TFIZ01 THE IRAQI WAR THROUGH JORDANIAN EYES

UNCLAS AMMAN 001949

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

E.O. 12958:N/A
TAGS: PREL PHUM JO
SUBJECT: TFIZ01 THE IRAQI WAR THROUGH JORDANIAN EYES


The following cable, which describes Jordanian sentiment
towards the war, was drafted by an Embassy Amman FSN.


1. (SBU) SUMMARY: Almost two weeks into the war, and
Jordanians remain fully engrossed with the latest
developments in Iraq. Although many have resumed their daily
activities, a widening resentment towards the US has become
virtually a universal sentiment and an accepted truth. As
the coalition troops push forward, Jordanians are
articulating revulsion for everything American, and a
newfound pride for everything Iraqi. Religious leaders,
political opposition parties, churchgoers and modernists
have all come to share a common ground: Anti-Americanism (on
the same level as Anti-Israelism). END SUMMARY.

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JORDANIAN PRIDE IN VALIANT IRAQIS
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2. (SBU) This collective attitude has manifested itself in
numerous ways. One clear example has been the rejoicing of
many Jordanians for the Republican Guard tanks that bolted
out of Basra. Following that episode, conversations shifted
from a focus on "US arrogance" and the legality of war, to
the bravery and toughness of the Iraqi people: "did you hear
how the republican guard sent 1000 vehicles to the enemy,
they have guts." "The Iraqi people remain defiant in the
face of awesome US might." Articles in the press aim to
complete and confirm such sentiments with titles such as:
"Iraqi's challenge to the coalition stops their land crawl."

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SUSTAINED RAGE
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3. (SBU) The new levels of mistrust that many here feel for
the US has only added to the frustrations and anger
accumulated over years of the Intifada and US support of
Israel. This war is not viewed as separate from the Israeli-
Palestinian conflict - rather it is perceived as yet another
episode in the "US/Zionist assault on Arabs." People
continue to watch TV and listen to their radios just to see
and hear evidence for what they already believe: That Iraq
is defending its land against neo-colonialism.


4. (SBU) This sentiment is the same across the board,
although it is expressed in a variety of forms. Some
Jordanians watch the news around the clock with
interruptions for lunch and work. The religious spend more
time in prayer and in mosques. The young and able join
protests and peace vigils when held. Artists paint images of
war and murals in support of Iraq. Jordan Radio plays somber
music to reflect the mood of the country. Some have chosen
to cancel weddings and parties. People mostly gather at
homes of family members and close friends to watch the news
and talk about the war. Fundraisers and blood donations are
held by various Unions and Universities. A very small
segment (mostly of upper class Jordanians) has resumed going
out to restaurants, to movie theaters, or to the mall - if
only for a respite from the tensions and emotions of the
moment. Whatever and however people chose to deal and handle
the situation, all conversations lead back to the war, and
the general mood and tone of any gathering is ominously
unhappy and frustrated.

GNEHM