US embassy cable - 04KUWAIT2005

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KUWAIT 002005 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR INR/R/MR, NEA/ARP, NEA/PPD, PA, INR/NESA 
STATE FOR IIP/G/NEA-SA, INR/B 
WHITE HOUSE FOR PRESS OFFICE 
LONDON FOR GOLDRICH, PARIS FOR O'FRIEL 
USDOC FOR 4520/ANESA/ONE/FITZGERALD-WILKS 
USDOC FOR ITA AND PTO/OLIA 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: OIIP, KU, KDMR 
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION KUWAIT JUNE 26-28: Iraq, Terror, Arab 
Governments 
 
1. SUMMARY: Atrocities by terrorists in Iraq and Saudi Arabia are 
a principal focus of Kuwaiti columnists this week. Walid Al- 
Ibrahim wrote in independent Al-Watan (6/26): "Every time a 
westerner is taken hostage or killed by Arabs and Muslims, Islam's 
image is tainted further and feelings of hatred toward Muslims 
increase." The recent Abu Ghraib apology by American religious 
leaders on Arabic television was praised, but for some this did no 
go far enough. Adel Al-Qassar wrote in independent Al-Qabas 
(6/26): "why doesn't America apologize to the Palestinians for 
having suffered numerous violations such as murder, torture, and 
eviction because of America's unlimited support?" END SUMMARY. 
 
2.  "I am Muslim American" 
Walid Al-Ibrahim wrote in independent Al-Watan (6/26): "Every time 
a westerner is taken hostage or killed by Arabs and Muslims, 
Islam's image is tainted further and feelings of hatred toward 
Muslims increase. Many Americans and Britons believe that Islamic 
principles are the main cause behind such atrocities. This is were 
we, as Muslims, must rectify these misconceptions. Therefore, I 
was pleased when the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) 
released a bevy of campaigns targeted at American broadcasting 
companies for the express purpose of countering a distorted image 
of Islam. According to CAIRS's General Manager, the new campaign 
is one of many steps toward illustrating the meaning of Islam and 
the contributions of many American Muslims to their American 
communities." 
 
3.  "Reforms In The Arab World" 
Qasem Awad wrote in independent Al-Rai Al-Aa'm (6/27): "Recently, 
various Arab voices have been calling for comprehensive reforms. 
But due to frequent conflicts and wars that have beset the region, 
many in the Arab world feel utterly despondent. The reason why the 
elite have also experienced dejection is primarily due to Arab 
regimes' despotic conduct. These regimes cast a shadow over the 
accomplishments of the intellectual elites, which in turn 
contributes to their ineffectiveness. The tyranny of some Arab 
regimes has driven the concept of reform to a dead end, and has 
made reform from within an impossible task to achieve, compelling 
Washington to solve the problems of this whole region by 
initiating the GMEI." 
 
4.  "Iraq And The Next Stage" 
Kuwait University Professor Dr. Abdullah Al-Jasmi wrote in 
independent Al-Rai Al-A'am (6/27): "For many political powers and 
observers of the Iraqi situation, the imminent handover of 
authority to Iraqis portends a new course in handling the 
political situation. The Coalition forces are no longer the 
targets of terrorist and sabotage operations. Recent 
assassinations and acts of sabotage have targeted political and 
nationalist personnel who could play an important role in 
rebuilding the new, democratic Iraq. There is no doubt that the 
reason behind suicide bombings and acts of terrorism is to impede 
and sabotage the reconstruction of Iraq as an emerging new civil 
society." 
 
5.  "Faithful America" 
Adel Al-Qassar wrote in independent Al-Qabas (6/26): "It is 
commendable that a group of American churches, concerned about 
U.S. foreign policy vis--vis human rights, placed adverts with 
various Arab satellite channels that expressed regret about human 
rights violations in Iraqi prisons. This positive step was 
undertaken by 'Faithful America' and sponsored by the American 
"National Council of Churches."  So, why doesn't America apologize 
to the Palestinians for having suffered numerous violations such 
as murder, torture, and eviction because of America's unlimited 
support? Is it impossible for cameras to enter a massive prison 
such as Palestine to investigate this colossal tragedy? To see 
what American-made Apache helicopters and F-18s can do? For 
America to truly become faithful, it must relinquish its blatant 
bias." 
 
6.  "Prince Nayef And American Security" 
Editor in Chief Ahmad Al-Jarallah wrote in independent Al-Seyassah 
(6/28): "We must admit that our governments failed to pay 
attention to the needs of our youths. This particular segment of 
the society was left vulnerable and easy prey for those who trade 
in religion. If it was wrong for governments to distance 
themselves from the youth, it was also wrong for them to ignore 
those who use religion for subversive means. In addition to Saudi 
Arabia, many other Arab countries in the region are suffering 
because of such actions." 
 
JONES