Slaughter Calls for Answers on Administration Plans to Bomb Al Jazeera Television Network

Memo Raises "Serious Questions" About American Efforts in Iraq and Middle East

Washington, DC - Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, today called for the White House to address claims that President Bush contemplated bombing Al Jazeera's headquarters in Doha, Qatar during the course of the Iraq war.

"Such an allegation, if proven true, would raise serious questions about America's intentions in the Middle East and President Bush's ability to lead our efforts in the region," Rep. Slaughter said.  

The Daily Mirror, a British newspaper, today reported on a newly revealed British government memo marked "Top Secret." The document apparently reveals that in April, 2004, President Bush proposed bombing Al Jazeera's Qatar headquarters to Prime Minister Tony Blair. The article goes on to claim that Mr. Blair was able to convince Mr. Bush that such an action would be greatly damaging to the United States and to its efforts in the Middle East, and that Mr. Bush subsequently abandoned his plans.