Gary Fitleberg, December 15, 2004

France has banned al-Manar, the television station of the international terrorist group Hezbollah, the Associated Press reported.

The Council of State closed French airwaves to the station after it broadcast a program on which an "expert on Zionism" accused Israel of spreading AIDS to Arabs.

It must cease broadcasting to France within 48 hours.

However, the Council of State left open the possibility that al-Manar could return to France if its parent company shows a willingness to modify the station’s programs.

Gary Fitleberg is a Political Analyst specializing in International Relations with emphasis on Middle East affairs.

Copyright © 2004 Gary Fitleberg