BRUSSELS, Belgium - More than 100 journalists have been killed since January, making 2004 the most deadly year for journalists in a decade, an international media rights group said.

The slayings of three journalists in recent days in Ivory Coast, Nicaragua and the Philippines pushed this year's total to 101, the International Federation of Journalists said Friday.

"2004 is turning out to be one of the most bloody years on record," said Aidan White, the federation's general secretary. "The crisis of news safety has reached an intolerable level and must be addressed urgently."

This is a very horrible story because if you will remember Wolfowitz had this to say about the press:

"Frankly, part of our problem is a lot of the press are afraid to travel very much, so they sit in Baghdad and they publish rumors."

Paul Wolfowitz is basically accusing journalists of cowardice.

That sent the journalistic communty into an uproar which forced Wolfowitz to write this letter:

I want to extend an apology...Unfortunately, in meaning to convey my frustration about the erronenous coverage of one particular story, the statement I made came out much differently than I intended. I understand well the enormous dangers that you face, and want to restate my admiration for your professionalism, dedication, and, yes, courage. I pray that you all return safely.”

I wonder if he'll accuse the media of making this story up: Police Lose Control of Mosul Amid Uprising