@Reza -

Stop wriggling, because it's just like I said, you'll defend Hasan despite the fact it's beginning to look like he's not sincere or authentic when it comes to the gay thing.

I mean he's already been exposed using the term 'kaffir', which is like basically using the racist 'N' word. And now that I've thrown the spotlight on the fact he's silent as far as gays are concerned, well...

As I say, I couldn't give a toss whether he (secretly) upholds a typicalyl Islamic anti-gay stance: I'm not exactly pro-gay myself.

The thing is it's the hypocrisy of those such as yourself who get all shrill at right-wingers and Daily Mail readers if you suspect of them the slightest so-called homophobia, but when it's one of your own?

Paradoxically, the government and police becoming involved will actually perpetuate Murdoch's hold over the British media. If there hadn't been any government and police involvement, a lot of people would have abandoned the Murdoch papers such as the Sun and NotW. There would have been great shame in buying the papers after hacking into people such as Milly Dowler's phone.
By government and police saying 'we will sort it', you are taking responsibility away from the individual that buys these papers. They will now think 'I don't have to take responsibility for buying this paper. I will just enjoy the salacious gossip. No need to worry about how the story was acquired. The government is holding an inquiry so everything is above board.' There will hardly be a dent in sales for The Sun and Notw (or Sunday Sun). They may even go up.
Those who think that the phone hacking of Milly Dowler is just one instance of a larger malaise in newspaper culture bought about by Murdoch should have been campaigning for no inquiry.
In his attempt to score political points Ed Miliband has seen off a great chance to see the Murdoch empire crumble due to public opprobrium.
Other points:
How much is the inquiry going to cost in money and police resources?
Is this prolonging the agony for people such as the Dowler family? For what, a white wash years down the line? An earnest apology would be better and allow them to move on.

birds of a feather flock to-gether

Yes, he may be free of these undesirables, but what is more dangerous is his connections with the top Establishment. Was there not a story, for example, that when it became time for Cameron to actually do a job instead of hanging onto politicos, there was a mysterious 'phone call from Buck House to the PR firm that eventually took him on?

Either way, would anyone buy anything from this snake oil salesman?

@KarenManc

What do you think about the fact that Hasan has never publicly supported the gay thing? Why do you think that is?

I'm guessing you know full well why hasn't but because he spouts other stuff you agree with you therefore turn a blind eye to the fact he's not what he seems to be.

Either that or you're a mug.

Er, yuck. You don't think it DC and RB were more than just friends?..

If that is the case then he has no taste as she is a total minger.

No Alexis, whatever you can accuse her of - and there are obviously many things - being unattractive is not one of them.

Freeman - she looks like Medusa.

Totally off topic but nevertheless important...

Why has Mehdi Hasan never ever said anything positive or supportive about gays? I mean, can he confirm that homosexuality and all that is natural and permitted, etc?

As I understand it, the official Islamic position is far from gay friendly, so is that why he is totally silent when it comes this matter?

Whatever the reason, it's surely curious, isn't it, that Mehdi Hasan dodges the issue? But for how much longer can he continue pretending he's a right on liberal if he doesn't ever come out and support the gays and gay rights, etc?

Just arskin!

It seems like Mehdi Hasan is making some fair points but it was interesting that Douglas looked uncomfortable on Question Time last night when it was pointed out that he was present at a party with Rupert Murdoch only a couple of weeks ago. Cameron's friends are a problem but I wouldn't try and make too much out of it as Labour politicians haven't behaved too much better. And we were to have a full inventory of Mehdi Hasan's personal friendship list is there not a fair chance we might uncover one or two unsavory individuals, especially those with Islamist sympathies?

@Flashbuck

I would have no problem with Mehdi Hasan if he turned out be a closet homophobe. My only issue is that he is the political editor of a left-wing "liberal" magazine.

@betterdeadthanred

Yes I've noticed that and it's so obvious when it happens.

The BBC force us to take seriously those kind of so-called commentators but they typically never confront or expose their neo-Fascist ideology.

@Flashbuck

Ever noticed than when prominent muslims (Hasan, Yaqoub, han)are on QT or AQ gay rights issues never feature? Co-incidence?

Flashbuck, talking of prejudice over minority groups such as gay people, which you seem to feel strongly about and I comend you for.

Would you ask the same questions of a non muslim journalist? If not why not? Aren't you guilty of the exact same prejudice you claim Mehdi harbours? In that case aren't you a hypocrite?

@Matthew

Dale will be busy deleting all his pro Coulson posts, I laughed when he wrote that Cameron would have done his due diligence, as he was a responsible employer.

Those words will comeback to haunt him.

Hey Flashbuck, isn't this article about Cameron and his unhealthy relationship with News International? Stick to the point,Prick.

Cameron's friends are not the problem. He's a scumbag, it's only natural he should be mates with other scumbags

New Labour not the Tories has most to worry about an Inquiry about the influence of News Internationl

The Independent reports:

"Yesterday the Cabinet Office said there were six telephone discussions between Mr Blair and Mr Murdoch in 20 months, all at crucial moments of his premiership. The subject of their calls was not revealed.
In 2003, Mr Blair phoned the owner of The Times and The Sun on 11 and 13 March, and on 19 March, the day before Britain and the United States invaded Iraq. The war was strongly supported by Murdoch-owned newspapers around the world. The day after two of the calls, The Sun launched vitriolic attacks on the French President Jacques Chirac".

Alastair Campbell dairies reveal, that Blair was afraid that the press would find out about Murdoch's influence on him: "[Blair] said he didn't fear [the press] coming at him about me, but about the relationship with Murdoch".

Blair was Murdoch's biggest conduit of influence in the last 15 years. If the Tories are smart they will drop New Labour right in it by having a wide ranging Enquiry.

@ Flashbuck you are a moron. You askign things about a editor when you incoherent views. Go back to readign the star and eating KFC and dating your 20 stone girlfriend.

I don't suppose a true friendship can ever become a problem really, not if we continue in the grace bestowed upon all individual UK citizens by virtue of our being here and now in this wonderful jungle that is the charity world.

There's nothing wrong with the capacity to make friends even with privacy, dignity and autonomy - not to mention any reasonable measure of hospitality. There should be no need here in the UK to cut friends loose, however apt and/or trendy this soundbite seems eg when speaking into the largely unregulated gap that is the modern way of telephone communication. That's why the written word is till so important, probably.

And in any case, what judgement does a P.M here in the UK have to make given all those appropriately qualified and skilled workers supporting this Office? Doesn't a P.M just make the best decisions possible at any given time, given the best possible information? (perhaps another reason to keep a free traditional press)

There may be more to Mr.Murdochs "conservation" of an otherwise endangered species ie newspapers, than immediately meets the eye.

I'm very sorry to hear the news about the loss of the News of the World. Such a valuable name and well established brand.