Since its first appearance, the Arabic network of Al-Jazeera has been the target of many different critics. Some say, the channel supports terrorism; others praise it as the first free and independent Arab media.
Al-Jazeera has been funded by Qatar since its beginning and it is now led by a
member of the Qatari royal family; the question which then arises is whether Al-Jazeera is as independent as it claims.
This paper analyses the relationship between Qatar and Al-Jazeera. Therefore, firstly Qatar’s foreign affairs and interests are presented, and then a comparative analysis of Al-Jazeera’s coverage of the Arab spring follows. My thesis states that Al-Jazeera functions as an instrument for Qatari foreign policy or is at least heavily influenced by it and is consequently not able to present balanced reporting independently. Using the examples of Libya and Bahrain, this essay shows that the tendencies of Al-Jazeera’s coverage match the respective tone of Qatar’s foreign policy. Additionally, it looks more deeply at the replacement of Wadah Khanfar, ex-director of Al-Jazeera who has been replaced by a member of the Qatari royal family.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Al-Jazeera
3. Qatar and its foreign policy
4. Al-Jazeera’s coverage of Libya and Bahrain during the Arab Spring in comparison
5. Wadah Khanfar
6. Conclusion
Research Objectives & Topics
This paper examines the influence of the Qatari government on the media network Al-Jazeera, investigating whether the channel functions as an independent news organization or as a strategic tool for Qatari foreign policy interests.
- The relationship between Qatar's foreign policy and Al-Jazeera's editorial independence.
- Comparative analysis of Al-Jazeera's coverage of the Libyan and Bahraini revolutions.
- The impact of internal leadership changes at Al-Jazeera on its reporting.
- The sustainability of Al-Jazeera’s neutrality in the context of regional geopolitical goals.
Excerpt from the Book
Al-Jazeera’s coverage of Libya and Bahrain during the Arab Spring in comparison
When NATO intervened militarily in Libya during its revolution in March, 2011, Qatar was the first Arab state to take part (Cafiero, 2012). Libyan rebels were armed and heavily funded with $400 million by the Qatari government (Eakin, 2011). Additionally, Qatar sent parts of its own special forces to train and support the opposition. As the Libyan rebels finally defeated Gaddafi, they even “raised a Qatari flag in appreciation” (Hounshell, Foreign Policy, 2012). Libya was not the only revolution of the Arab Spring in which Qatar took a rather active role; it was strongly involved in Egypt and Syria as well.
This policy is strongly mirrored in Al-Jazeera’s coverage of the events. Since the beginning of the revolution, the channel has been focusing on Libyan revolutionaries and was “clearly Anti-Gaddafi” (Interview with Hashem, 2012). Schechter states that the “coverage has not been as sharp as it used to in other contexts” (Schechter, 2011). Al-Jazeera moved the slots of their usual programs and shortened the time for advertisements, in order to be able to offer extensive, daily reporting on the Libyan revolution. Blake Hounshell goes as far as to summarize the Libyan coverage as “utterly over-the-top, enthusiastic cheerleading for the rebels” (Hounshell, Foreign Policy, 2011).
One could argue that the Libyan rebels needed that coverage to overcome Gaddafi as a ruling dictator and that in fact a more neutral coverage would in this case be unfair, as the oppositions was much weaker and had fewer possibilities than the regime. Still, Al-Jazeera gave opinion rather than information, a fact which stands in contrast to their slogan; claiming to always provide ‘the opinion and the opposing one’. The network consequently made it more difficult for its viewers to make up their own mind about the events.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Presents the research thesis that Al-Jazeera serves as an instrument for Qatari foreign policy, specifically analyzed through its coverage of the Arab Spring.
2. Al-Jazeera: Provides an overview of the network’s history, funding by the Emir of Qatar, and its self-proclaimed code of ethics regarding balanced and independent reporting.
3. Qatar and its foreign policy: Outlines Qatar’s geopolitical landscape, its modernization efforts under Sheikh Hamad, and the strategic importance of balancing international relations with regional stability.
4. Al-Jazeera’s coverage of Libya and Bahrain during the Arab Spring in comparison: Contrasts the network’s enthusiastic support for the Libyan revolution with the minimal coverage provided for the Bahraini uprising, reflecting Qatar’s shifting foreign policy interests.
5. Wadah Khanfar: Investigates the resignation of the long-term director general and the implications of his replacement by a member of the Qatari royal family regarding editorial control.
6. Conclusion: Summarizes that while Al-Jazeera has been a catalyst for change in the Arab world, its reporting is constrained by the interests of the Qatari regime and lacks true independence.
Keywords
Al-Jazeera, Qatar, Foreign Policy, Arab Spring, Media Independence, Libya, Bahrain, Editorial Bias, Geopolitics, Middle East, Journalism, Wadah Khanfar, Sheikh Hamad, Regime Change, Broadcasting
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper examines the degree of independence of the Al-Jazeera news network and investigates how it is utilized by the Qatari state to promote its specific foreign policy interests.
What are the primary thematic areas explored?
The work covers Qatari foreign affairs, the internal structure of the Al-Jazeera network, comparative case studies of the Arab Spring, and the influence of the Qatari royal family on media management.
What is the main research question?
The central question is whether Al-Jazeera operates as an independent media entity as it claims, or if it is heavily influenced and controlled by the Qatari government.
Which methodology does the author employ?
The author uses a qualitative comparative analysis, evaluating Al-Jazeera’s media coverage against the official foreign policy actions taken by Qatar in countries like Libya and Bahrain.
What topics are addressed in the main body of the paper?
The main body focuses on the historical background of the channel, the strategic geopolitical motivations of Qatar, and specific examples where media coverage aligned with the state's diplomatic agenda.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Al-Jazeera, Qatari Foreign Policy, Arab Spring, Media Bias, Geopolitics, and Editorial Independence.
How did the coverage of Libya differ from that of Bahrain?
The paper highlights that Al-Jazeera provided extensive, supportive coverage of the Libyan revolution, aligning with Qatar’s stance, whereas it showed a distinct lack of coverage regarding the Bahraini uprising due to Qatar's desire to maintain regional stability with allies.
What is the significance of Wadah Khanfar’s resignation?
His resignation serves as a case study for the increased control of the royal family over the network, as his successor was a member of the Qatari elite without a traditional journalistic background.
Does the author conclude that Al-Jazeera is completely biased?
The author argues that all media is biased, but suggests that Al-Jazeera’s dependence on the Qatari regime should be made more transparent to the public to provide a more honest journalistic experience.
- Quote paper
- Sukayna El-Zayat (Author), 2012, Al-Jazeera as a tool for Qatari foreign policy?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/206627
