Watching Al-Jazeera English in India: Dominance of US-UK in media may get a challenge, as channel brings fresh perspective

AL JAZEERA

For the last couple of days I have been watching Al-Jazeera's recently launched English news channel and I am really impressed.

It is not available in India but the news capsule is available on their website or you can go through this LINK FOR their LIVE STREAM directly.

Seems the channel is not welcome in America. The channel has been launched worldwide but is not available on Echostar's dishnetwork or any other major US cable or satellite network.

Agreed that Bush administration doesn't like the channel but why corporate America is against it. New York Times wrote that it's a shame that Americans couldn't watch it. The news channel is known to unbiased and for its reporters' courage in covering wars from conflict zones.

Its journalists are already getting known for their professionalism. Tony Blair's interview and admission of failure in Iraq has been a good start for the channel. Most newspapers agreed that it's presentation was standard and at par with the best in the world.

END TO EMBEDDED JOURNALISM

People call it as end of western dominance of global news space. But surely Europeans and US citizens can get the other side of story also. The world has just got another quality news channel with a different perspective and agenda than the CNN, FOX et al.

Many journalists working for the channel have lost their lives, while covering the news. Such is their dedication! Will my cable guy show it? It is Rajat Sharma's India TV that shows a 15-30 minute news clip [in Urdu] in the evening. 

Recently, reports have suggested that Indian government has allowed the Qatar-based TV channel to broadcast in India also. One hopes that we'll soon be getting the channel here also. At least, this will raise the bar, and our Indian channels will stop presenting Bollywood trivia, and start focusing on hard news & issues.

Chavez : USA is like Count Dracula hunting for Blood & Petrol, compares Israel to Hitler

Venezuela President Hugo Chavez has recently said:

1. United States of America is like Count Dracula always is search of blood and Petrol.

2. Israel is doing what Hitler did to Jews.

3. My heart beats with millions of Arab hearts

4. I could have been an Arab. I have crossed deserts, I have ridden camels, and I have sung along with the Bedouin. 

I have learned in those years to love and respect the Arab people

5. I consider Al-Jazeera as a great liberator

All this must have come as music to Arab ears. 

Chavez, whose stature has grown fast over the years as a flagbearer of American imperialism,

His statements and his politics suggest that he is an heir apparent to Latin America after the ageing Fidel Castro. He has irked Israel with his interview that was telecast on Al-Jazeera. Venezuela has already pulled up its envoy from Israel and the latter has also temporarily called its ambassador.

Now contrast it with what the Arab monarchs and 'leaders' of Middle-East like Hosni Mubarak. No wonder in 'chaai-Khaanas' you hear such harsh taunts on Arab leaders and even Arab populace.

Saudi nahiiN Yahudi kahiye, that is the statement I have heard so often lately. Comparing Saudis (read monarchs) to Zionists reflect the anger and frustration at these undemocratic states and their consistent failure to diffuse any crisis in middle east. 

The similar knee-jerk reactions, calls for Arab league summit, emergency meetings, urging UN for action and the same dithering response every time. A neighbour quoted an Urdu couplet that is not quotable at all.

Of course, Muslim world must realise that it is not when Palestinians and Lebanese are suffering that they should temporarily feel angry at the Arab leaders. Otherwise also there are tremendous contradictions in the conduct of Arab states and their leaders.

At least such conflicts can open the eyes of people. The lesson drawn is that dozens of 'Muslim' states together can't stop this injustice to their fellow Muslims. And it's a Chavez who bats for them. The parameters should be justice and injustice. Arabs need real reforms and their leaders should stop their absurd theatrics.