We’re a bit puzzled today by this fascinating report in Red State:

How would you like to get the terrorists’ perspective on tonight’s State of the Union address?

Want Osama’s direct rebuttal? No, he won’t actually be giving the Democrats’ response to the State of the Union, but the Democrats have given his propaganda arm a prime seat for tonight’s State of the Union.

Check out the picture below. As you’ll see, Al-Jazeera gets not just any place, but their spot is just three to four steps away from the House Democratic Whip’s Office.

Here’s the picture Red State provides:

Quite a striking image.  The puzzle is, how could this happen?

The secret is pretty much out on Al Jazeera.  There are abundant “issues” with the network.  Having worked in international broadcasting — on America’s side — I’m quite familiar with them.  The one that always gets me is this: How did Al Jazeera observe the fourth anniversary of 9/11?  By showing the Michael Moore film “Fahrenheit 9/11.”
Let’s be clear: This is not a free speech issue.  Heck, they should be allowed to set up shop in the heart and center of our democratic institutions.  The best thing about allowing Al Jazeera into the Capitol Dome is the symbolism that we treasure freedom of speech in America — a value not widely shared among Al Jazeera’s target Middle East audience.  Who knows — one day maybe free speech will even make it big in the Arabic-speaking Middle East.  That’s what dreaming big is all about.
No, the issue — as Red State’s evidence shows — is Al Jazeera’s prominence.  So close to House leadership.  That’s the puzzling part.  Why the honored spot?  Were American-sponsored international broadcast outlets, like Voice of America or Al Hurra, allowed such access?  Was it staff oversight or staff intention?  A few answers, some sunlight, might alleviate our fears.