Q&A with Washington Post reporter Peter Slevin

Slevin answers questions on journalism and reporting in Iraq

By Marissa Perlman

Peter Slevin, a reporter for the Washington Post, came to talk to the cherubs about his experience covering the war on terrorism. A graduate of Princeton University, Slevin moved on to become a reporter for The Miami Herald, a D.C. Superior Court reporter, and a national correspondent for The Washington Post, his current job. Slevin agreed to answer a few questions about his experiences via e-mail:

Why did you decide to report in Iraq?

I have not been in Iraq since 2003, when I spent a month there after Baghdad fell. Last year, my principal connection to the Iraq story was pieces I wrote about the importance of Iraq to the 2006 political campaigns and a long story about Lima Company, a Marine Reserve unit in Ohio, and its first year back home after a brutal tour in Anbar Province. With a war being fought in Iraq, one that has such vast implications for Iraqis, the Middle East and America's place in the world, there can never be too much coverage of its impact. More than four years into the war, the costs are only rising.

What is important for journalists to know when covering major news events?

That details and nuance count. It is important to remain clear, focused and analytical even as events are moving quickly and in unpredictable ways. Always try to keep the big picture in mind along with the details. If what you see differs from what is on CNN, report what you see. And, as ever, when in doubt, leave it out. You'll have a chance to confirm it for your next file.

What was your most memorable experience as a journalist covering the war?

I particularly remember a conversation with John Dyer as we visited the grave of his son at Arlington National Cemetery. And one with Jason Dominguez, a Capitol Hill staff member and Marine who talked about how the emotions just wouldn't come out when he visited the graves of his fallen comrades. Until one day, he just unexpectedly burst into tears and hugged the gravestone of a friend. The Marines came home from war, but they brought the war with them.

Did you like telling your experience to this years cherubs?

I enjoyed telling my stories to this year's cherubs, but even more, I enjoyed the smart comments and thoughtful questions I received in return.

What advice can you give to aspiring journalists?

Listen closely to the people you interview; if they pause, don't always jump in with another question, because they are likely to say more. Whenever possible, choose stories you care about, and however busy you are with what may seem like humdrum assignments, always have a big story you're chipping away at when you have a spare hour, even if it takes months. Those are the stories you and your readers/viewers/listeners will remember.