Evening Standard: How London's Arab Papers Reported 9/11
The capital's many Islamic journalists were quick to offer condolences over the twin towers atrocity - but now they're asking questions, reports David Rowan
LONDON has long been the world's capital for Arabic media, though its heyday may be ending. Today, in Acton or Ealing, between 800 and 1,000 journalists interpret the world for papers such as Al Hayat and satellite broadcasters including MBC (Middle East Broadcasting Company).
This week, of course, there's been just one story. In all the London-based papers - six daily broadsheets, and four magazines the tone has been remarkably consistent. However unpopular US foreign policy in the Middle East, you will search in vain for attempts to justify the terrorists' acts. The leader in last Wednesday's Al-Arab, signed by the editor-in-chief, Haj Ahmed El-Houni, is typical of the sympathetic line.
'What took place was a heinous crime, an appalling piracy and terrorism,' he wrote. 'We pray to God to expose those brutes who did not consider the consequences.'
The papers are full of expressions of regret that so many have died, and columnists cautiously accept Washington's right to a 'civilised' response. They do, however, suggest that America should itself reflect. 'Such acts do not serve any cause, no matter how just,' wrote Al-Quds Al-Arabi, which frequently reflects Palestinian and Iraqi viewpoints. 'But we call upon American citizens to ask, why among all the embassies, buildings and defence establishments of the Western powers, it is theirs that are targeted.'
In the Hammersmith offices of Al Hayat, a leading Saudiowned newspaper, the mood has similarly been one of measured reflection. 'We've reported the great deal of condemnation coming from the Arab world, and are now asking questions,' explained Abrahim Khayat, a senior reporter. 'We're reminding the US that we share their sorrow. But we're also reminding the US government - not Americans themselves - that it has never shared our sorrow about the Arabs' treatment in the Middle East.' Al Hayat is also warning of the backlash that could follow a brutal American response.
The paper has experience of terrorism: in January 1997, two letter bombs exploded in the London office. This week, staff received abusive emails. 'We're not making a fuss,' said Mr Khayat. 'People are a bit angry, but it will go away. We're in a free country.'
This freedom of expression is one of the reasons London has become such a focus for pan-Arab journalism. 'You don't get the hassle of operating somewhere like Egypt, with the police knocking on your door because you said something uncomfortable,' said a senior journalist at MBC, which has 50 journalists in London. But others question just how free the papers' journalists really are.
Hisham Aldiwan, editor-in-chief of the political weekly Al-Mushahid Assiyasi, points out that each paper is backed by one or more Arab governments, whether Saudi Arabia, Qatar or Libya: 'No one can be employed unless they're acceptable to those governments,' he said. 'They want 'Agents' rather than journalists - you say what they want you to say.' Mr Aldiwan suggests that each of the papers is simply a front for its own backer's propaganda, and this is why none dares criticise America currently.
Certainly, the economics suggest that the papers' survival relies on outside backing. Most sell just a few thousand abroad, perhaps hundreds in Britain, and advertising is minimal. Some papers are estimated to need £20 million in annual subsidies.
The journalists themselves deny that they follow any official line. 'News is news - it's not for us to interpret it,' said a senior journalist at MBC. 'If you want to deliver propaganda, go to Hyde Park Corner.'
This week, the station's foreign-news agenda has not differed greatly from the BBC's. Still, after 10 years in London, the station is about to move to Dubai. 'There's no reason to stay - London was once a safe haven, but the Arab world has changed profoundly since 1991,' the journalist said.
Hisham Aldiwan believes that the papers will also scale back their London operations. After the Gulf War, the papers were useful in restoring a political order. 'Since then, they've got their message over.'
(Evening Standard, September 19 2001)
LONDON has long been the world's capital for Arabic media, though its heyday may be ending. Today, in Acton or Ealing, between 800 and 1,000 journalists interpret the world for papers such as Al Hayat and satellite broadcasters including MBC (Middle East Broadcasting Company).
This week, of course, there's been just one story. In all the London-based papers - six daily broadsheets, and four magazines the tone has been remarkably consistent. However unpopular US foreign policy in the Middle East, you will search in vain for attempts to justify the terrorists' acts. The leader in last Wednesday's Al-Arab, signed by the editor-in-chief, Haj Ahmed El-Houni, is typical of the sympathetic line.
'What took place was a heinous crime, an appalling piracy and terrorism,' he wrote. 'We pray to God to expose those brutes who did not consider the consequences.'
The papers are full of expressions of regret that so many have died, and columnists cautiously accept Washington's right to a 'civilised' response. They do, however, suggest that America should itself reflect. 'Such acts do not serve any cause, no matter how just,' wrote Al-Quds Al-Arabi, which frequently reflects Palestinian and Iraqi viewpoints. 'But we call upon American citizens to ask, why among all the embassies, buildings and defence establishments of the Western powers, it is theirs that are targeted.'
In the Hammersmith offices of Al Hayat, a leading Saudiowned newspaper, the mood has similarly been one of measured reflection. 'We've reported the great deal of condemnation coming from the Arab world, and are now asking questions,' explained Abrahim Khayat, a senior reporter. 'We're reminding the US that we share their sorrow. But we're also reminding the US government - not Americans themselves - that it has never shared our sorrow about the Arabs' treatment in the Middle East.' Al Hayat is also warning of the backlash that could follow a brutal American response.
The paper has experience of terrorism: in January 1997, two letter bombs exploded in the London office. This week, staff received abusive emails. 'We're not making a fuss,' said Mr Khayat. 'People are a bit angry, but it will go away. We're in a free country.'
This freedom of expression is one of the reasons London has become such a focus for pan-Arab journalism. 'You don't get the hassle of operating somewhere like Egypt, with the police knocking on your door because you said something uncomfortable,' said a senior journalist at MBC, which has 50 journalists in London. But others question just how free the papers' journalists really are.
Hisham Aldiwan, editor-in-chief of the political weekly Al-Mushahid Assiyasi, points out that each paper is backed by one or more Arab governments, whether Saudi Arabia, Qatar or Libya: 'No one can be employed unless they're acceptable to those governments,' he said. 'They want 'Agents' rather than journalists - you say what they want you to say.' Mr Aldiwan suggests that each of the papers is simply a front for its own backer's propaganda, and this is why none dares criticise America currently.
Certainly, the economics suggest that the papers' survival relies on outside backing. Most sell just a few thousand abroad, perhaps hundreds in Britain, and advertising is minimal. Some papers are estimated to need £20 million in annual subsidies.
The journalists themselves deny that they follow any official line. 'News is news - it's not for us to interpret it,' said a senior journalist at MBC. 'If you want to deliver propaganda, go to Hyde Park Corner.'
This week, the station's foreign-news agenda has not differed greatly from the BBC's. Still, after 10 years in London, the station is about to move to Dubai. 'There's no reason to stay - London was once a safe haven, but the Arab world has changed profoundly since 1991,' the journalist said.
Hisham Aldiwan believes that the papers will also scale back their London operations. After the Gulf War, the papers were useful in restoring a political order. 'Since then, they've got their message over.'
(Evening Standard, September 19 2001)
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