A Palestinian Authority-funded radio station launched a new televised satire that pokes fun at the government, religion, and sex. Actors on the “Homeland on a Thread” show imitate government officials, including PA President Mahmoud Abbas and Chief Negotiator Saeb Erakat.
Even though the television station requested permission from the PA to run the most controversial of sketches, agreement by the government and the mere presence of such a show represents a major shift in Palestinian culture.
During Yasser Arafat’s tenure as PA President, Palestinian security forces quashed any media efforts to criticize the PA and especially its leader. Some publications were shut down while security forces even set ablaze news offices for dis-favorable coverage of the Palestinian Authority. On one hand, government censorship clearly represents undemocratic human rights violations; on the other hand, any attacks on the leadership hinder efforts to maintain stability. As critics attack the PA, fringe and terror groups gain popularity and the ability to sabotage any PA initiatives, such as the peace process.
This new TV show pulls no punches on PA officials, terrorists, and even religion. One episode depicts a religious man unable to identify one of his wives because she is completely covered in religious garb.
In the past, the TV station would be forced to immediately cease airing the program, or even face potentially worse consequences.
The current Abbas-led government is either embracing some democratic reforms, such as transparency and the right to a free press, or has given up on maintaining stability. Let us all hope for the former.
Photo taken from The Jerusalem Post.
