In their Egypt coverage the Arab media – like the regimes they report on – have failed to move on from the old ways
Brian Whitaker
guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 2 February 2011
"......In the Palestinian territories, "Wafa News Agency had not a word about Egypt, as if nothing were happening", according to the independent Maan News. "Palestine TV broadcast comedies as other stations aired footage of thousands in Cairo streets."
Obviously this makes them look silly and undermines their credibility with the public, who know what is going on from other sources. But they carry on in the old ways regardless, much like the Arab dictators themselves.......
The Palestinians, however, have their own reasons for giving news from Egypt the kid-glove treatment. Maan News says:
"Silence prevailed, from the Palestinian Authority, the government in Gaza, the factions and the people; all kept a safe distance from the Egyptian hot potato for fear that coming out on the wrong side would impact their future …
"The shadow of former President Yasser Arafat's strong support of Saddam Hussein when he invaded Kuwait still hangs long over Palestinian foreign policy. For Arafat's support in the 1990s, Palestinians were expelled from the Gulf states, had properties seized and accounts frozen."
But Maan adds: "While official silence has become the norm, Palestinians are watching events closely. In every home, in every coffee house and in every shop, those stations covering the events in Egypt play ceaselessly."....."
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