US embassy cable - 05MUSCAT767

UNCLAS MUSCAT 000767 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPT FOR NEA/ARPI, NEA/PPD, NEA/P, 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: MEDIA REACTION: ABU GHRAIB SENTENCES, REGIONAL 
RELATIONS, AND LEBANESE UNITY 
 
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Slap On The Wrist 
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1. On May 7, the government-owned Arabic daily "Oman" carried an 
editorial entitled, "Rewards for the Abu Ghraib Scandals": 
 
"The trials of the American military officers involved in the Abu 
Ghraib prison scandal passed almost unnoticed by the Arabs, as if 
nothing had ever happened.  The paltry punishment -- a mere 
demotion in rank -- handed down to the female general in charge 
of the prison suggests that she made a deal with prosecutors, in 
which she would receive a light sentence in return for not naming 
names.  Ironically, during the latter days of Saddam's reign, 
prisons such as Abu Ghraib were trotted out by the Americans as 
examples of Saddam's tyranny and brutality.  Can we honestly say 
that the human rights situation for Iraqis has improved, when 
they are sent to these prisons without charges and are subjected 
to such degrading abuse?" 
 
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Region Of Brotherly Love 
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2. An editorial entitled, "A Model of Relations Between Brothers" 
appeared in "Oman" on May 8: 
 
"No one should underestimate the importance of His Majesty Sultan 
Qaboos' visit to Qatar and Egypt.  The region is experiencing 
rapid and profound changes which will impact the entire 
international community.  It is crucial for the countries in this 
part of the world to work together for peace, and to protect the 
security and stability of the region.  The brotherly relationship 
that exists between Oman, Qatar, and Egypt is a model for how 
countries should behave towards each other." 
 
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Internal Affairs 
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3. "Oman" also published an editorial on May 9 under the 
headline, "The Importance of Lebanese Unity": 
 
"Syria's withdrawal gives Lebanon an opportunity to solve their 
internal issues.  The return of Aoun should be used to further 
the reconciliation between factions.  Therefore, the focus should 
be on strengthening Lebanon's internal unity -- not on getting 
carried away by temporary emotional slogans.  The Lebanese people 
deserve political stability and economic development, unhindered 
by personal political interests." 
 
BALTIMORE