Media Reaction: Bomb blast in Egypt;Dhaka

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 DHAKA 003530

SIPDIS

FOR I/FW, B/G, IIP/G/NEA-SA, B/VOA/N (BANGLA SERVICE) STATE
FOR SA/PAB, SA/PPD (LSCENSNY, SSTRYKER),SA/RA, INR/R/MR,
AND PASS TO USAID FOR ANE/ASIA/SA/B (WJOHNSON)

CINCPAC FOR PUBLIC DIPLOMACY ADVISOR, J51 (MAJ TURNER),J45
(MAJ NICHOLLS)

USARPAC FOR APOP-IM (MAJ HEDRICK)

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KMDR OIIP OPRC KPAO PREL ETRD PTER ASEC BG OCII
SUBJECT: Media Reaction: Bomb blast in Egypt;Dhaka

Summary: Bomb attacks in Egypt and London were editorially
condemned. "Daily Star" urged the government to be alert
about terror threats. "Amer Desh" condemned alleged remarks
by a U.S. Congressman urging President Bush to attack Mecca.

--------------
Bomb Attacks in Sharms el Sheik and London
--------------

"Terror attacks multiply: Need to tackle things calmly"
Independent English language newspaper "Daily Star"
editorially comments (7/24):

The series of deadly attacks at the Egyptian Red Sea resort
of Sharm el Sheik, killing at least 60 and injuring over
100, has come on the heels of a second round of bombings in
London, thankfully causing far less damage. While there is
no evidence as yet that the attacks are linked in any way,
it seems indisputable that we are now in the middle of a
concerted terror offensive.
There are no words to express our anger and disgust at those
who kill and maim innocent people indiscriminately and with
impunity for the sole reason of spreading terror. Our hearts
go out to the victims and their near and dear ones.
Islam, which literally means a religion of peace, does not
sanction suicide, far less the killing of innocents by
suicide bombers. Those who take the name of Islam to do it
are shaming a great religion and putting Muslims throughout
the world at some risk.
It seems to us that the bombings were approached by the
British authorities in a calm and mature manner, with Muslim
MPs and religious and community leaders being consulted and
co-opted. That said, the recent shooting to death of a young
man at a subway station is potentially troubling. The rules
of engagement have been changed in light of the gravity of
the current situation. It may well be that the police had
their reason to act as they did, but it is important that
the public be fully aware of how and why such an action was
taken.
It is important at a time like this to approach things in a
calm and sagacious manner. This is how the authorities
cracked the first London bombing case so swiftly. This is
the toughest and most delicate investigation the British
authorities have ever been faced with, and the Egyptians are
about to experience the same thing. There must be no misuse
of the new powers that law enforcement will need to get to
the bottom of such atrocities, either in the UK or Egypt or
elsewhere.
Which brings us to Bangladesh. Our observations here are two-
fold. One, the government must do more to contain any
possible spread of terror. CCTV is a good idea, but it is
not enough. The government must take the threat seriously.
Two, the fact that the threat is real and needs to be
addressed cannot be an excuse for government repression and
harassment of its opponents. A cool and clear head is the
order of the day.

--------------

"Barbarism by the British Police"
Independent Bangla language newspaper "Amar Desh"
editorially comments (7/24):

After the second bomb attack in London, the concern of peace
loving people has increased manifold over the course of
events. It is really a matter of concern that terrorist
attacks cannot be prevented although the London police are
highly trained and equipped with modern weapons. Side by
side, the British Muslim community has every reason to be
alarmed at what the British police are doing in the name of
searching the source of terrorism. Relatives of many
Bangladeshi families have long been living in Britain.
Therefore, we are also not free from their concern. We
strongly condemn terrorism as it has created a deep crisis
for mankind. But we cannot but condemn the state terrorism
that a specific community is facing in the name combating
terrorism. The way the police in London killed a youth on
Friday is unthinkable in a civilized society.

We strongly condemn attempts to accuse the entire Muslim
population of terrorism not only in Britain, but also in
Europe and the U.S. A U.S. congressman recently urged
President Bush to launch attacks on Muslim religious
installations, including Mecca. His remarks give a partial
picture of hostility to Muslims in western nations. We, for
obvious reasons, fear that this kind of remarks will help
the spread of terrorism, instead of eradicating terrorism.
Those who preach democracy and human rights in the rest of
the world must show humane qualities in their words and
practice. Otherwise, the fire of unrest will continue to
rage.

Chammas