Despite its poor record, the Middle East's media – especially in the post-revolutionary states of Egypt and Tunisia – have discovered a new appetite for freedom. They are catching up with the freedom of expression associated with Israel – but at a time when Israel itself is showing more intolerance of dissent.

What 'nuance' will Al Jazeera bring to U.S. cable news coverage, as commended by the New York Times? Don’t expect to find fair-handed coverage of Israel or the U.S., but rather the promotion of Qatari foreign policy, brought to you by the go-to-network for Hamas, the late Osama bin Laden and Hassan Nasrallah.

Foxman, Hoenlein cite Qatari network’s record of anti-Israeli reporting and support for extremist elements in the Arab world.

Al Jazeera has closely followed the uprisings in the Arab world, and some even say that the Qatar-based satellite station was a factor in them. The station claims it is neutral, though not everyone agrees.

Gulf state of Qatar deported a South African journalist hired by Al Jazeera for being HIV positive in 2010; December 1 marks World AIDS Day.