Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
---|---|---|---|
04KUWAIT2005 | 2004-06-29 13:09:00 | UNCLASSIFIED | Embassy Kuwait |
This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available. |
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KUWAIT 002005 |
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 |