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

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TAGS: KPAO KMDR OIIP MU
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION: AMERICA'S IMAGE, G-8 DEBT RELIEF, AND
PRIVATIZATION

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Why Do They Hate U.S.?
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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."

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How Do You Spell Relief?
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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."

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How Many Shares Should I Buy?
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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