Tim Blair

This isn't too surprising. Slate says that "Al Jazeera [is] just as fair as CNN".

(I think they mean that as a compliment to Al Jazeera.)

But does Al Jazeera have its very own Margo?

Looks likes Paul McGeough is indulging in some desperate wishful thinking as his credibility as a journo with a finger on the Middle Eastern pulse plunges further and further into the depths of Middle Earth.

Sorry "Michael", didn't see your post there, have changed moniker slightly :)

Professor Bunyip, thorough though he normally is, seems to have missed the following sentence from Sistani's statement:

Additionally, this law places obstacles in the path of reaching a permanent constitution for the country that maintains its unity and the rights of its sons of all ethnicities and sects.

Which is exactly what Paul McGeough reported, as a direct quote, two paragraphs after the extract on which Professor Bunyip based his post.

You're not being fair to the Prof., Mork. His point is that McGough only reported that quote that you mention, not the positive one from Al Sistani that al jism published and he links to.

Actually, it gets better.

A little googling reveals that the quote from the Al Jazeera piece on which Professor Bunyip hangs his hat was not uttered by Sistani at all, but President Bush!

So, some sloppy work from Al Jazeera, and Professor Bunyip is so eager to bash McGeogh that he doesn't stop to look the gift horse in its mouth.

In fact, Sistani's full statement is as follows:

" In the name of the Most Exalted

Grand Ayatollah Sistani has already clarified his observations on the agreement of November/15th (and maintains) that any law prepared for the transitional period will not gain legitimacy except after it is endorsed by an elected national assembly. Additionally, this law places obstacles in the path of reaching a permanent constitution for the country that maintains its unity and the rights of its sons of all ethnicities and sects.
16th Muharram al-Haraam
1425"

McGeough characterised it accurately, and consistently with most of the world's media ... including Al Jazeera.

For those who haven't seen it, Professor Bunyip has acknowledged the error on his site with his customary candour and grace (plus bondage references).

Good job, Mork (and I mean that).

If only all corrections were as exciting. Er... I mean, entertaining.

Bunyip lied, pigs flied!

My faith in Al Queda...sorry, Freudian slip...Al Jazeera is restored.

Well done, Bunyip. Full disclosure, an explanation, and a sincere apology. Take note, Phallacious!