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 Additionally, it looks more deeply at the replacement of Wadah Khanfar, ex-director of Al-Jazeera who has been replaced by a member of the Qatari royal family.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
- Introduction
- Al-Jazeera
- Qatar and its foreign policy
- Al-Jazeera's coverage of Libya and Bahrain during the Arab Spring in comparison
- Wadah Khanfar
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper analyzes the relationship between Qatar and Al-Jazeera to determine the extent of Al-Jazeera's independence from Qatari foreign policy influence. The study examines whether Al-Jazeera functions as a tool for Qatari foreign policy or if its reporting is significantly shaped by Qatari interests.
- The influence of Qatari foreign policy on Al-Jazeera's reporting.
- A comparative analysis of Al-Jazeera's coverage of the Arab Spring in Libya and Bahrain.
- The role and significance of Al-Jazeera's leadership changes, specifically the replacement of Wadah Khanfar.
- The extent to which Al-Jazeera's coverage aligns with or deviates from its stated commitment to balanced reporting.
- The implications of Al-Jazeera's reporting for regional stability and international relations.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory section establishes the central research question concerning Al-Jazeera's independence from Qatari foreign policy. It highlights the contrasting perspectives on Al-Jazeera – some viewing it as a supporter of terrorism, others as a beacon of free Arab media – and frames the analysis around examining the relationship between Qatar's foreign policy and Al-Jazeera's reporting, particularly concerning the Arab Spring. The thesis posits that Al-Jazeera is significantly influenced by or functions as an instrument for Qatari foreign policy, resulting in biased reporting.
Al-Jazeera: This chapter provides background information on Al-Jazeera, including its various platforms (Arabic and English channels, website, etc.), its reach (over 100 countries, 220 million viewers), and its origins as an alternative to state-controlled Arab media. It highlights the network's funding by the Emir of Qatar and its stated commitment to balanced reporting ("the opinion and the opposing opinion"), establishing a framework for evaluating the subsequent analysis of its actual reporting practices.
Qatar and its foreign policy: This section details Qatar's foreign policy goals, characterized by a strategy of maintaining relationships with various global actors ("getting along with everyone"). It discusses Qatar's domestic political context, including the emir's efforts to modernize and project a positive image on the world stage, despite the absence of political opposition. The chapter emphasizes the emir's balancing act between maintaining international alliances and pursuing specific regional objectives, highlighting the potential sustainability challenges associated with these policies.
Al-Jazeera's coverage of Libya and Bahrain during the Arab Spring in comparison: This chapter offers a comparative analysis of Al-Jazeera's coverage of the Arab Spring uprisings in Libya and Bahrain. It contrasts Al-Jazeera's overtly pro-rebel coverage in Libya, where Qatar actively supported the rebels, with its significantly reduced and less supportive reporting of the Bahraini uprising, where Qatar's interests aligned with maintaining stability in the region. The discrepancy in coverage highlights the alleged inconsistency between Al-Jazeera's stated commitment to balanced reporting and its actual practice, potentially influenced by Qatari foreign policy priorities.
Wadah Khanfar: This chapter focuses on the unexpected resignation of Wadah Khanfar, Al-Jazeera's former director general. It mentions allegations linking him to pressure to downplay criticism of the Iraq War, suggesting potential external influence on editorial decisions. The chapter implicitly connects this event to the broader discussion of Al-Jazeera's independence and its susceptibility to external pressures, specifically from the Qatari government.
Keywords
Al-Jazeera, Qatar, foreign policy, Arab Spring, media bias, independent media, balanced reporting, Libya, Bahrain, Wadah Khanfar, regional stability, international relations, Qatari influence.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of Al-Jazeera's Relationship with Qatari Foreign Policy
What is the main focus of this research paper?
This paper analyzes the relationship between Al-Jazeera and Qatari foreign policy to determine the extent of Al-Jazeera's independence. It investigates whether Al-Jazeera operates as an instrument of Qatari foreign policy or if its reporting is significantly influenced by Qatari interests.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The paper explores the influence of Qatari foreign policy on Al-Jazeera's reporting; a comparative analysis of Al-Jazeera's coverage of the Arab Spring in Libya and Bahrain; the role of Al-Jazeera's leadership changes, particularly the departure of Wadah Khanfar; the alignment of Al-Jazeera's coverage with its commitment to balanced reporting; and the implications of Al-Jazeera's reporting for regional stability and international relations.
What is included in the Table of Contents?
The Table of Contents includes an Introduction, sections on Al-Jazeera, Qatar's foreign policy, a comparative analysis of Al-Jazeera's coverage of Libya and Bahrain during the Arab Spring, and a section on Wadah Khanfar.
How does the paper analyze Al-Jazeera's coverage of the Arab Spring?
The paper compares Al-Jazeera's coverage of the Arab Spring uprisings in Libya and Bahrain. It highlights the contrasting approaches: overtly pro-rebel coverage in Libya (where Qatar supported the rebels) versus significantly less supportive reporting in Bahrain (where Qatar's interests favored regional stability). This discrepancy is used to examine the consistency between Al-Jazeera's stated commitment to balanced reporting and its actual practice.
What is the significance of Wadah Khanfar's departure from Al-Jazeera?
The paper examines the unexpected resignation of Wadah Khanfar, former director general of Al-Jazeera. It discusses allegations suggesting potential external influence on editorial decisions, implicitly linking this event to the broader discussion of Al-Jazeera's independence and susceptibility to external pressures from the Qatari government.
What are the key findings suggested by the paper (based on the chapter summaries)?
The paper suggests that Al-Jazeera is significantly influenced by, or functions as an instrument for, Qatari foreign policy, leading to biased reporting. The discrepancies in its coverage of Libya and Bahrain, coupled with the circumstances surrounding Wadah Khanfar's departure, support this conclusion.
What are the keywords associated with this research?
The keywords include Al-Jazeera, Qatar, foreign policy, Arab Spring, media bias, independent media, balanced reporting, Libya, Bahrain, Wadah Khanfar, regional stability, and international relations.
What is the overall argument presented in the introduction?
The introduction sets up the central research question about Al-Jazeera's independence from Qatari foreign policy. It acknowledges differing perspectives on Al-Jazeera and frames the analysis around the relationship between Qatar's foreign policy and Al-Jazeera's reporting, particularly during the Arab Spring. The thesis argues that Al-Jazeera is significantly influenced by, or serves as a tool for, Qatari foreign policy, resulting in biased reporting.
What information is provided about Al-Jazeera in the dedicated chapter?
The chapter on Al-Jazeera provides background information on its various platforms, reach (over 100 countries, 220 million viewers), and origins as an alternative to state-controlled Arab media. It highlights its funding by the Emir of Qatar and its stated commitment to balanced reporting, setting the stage for evaluating its actual reporting practices.
What does the paper say about Qatar's foreign policy?
The section on Qatar's foreign policy describes its goals, characterized by maintaining relationships with various global actors. It discusses Qatar's domestic political context, the emir's modernization efforts, and the potential sustainability challenges associated with its balancing act between international alliances and specific regional objectives.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Sukayna El-Zayat (Autor:in), 2012, Al-Jazeera as a tool for Qatari foreign policy?, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/206627
