Al-Jazeera to expand influence

Once criticized as a propaganda outlet for terrorists and middle east dictators, the al-Jazeera network will dramatically increase not only its respectability, but also its worldwide reach. Next year the network will launch an English speaking international version and has a stated goal to rival CNN and the BBC as the world's largest broadcaster.

Yesterday, the BBC confirmed it will close 10 of its World Service radio stations to enable funding for its own Arabic speaking television station. This is a powerful acknowledgment of the newly found but hard earned power accrued by al-Jazeera since its inception in 1996. The network was recently voted the fifth most influential brand – behind Apple and Google.

Ever since the attacks of Sept 11, 2001, the US government has accused al-Jazeera of “consistently lying... working in concert with terrorists...creating fake victims of US bombing attacks “and other sins.

Lets see now - Judy Miller and the NYT were shills for the US government, the Pentagon has created fake war heroes, the White House has lied about the pretexts for war.... other sins coming?