Thursday, November 15, 2007

AlJazeera is now officially avoiding any news that would upset Arab governments. They still air reports that may upset US government, like a report on the rise of attacks on African-Americans in New York City (Khalid Dawud did an excellent report, by the way). But there is a marked change. No news of dissent or oppression from Saudi Arabia anymore. AlArabiya continues its policy of reflecting the news preferences of the royal family: like critical reports on Iran, Syria, and Libya, but not on any other Arab countries. Week after week, its news shows cover stories that are not likely to disturb Arab regimes. I knew that this would happen; I was hoping for an eternal Saudi-Qatari conflict.