MUSCAT, 24 February 2004 — For more than a decade, the Arabs, from the ocean to the Gulf, have been waiting with eagerness and patience for the promised Arabic television channel, with the Western audience in mind. The channel was to portray the true image of the Arabs, focusing on their rich traditions, noble values and great traits of love, compassion and tolerance. That was to correct the wrong impressions created by the Zionist media that have, through systematic disinformation and distortion, maligned the image of the Arabs in the West and the US by linking them with violence, terrorism and all that is bad.
This lofty vision has raised the expectation of the Arab people who hoped and prayed that the promised channel would materialize soon. And they have been waiting all these years for the fulfillment of this beautiful dream right from word go pronounced a decade ago.
The project had the support and goodwill of each and every Arab. The Arab immigrants all over the globe, who have been subjected to racial discrimination and abuse as a result of the evil work done by the Zionist media to create a repulsive picture of them in the minds of the people in the West, welcomed the project wholeheartedly.
The Arab information ministers and officials have held many meetings to study, discuss and review comprehensively the project and the plans. On all levels there had been unanimity on the importance of the channel. Many decisions were taken to speed up the preliminary steps for the launch of the promised channel as early as possible.
In spite of all that, the project remains stillborn; all the plans remain on paper.
And then came the bolt from the blue, on Feb. 14, 2004, an Arabic channel made its way into Arab homes.
Al-Hurra, funded by the United States of America, targets the Arab population and aims at improving America’s image in the Arab world. Through well-conceived programs and use of highly sophisticated techniques, Al-Hurra explains US ideas and tries to get the Arabs agree to its viewpoint.
Since Sept. 11, 2001, the US has been convinced of an urgent need for an Arabic television channel directed at the Arab world to popularize American views and thinking among the Arabs and to improve its image.
The matter was of strategic importance to the Americans and, practical as they are, they did not waste any time. Decisions were taken quickly, and their implementation was double-quick. On the other hand, all that the Arabs were doing was just talking about the significance of the promised channel and taking one decision after another.
The American channel has all its needs to reach out to its targets: The latest technology and highly qualified and trained staff. Its varied programs are beamed to implement a well-thought-out plan.
We all know that the US spares no efforts or resources, material or moral, in fulfilling its strategic goals. Seldom does it waste time in taking the appropriate steps to implement its plans. No doubt, collective serious work produces results whereas mere talk and meetings do not. The pity is that the Arabs do not lack resources to launch the channel. Money is no problem; nor are qualified, English-speaking journalists.
What we lack is the resolve and the ability to be quick, practical and result-oriented.
When will the promised Arabic channel be launched? Will the launch of Al-Hurra encourage the Arabs to accelerate the implementation of the vital project?
— Essa bin Mohammed Al-Zedjali is the editor in chief of the Times of Oman.
