MUSCAT MEDIA REACTION: AIDS, IMPERIALISM, AND MEDIA

UNCLAS MUSCAT 002121 SIPDIS DEPT FOR NEA/ARP (TROBERTS),NEA/PPD (CWHITTLESEY),NEA/P (FFINVER),INR/R/MR LONDON FOR GOLDRICH PARIS FOR ZEYA USCENTCOM FOR PLUSH FOREIGN PRESS CENTER/ASILAS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KPAO KMDR OIIP MU SUBJECT: MUSCAT MEDIA REACTION: AIDS, IMPERIALISM, AND MEDIA -------------- Omani Response To World AIDS Day -------------- ¶1. Privately-owned Arabic daily "Al-Watan" carried an editorial on December 1 entitled "On The Occasion Of World AIDS Day": "On the occasion of world AIDS day, Arab countries are reviewing their health policies regarding AIDS and acknowledging that more needs to be done to confront and contain this deadly disease. One possible step is to introduce more transparency in the information available to the public about the disease. A second possible step would be to place special emphasis on preventive measures. Through these steps we believe that fewer people will contract the disease annually, and that over time the AIDS rate in Arab societies will decrease." -------------- Will Vs. Power -------------- ¶2. Ibrahim al- Ma'amari wrote an editorial in the government- owned Arabic daily "Oman" on December 4 entitled "Who Will Change?": "For a lesson in the dangers of trying to change the Middle East, look no further than France. Napoleon went to Egypt, declaring that he would change Middle Eastern culture, but despite his efforts the country remained the same. Many years later, France embarked on a similar adventure in Algeria; but even after the deaths of one million Algerians, the country retained its local culture. When the United States came to Iraq with visions of establishing a democracy, France opposed the intervention and came out against the principle of imposing culture by force. France learned from its previous lessons. In the history of the Middle East, invaders and colonialists have occupied certain countries for hundreds of years, but they could never wipe out the original culture. If change is to take place, it must occur naturally with the development and evolution of its people, rather than being imposed by force from the outside." -------------- Good News On The News -------------- ¶3. The lead editorial in the government-owned Arabic daily "Oman" on December 5 was entitled "The Omani Media And Its Role In Serving Society": "The Omani media is being recognized for the important role it plays in Oman. Domestically, the media supports and protects the sense of heritage and identity within Oman, and it also plays a supportive role in local development initiatives. Internationally, the Omani media is regarded as a positive force for the spread of peace, international understanding, and human rights." BALTIMORE