Marwan Bishara has a good piece in the IHT on al Hurra. He hits on some of the major points that I've made repeatedly. He notes that al Hurra will not likely have credibility, and he points out two basic problems with the American approach: "The rationale behind Al Hurra is based on two erroneous assumptions: that satellite networks are responsible for the anti-Americanism in the Arab world and that once America is more clearly heard, it will be more appreciated."
On the former point, it's worth remembering that the rise of the satellite stations like al Jazeera to a dominant position predated the sudden collapse of public support for the US, and that the sharp turn against the US took place all over the world. It doesn't seem likely that al Jazeera is to blame for anti-American sentiment in Europe, Latin America, or Asia. But Bishara is really more concerned with the second point.
Bishara points out that moderates - of which he is one - are just as critical of American foreign policy as are the radicals. And he notes that al Jazeera and other Arab satellites have broadcast more Bush administration speeches than CNN or the BBC - an absence of American voices just isn't the problem.
He also makes this interesting observation: "Contrary to the U.S. government's claims, Pan-Arab satellite television channels have a moderating influence on Arab public opinion. Studies have shown that those who watch Al Jazeera and its competitors are less focused on the question of Palestine - an issue that generally galvanizes sentiments against America in the region - than those who don't. On the other hand, if America would resolve the question of Palestine it could gain a 60 percent favorable rating in the Arab world."
Not much more to add - just a good article.
Comments