Censorship of Al Jazeera's 'The Lobby USA' Documentary

CONTEXT: Parallel to the documentary 'The Lobby' on the United Kingdom (released in January 2017), Al Jazeera had infiltrated a journalist undercover into pro-Israel organizations in Washington in 2016.

PRODUCTION:

• Undercover journalist installed in pro-Israel organizations in Washington
• Clayton Swisher (Al Jazeera Investigations director) confirms the operation
• Four-part documentary produced

CENSURE:

• October 2017: Al Jazeera announces the documentary
• February 2018: it is reported that Qatari leaders reassured leaders of American Jewish organizations that the documentary would NOT be broadcast
• The documentary was NEVER broadcast by Al Jazeera

LEAK:

• November 2018: The Electronic Intifada publishes the four episodes simultaneously with Orient XXI (France) and Al Akhbar (Lebanon)

INTERPRETATION:

• For critics of the lobby: the censure proves the power of the pro-Israel lobby -- even a state media outlet (Al Jazeera/Qatar) yields to pressure
• Nuance: Qatar had its own diplomatic interests in accommodating the USA and American Jewish organizations (Saudi Arabian blockade, Al Udeid American military base)

UK VERSION (FOR COMPARISON):

• Normally broadcast in January 2017
• Features Shai Masot (Israeli diplomat) discussing 'bringing down' British MPs
• Masot recalled to Israel, diplomatic apologies