MEDIA REACTION KUWAIT JUNE 26-28: Iraq, Terror, Arab

1. SUMMARY: Atrocities by terrorists in Iraq and Saudi Arabia are
a principal focus of Kuwaiti columnists this week. Walid Al-
Ibrahim wrote in independent Al-Watan (6/26): "Every time a
westerner is taken hostage or killed by Arabs and Muslims, Islam's
image is tainted further and feelings of hatred toward Muslims
increase." The recent Abu Ghraib apology by American religious
leaders on Arabic television was praised, but for some this did no
go far enough. Adel Al-Qassar wrote in independent Al-Qabas
(6/26): "why doesn't America apologize to the Palestinians for
having suffered numerous violations such as murder, torture, and
eviction because of America's unlimited support?" END SUMMARY.



2. "I am Muslim American"
Walid Al-Ibrahim wrote in independent Al-Watan (6/26): "Every time
a westerner is taken hostage or killed by Arabs and Muslims,
Islam's image is tainted further and feelings of hatred toward
Muslims increase. Many Americans and Britons believe that Islamic
principles are the main cause behind such atrocities. This is were
we, as Muslims, must rectify these misconceptions. Therefore, I
was pleased when the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)
released a bevy of campaigns targeted at American broadcasting
companies for the express purpose of countering a distorted image
of Islam. According to CAIRS's General Manager, the new campaign
is one of many steps toward illustrating the meaning of Islam and
the contributions of many American Muslims to their American
communities."



3. "Reforms In The Arab World"
Qasem Awad wrote in independent Al-Rai Al-Aa'm (6/27): "Recently,
various Arab voices have been calling for comprehensive reforms.
But due to frequent conflicts and wars that have beset the region,
many in the Arab world feel utterly despondent. The reason why the
elite have also experienced dejection is primarily due to Arab
regimes' despotic conduct. These regimes cast a shadow over the
accomplishments of the intellectual elites, which in turn
contributes to their ineffectiveness. The tyranny of some Arab
regimes has driven the concept of reform to a dead end, and has
made reform from within an impossible task to achieve, compelling
Washington to solve the problems of this whole region by
initiating the GMEI."



4. "Iraq And The Next Stage"
Kuwait University Professor Dr. Abdullah Al-Jasmi wrote in
independent Al-Rai Al-A'am (6/27): "For many political powers and
observers of the Iraqi situation, the imminent handover of
authority to Iraqis portends a new course in handling the
political situation. The Coalition forces are no longer the
targets of terrorist and sabotage operations. Recent
assassinations and acts of sabotage have targeted political and
nationalist personnel who could play an important role in
rebuilding the new, democratic Iraq. There is no doubt that the
reason behind suicide bombings and acts of terrorism is to impede
and sabotage the reconstruction of Iraq as an emerging new civil
society."



5. "Faithful America"
Adel Al-Qassar wrote in independent Al-Qabas (6/26): "It is
commendable that a group of American churches, concerned about
U.S. foreign policy vis--vis human rights, placed adverts with
various Arab satellite channels that expressed regret about human
rights violations in Iraqi prisons. This positive step was
undertaken by 'Faithful America' and sponsored by the American
"National Council of Churches." So, why doesn't America apologize
to the Palestinians for having suffered numerous violations such
as murder, torture, and eviction because of America's unlimited
support? Is it impossible for cameras to enter a massive prison
such as Palestine to investigate this colossal tragedy? To see
what American-made Apache helicopters and F-18s can do? For
America to truly become faithful, it must relinquish its blatant
bias."



6. "Prince Nayef And American Security"
Editor in Chief Ahmad Al-Jarallah wrote in independent Al-Seyassah
(6/28): "We must admit that our governments failed to pay
attention to the needs of our youths. This particular segment of
the society was left vulnerable and easy prey for those who trade
in religion. If it was wrong for governments to distance
themselves from the youth, it was also wrong for them to ignore
those who use religion for subversive means. In addition to Saudi
Arabia, many other Arab countries in the region are suffering
because of such actions."

JONES