MEDIA REACTION: IRAQ, AL-JAFARI, IRAN, RESISTANCE;

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 002969

SIPDIS

STATE FOR INR/R/MR, NEA/PPD, NEA/PPA, NEA/AGS, INR/IZ,
INR/P
E.0. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OPRC KMDR KPAO IZ
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION: IRAQ, AL-JAFARI, IRAN, RESISTANCE;
BAGHDAD


1. SUMMARY: The major themes in the daily newspapers on
July 17 were Al-Jafari's visit to Tehran, the
constitutional committee's preparations for drafting the
constitution, and the latest developments of the security
situation. END SUMMARY.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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A. "Waiting for the fruits" (As-Sabah, 7/17)

B. "Will the government recognize the resistance?" (Ad-
Dustoor, 7/17)

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SELECTED COMMENTARIES
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A. "Waiting for the fruits" (As-Sabah, 7/17)

As-Sabah (independent) published a front-page editorial by
Jum'a Al-Hilfi about Prime Minister Al-Jafari's visit to
Tehran:

"Accompanied by a delegation of ministers, government
officials, and journalists, Dr. Ibrahim Al-Jafari has begun
his visit to Tehran. This visit is very important as it
comes after a period of relative calm between the two
countries and coincides with the latest difficulties in the
Iraqi situation. Not only is Iraq countering local and
foreign terrorism, but it also faces public crises and
problems that have persisted for the past two years.

We hope that the discussions in Tehran will focus on mutual
cooperation concerning security, water, electricity, and
other vital issues. The results of these meetings should be
beneficial for both countries. Indeed, we are waiting for
these discussions to put an end to the pending issues that
have long existed between our two countries. We want to
forget the painful past that was caused by Saddam's war.

We want to open a new page of fruitful cooperation that
will benefit the interests of both countries. We would like
to establish a relationship that is based on mutual respect
and non-interference in one another's internal affairs. Al-
Jafari's visit is also aimed at confirming the legitimacy
and independence of the Iraqi government and to demonstrate
its ability to cooperate and deal with its neighbors and
other countries in the world. However, we must be careful
to steer clear from submissiveness to any country. We wish
the Iraqi delegation success and hope that it will achieve
fruitful results and have a safe return home."


B. "Will the government recognize the resistance?" (Ad-
Dustoor, 7/17)

Ad-Dustoor (independent) published a front-page editorial
by Bassem Al-Sheikh about armed groups and their dialogue
with the Iraqi government:

"Does the Iraqi government have to recognize the
resistance? What would be the real goal behind such a
measure? What are the possible benefits from this
recognition? Does the U.S. government's secret dialogue
with armed groups imply that the Americans recognize the
resistance? Will this strategy lead to positive or negative
results? Without a doubt, the answers to these questions
will have a significant impact on the current political
process in Iraq.

Some Iraqis hypothesize that the Iraqi government's
recognition of the resistance represents an advancement in
the political process. However, such theories must
distinguish between the legitimate resistance and those
terrorists that are killing innocent civilians under
different pretexts. This represents a very important step
in making the resistance a part of the Iraqi political
entity. Such an accomplishment would be considered a
significant and tangible development in the Iraqi
situation. In addition, incorporating the resistance into
the political process will distinguish those terrorist
groups that refuse all forms of dialogue and participation
in the new Iraq. Consequently, we will be able to surround
and eradicate these groups. Once this occurs, the security
situation will be stabilized, the government will not be
totalitarian, and basic services will improve.

On the other hand, other Iraqis oppose having a dialogue
with the resistance. The views of these individuals
contradict with that of the majority of Iraqi society,
which accepts dialogue with the resistance as the best
solution to end the current crisis. It is up to the Iraqi
government to answer these questions in an objective
manner. We have heard some officials state that they are
ready to cooperate with the devil in order to get rid of
terrorism. The Iraqi people formerly accepted this idea of
dealing with the devil in order to remove Saddam Hussein
from power. Therefore, why do we not have that same level
of readiness when it comes to the security and stability of
our country?"

SATTERFIELD