MEDIA REACTION: U.S. IMAGE; IRAN AND THE REGION;

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ABU DHABI 001406 SIPDIS STATE FOR NEA/ARP; NEA/PPD; NEA/RA; INR/R/MR; PA; INR/NESA; INR/B; RRU-NEA IIP/G/NEA-SA WHITE HOUSE FOR PRESS OFFICE; NSC SECDEF FOR OASD/PA USCINCCENT FOR POLAD LONDON FOR MCKUNE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OIIP KMDR AE TC SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION: U.S. IMAGE; IRAN AND THE REGION; IRAQ'S OCCUPATION ¶1. Summary: A columnist in "Al-Ittihad" explains why America is deeply hated by Arabs and Muslims stating that respecting human's humanity is the only way for America to resolve these issues. "Al-Khaleej" expressed concerns for Gulf security. "Al-Khaleej" asserted that freedom and democracy never comes from occupation. A columnist in "Al- Ittihad" blamed the Iraqi politicians for the current crisis in Iraq. An editorial in "Gulf News" argues that a U.S. strike on Iran is not a viable solution. End Summary. ¶2. Under headline "America: The art of enhancing its ugly picture", a columnist, Mohammed Al-Sammak, wrote 4/8 op-ed in Abu Dhabi-based Arabic daily "Al-Ittihad" (circulation 65,000): "The United States shows increasing concern over enhancing its image in the world. According to an investigative study conducted by an American establishment, `in modern history, the phenomenon of enmity towards America has never been deeper and more comprehensive than it is now'. The question is: Why? Feelings of hatred toward the U.S. in Southern America are stronger and broader than any where in the world. The study revealed that only 11% of Mexicans look positively toward America's influence... According to Arab and Islamic nations, the study confirmed that the only problem that has been hindering the American-Arab/Islamic relationships centers on the Palestinian issue and America's unlimited support to Israel. It also stated that this problem which started after the six-day war of 1967 had reached unprecedented levels after 9/11. According to the study, the ugliest image of the U.S. in the entire world is seen in the Islamic world... If the United States had the right to surpass the United Nations and throw into the wall all international treaties, why should the rest of the world respect the United Nations and abide by its legislation? It is true that the United States is the most powerful country in the world. But does this give it the right to impose its regime how and whenever it wishes? Has the military force become the only basis for national legitimacy? Experience throughout history proves that violence does not solve problems. Hitler did not impose Nazism on Europe. The United States, who failed to topple Castro in Cuba, will never win its war on terrorism through terrorist means, and Israelis, despite of their continuous massacres that are daily committed against Palestinians, will never suppress the Palestinian issue or subdue the Palestinian people. Respecting the humanity of mankind is the only way to resolve any issue or solve any problem." ¶3. Under headline "Gulf's security", Sharjah-based Pan- Arab daily "Al-Khaleej" (circulation 85,000) wrote 4/6 Front- page unsigned editorial: "The security of the Gulf is costly. It is extremely costly to those in this region who have experienced at least three wars, and tasted their bitterness, and the impact which continues in Iraq. The omens of future wars are very likely, with a continuous exchange of threats dancing between America and Iran. American occupational invasions taking place under shiny slogans do not deceive anyone anymore and as do Iran's ambitions that are full of hard ideologies under transatlantic missiles or those that swim under the surface of the warm waters of the gulf... Day after day, our fears grow deeper... The blue color of the gulf will be eliminated unless Iran removes the mask of clouds covering its face or advances towards its neighbors... with the aim to engage in a dialogue, build measures of confidence and close all doors that are sources of trouble... The militarization of the gulf... is a bad prescription for the stability and joint cooperation of the gulf... The gulf today is under grave threat and deserves sincere protection from those who now enjoy its security and from wise men all over the world." ¶4. Under headline "Occupation of Al-Rasheed's capital", Sharjah-based pan-Arab daily "Al-Khaleej" (circulation 85,000) wrote 4/9 unsigned editorial: "Three years after the occupation of Baghdad and Iraq, the only ongoing talk of the town is strife, civil war, and the daily blood bath... the final result which is the break up of Iraq. The fake promise of freedom and democracy has turned from day one into disasters begetting more disasters, because freedom and democracy can never be achieved under occupation. The records of occupation do not include free services to peoples. Occupation works only in serving its own plans and interests." ¶5. Under headline "Ruling crisis in Iraq", a columnist, Dr. Shamlan Yousef Al-Eissa, wrote 4/9 op-ed in Abu Dhabi- based Arabic daily "Al-Ittihad" (circulation 65,000): "The call of Abdulaziz Al Hakeem on the Iranian leadership to agree with the American administration on resolving issues in Iraq adds legitimacy to the Iranian presence in Iraq. We believe that the primary cause of the situation in Iraq is Iraqi politicians, whether taking the form of parties, movements, or Sunni or Shiite organizations. Accusing the United States or others of being the source of Iraq's problems does not reflect the facts. It seems that after their country was freed by the American forces, the Iraqi politicians, who led the oppositions in Tehran, Damascus, London, Washington and other capitals, and who raised slogans of freedom, dignity, democracy and the law of nation, were liars and deceivers whose only aim was to reach to power and confiscate the rights of others... Therefore, it is not strange that they have not reached rational solutions confirming the unity of the Iraqi people and its sovereignty on a non-torn country. Does the Iraqi situation affect the Arabian Gulf countries? Definitely yes. U.S. senator "McCain warned that failing in Iraq would not just leave behind chaos in Iraq, but would expand to include all neighboring countries. How can we save Iraq from traders in slogans, terrorists and traders in religion and sectarianism? The Iraqi people need help from all countries of the world. What is required is an international conference that would set up new foundations for the future of Iraq, whereby a clear plan is drawn up for stabilizing Iraq through ending factional militias, adjusting the constitution, reinforcing the central command for controlling security and stability, and inaugurating business projects to benefit all Iraqi people. This will only happen under the presence of a clean Iraqi leadership that is far from partisanship and sectarianism." ¶6. Under headline "Military strike is not a solution", Dubai- based English daily "Gulf News" (circulation 95,000) wrote 4/11 unsigned editorial: "All options on Iran's nuclear ambitions are on the table, according to the White House. They shouldn't be. Only diplomacy should be on the table. The consequences of a military strike on Iran would be horrendous... A military strike is not a solution. Apart from the international uproar a strike would unleash at a time when America is desperately in need of allies to wage its so- called war on terror, it would not guarantee that Iran's nuclear program would be stopped. It would guarantee retaliation and a determination by Iran to pursue that which it is being accused of today by the U.S., a nuclear weapons option. The only certain consequence would be anti-western feeling which could in turn lead to possible terrorist attacks. Iran has a right to develop nuclear power for peaceful purposes. If it chooses to exercise this right then the process must be open and accountable to the international community. Double standards are at play here. Israel has about 200 nuclear weapons. This brings not so much as a word of condemnation from Washington. Aside from Washington's bias, nuclear energy and the problems and suspicions it brings will be a major issue of the 21st century as other countries try to join the "elite". If diplomacy fails on Iran then it will fail with other countries, leading to a free-for-all. Diplomacy offers the only chance of a viable, workable solution. No other option should be considered." SISON