US embassy cable - 05MUSCAT961

UNCLAS MUSCAT 000961 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPT FOR NEA/ARPI, NEA/PPD, NEA/P, INR/R/MR 
 
LONDON FOR GOLDRICH 
PARIS FOR ZEYA 
USCENTCOM FOR PLUSH 
FOREIGN PRESS CENTER FOR ASILAS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KPAO, KMDR, OIIP, MU, Public Affairs 
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION: AMERICA'S IMAGE, G-8 DEBT RELIEF, AND 
PRIVATIZATION 
 
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Why Do They Hate U.S.? 
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1. The government-owned Arabic daily "Oman" published an op-ed by 
Abdullah al-Iyan on June 13 entitled "Why Ask The Question?": 
 
"After September 11, 2001, many American thinkers and writers 
asked the question: `Why do they hate us?'  The answer lies in 
stories like the Quran desecration at Guantanamo Bay.  The 
American president always states that he respects Islam and that 
it is one of the great religions, but why do American soldiers 
behave in such a negative way?  Their actions only promote hatred 
between nations and religions.  The Bush administration should 
draw a red line against such behavior, including the desecration 
of holy objects and the violations of human dignity that occurred 
in Abu Ghraib." 
 
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How Do You Spell Relief? 
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2. "Al-Watan," a privately owned Arabic daily, featured an 
editorial on June 12 under the headline "A Comfortable 
Agreement?": 
 
"The G-8 finance ministers forgave the debt of selected 
countries, but was it just an effort by the industrialized world 
to sweep the anger of underdeveloped nations under the rug?  Less 
fortunate countries blame the rich nations of the world for their 
suffering, arguing that they are used merely as a source of cheap 
raw materials and labor....  It should also be noted that the G-8 
governments are intending to impose fees on travelers of all 
nationalities in order to compensate for the expenses incurred by 
canceling the debts." 
 
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How Many Shares Should I Buy? 
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3. "Oman" ran an editorial on June 11, entitled "Privatization 
For Oman's Benefit": 
 
"The privatization of Omantel (the state-run telecommunications 
company) has begun with the issuance of over 22 million shares. 
This indicates the evolving nature of the relationship between 
the state and the citizens, and highlights the government's focus 
on increasing the living standards of the Omani people.  The 
company has demonstrated its profitability in the first quarter 
of the year; therefore, it represents a good investment 
opportunity for Omanis." 
 
BALTIMORE