KUWAIT MEDIA REACTION FEB 17-18: AL-HURRA SATELLITE

UNCLAS KUWAIT 000569

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: KUWAIT MEDIA REACTION FEB 17-18: AL-HURRA SATELLITE
CHANNEL, MEPI, IRAQ


1. "A New Satellite Channel"
Dr. Ahmed Al-Rubei, former MP and liberal columnist wrote in
independent Al-Qabas (2/17): "The launch of Al-Hurra
satellite channel elicited angry reactions and was labeled
an American conspiracy by many Arab news media. This
reaction is nave and clear sign of an overwrought mindset.
In an age where technology reigns, and where Arab satellite
channels are in regress, Al-Hurra can succeed only if it
does not become the mouthpiece of American foreign policy.
Only if Al-Hurra conducts a healthy and impartial dialogue
where all opinions are presented, then perhaps it can open
the door for objective analysis and fair competition. Self-
Confident nations must look on such an event as an addition
of a new color to the spectrum of the colors of freedom."


2. "Rich and Poor"
Fouad Al-Hashem wrote in independent Al-Watan (2/17): "I
predict within one year, the newly launched Al-Hurra
satellite channel, will best seventy five percent of all
current Arab satellite channels. The finest endorsement for
the new channel was articulated when a female employee said
she worked at numerous media outlets, but now working at Al-
Hurra she was free of the censor."


3. "Do Not Underestimate the Power of Media"
Sami Abdul Latif Al-Nisif wrote in independent Al-Anba
(2/18): "In the view of many Arabs, the launch of the new
satellite channel Al-Hurra is the first step in correcting
decades of accumulated grievances created by America the
"Great Satan". Not only can Al-Hurra pull the rug out from
under the rest of the Arab satellite channels, but also, it
can correct many misconceptions on American foreign policy
toward the region and perhaps end the tension."


4. "A reading . Into an International Plan"
Dr. Mohammed Al-Rumaih wrote in independent Al-Rai Al-A'am
(2/17): "On several occasions, president Bush and foreign
secretary Powell spoke of MEPI and both hoped Western states

SIPDIS
would adopt MEPI as a future working plan toward the Middle
East. The philosophy behind this project lies in that
instability in the Middle East is threatening the interests
of countries such as the United States, and this instability
is due to a failure in the development in the Arab world.
Most significantly, many Western decision makers believe
that Arab leaders are using the unresolved Palestinian
problem as a pretext to delay reforms. MEPI plan in general
focuses on education, and many of its elements are
beneficial and welcome. It is what MEPI fails to mention
that is much more significant."


5. "Iraqis Electrocuted"
Faisal Al-Zamil wrote in independent Al-Anba (2/18): "It
seems Paul Bremer and the Coalition Authority are releasing
persons linked to the former Iraqi regime, the same people
who tormented the Iraqi people. Many Iraqis were right to
be suspicious of America's motives. How can we comprehend
the reason behind the release of Saadoun Hamadi and Mohammed
Al-Sahaf, who committed crimes against Iraqis and led them
into pointless wars, while hundreds of Guantanamo detainees
continue to be incarcerated only on reason of suspicion?
This silly charade of releasing war criminals, and
classifying their leader [Saddam Hussein] a Prisoner of War
is a serious turning point which even the families of
American soldiers are now questioning."

Urbancic