It is now common practice for Qatari-based Al-Jazeera to broadcast material that is harmful to our country, perhaps to the government, perhaps to the people. Tendentious material and lies, however, will cause no harm because they originate from people with sick souls and envious hearts.
If such are the motives of the broadcasters, what makes our own people flock to Al-Jazeera and join its campaigns though they know very well its position toward the Kingdom and its people? Why do Saudis agree to appear on this channel knowing very well that its broadcasters only want them to criticize their country’s policies and its people?
Those individuals who preach moderation and claim to represent Saudi public opinion, such as Dr. Mohsen Al-Awaji who recently appeared on the channel, seem to me to be using this as a cover for concealing their own personal motives. All they seek is popularity.
Who gave Dr. Al-Awaji the authority to represent the Saudi people and speak on their behalf on a channel that seeks to discredit the Saudi people and their country?
To add insult to injury, the guest did not object to the repeated insults and humiliations directed against him by the program host who described Dr. Al-Awaji and his colleagues who joined in the discussion as “ex-convicts.” Some guests even said they wanted the interview to be translated into English so more people could hear what was said.
I call on those who keep running to Al-Jazeera to be cautious and stay away from it if they want to preserve their dignity. All this channel wants from Saudis is to make them speak against their country and people.
28 July 2002
