KUWAIT MEDIA REACTION - AFTER THE WAR

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KUWAIT 003418 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR NEA/ARP, NEA/PA, NEA/AIA, NEA/PI, INR/NESA, R/MR, I/GNEA, B/BXN, B/BRN, NEA/PPD, NEA/IPA LONDON FOR TSOU PARIS FOR ZEYA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPRC KMDR KPAO XF KU MEDIA REACTION SUBJECT: KUWAIT MEDIA REACTION - AFTER THE WAR Block Quotes -------------- Tuesday, August 22, 2006 -- Titled "The First War inside Israel" Salah Montasir's piece in progressive Arabic daily Al-Qabas inquired (8/22): "Did Hezbollah expect this? No matter what, the Israeli response was much more violent than what the abduction of two soldiers called for. Maybe Israeli calculations were based on the idea that as the Lebanese's homes are destroyed and they have no water or electricity, that they would revolt against Hezbollah." -- In "Yes, it is a Victory" Associate Professor at Kuwait University Dr. Iqbal Al-Rahmani editorialized in moderate Arabic daily Al-Rai Al-Aam (8/22): "Of utmost importance is the deep support for the Lebanese resistance and the Lebanese people. Also of importance, is transcending sectarian differences. Congratulations to the Lebanese people, Arabs, Islam, and all the lovers of justice and peace on this victory that requires support, vigilance, and caution. There are continuing efforts by the American and Israeli administrations to directly and indirectly pressure Lebanese politics." -- "Hezbollah's Arms" was the title of Dr. Jalal Mohamed Al-Rashid's piece in moderate Arabic daily Al-Rai Al-Aam in which he held that (8/22): "Historically, Hezbollah's weapons have never existed to be used internally. Therefore, fearing them by domestic elements is unwarranted. These elements should discuss with Hezbollah's leadership in order to reach Lebanese solutions that originate from inside Lebanon, not imported from the United States or Israel." -- Columnist Amna Al-Musawi penned in moderate Arabic daily Al-Rai Al-Aam a piece titled "The Real Enemy" in which she commented that (8/22): "Maybe Bush until now has not read the American report that was leaked to diplomatic elements detailing the Zionist army's losses in Lebanon. The report states that 'today, we consider the Israeli army to be in the same category as Arab armies that have lost their prestige and is no longer a deterring factor that the United States can depend on in the region. This is because it took approximately one month and yet could not achieve military or political objectives for its government.'" -- Under the title "Israel's Transgressions and Hezbollah" Abdel Mohsen Mohamed Al-Hussainy editorialized in moderate Arabic daily Al-Watan (8/22): "I do not think Israel's transgressions against Lebanon will cease. Israel aims to dislodge Hezbollah and has declared war against it because of Hezbollah's stance. Hezbollah considers Israel a foreign entity that must be removed from existence. That is why Israel considers its war against Hezbollah to be an absolute war." -- Ambassador Abdullah Bishara editorialized under the title "The New Lebanon, Through Kuwaiti Eyes" in moderate Arabic daily Al-Watan (8/22): "We can say that the new Lebanon will come from the rubble. We will see a south without Hezbollah, with a single rule that is fundamentally based on security measures to prevent resumption of military operations as well as demarcating a demilitarized buffer zone between the blue line and the Litani River, except for Lebanese government forces and those of the United Nations as per paragraph 11 of the resolution." -- Member of Kuwait Engineers' Syndicate Salman Mikki Al-Qalaf commented under the title "What Comes after Resolution 1701?" in pro-government daily Al-Seyassah (8/22): "This resolution does not solve anything and does not provide stability in the region or in Lebanon. It represents a cease-fire for a limited period of time. We must not forget that American and British forces have a strong presence in the Middle East, more specifically in Iraq. While Israel fights Lebanon, Syria is in the middle and Iran is behind them. We are coming to a critical period and must be aware of its ramifications." ********************************************* * KUWAIT 00003418 002 OF 002 For more reporting from Embassy Kuwait, visit: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/kuwait/?cable s Visit Kuwait's Classified Website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/kuwait/ ********************************************* * LEBARON