"THE END OF THE MYTH." EGYPT MEDIA TRENDS: AUGUST 14, 2006

UNCLAS CAIRO 005030 SIPDIS SIPDIS NEA/PPD FOR ALBERTO FERNANDEZ, ROBIN SMITH AND DAVID BENZE R/PPR FOR GRETCHEN WELCH E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KPAO PREL IS LE EG SUBJECT: "THE END OF THE MYTH." EGYPT MEDIA TRENDS: AUGUST 14, 2006 ¶1. Summary. For the second consecutive day, headlines in opposition and independent papers, responded to the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah by highlighting Israel's "last minute massacres" and portraying Israel as "failed." Government-controlled dailies focused on President Mubarak's meeting with the Iranian foreign minister, and Egypt's assistance to Lebanon. Commentaries in opposition and independent papers showed strong reactions against the U.S. and some claimed new Arab pride thanks to Hezbollah. Egyptian Television hosted a prominent Lebanese writer who decried Hezbollah. End Summary. ¶2. In the headlines and front pages. In the first day of the implementation of a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, opposition and independent headlines pronounced, "Tel Aviv Surrenders" (Nahdet Misr),"Victory for Hezbollah" (Al-Ahrar),"The End of the Myth" (Al-Wafd),and "Huge Losses for Israel" (Al-Masry Al-Yom). In many papers, these pronouncements were supported by large photos of Israeli Prime Minister Olmert appearing unhappy, with his hand on his head, and fatigued Israeli soldiers. Headlines in the government-controlled dailies portrayed "Israel's great losses" (Al-Akhbar),"Israel's defeat" and inability to "provide food and water for our soldiers" (Rose Al-Youssef),and "an Israeli massacre before cessation of hostilities" (Al-Gomhouriya),while also focusing on Hezbollah's ability to "repel armored attacks" (Al-Ahram). All government-controlled dailies provided prominent coverage of President Mubarak's meeting yesterday with Iranian Foreign Minister, Motaki, stressing "Egypt and Iran agree on a ceasefire" (Al-Akhbar),and "ties with Tehran are stable... we share common views on many issues" (Al-Gomhouriya). ¶3. In the commentaries. Commentaries in opposition and independent papers, as well as government-controlled Rose Al-Youssef, showed a high concentration of anti-American, pro-Hezbollah opinions, and in a number of commentaries, writers predicted a new era of "Arab pride" due to Hezbollah's actions. Al-Wafd editorials propounded, "...revenge will remain in the heart of Lebanese", "Hezbollah's steadfastness will encourage the repetition of war", "President Bush is good at the art of hatred", and "this is a 'Nazi American' war led by President Bush against Islam and Muslims." One senior writer predicted that "Iran may lead the Islamic world after it possesses nuclear arms ... since Arab countries refrained in order not to anger the US.... Lebanon reaped a new Middle East different from Condi's project which will be made by heroic jihadists and martyrs." A columnist in independent daily, Al-Masry Al-Yom argued in favor of "supporting Hezbollah as the only resistance group that has regained pride for Arabs." ¶4. While most relevant commentaries in government-controlled dailies focused largely on Israel's "failure" and debated the benefits of the new UNSC resolution, two columns in Rose Al-Youssef were strongly negative toward the U.S. One writer claimed that "the Bush Administration has achieved unprecedented success in convincing the Arab public opinion of its destructive intentions... and in destroying the American dream in the hearts of the world." He accused the administration of, "partiality, flagrant bias, racism ... using the past six years to spread fascist thinking, hate and wars among nations." Another columnist expressed "no surprise at the use of the term Islamic fascists" as "President Bush is leading a crusade against Muslims...." ¶5. In the airwaves. Egyptian TV's main news program at 9:00 pm hosted Dr. Chibili Mallat, a Lebanese Lawyer and writer who described Hezbollah's actions as an "adventure" and called upon Nassrallah to disarm and engage in Lebanese political life. While discrediting Hezbollah, he also acknowledged Hezbollah's role in pushing Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon in 2000. RICCIARDONE