The assassination of Turkish-Armenian writer Hrant Dink is being universally portrayed as ethnic strife, a political act by Turkish nationalists against an Armenian critic.

Call me Mr. Suspicious, but when I see the entire media monolith pushing an idea like that with so much enthusiasm, I start looking for the real explanation.

And the real explanation, as with so many of these media smokescreens, is jihad. Turkish-Armenian editor shot dead in Istanbul. (Hat tip: Paul.)

NTV television said Dink had been shot three times in the head and neck.

Muharrem Gozutok, a restaurant owner near the newspaper, said the assailant looked about 20, wore jeans and a cap and shouted “I shot the non-Muslim” as he left the scene.

This little piece of essential information is now being excised from all wire service and media reports.

You won’t find it in the latest version of the Reuters report above: Turkish-Armenian editor shot dead in Istanbul.

You won’t find it in the Associated Press version: Turkey Shocked by Slaying of Journalist.

You won’t find it at CNN: Journalist’s killing shocks Turkey.

You won’t find it in the Washington Post: Outspoken Editor Is Slain in Turkey.

You won’t find it in the Los Angeles Times: Journalist slain in Turkey.

And you sure won’t find it in the New York Times: Armenian Editor Is Slain in Turkey.

A video grab released by Turkish police shows an image of a man suspected of killing journalist Hrant Dink, one of Turkey’s most prominent ethnic Armenians, as the government came under fire for failing to protect him despite nationalist threats.

UPDATE at 1/20/07 11:35:18 am:

You will find it in the UK’s Telegraph, which also provides a slightly better translation: Turkish journalist who spoke up for Armenians is shot dead in the street.

Witnesses said the assailant was a teenager wearing a white cap and jeans. “He shouted ‘I shot the infidel’ as he ran away,” said Muharrem Gozutok, a restaurant owner.