Posted on 11/23/2004 1:35:29 PM PST by Oldeconomybuyer
IRAQI Defence Minister Hazem Shaalan branded the popular Arabic-language satellite television Al-Jazeera a "channel of terrorism", in a newspaper interview published today.
The comment brought a sharp reaction from the broadcaster, which expressed its "utter outrage" at what it said was an "unsubstantiated allegation".
"Al-Jazeera is a channel of terrorism. That is clear and we say openly and without hesitation: Al-Jazeera is a channel of terrorism," Mr Shaalan was quoted by the London-based Arabic newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat as saying.
The Qatar-based station, which has been banned from reporting in Iraq since early August, has frequently been accused by US and Iraqi authorities of inciting violence by screening "exclusive" videotapes from Islamic militants, including al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.
Despite the ban, the 24-hour news channel is often first to announce breaking news from the war-ravaged country, including kidnappings and beheadings of foreign hostages as well as statements from militant groups.
Mr Shaalan charged that Iraqi "terrorist" Omar Hadeed, who he alleged has links to al-Qaeda, is a brother of Al-Jazeera's office director in Iraq, Hamed Hadeed.
He also said the journalist was receiving videos showing beheadings in the restive Iraqi city of Fallujah from his brother.
Al-Jazeera has denied that its Iraq director has any relationship with Omar Hadeed.
Asharq Al-Awsat reported on Saturday that Omar Hadeed is a former bodyguard of Saddam Hussein and a top aide to Iraq's most wanted man, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, and that he led the battle against US and Iraqi forces in Fallujah.
"We consider him a terrorist for attacking and killing national guard forces as well as multinational forces," Mr Shaalan said.
About 10,000 US troops, backed by 2,000 Iraqi forces, launched an assault on Fallujah on November 8 to wrest control of the city from rebels.
"Let God curse all those who terrorise Iraqi citizens and children of Iraq, be they journalists or others. The day will come when we will take (measures) against Al-Jazeera other than by words," the minister warned.
He said the channel continues to operate in Iraq "secretly, in contravention of the law".
In its response today, Al-Jazeera expressed its "deep concern about these allegations that are tantamount to inciting violence against the channel's employees".
"Consequently, the channel has initiated a process in which these claims are looked at from a legal perspective, with a view to ensuring the safety of its people, in addition to safeguarding its reputation.
"While Al-Jazeera channel is dismayed with this smear campaign, it nevertheless asserts that the only judge of its professional integrity is the millions of people around the world who look upon it as the news source of choice."
Al-Jazeera, which vies for the Arab audience with its Dubai-based rival Al-Arabiya, is highly popular among viewers but has irked many governments in the region for tackling political, social and at times sexual issues, previously regarded as taboo.
Agence France-Presse
Does that mean Air Strikes are now cleared for takeoff?
Seriously, I think this is becomeing the only option left.
We know the owner of this station, an where he lives. One bomb in Kadafi's tent was all it took to change his mind. Maybe it will work again.
Way to go, Mr. Shaalan! That's al Jazeera on the point of a pin. The new Iraq is definitely going to be a forse terrorists do NOT want to reckon with.
I've been saying since the invasion of Afghanistan that we should have bombed Al-Jazeera off the air. they are the equivalent of WWII's Axis Sally and Tokyo Rose. The Iraqui minister has got it right- Al Jazeera is Al-Queda's propaganda arm.
I say we send them a TNT Christmas card, pronto!
Lotsa those current Iraqi leaders are sporting a brass pair, especially Allawi. All the more reason that John Kerry and Jon Bonet Edwards are to be condemned for their pitiful, hissyfit comments after Allawi's speech to the US Congress (which both of those pantywaists skipped).
"While Al-Jazeera channel is dismayed with this smear campaign, it nevertheless asserts that the only judge of its professional integrity is the millions of people around the world who look upon it as the news source of choice."
In other words, as long as the terrorists and fanatics read us we'll continue to be terrorists and fanatics.
Maybe because they just rent satellite time from some "innocent" third party... /sarcasm...
You would think it wouldn't be too awful hard to find someone to car bomb them.
NO.
As reported here in FR a year ago, Al Jazeera was hacked by someone inside the USA. Al Jazeera complained to the US Government and the FBI busted the kid.
Does that tell you that Jamie Gorlick is still pulling strings?
The new channel is called "Al-Fayam," or something like that. (maybe "Al-Fox-em?" haha)
a well-timed EMP pule over Qatar would take care of this for them
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/877444/posts
I can't find the thread on the arrest though.
I like the sound of that!
I realize Bush has to be diplomatic, but I would still like to have heard these words from his mouth. Go Allawi!
Was the first clue the six Al-Jazeera reporters and producers that were arrested for ties to Al-Quaeda?
They must have made their outrage known after "The Beheading Of The Week" show.
I find it very suspicious when Al-Jazeera is the
first and only news organization on the scene of an ambush
or attack against the Marines.They represent part of
the terrorist PR Dept.
God bless the USA!
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