LEFT BIAS
These media sources are moderately to strongly biased toward liberal causes through story selection and/or political affiliation. They may utilize strong loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by using appeal to emotion or stereotypes), publish misleading reports, and omit information that may damage liberal causes. Some sources in this category may be untrustworthy. See all Left Bias sources.
- Overall, we rate ANF English as left-biased due to its pro-Kurdish stance and consistent framing in favor of Kurdish political movements. We rate its reporting as Factually Mixed as it cites credible sources at times but relies heavily on internal reporting and selective framing, often lacking independent verification of claims. Additionally, its funding sources are undisclosed, limiting transparency.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEFT (-7.8)
Factual Reporting: MIXED (4.8)
Country: Netherlands
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rank: EXCELLENT
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: Minimal Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: MEDIUM CREDIBILITY
History
ANF English Mobile (ANF News) is the English-language version of the Firat News Agency (ANF), a Kurdish news organization established in 2005. It focuses on Kurdish affairs, Middle Eastern conflicts, and political developments in Kurdistan, Rojava-Syria, and beyond. The agency operates under Stichting Persbureau Eufraat, a media organization based in Heerlen, Netherlands. ANF publishes in multiple languages, including Kurdish, Turkish, English, Arabic, German, Spanish, Russian, and Persian.
Read our profile on the Netherlands government and media.
Funded by / Ownership
Stichting Persbureau Eufraat operates ANF, registered in the Netherlands. The organization does not disclose specific funding sources, but it is widely reported to be aligned with Kurdish nationalist movements. Due to its alleged affiliations with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), its website has been blocked multiple times in Turkey. ANF English Mobile does not operate a subscription model, and specific details about its funding sources are not publicly disclosed.
Analysis / Bias
ANF English Mobile focuses on Kurdish and Middle Eastern affairs, covering topics such as Kurdistan, Rojava-Syria, human rights, freedom of the press, local elections, and ecology. The site’s coverage centers on Kurdish nationalist movements, democratic autonomy, and opposition to Turkish government policies. Articles frequently highlight Kurdish political struggles, military activities, and governance in self-administered Kurdish regions, particularly in Rojava (northern Syria).
For example, the article “Abdullah Ocalan’s isolation may be coming to an end”—originally published by Jacobin —frames Ocalan’s potential re-engagement as a significant political development. The language suggests that ending his isolation could shift Kurdish politics, reinforcing the view that Ocalan remains a central figure in the Kurdish movement.
Similarly, the article “Arab guerrilla Sivan Heseke: The democratic nation benefits all peoples” uses an interview format to promote the concept of a democratic nation, a key ideological framework of Kurdish-led governance in Rojava. The piece presents Kurdish militant perspectives as universally beneficial, reinforcing the site’s broader pro-Kurdish stance.
Additionally, the article “Turkey plunders nature in Kurdistan” accuses Turkey of environmental destruction in Kurdish regions, supporting its claims with a video by journalist Çınar Göktaş. While the footage documents deforestation and land degradation, the article does not cite independent environmental reports or external verification. This reliance on internal sources is consistent with ANF’s broader approach of prioritizing Kurdish perspectives while often omitting counterpoints.
To sum it up, ANF English provides news through a pro-Kurdish, left-nationalist lens, often using selective framing to highlight Kurdish struggles and opposition to the Turkish government. While it cites external sources in some cases, its coverage tends to reinforce narratives favorable to Kurdish political movements and self-governance.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years.
Overall, we rate ANF English as left-biased due to its pro-Kurdish stance and consistent framing in favor of Kurdish political movements. We rate its reporting as Factually Mixed as it cites credible sources at times but relies heavily on internal reporting and selective framing, often lacking independent verification of claims. Additionally, its funding sources are undisclosed, limiting transparency. (M. Huitsing 02/06/2025)
Source: https://anfenglishmobile.com/
Last Updated on February 6, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check
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