GOVERNMENT DENOUNCES POPE'S COMMENTS ON ISLAM

C O N F I D E N T I A L MANAMA 001669 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/18/2016 TAGS: PREL KISL PGOV PHUM ASEC BA REGION SUBJECT: GOVERNMENT DENOUNCES POPE'S COMMENTS ON ISLAM Classified By: DCM Susan L. Ziadeh for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (U) The Ministry of Islamic Affairs September 15 issued a statement on behalf of the government denouncing the Pope's remarks about Islam, saying such declarations have bad repercussions on human unity. There should be mutual respect among all people, regardless of their faith. Muslims have been known throughout history for their tolerance, wisdom, and openness to all religions, the statement added. ¶2. (U) The upper (appointed) chamber of parliament, the Shura Council, issued a statement September 17 denouncing the Pope's comments and expressing deep regret for his references to Islam. The statement said that the Pope's words raised feelings of outrage and resentment among Arabs and Muslims. ¶3. (U) All clerics addressed the controversy in their September 15 Friday prayer sermons. Shia Shaikh Ali Salman, who is the Secretary General of leading Shia opposition society Al Wifaq, said Islam was spread through the force of faith and conviction, and used the sword for defense only. Islam is a religion of tolerance, openness, and respect. He asked, Who carried out the Crusades, and engaged in ethnic cleansing? He hoped the Pope's statement was a mistake. ¶4. (U) Sunni Shaikh Juma Tawfiq rejected the notion that Islam was spread by the sword. He said faith, conviction, peacefulness, ethics, and values are the reason for Islam's growth. Islam respects other religions, he said, and Muslims engaged in war only when necessary for defense. Yousef Haidar, a prominent Bahraini Christian, said that all Bahrainis, including Catholics, reject the statement of the Pope. ¶5. (U) Al Wasat columnist Reem Khalifa September 17 criticized the Pope's statements against Islam and the Prophet Mohammed. She pointed out that many had believed that Pope Benedict would reinforce the meaing of tolerance between religions and cultures,as his predecessor had. Ali Sayyar of Akhbar AlKhaleej asserted, "The Pope intends to link Jiha with terrorism, as the American right wing, led by President Bush, is doing." Sayed Zahra, also ofAkhbar Al Khaleej, asked September 18 why the Poe had not yet apologized for his offensive stateent about Islam. He praised the protests in the Arab street but believes that they must be accompanied by an official political stance by Arab governments. He urged Muslim governments to pressure the Vatican for an apoloy by threatening to withdraw their Ambassadors. ¶6. (C) Comment: With the notable exception of clerics and columnists, thus far reactions to the Pope's comments about Islam have been relatively muted. There have been no reports of street protests or other actions. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs' statement denouncing the Pope's comments appears to have had its intended effect of keeping a lid on local reactions. ********************************************* ******** Visit Embassy Manama's Classified Website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/manama/ ********************************************* ******** MONROE