In a June 28, 2010 article in the Qatari daily Al-Raya, Dr. Ali Khalifa Al-Kuwari, a professor of economics at the University of Qatar, lambasted the Qatari media for its self-censorship. He pointed out that this media regards itself as a mouthpiece for the oppressed around the world, and champions the values of democracy and freedom of expression in other countries – yet is strangely silent on domestic issues that concern the Qatari public, and makes a habit of gagging writers who express controversial views.
Following are excerpts from the article:
"Are These Globe-Spanning Media Unable to Address the Issues that Concern the Qataris [Themselves]?"
"It's sad that the Qatari press is going back to its old habit of suppressing opinions and burying its head in the sand, [especially considering that] the Qatari media, headed by Al-Jazeera, sees itself as a platform for all those who have no [other] platform [from which to express themselves]. Are these globe-spanning media unable to address the issues that concern the Qataris [themselves]? Are they unable to devote airtime to a transparent discussion of the affairs of the homeland, [especially considering that] this country ranks high on transparency indexes, hosts an organization [dedicated to] press freedom, spreads democracy by [hosting] international conferences, and appoints others [to defend] democracy, namely the Arab Democracy Foundation, which is financed by Qatar?
"It's a disgrace that we preach to the whole world about [the importance of] dialogue, and make efforts to reconcile among various [other] countries and societies, while our own newspapers refuse, without cause, to publish op-eds by [certain] individuals. [The papers] could confront [controversial articles] by publishing a different view or claim [alongside them], instead of preventing their publication by a decree of the chief editor... This [censorship] was practiced by several papers in the last month, and is encompassing a growing circle of Qatari writers – which reflects a media policy of narrow-mindedness."
"The Citizens of Qatar have Legitimate Concerns"
"The citizens of Qatar have legitimate concerns regarding their Islamic-Arab identity, regarding their future – in light of the increasing demographic imbalance – and regarding the outcome of the legislation that links [the right to] purchase real estate or profit from it to [the possession of] permanent residency – [legislation that] disregards Qatar's need for [foreign] workers. They are also displeased that the English language has replaced Arabic in education and management, and that [Qatar] is becoming increasingly dependent on executives who do not speak Arabic. They are depressed [by the fact] that they are not allowed to found unions and charities, in addition to [the fact that] avenues of expression are closed to them...
"They have been waiting patiently for the implementation of the permanent Qatari constitution, approved by the government in 2004, [and for] the implementation of Articles 76 – 116. These 40 articles, [which provide for an partly elected parliament, that does not currently exist in Qatar]... enable [the citizens], by means of their representatives [in parliament], to voice their concerns and understand the considerations that motivate the government in passing decisions on public affairs... They also enable the people's representatives to receive reports [from the government about its decisions], and to contest the country's general budget, and [the management of] the public financial reserves and the public debt, if any.
"[The implementation of these articles] may allow [the Qataris] to voice the questions that people are whispering [among themselves] for lack of appropriate institutions that can present them and receive an answer [from the government]. This will increase their sense of self-respect, because they will be able to regard themselves as citizens with rights and duties, who cannot be disdained."
