MEDIA REACTION: AMERICA'S IMAGE, G-8 DEBT RELIEF, AND

UNCLAS MUSCAT 000961 SIPDIS DEPT FOR NEA/ARPI, NEA/PPD, NEA/P, INR/R/MR LONDON FOR GOLDRICH PARIS FOR ZEYA USCENTCOM FOR PLUSH FOREIGN PRESS CENTER FOR ASILAS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KPAO KMDR OIIP MU SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION: AMERICA'S IMAGE, G-8 DEBT RELIEF, AND PRIVATIZATION -------------- Why Do They Hate U.S.? -------------- ¶1. The government-owned Arabic daily "Oman" published an op-ed by Abdullah al-Iyan on June 13 entitled "Why Ask The Question?": "After September 11, 2001, many American thinkers and writers asked the question: `Why do they hate us?' The answer lies in stories like the Quran desecration at Guantanamo Bay. The American president always states that he respects Islam and that it is one of the great religions, but why do American soldiers behave in such a negative way? Their actions only promote hatred between nations and religions. The Bush administration should draw a red line against such behavior, including the desecration of holy objects and the violations of human dignity that occurred in Abu Ghraib." -------------- How Do You Spell Relief? -------------- ¶2. "Al-Watan," a privately owned Arabic daily, featured an editorial on June 12 under the headline "A Comfortable Agreement?": "The G-8 finance ministers forgave the debt of selected countries, but was it just an effort by the industrialized world to sweep the anger of underdeveloped nations under the rug? Less fortunate countries blame the rich nations of the world for their suffering, arguing that they are used merely as a source of cheap raw materials and labor.... It should also be noted that the G-8 governments are intending to impose fees on travelers of all nationalities in order to compensate for the expenses incurred by canceling the debts." -------------- How Many Shares Should I Buy? -------------- ¶3. "Oman" ran an editorial on June 11, entitled "Privatization For Oman's Benefit": "The privatization of Omantel (the state-run telecommunications company) has begun with the issuance of over 22 million shares. This indicates the evolving nature of the relationship between the state and the citizens, and highlights the government's focus on increasing the living standards of the Omani people. The company has demonstrated its profitability in the first quarter of the year; therefore, it represents a good investment opportunity for Omanis." BALTIMORE