Arabs view U.S. network with deep skepticism

[dArKeR]

CAIRO, Egypt - If the Bush Administration wants to win Arab hearts and minds with "Al Hurra," the new U.S.-funded Arab language satelllite channel must first accomplish a daunting feat: compete with well-entrenched Arabic satellite channels on their own turf and lure away viewers whose distrust and dislike of the United States has never been greater.

The first week for the network, which means "The Free One," has not been encouraging.

Among the minority of elite in the Arab world who own satellite dishes or decoders, many didn't bother to watch the fledgling TV station or couldn't find it.

"I haven't heard it mentioned and nobody has watched it," Amy Moufai, a magazine writer, said.

But like many others who haven't seen it, she still has a negative opinion. "It is an overtly American propoganda tool. It's the Americans telling it the way they want to tell it. That's what they've been doing forever."

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4350501/

[bahrbearian]

1. It's just one small step.

Just the way Clear Channels started!

[MasonJar]

2. I also view US station(s) with deep "everything."

[Rockholm]

4. Ditto, Mason, Ditto!!!

[tom_paine]

3. The Arabs are absolutely correct to do this

As has been mentioned above, even the media that directly "serves" (and I use that term loosely, they serve only themselves) Imperial Amerika is rapidly devolving into a Stalinist Joke.

[Endangered Specie]

5. I dont suppose the 700 club commercials helped any

[Manix]

6. There already is a US government propaganda channel...FOX!!

nt

[Crachet2004]

7. "Desert Fox". That is what it will be.

I think the Arabs deserve better...this is sure to make them hate us even more.