MEDIA REACTION KUWAIT JULY 17-21: ICJ RULING, ARAFAT,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KUWAIT 002287

SIPDIS

STATE FOR INR/R/MR, NEA/ARP, NEA/PPD, PA, INR/NESA
STATE FOR IIP/G/NEA-SA, INR/B
WHITE HOUSE FOR PRESS OFFICE
LONDON FOR GOLDRICH, PARIS FOR O'FRIEL
USDOC FOR 4520/ANESA/ONE/FITZGERALD-WILKS
USDOC FOR ITA AND PTO/OLIA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OIIP KU KDMR
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION KUWAIT JULY 17-21: ICJ RULING, ARAFAT,
IRAQ


1. SUMMARY: Familiar criticism of U.S. policy in Israel, now
relating to the ICJ ruling on the Israeli Wall, is being drowned
out by harsh criticism of Palestinian Authority corruption and
Arafat's leadership. Dr. Ayed Al-Mana' wrote in independent Al-
Watan (7/19): "...Israeli aggression is not the only reason behind
the deteriorating conditions in Palestine. Isn't Arafat the only
one with the power to rectify Palestinian affairs?" Outside of
Israel, commentators lament the continued violence in Iraq
directed at Iraqis, and highlight the threat an unstable Iraq
poses to the Gulf. END SUMMARY.


2. "Roed-Larsen Was Right"
Dr. Ayed Al-Mana' wrote in independent Al-Watan (7/19): "U.N.
Envoy Terje Roed-Larsen is a balanced diplomatic figure, but
controversial nonetheless. Larsen was subjected to Israeli
criticism on more than one occasion. However, what was not
foreseen was the ridicule meted out to Larsen by the Palestinian
Authority, to the extent that one Palestinian official considered
Larsen a persona non grata. The reason the PA vilified Larsen was
due to his most recent report where he accused the PA of
widespread corruption, and criticized Arafat for refusing to
initiate overdue reforms. In any event, the PA has no right to
criticize Larsen, because Israeli aggression is not the only
reason behind the deteriorating conditions in Palestine. Isn't
Arafat the only one with the power to rectify Palestinian
affairs?"


3. "Wanted: Arafat"
Ahmad Al-Jarralah, owner and editor-in-chief, wrote in independent
Al-Seyassah (7/20): "Arafat's Palestinian Authority is crumbling,
and he is no longer a partner in the peace process. On the
contrary, he has become a burden for the Palestinian cause and for
Arab states. Arafat must withdraw from this leadership role,
because he no longer serves any political purpose, especially
after Fatah accused him of plunging the Palestinians into this
tragic predicament. Arafat destroyed the livelihood of the
Palestinian people, and led them toward terrorism, destruction,
death and despair. He tore down the country just as Saddam did
with Iraq. Arafat has entered a phase of political senility, where
hopes for longevity and clutching to power are high on his agenda.
Because of his actions, Palestinian lands are occupied, the PA
consists of warring militias, and corruption has eaten away at the
PA. Arafat must be retired. Peace cannot be achieved while this
man continues to stay in power."


4. "Lawlessness"
Dr. Abdel Muhsin Jamal wrote in independent Al-Qabas (7/19): "The
Israeli enemy does not recognize other countries' rule of law.
Rather, it commits international crimes without the slightest
consideration for international law. An example of such
infringements recently occurred when two members of the Mossad
attempted to obtain forged passports while in New Zealand, in
clear violation of diplomatic rules. Another example is Israel's
rejection of the ICJ ruling on the security barrier, a barrier
considered similar to the Berlin Wall, but regrettably erected in
the twenty-first century. In addition, the Mossad's existence in
Iraq is no longer a secret... Zionists, under the guise of
protecting their state, are not concerned with the rule of law."


5. "Various Locations"
Walid Bu Raba'a wrote in independent Al-Watan (7/17): "The ICJ
ruling on Israel's security barrier is considered a legal victory
for the Palestinians, who are trapped between the jaws of Sharon's
state terrorism and Arafat's corrupt Palestinian Authority.
Surprisingly, fourteen judges voted in favor of the ruling that
the barrier was illegal, while the U.S. representative opposed it.
Needless to say, the ICJ ruling is the 'conscience' that goes in
harmony with the concept of justice. For such a ruling to gain
impact, the PA must hasten to achieve reforms."


6. "Resisting Or Prolonging Foreign Presence?!"
Dr. Abdullah Al-Jasmi, Kuwait University professor, wrote in
independent Al-Rai Al-A'am (7/20): "The real reason behind the
horrific daily carnage in Iraq is not to drive out foreign troops,
but to hinder the rebuilding process and to cause instability.
Many sabotage operations did not target foreign troops, but oil
installations and the infrastructure. Even if foreign troops were
to pull out of Iraq, terrorist operations will continue, and some
groups will extend publicity and coverage to these horrific
actions."


7. "In Defense Of New Iraq"
Dr. Shamlan Al-Issa wrote in independent Al-Seyassah (7/19): "The
new Iraq is subjected to constant attack by ultranationalists and
fundamentalist groups whose aim is to undermine the new Iraqi
government. The escalation in terrorist acts in Iraq, especially
against civilians, Iraqi security personnel, and oil
installations, is creating complete anarchy and instability.
Nonetheless, it is in our interests to support the Iraqi Interim
Government in its war against terrorism, and in the rebuilding of
Iraq. The stability of the Iraqi democratic system can be a
stabilizing factor for the whole region. But, if insecurity,
sectarianism, and tribalism dominate Iraq, we, members of the Gulf
States will be the primary victims."


9. "A Welcome Indicator"
Dr. Ayed Al-Man'a wrote in independent Al-Watan (7/17): "The
Philippine government's decision to pull out its token forces from
Iraq, after one of its citizens was kidnapped, is a defeatist
choice and a submission to terrorism. President Arroyo's decision
cannot justify this action. The kidnapping of the Philippine
national was not a political act, since politics is rarely the
reason. Money is the greatest motivator for kidnapping. The
Philippines' decision to pull out its troops from Iraq is a
victory for a terrorist group which stood in the face of a
legitimate state."


10. "Arab Turnaround?"
Nahar Amer Al-Mikrad wrote in independent Al-Watan (7/21): "Until
recently, some Arab leaders were rushing to pay homage to the
United States. However, due to various and rapid global and
geopolitical changes which Arabs leaders have failed to
understand, especially since the United States became the only pre-
eminent power after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the United
States is no longer obliged to forge relations at the expense of
its interests, as occurred during the Cold War. America no longer
accepts relations with countries that are only rushing to please
her, countries that lack democratic principles, human rights, and
reforms. Whether we like it or not, reforms are imminent. No
amount of accusations and incitement against the United States can
stop the tide of reforms. Arab leaders should learn the from the
Saddam lesson."

JONES