This morning, New York Times columnist Tom Friedman hailed "Superstar," the Arab version of "American Idol" that aired on the satellite channel of the Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation, as a possible stepping-stone to democracy in the Middle East three ways to Sunday — that is, politically, culturally and technologically, no kidding. (Free registration required.) At the same time, the Latin Grammys to be broadcast tonight from Miami on CBS are once again part of the visa battles in the continuing propaganda war between Cuba and the United States and a source of conflict within Miami's Hispanic community. Maybe it's time for Tom to take a trip to Cuba.

Correction: "Superstar" aired on Future Television, not the LBC.