MEDIA REACTION ON WAR IN IRAQ

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 AMMAN 001951 SIPDIS STATE FOR NEA/ARN, NEA/PA, NEA/AIA, INR/NESA, R/MR, I/GNEA, B/BXN, B/BRN, NEA/PPD, NEA/IPA FOR ALTERMAN USAID/ANE/MEA LONDON FOR GOLDRICH PARIS FOR O'FRIEL E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KMDR JO SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION ON WAR IN IRAQ Summary -- Banner headlines carried in the front pages of all Arabic dailies today, April 1, highlight Iraq's statement that 54 of the coalition forces were killed in "fierce" battles in the south of Iraq. Another lead story in all papers highlight King Abdullah and Queen Rania's condolence visit to the families of the five Jordanians who fell victim to bombing by coalition forces earlier in the war. Majority of commentaries in Al-Rai newspaper, in particular, seem to defend Jordan's clear stand towards the Iraqi war. Editorial Commentary -- "Iraqi victories are real" Daily columnist Bater Wardam writes on the op-ed page of center-left, influential Arabic daily Al-Dustour (04/01): "One of the most important claims made by the supporters of the aggression is that it is impossible for Iraqi to achieve military or political victory over the United States, and that all these Iraqi sacrifices would be useless at the end of the day when faced with the technical power of the American invasion army. In reality, the Iraqi resistance managed to achieve many victories, whose outcome may not be apparent on the military arena for the moment, but are political achievements of the first caliber, and thus must be focused upon. The first accomplishment of the Iraqi resistance is its coming together in unity for the defense of the land against the invasion. The issue is no longer about the legitimacy of the Iraqi regimes, but rather about the fate of the Iraqi state.. This resistance and this steadfastness has cost the Iraqis a great deal, but has accomplished a very important outcomes, namely showing the American invasion for what it really is: an aggression and invasion for the purpose of occupation and control of resources. This resistance also proved the falseness of the Iraqi opposition and its lack of popular grounds on Iraqi territories. The resistance proved that this group that met in London under the auspices of the CIA does not have the capability to change anything on the ground and is rejected by the Iraqi people even more than the regime is rejected.. Let us also not forget the cumulative effect of he Iraqi resistance on the Arab conscience, which we hope will continue its awakening.. Yes, the Iraqi people are suffering a great deal now from the American brutality. Yet, these few days have destroyed many fables in the Arab world and in the world. Very soon, the United States is going to pay a huge cost for its stupidity, but only if millions of Arabs and Muslims take advantage of this massive tide of emotions and turn it into effective action that makes up for the sacrifices of the Iraqis. Would the Arabs rise to the level of this responsibility?" -- "Stop Jordan's retribution" Columnist Samir Hiyari writes on the op-ed page of semi-official, influential Arabic daily Al-Rai (04/01): "Sounds like the Jordanian memory requires continuous reminders of Jordan's achievements, accomplishments and positive stances with regard to the struggles ongoing to our west and to our east.. We would inflicting upon ourselves great injustice when we hold ourselves and our country in retribution without taking into consideration the complete reality, the royal efforts to resolve the crisis, and the size of Jordan with its capabilities and influence on the ground. Some, for example, are calling for a more honest role towards the war on Iraq, and some simply forget that the world in 2003 is not the same world in 1990.. There is no vagueness and no mystery when it comes to the Jordan's stand. Rejecting the war on Iraq, feeling with the brotherly people in Iraq, and dealing with what is going on with civility and responsibility have marked the King's address to his people. After all, King Abdullah's achievements were not focused on a personal interest. It is the responsibility of a Hashemite leader keen not to see a single drop of blood shed in any Arab country." GNEHM