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Shakeup at Al-Jazeera: Qatar makes changes under pressure from U.S.
From Geostrategy-Direct
Washington has pressed Qatar’s ruling family, which sponsored Al-Jazeera, to make major changes at the news channel. Sources at the station said Qatar’s ruling family has quietly reshuffled the station’s board of directors and senior staffers. The goal is to satisfy the United States that Al-Jazeera was being released from its stranglehold by Al Qaida sympathizers. For years, the satellite channel has served as a mouthpiece for Al Qaida. At one point in 2002 it passed messages between Osama Bin Laden and his supporters. Here are some of the changes: Al-Jazeera’s top correspondent, Taysir Alouni, regarded as liaison with Al Qaida, is out — detained in Spain on terrorism charges.
Add that to your resume, Taysir.
Qasim Jaafar, regarded as a professional journalist with no ties to Al Qaida or related groups, is in.
Yvonne Ridley is out, too, but that’s another story.
Decided to hire somebody who can spell, huh?
The Qatari ruling family is treading cautiously. Al-Jazeera has been under the heavy influence of Sheik Yusef Qardawi, the Godfather of Terrorism most charismatic cleric in the Gulf and a fixture on the channel. Qardawi has been a star with his railing against Israel, the United States and endorsement of jihad. Qardawi was said to have brought in many of the pro-Al Qaida staffers and board members. The ruling family does not want to turn the sheik into an enemy.
Instead, he should be turned into a grease spot on the L&N.
Meanwhile, the U.S. plans to launch its own competition to A-Jazeera satellite television. Details have not been announced.
Al-Limbaugh? Sorry, couldn’t help it.
They'd love al-Rantburg...

Posted by: Alaska Paul 2003-12-10
http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=22511