The Triumph The Bush Al-Jazeera Doctrine

Well, after my desperate panic a few days ago, worrying that I might have to give up my irrational Bush hatred, I'm pleased to announce that some Arab observers are saying the recent round of mildly pro-democratic movements around the middle east has little to do with Bush. Rather, the crucial factor is the existence of independent satellite television networks, most especially the much-hated (by the US right, anyway) Al-Jazeera.

(Dons Communications Student Hat)

It's probably obvious, but the impact of an independent media is inherently destabilizing for autocracies. There are usually two responses to this: Shut down the media, or start up your own, usually less independent media. Arab regimes have tried both of these tactics, with little success. Al-Arabiya, started by the Saudi royal family, is often seen in the US as a more moderate voice in Arab TV. Al-Arabiya was founded as a reaction to Jazeera's strident criticism of the Saudi royal family, and is widely seen as a mouthpiece for the Saudis, and through them the US. The directly US-funded TV network, Al-Hurra, is basically a joke. For a quick review of Arab media, check out the Angry Arab.

One fact that often gets overlooked in the hysterical criticism of Al-Jazeera is the fact that it was founded by ex-BBC journalists given a guarantee of independence by the Qatari royal family. These people may say things we don't like, but they aren't paparazzi. These are pros, and if they are criticizing the US, we should at least listen to what they have to say.