAN Gulf. The same Arabs have always been Israel’s enemy. Nevertheless you accuse Israel of pulling the strings behind the Google Earth action? Well, if we Iranians hadn't been that confused and illogical, our country wouldn't be in the hand of such a regime.
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.
I have one comment and one suggestion. I appreciate if we Iranians take the suggestion serious.
1. comment: I find it very difficult to justify a new so called "international (= West) policy" toward the middle east in many occasions. Namely: We poor middle eastern have to bother ourselves that the claims made by US (or EU for that matter) in many recent cases are not true. In former days and in logic usually one who claims needs to bring a rigorous proof and not the one who is accused.
2. Suggestion: Instead of begging Google and others to change the name to what it should be, we should stand strongly and open a legal file in (UN, for example) court against google.
Is there any Iranian lawyer in US who is going to do this?
It is a difficult situation for some Iranians like me, who have to fight Mullahs in Iran for very simple rights as well as National geographic and Google, and perhaps later other companies .... for even more simpler rights... we are from both sides frustrated!!!
Dear Nooshin,
You have noticed some facts (out of context anyway).
There is lot to say about your comment. In short: your information is correct, but your conclusion is not.
Things can have something shared without changing the very heart of their identities.
In fact if you travel to some of the middle eastern countries you will see in a crystal clear way that the iranian (or persian) influence on Arabs is much more that Arab influence on Iranians.
Let me give you some example:
1. It was in Iran, that analytic philosophy of Islam was born and practiced. The so called "sarf and Nahw", i.e the foundation and framework of Arabic language is simply work of Iranians. The best Tafsirs of quran are Almizan and Tabari both Iranian.
2. It was in Iran that Islam got its way into art in a breathtaking way: look at Masques in Isfahan and in other Arab countries. Believe it or not, Mosques in Isfahan are simply master piece of arts and in Arab countries only a poor house.
3. It was in Iran that Islam was used an excuse for fundamental research: Avecina in medicine, Khayam in Mathe, birooni in astronomy, ...
In short, Iranians took Islam, persionized it and enjoyed it.
Thats why Arab countries (sadamm hossein and abdul naser) in their pan/arab movements we afraid of Iran more than any other nightmare.
Be proud of your Iranian background.
So nooshin, Don't practice Islam as a religion (as you like), but enjoy its persian form.
I am open to disscusion.
Submitted by 中古ビデオ (not verified) on Thu Oct. 23, 2008 8:45 PM PDT.
Very nice article! Thanks for this!
