After a one month trial period, the shiny new 'independent' Iraqi government has decided that Al-Jazeera failed to pass a litmus test regarding their editorial policy, and are thus extending their ban on the news organization.
We are sooooo spreading democracy and freedom. Well, except for freedom of the press. And freedom of speech. And inconsequential freedoms like that. Otherwise, freedom for everyone!!!
Story
Snips:
"The Iraqi government shut down Al-Jazeera's Baghdad operations indefinitely on Saturday, extending a one-month closure order imposed after the pan-Arab channel was accused of inciting violence.
Officials at Al-Jazeera reacted with outrage, but did not say how it would respond to the order.
"This decision runs contrary to pledges made by the Iraqi authorities to pursue a policy of openness and to safeguard freedoms of the press and expression," a statement from the station said.
Iraq's Ministerial National Security Committee said in an e-mail statement sent to The Associated Press that it had decided to extend a suspension ordered Aug. 5 because al-Jazeera had failed to offer an explanation of its editorial policies.
"Based on this lack of respect for an official government order," the committee extended the ban "until a time when Al-Jazeera TV headquarters sends an official response," the English-language statement said."
An official government order to explain editorial policy? Maybe this is a forewarning of future Bush policies.
Be afraid...