MEDIA REACTION KUWAIT MAY 25-26: IRAQ

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KUWAIT 001674

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TAGS: OIIP KU KDMR
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION KUWAIT MAY 25-26: IRAQ


1. "No Worse..."
Mohammed Musaed Al-Saleh wrote in independent Al-Qabas
(5/25): "Had the American policy in Iraq succeeded, the
transfer through the United Nations Security Council would
have been welcomed. This did not happen, and the American
policy in Iraq has been a great disappointment so far.
Although weapons of mass destruction were the main reason
for going to war, to date they have not been found. A large
number of Iraqi soldiers and civilians have been killed, in
addition to American soldiers. Also, America formed the
Governing Council on the basis of sectarian differences.
The transfer of sovereignty at the end of June will not be
complete as long as American troops and their coalition
partners remain in Iraq, immune to Iraqi jurisdiction. In
Iraq, America achieved neither democracy nor reform. It
only enforced sectarianism and civil war. Imagine what
could happen in Iraq if America withdrew completely? It
certainly will not be worse than it already is."


2. "Is American Escape Imminent?"
Dr. Yaser Al-Saleh wrote in independent Al-Rai Al-A'am
(5/25): "Whether in Iraq, with the American electorate or
with the rest of the world, the picture is grim for the
United States. Recent polls reveal that the majority of
Iraqis consider the Americans an occupying force, and want
them to leave despite the deterioration of the security
situation. In addition to the worsening situation,
America's idiotic targeting of holy sites in Iraq amplified
Shiite anger, which spread to other Arab states and elicited
threats against Americans. On the home front, it seems that
presidential candidate John Kerry may be fortunate enough to
win the election, and the dismissal of neo-conservatives is
becoming a big possibility. I wonder, what will be the
position of those here in Kuwait, who put all their eggs in
America's basket, and ignored the warning signs indicating
that the American military can be defeated, just as it was
defeated in Somalia and Lebanon."


3. "Iraq ... To Where?"
Ahmad Al-Dawas wrote in independent Al-Watan (5/25): "The
Iraqi people now are more in need of security and stability
than democracy, because the Iraqi Governing Council has
failed to solve Iraq's pressing security situation. That is
why the American administration is anxious to transfer
sovereignty on June 30. Not only will this relieve the
administration of security burdens, it will also give George
Bush a chance to reinforce his popularity among his
electorate, by presenting the handover as a tangible
achievement. America is hoping to rule Iraq behind the
scenes, and the new Iraqi government will not ask the
Americans to leave. Americans will stay in Iraq and
American influence will continue."


4. "American Policy In Iraq ... A Blunder"
Dr. Shafiq Al-Ghabra wrote in independent Al-Rai Al-A'am
(5/26): "The latest in a series of blunders committed by
the Americans in Iraq was raiding Ahmad Al-Chalabi's
headquarters. The reality on the ground is that no matter
how able a foreign government is, Iraq cannot be easily
governed. It is only the Iraqis who can secure stability in
Iraq, and it is only the Iraqis who can stop this rampant
violence. The priority for President Bush is to get out of
Iraq with the lowest possible losses, and to include the
United Nations in the process."


5. "American Strategy And The GMEI Hoax"
Fatima Al-Jasser wrote in independent Al-Watan (5/26):
"Israel would not have been able to wantonly kill
Palestinians and destroy their homes without blanket
protection from America. Moreover, the subjugation and
weakness of the Arab regimes has inadvertently supported
these Israeli actions ... America, fortified with arrogance,
has led every dirty war, and has been a sponsor of terrorism
from the time it used the Taliban to hit back at the
Russians. Even during the first Gulf War, America could
have easily eliminated Saddam, but conveniently left him
unscathed so that he would always pose a threat to his
neighbors. How can events at Abu Gharib prison be a
surprise, when America can close one eye to the blatant
Israeli violence against the Palestinians?"

URBANCIC