Disturbing News from France

A couple weeks ago, the French Broadcasting Authority (CSA) finalized an agreement with Hezbollah's Al-Manar television. Among other things, this channel broadcasts so-called documentaries (as we know, that can mean a lot of things) about the Jews' quest for world domination, glorifies violence toward civilians, and accuses Israel of spreading AIDS throughout the Arab world [via LGF].The broadcasting of networks like Al-Manar undoubtedly affects French public opinion, which is why it is no surprise that the French were strong proponents of keeping Saddam Hussein in power and are opposed to so many US policies. Agence France-Press does not help the situation either when it refers to Hamas terrorists as "activists."What does the government do? It accepts bribes from Saddam Hussein and in return fights to keep him in power and spreads propaganda by claiming Yasser Arafat was born in Jerusalem on his death certificate. Meanwhile, a la John Kerry, French President Jacques Chirac is busy meeting with enemy leaders.A good summary of how Al-Manar markets terror is here. French-American relations are bad enough as is right now. Broadcasting this kind of propaganda does nothing but make the situation worse. Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin is trying to rectify this situation. Let's hope he succeeds.