In al-Zawraa: Muj TV, I noted there is little reason to make distinctions between the Islamic Army in Iraq, the insurgent group that sponsors al-Zawraa, and al Qaeda, at this point in time. Since Muj TV was published, it has been reported the Islamic Army in Iraq has joined the Islamic State of Iraq, al Qaeda's political front organization designed to legitimize its role in the insurgency. I also noted the Iraqis that I viewed this program with felt al-Zawraa was strictly a Baathist/secular program. Daveed Gartenstein-Ross and Nick Grace were ore forceful and declared al-Zawraa an arm of al Qaeda.

Mishan al-Jabouri has responded to the claims of links between al-Zawaraa and al Qaeda, and categorically denied any association. He states al-Zawraa is "an Iraqi patriot station," "has no sponsor and it is independently financed by its owner," and "has no relations whatsoever with al Qaeda... but it respects those Mujahideen who devoted and sacrifice themselves to defend Sunnis..." Al-Jabouri also called Prime Minister Maliki "an agent of Iran."

It should be noted that Mishan al-Jabouri has a vested interest in dissociating himself from al Qaeda. He has been implicated with colluding with al Qaeda by the Iraqi government, and the Iraqi government and Coalition forces have been quite clear that senior al Qaeda operatives will not be granted amnesty in any future reconcilliation program.

Mishan al-Jabouri's letter to me is published in full below, unedited:

Fakes and lies against Alzawraa TV

In relation your article published at The Forth Rail at December, 23; we want to inform you that Alzawraa TV is an Iraqi patriot station that expresses the attitude of the majority of Iraqi people toward the current situation after the U.S occupation, distraction and the sectarian crimes against Sunnis people of Iraq which occur every day as daily massacres.

Alzawraa TV has no sponsor and it is independently financed by its owner, Mr.Mashaan Aljabouri to express its resistance against occupation and sectarian crimes. Alzawraa transmits some news or documentary films that it receives from foreign agencies which shows what we call Mujahideen and you call insurgents activities against US army or other forces Alzawraa transmits also some materials from its archive that express its own independent thoughts against sectarians and political parties supported by Iran.

We can assure you that Alzawraa TV has no relations whatsoever with al Qaeda as you claimed but it respects those Mujahideen who devoted and sacrifice themselves to defend Sunnis who are targeted by both American army and Sectarian militias encouraged by the sectarian Government of Al- Maliky and other slaughterers...

We believe that as US had claimed the presence of Mass Destruction weapons in Iraq the US media also continues to fabricate fakes and lies against Alzawaa TV.

We here by assure that our station represents our Bloc for reconciliation and Liberation as a political movement supporting Liberation...not the Occupation of our country and we are pure Iraqis whether political movement or TV station.

Our attitude to resist crimes against our people and destruction of our mother land that’s why we find that all information about Alzawaa TV is not true but on the contrary serving the interest of the sectarian government of Almaliky who is a humble servant of Iran with The Shiites coalition against Iraqi people who suffer from poverty, diseases and sectarian killing.

Hoping to find our response published in your next edition.

Regards

Mashaan Aljabouri