Re:Questions (Score 1)

The idea that FDR knew Pearl Harbor was coming has, unfortunately, been used by some individuals with unsavory political affiliations. My own view of the matter is that it was probably a good thing in the long run, as no war has ever been so morally cut-and-dry as WW2--however, it says something of who FDR was, I think. It has been years since I studied this seriously, but this article from the Institute for Historical Review does a very nice job of summarizing the debate, and the history of the debate.

The phrase "mouthpiece of American imperialism," comes from an Al Jazeera executive recently interviewed on the Daily Show, describing how he is recieved in the Arab world. The documentary Control Room deals with this extensively, I understand (though I'm still trying to find some way to see it). Arab leaders hate the network, which has helped its popularity greatly. Their popularity stems primarily from the vivid debates they start, by allowing all sides to be represented. While I do watch CNN every morning as I get ready for work and regularly scan the AP news wire, I've come to use Al Jazeera's English edition increasingly as a news source. It is a very different view of things, that's certain, but I've not yet found any consistent bias except in their willingness to let the other side--whether they're terrorist murderers or imperialist conquerors--have their say.