33
two otherwise Qatar would have been able to control this station or stop it from
committing any violation.”
86
Not only this, but Jordan also recalled its ambassador to
Qatar and shut the station’s bureau in Amman, outraged by an Al-Jazeera talk show that
insulted Jordan’s Royal Family in August 2002.
87
In September, Saudi Arabia also
withdrew its ambassador from Qatar reportedly in response to Al-Jazeera show that
criticized the Kingdom’s Founder, King Abdulaziz al-Saud, and criticized Saudi Crown
Prince Abdullah’s Middle East peace initiative, accusing Saudi Arabia of having betrayed
the Palestinian Cause. The GCC also complained about Al-Jazeera’s coverage, arguing
that it is violating a GCC code of conduct that bans cross-border media attacks.
88
86
“Al-Jazeera Closed Down for “Hostile” Stand against Kuwait,” AFP, Kuwait, November 4, 2002.
Online. Internet. December 18, 2002. Available:
http://www.arabia.com/afp/news/mideast/article
87
Kate Seelye, “Al-Jazeera Comes under Fire from Governments in the Region,” National Public Radio
Programs, Riyadh, November 11, 2002.
88
“Qatar: More Rows with Riyadh over Al-Jazeera,” Index, July 26, 2002. Online. Internet. December 19,
2002. Available:
http://www.indexonline.org