Posted on 11/23/2004 4:33:55 PM PST by jmc1969
DUBAI (AFP) - Iraqi Defence Minister Hazem Shaalan branded the popular Arabic-language satellite television Al-Jazeera a "channel of terrorism", in a newspaper interview.
That 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," 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 (news - web sites) 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 (news - web sites).
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.
(Excerpt) Read more at story.news.yahoo.com ...
Kudos to this brave man for telling it like it is.
I love the way Allawi, and now Shalaan, tell it like it is. They're sick of al Jazeera and I'm sensing that there may be some action following up these words. Here's hoping...
Yep. AJ is all terror, all the time. Hoping the Iraqi people are getting sick of it too.
I would bet they are. With the "masked gunmen" taking out Sunni anti-election clerics, I would be worried if I worked for al Jazeera. Definitely a different world over there...
There's hope for Iraq yet.
Good for him and real good for the Iraqi people to have some strong leaders showing a little backbone. Why AJ is allowed to transmit their propaganda is a real mystery to many.
Of course .
Al-Jazeera incites terrorism. The proof is in almost any viewing of the channel.
I still say al-scumzeerra needs a Cruise Missile in the door.
Al-Jazeera supports terrorism, besides ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC, and MSNBC.
Nice development. I always figured the US didn't take out AJ for politcal reasons. Much better if they are taken out by other Arabs. I hope we see some action behind those words.
I would bet they are. With the "masked gunmen" taking out Sunni anti-election clerics, I would be worried if I worked for al Jazeera. Definitely a different world over there...
I wonder, who are these "masked gunmen"? Keep at it, you are doing your country a favor, thank you!
LOL. My reaction too, and I feel a little guilty. Not a whole lot of due process, but then, what goes around comes around. My only fear is that the Sunni clerics are being targeted to foment some civil unrest. If not--i.e. it is part of the struggle for freedom taking out those seeking to defeat Iraqi self rule--then the clerics can make their choice on whose side they are on. As to the Sunnis generally not wanting elections, that's a load of Barbra Streisand. Check out this thread, from Al-Reuters no less: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1286981/posts
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