Welcome to Layalina Productions

The Layalina Review

VOL. V NO. 5, February 13-February 26, 2009

Dissent in the Media

Mark Dubowitz and Roberta Bonazzi, writing for the Wall Street Journal Europe, assert that Hamas and Hezbollah are using media throughout the world to promote their terrorist propaganda. Hamas and Hezbollah sponsored programming reaches a wide range of people and employs many different strategies to get its message across, especially to large Arabic-speaking Muslim populations in Europe.

Dubowitz and Bonazzi cite examples of ads and music encouraging women to become "martyrs" or suicide bombers. Additionally, they mention a cartoon similar to Mickey Mouse in which the main character was said to be killed by Israel.

The two authors argue that networks, like Al-Manar and Al-Aqsa are counter-productive and promulgate hateful values to their audiences. Al-Manar was recently listed as a terrorist organization by the United States government. Furthermore, according to Dubowitz and Bonazzi, networks like Al-Manar should be forced to go off air as part of the Western world's overarching fight against terrorism.

Bridges TV, the cable network working to break stereotypes in the US and Canada and provide programming for Muslims in both countries, also is a network of dissent. It is supported by the US government and the US Muslim Brotherhood, allowing the channel to serve as a space for open discussion between Muslims in the US and the government.

Recent news of the network's creator beheading his wife has prompted negative opinions and debate over the network. Nevertheless, according to article posted by Family Security Matters, the network will continue producing its programs and receiving support. Back to articles.