Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Not So Free Dubai

Like Halliburton, everyone is moving to Dubai the free enterprise zone of the Middle East. Unfortunately when it comes to a free press Dubai has allowed its commercial and trade interests with Pakistan to dictate policy. After all free speech and free enterprise do not necessarily go together. Capitalism can function without democracy. And visa versa.

Two of Pakistan's leading private television networks, ordered off air during emergency rule, said on Saturday they had been forced to close down altogether after being ordered to halt transmissions via the United Arab Emirates.

Geo, Pakistan's biggest television network, and ARY One World, both have offices and studios in Dubai Media City, from where they broadcast news.

"We have been told by the (Dubai) Media City that our transmission will be shut down," Imran Aslam, president of Geo News, told Reuters. "This is all I can say at the moment." The channel’s web site said it was shut down “


SEE

Musharraf's Coup

Capitalism and Islam

Freedom and Democracy Where?


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