Why the medium “Al Jazeera” is constantly under threat

Suddenly dozens of journalists were looking for work. “Al Jazeera” hired them.

“Al Jazeera” is now at the centre of a crackdown by Saudi Arabia. Several Arab countries, including Egypt and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), have joined Saudis in isolating the small monarchy on alleged support for terrorism and its ties to Iran.

But what makes this issue more special is how Qatar used “Al Jazeera” to exercise great influence in the region. They see it as a propaganda tool, promoting an agenda often contrary to their own.

The Saudi coalition is demanding Qatar shut down “Al Jazeera”.

Several countries have already stopped the station and blocked the website.

This has led to a sharp reaction from those who see something unique at “Alzeera”. “Al Jazeera” is an independent information mediator. Or at least it was. In his first days the station was distinguished with intimate reports, heated debates and incomparable coverage of the Ottomans, except for the Catarian soldiers, reports The Economist”, Periskiopi broadcasts.

It was bold, relatively, calling Saddam Hussein a “dicator”. While disturbing the region's sensors, it won awards.

But the station has also welcomed and supported extremist views. He broadcast messages from Osama bin Laden and allowed Yusuf al-Qaradai, an Islamic theologian, to protect the violence in his broadcast talk show.

By the time of the 2011 Arab spring, “Alzeera” was already firmly established. But the coverage of the uprisings marked a turning point. Her reporters spread vivid images from fierce protests.

The channel became the main source of information for participants and observers. Al Jazeera's web traffic rose 2,500% during the revolution in Egypt, despite the government closing its office in Cairo.

Qatar's neighbors were not nearly as excited with the station. They feared that the uprisings could spread into the Persian Gulf.

“Al Jazeera” continued to offend. When 12 Saudi soldiers were killed in Yemen in April, the station did not manage to refer to them as “maririt”, angering Riyadh.

The station has also given a favourable coverage to Jabhat al-Nusra, the branch of al-Qaeda in Syria. “Al Jazeera” will probably survive this crisis, but Qatar's government can force it to reduce things./Periscopi/