TFLE01: KUWAIT BLOGGERS RANT ABOUT CASUALTIES IN LEBANON

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KUWAIT 002881

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E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OPRC KMDR KPAO PGOV XF KU MEDIA REACTION
SUBJECT: TFLE01: KUWAIT BLOGGERS RANT ABOUT CASUALTIES IN LEBANON
AND ARAB WEAKNESS IN RESOLVING THE CRISIS


1. Summary and comment: Kuwaiti bloggers are filling cyberspace with
thoughts and analysis of the violence in Lebanon and Gaza. A review
of several blog sites shows much sympathy for civilian casualties
and regret for damage to infrastructure in Lebanon. "Just one
picture of a dead little girl disturbed me emotionally and drained
me physically. I wonder how can Nasrallah and Olmert go to sleep at
night," . Some anti-U.S. sentiment
surfaced as has some recognition of Hezbollah's role in sparking the
crisis. "We don't know who is to blame more - the rabid Israeli
criminality, or Hezbollah's recklessness for involving all of
Lebanon in its suicidal adventure . . . ,"
. The comments found on the blog
sites give insight into the younger generation of Kuwaitis. They
underscore their genuine frustration over events in Lebanon as well
as their support for U.S. policy and moderation in the region. End
summary and comment.


2. Kuwaiti bloggers are filling cyberspace with thoughts on and
analysis of the violence in Lebanon and Gaza. A review of several
blog sites shows much sympathy for civilian casualties and regret
for damage to infrastructure in Lebanon. Some anti-U.S. sentiment
surfaced as has some recognition of Hezbollah's role in sparking the
crisis. Blog sites in Kuwait give insight into the younger
up-and-coming generation of Kuwaitis in the 20-35-year age bracket.



3. Sympathy for the victims of the violence is at the heart of most
bloggers postings. "Just one picture of a dead little girl
disturbed me emotionally and drained me physically. I wonder how
can Nasrallah and Olmert go to sleep at night,"
, and "I am extremely dismayed with what
is happening and watching the news . . . just makes me gasp with
shocked horror," are how two bloggers
put their feelings into words. Some bloggers took shots at the U.S.
and the United Nations. Referring to the U.S. veto of a
Qatari-sponsored UNSC resolution condemning the violence in Gaza,
one blogger wrote, "What is the point of having a Security Council
to vote on issues when the U.S. always has the upper hand and may
choose to veto any decisions thus making all the other voices amount
to nothing," .


4. In addition to anti-U.S. and anti-Israeli postings, there were
also some bloggers who criticized Hezbollah for its role in the
crisis. The following blogger combined his comment with criticism of
CNN coverage of events. "During the first day of the aggression I
was overseas watching CNN's pitiful coverage, and I did not feel the
enormity of the situation. However, as soon as I returned to Kuwait
and began watching the Arab news coverage I began to feel great
sadness. We don't know who is to blame more - the rabid Israeli
criminality, or Hezbollah's recklessness for involving all of
Lebanon in its suicidal adventure . . . we can only pray,"
. Some also reached out to
Israelis, "I know there are many moderate Jews that object to the
expansionist ambitions of Israel and who share the same principles
as other rational people. I just hope that their voice can be heard
among the rancor," .


5. Many of the comments express a sense of frustration at the
perceived inability of Arab leaders to effectively influence events
in Lebanon. "I wish us Arabs knew better how to use public
relations, the media and even our own money to improve our image . .
. If we knew how to better utilize this to our advantage, then we
could influence the policies of other countries much more
effectively," was how one blogger put it at
. The sarcasm of one blooger's
post on this topic stands out, "'The Arab League: Minutes of
Meeting, July 15, 2006, Morning session:
Blahblahblahblahblahblahblahblah. Lunch break. Afternoon session:
Blahblahblahblahblahblahblah. Hometime: Yeah!' Oops, almost forgot
statement to press, 'Ummm, we agree that we don't agree and we have
thus decided that we can't make any decisions. So we decided to have
the U.N. decide for us. Well, that was a good day's work!'"
.


6. Comment: Blog sites in Kuwait give insight into the younger
up-and-coming generation of Kuwaitis in the 20-35-year age bracket.
The postings also underscore the mixed feelings some Kuwaitis have
expressed toward the U.S. regarding the crisis. Most in general
support U.S. policy in the Gulf region and are grateful for the
close U.S.-Kuwaiti relationship. However, many have expressed
genuine frustration at what they perceive as the U.S.'s inability to
understand and take into account their strong feelings for the
plight of the Lebanese people during this violent time in their
country. The balance of opinions found on Kuwaiti blog sites also
underscores the support most Kuwaitis have in moderation. End
comment.

KUWAIT 00002881 002 OF 002



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