AL JAZEERA VS. U.S.

The 24-hour Arabic news network Al Jazirah has a very intersting place in the scheme of current events in the Middle East. Since 1996, Al Jazirah has become the most popular Arab news network. It has been highly acclaimed by journalists around the world for its in-depth, quality journalism. Like all quality news stations, however, it is controversial--particularly for western governments and their Mid-East allies. Jordan and kuwait, for example, have banned Al Jazirah journalists from their territories.

Over and over, whenever we hear anything about a Bin Laden tape or a statement by Saddam Hussein, in the American news, Al Jazirah is the cited source. News about the war on Afghanistan depends heavily on Al Jazirah, since the Taliban doesn't allow western media crews into its territory and Al Jazirah is one of only two Arab news networks that are permitted access. As well, the network is particularly reknowned for its reporting of humanitarian conditions throughout the middle east--especially the plight of Palestinians. I wouldn't be surprised if Al Jazirah had a lot to do with putting Palestine on the international agenda.

Unlike the U.S media, they seem to give some historical context when reporting mid-east conflict. For example, they alway mention the fact that the U.S put Saddam Hussein in power and supported him in the early 80's--things that are absolutely NEVER mentioned in the American press.

We are already seeing a clash between Al Jazirah and the U.S in the current war on Iraq.The network did not exist during the first Gulf War. During the first 5 days of Gulf War II, however, Al Jazirah has already presented a challenge to the U.S: First by broadcasting Saddam Hussein's messages to the Iraqi people; second, by broadcasting vivid pictures of the Iraqi people who have been killed or injured by America's "shock and awe" campaign; third, by showing footage of the recent U.S and British prisoners of war, something about which U.S and British officials want to press 'embarrassment' charges; and fourth, by its coverage of the war on Afghanistan. In fact, U.S secretary of state Collin Powell sent a letter to the Qatar government, requesting that it sensor Al Jazirah--to no avail.

Rumsfeld has been talking about destroying all television and radio communication in Iraq. Al Jazirah is based in Qatar, however, and a shut-down of Iraqi television will not prevent everyone else in the Middle east --everyone else period--from knowing what is going on in Iraq. Next to budgeting and finishing the war on terrorism, Al Jazirah is just about the biggest problem the U.S has in the middle east.

By the way, Al Jazirah is available in the U.S through satellite T.V and an English version is due to come out on cable soon. The U.S government has recommended American businessmen to not advertise on this dangerous channel.

UPDATE: In protest of its coverage of the war, Al Jazeera has been banned by U.S officials from the New York Stock Exchange.