US embassy cable - 05KUWAIT3462

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KUWAIT 003462 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR NEA/ARPI, NEA/PPD, LONDON FOR TSOU; PARIS FOR 
ZEYA 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PGOV, KPAO, KISL, PREL, KU 
SUBJECT: SPECIAL MEDIA REACTION: THE DEATH OF KING FAHD 
 
1. SUMMARY: Kuwaiti commentators universally mourned King 
Fahd as a true Islamic leader and a special friend of 
Kuwait. The timing of his death, on the eve of the 15th 
anniversary of the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, led many 
writers to remember the special support Saudi Arabia 
offered Kuwait as a refuge for exiled Kuwaitis and a 
staging ground for the U.S.-led liberation. Writing in Al- 
Watan, Saud Al-Samaka wrote: "The loss of King Fahd is a 
loss for Kuwait too. The man stood by us, and did his very 
best and more when we needed him, at the time when our 
aggressor neighbor invaded our country. He opened his 
country for us and contained us until the tyrant was ousted 
and Kuwait got its freedom back." END SUMMARY. 
 
2. Writing in Al-Rai Al-Aam on August 2, Dr. Wael Al- 
Hasawi, the former editor-in-chief of Islamist Al-Furqan 
magazine, wrote: "The departure of King Fahd comes after a 
long march full of significant achievements . First, he 
spent billions of U.S. dollars to expand the area of the 
Two Holy Mosques of Mecca and Medina to accommodate the 
capacity crowd of worshippers at the Two Holy Mosques. And 
second is his distinguished stance during the heathenish 
invasion and occupation of Kuwait. Kuwaitis are still heard 
saying were it not for the help from the Almighty and great 
efforts exerted by big powers such as the United States and 
King Fahd, Kuwait would never have been liberated from the 
notorious invasion and occupation." 
 
3. Writing in pro-government daily Al-Anba on August 2, 
Hassan Al-Sayegh wrote: "It is so sad King Fahd left for 
his heavenly abode on the eve of the 15th anniversary of 
Saddam's invasion of Kuwait. Late King Fahd was a 
distinguished person who totally rejected the Iraqi 
invasion and occupation of Kuwait and offered his absolute 
support for the legitimate Kuwaiti leadership, in addition 
to significantly contributing to the liberation of Kuwait 
from the Iraqi occupation." 
 
4. Writing in independent daily Al-Qabas on August 3, Saud 
Al-Samaka wrote: "The loss of King Fahd is a loss for 
Kuwait too. The man stood by us, and did his very best and 
more when we needed him at the time when our aggressor 
neighbor invaded our country. He opened his country for us 
and contained us until the tyrant was ousted and Kuwait got 
its freedom back. King Fahd was a leader in an 
international coalition that was based in Saudi Arabia, 
where mass armies marched to liberate Kuwait . King 
Abdullah is the best successor of a good predecessor. He is 
known for his wisdom and knowledge. With God's will he will 
lead his country to a better future." 
 
5. Writing in Al-Watan on August 3, Islamist Shaykh Dr. 
Jassem bin Mohammed bin Muhalhal Al-Yassine wrote: "When we 
talk about the late King's achievements, we remember a long 
history that brought our two nations together. The Father 
Amir [of Kuwait] and King Fahd had special relationships, 
which were reflected in the unique and strong ties between 
the two nations. This relationship will no doubt continue 
under the reign of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques 
King Abdullah.  May God give him the strength to achieve 
additional progress." 
 
6. Writing in Al-Watan on August 3, Nahar Al-Makrad wrote: 
"Our consolation after the death of King Fahd is in the 
pledge of allegiance that Saudis will give to the new 
monarch of Saudi Arabia, King Abdullah. Saudi Arabia will 
continue to live in peace and richness under his 
leadership. HRH has been known for his eagerness to 
continue the mission of his brother. We also find comfort 
in the wise choice to appoint Prince Sultan bin AbdulAziz 
the Crown Prince." 
 
7. Writing in pro-government Al-Seyassah on August 3, owner 
and editor-in-chief Ahmed Al-Jarallah wrote: "King Abdullah 
is capable of filling the void left by King Fahd. He is 
capable of following in the footsteps of King Fahd. He can 
easily handle his responsibilities both inside and outside 
the Kingdom. He is also up to the task of establishing a 
new model of modern Islam . King Abdullah is one among the 
world leaders who have adopted modern Islamic teachings to 
fight and defeat terrorism. He has succeeded in striking a 
balance between international demands and protecting the 
uniqueness of his society. With the continuation of this 
policy of wise leadership, stability and happiness await 
Saudi Arabia. 
 
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LEBARON