US embassy cable - 04KUWAIT2287

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KUWAIT 002287 
 
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 JULY 17-21: ICJ RULING, ARAFAT, 
IRAQ 
 
1.  SUMMARY: Familiar criticism of U.S. policy in Israel, now 
relating to the ICJ ruling on the Israeli Wall, is being drowned 
out by harsh criticism of Palestinian Authority corruption and 
Arafat's leadership.  Dr. Ayed Al-Mana' wrote in independent Al- 
Watan (7/19): "...Israeli aggression is not the only reason behind 
the deteriorating conditions in Palestine. Isn't Arafat the only 
one with the power to rectify Palestinian affairs?" Outside of 
Israel, commentators lament the continued violence in Iraq 
directed at Iraqis, and highlight the threat an unstable Iraq 
poses to the Gulf. END SUMMARY. 
 
2.  "Roed-Larsen Was Right" 
Dr. Ayed Al-Mana' wrote in independent Al-Watan (7/19): "U.N. 
Envoy Terje Roed-Larsen is a balanced diplomatic figure, but 
controversial nonetheless. Larsen was subjected to Israeli 
criticism on more than one occasion. However, what was not 
foreseen was the ridicule meted out to Larsen by the Palestinian 
Authority, to the extent that one Palestinian official considered 
Larsen a persona non grata. The reason the PA vilified Larsen was 
due to his most recent report where he accused the PA of 
widespread corruption, and criticized Arafat for refusing to 
initiate overdue reforms. In any event, the PA has no right to 
criticize Larsen, because Israeli aggression is not the only 
reason behind the deteriorating conditions in Palestine. Isn't 
Arafat the only one with the power to rectify Palestinian 
affairs?" 
 
3.  "Wanted: Arafat" 
Ahmad Al-Jarralah, owner and editor-in-chief, wrote in independent 
Al-Seyassah (7/20): "Arafat's Palestinian Authority is crumbling, 
and he is no longer a partner in the peace process. On the 
contrary, he has become a burden for the Palestinian cause and for 
Arab states. Arafat must withdraw from this leadership role, 
because he no longer serves any political purpose, especially 
after Fatah accused him of plunging the Palestinians into this 
tragic predicament. Arafat destroyed the livelihood of the 
Palestinian people, and led them toward terrorism, destruction, 
death and despair. He tore down the country just as Saddam did 
with Iraq. Arafat has entered a phase of political senility, where 
hopes for longevity and clutching to power are high on his agenda. 
Because of his actions, Palestinian lands are occupied, the PA 
consists of warring militias, and corruption has eaten away at the 
PA. Arafat must be retired.  Peace cannot be achieved while this 
man continues to stay in power." 
 
4.  "Lawlessness" 
Dr. Abdel Muhsin Jamal wrote in independent Al-Qabas (7/19): "The 
Israeli enemy does not recognize other countries' rule of law. 
Rather, it commits international crimes without the slightest 
consideration for international law.  An example of such 
infringements recently occurred when two members of the Mossad 
attempted to obtain forged passports while in New Zealand, in 
clear violation of diplomatic rules. Another example is Israel's 
rejection of the ICJ ruling on the security barrier, a barrier 
considered similar to the Berlin Wall, but regrettably erected in 
the twenty-first century. In addition, the Mossad's existence in 
Iraq is no longer a secret... Zionists, under the guise of 
protecting their state, are not concerned with the rule of law." 
 
5.  "Various Locations" 
Walid Bu Raba'a wrote in independent Al-Watan (7/17): "The ICJ 
ruling on Israel's security barrier is considered a legal victory 
for the Palestinians, who are trapped between the jaws of Sharon's 
state terrorism and Arafat's corrupt Palestinian Authority. 
Surprisingly, fourteen judges voted in favor of the ruling that 
the barrier was illegal, while the U.S. representative opposed it. 
Needless to say, the ICJ ruling is the 'conscience' that goes in 
harmony with the concept of justice. For such a ruling to gain 
impact, the PA must hasten to achieve reforms." 
 
6.  "Resisting Or Prolonging Foreign Presence?!" 
Dr. Abdullah Al-Jasmi, Kuwait University professor, wrote in 
independent Al-Rai Al-A'am (7/20): "The real reason behind the 
horrific daily carnage in Iraq is not to drive out foreign troops, 
but to hinder the rebuilding process and to cause instability. 
Many sabotage operations did not target foreign troops, but oil 
installations and the infrastructure. Even if foreign troops were 
to pull out of Iraq, terrorist operations will continue, and some 
groups will extend publicity and coverage to these horrific 
actions." 
 
7.  "In Defense Of New Iraq" 
Dr. Shamlan Al-Issa wrote in independent Al-Seyassah (7/19): "The 
new Iraq is subjected to constant attack by ultranationalists and 
fundamentalist groups whose aim is to undermine the new Iraqi 
government. The escalation in terrorist acts in Iraq, especially 
against civilians, Iraqi security personnel, and oil 
installations, is creating complete anarchy and instability. 
Nonetheless, it is in our interests to support the Iraqi Interim 
Government in its war against terrorism, and in the rebuilding of 
Iraq. The stability of the Iraqi democratic system can be a 
stabilizing factor for the whole region. But, if insecurity, 
sectarianism, and tribalism dominate Iraq, we, members of the Gulf 
States will be the primary victims." 
 
9.  "A Welcome Indicator" 
Dr. Ayed Al-Man'a wrote in independent Al-Watan (7/17): "The 
Philippine government's decision to pull out its token forces from 
Iraq, after one of its citizens was kidnapped, is a defeatist 
choice and a submission to terrorism.  President Arroyo's decision 
cannot justify this action. The kidnapping of the Philippine 
national was not a political act, since politics is rarely the 
reason. Money is the greatest motivator for kidnapping. The 
Philippines' decision to pull out its troops from Iraq is a 
victory for a terrorist group which stood in the face of a 
legitimate state." 
 
10.  "Arab Turnaround?" 
Nahar Amer Al-Mikrad wrote in independent Al-Watan (7/21): "Until 
recently, some Arab leaders were rushing to pay homage to the 
United States. However, due to various and rapid global and 
geopolitical changes which Arabs leaders have failed to 
understand, especially since the United States became the only pre- 
eminent power after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the United 
States is no longer obliged to forge relations at the expense of 
its interests, as occurred during the Cold War. America no longer 
accepts relations with countries that are only rushing to please 
her, countries that lack democratic principles, human rights, and 
reforms. Whether we like it or not, reforms are imminent. No 
amount of accusations and incitement against the United States can 
stop the tide of reforms. Arab leaders should learn the from the 
Saddam lesson." 
 
JONES