Smoke raises behind an Islamic State flag after Iraqi security forces and Shiite fighters took control of Saadiya in Diyala province from Islamist State militants, November 24, 2014.
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s decision to send troops to Iraq has received mixed reactions from experts. While some believe that it will help the security of the country, some think that it is unlikely to make Iraqi army stronger. Smoke raises behind an Islamic State flag after Iraqi security forces and Shiite fighters took control of Saadiya in Diyala province from Islamist State militants, November 24, 2014. REUTERS/Stringer REUTERS/Stringer

Female Lebanese television host Rima Karaki recently cut short male an interview with a London-based Islamist sheikh Hani Sibai and the video of the incident went viral on YouTube. Published on March 4, “Lebanese TV Host Rima Karaki Cuts Short London-based Islamist's Interview following Insolent Remarks” has been viewed almost 7.4 million times.

With women predominantly staffing Arabic TV news, it is not unusual to be interviewed by a female anchor on most channels. Still, Karaki wore a veil during the television interview at Sibai’s request.

When Karaka asked him a question about how Islamic State attracted Christians to its ranks, Sibai replied with a historical monologue that the host deemed irrelevant to the question. Karaki asked him to focus on the current era to save time.

Infuriated with the host’s comment, Sibai gave sexist comments and told Karaki to be silent. It was at this point that the news anchor cut off the sheikh’s microphone although she tried to calm him down and tell him not to be angry at first.

In a recent interview with The Guardian, Karaki explained why she decided to stand up against the sheikh. She said, “Had I not answered, I would have hated myself, and I don’t want to hate myself. When he said shut up, it was no longer possible to shut up because I would be insulting myself and would lose everything.”

Watch the viral video showing the female Lebanese television host’s heated interview with a sheikh here:

Credits: YouTube/MEMRITVVideos

For questions/comments regarding the article, you may email the writer at c.altatis@ibtimes.com.au.