Euphemism in Politics

http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/insidesyria/2012/03/2012318101438564912.html

Aljazeera is known as a mild neutral news agency that strongly attempts to show the two sides of things and it specifically chooses its words to show no form of major bias but rather a good description of the event. This article from the Aljazeera English news website talks about the ongoing conflict that is occurring in Syria and the actions that is taken by other countries. The main language that is being used with the quoted words in the title is a mixture of euphemistic/ sarcastic language. The phrase ‘Safe zone’ means in context of the article a sort of the ceasefire but in Syria itself. The Turkish government wants to set up a ‘buffer zone’ (also used in the article) across its border with Syria. The following quote truly explains the effect of using the words ‘Safe zone’ on the article’s meaning:

“The creation of a 'safe zone' or ‘humanitarian corridor’ would protect civilians but it is a move that would undoubtedly antagonise Bashar al-Assad, Syria's president, who was once Ankara’s trusted ally.”

The reasoning behind the choice of these words could be due to the neutral effect that Aljazeera wished to give the website visitors. Also if they did use the words humanitarian corridor it would give off another meaning. Also if the Turkish Government was to use that phrase instead of safe zone it would put the relationship between the countries in a more sour state. I wouldn’t personally say that the meaning behind the words would act as a lack of understanding, but it acts in other method where the meaning is clear but it is not being portrayed as vivdly as can be and this is quite obvious. This fog that is attempting to cover up a certain message doesn’t leave the reader that lost once they continue with reading the article as the message reveals itself gradually unlike other political euphemisms where the message never really is meant to be brought across.