US embassy cable - 05MUSCAT56

UNCLAS MUSCAT 000056 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPT FOR NEA/ARPI (TROBERTS), NEA/PPD (CWHITTLESEY) 
DEPT ALSO FOR NEA/P (FFINVER), INR/R/MR 
LONDON FOR GOLDRICH 
PARIS FOR ZEYA 
USCENTCOM FOR PLUSH 
FOREIGN PRESS CENTER/ASILAS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KPAO, KMDR, OIIP, MU, Public Affairs 
SUBJECT: MUSCAT MEDIA REACTION: TSUNAMI, PALESTINIAN ELECTIONS 
AND IRAQI COMMITMENT 
 
 
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Covering Tragedy 
---------------- 
 
1. The government-owned Arabic daily "Oman" published an 
editorial on January 6 entitled "Media Compassion And The Tsunami 
Crisis": 
 
"We should note the outstanding coverage that the Western media 
gave to the tsunami crisis.  It was more than just a headline. 
They offered 24-hour coverage of the aftermath of the tsunami. 
For days, we heard reports about the crisis and received 
information about how we could provide assistance. Coverage 
included the addresses and contact information for humanitarian 
organizations involved in helping victims of the tragedy....  On 
the other hand, coverage of the catastrophe was superficial in 
the Arab media. The Arab press sent very few correspondents to 
cover the crisis as if it had happened on another planet.  How 
can the Arab media expect to compete internationally with CNN and 
other networks if it focuses on local news, and when a huge event 
like the tsunami happens it does not know how to report it?" 
 
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Electing A Leader 
----------------- 
 
2. On January 8, privately owned Arabic daily "Al-Watan" carried 
an editorial under the title "A Test that is Set to Succeed": 
 
"Palestinians are going through a unique moment in their 
history....  Through their vote, Palestinians will demonstrate 
that despite obstacles imposed by Israel, they can elect their 
leaders in free, direct and democratic elections.  This should 
put to rest Israel's claim that it does not have a true partner 
for peace." 
 
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Supporting Iraq 
--------------- 
 
3. The daily newspaper "Oman" published on January 8 an editorial 
entitled "A Strong Commitment to Iraq": 
 
"The summit of countries neighboring Iraq that was held recently 
in Jordan was--without exaggeration--a truly significant event 
because all of Iraq's neighbors participated in it and because 
each of the nations expressed its strong commitment to rebuilding 
the country.  If the countries keep their word, they will rise 
above their differences to help establish a stable Iraq.  To do 
this, they must refrain from interfering in Iraq's internal 
affairs....  The summit was also important because all 
participants called upon Iraqis to take part in the upcoming 
election, indicating that none of Iraq's neighbors support 
postponing them." 
BALTIMORE