CHILE MEDIA REACTION -- IRAQ AND IRAN

UNCLAS SANTIAGO 002274 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR R/MR, I/PP, WHA/BSC, WHA/PDA, INR/IAA, PM STATE FOR INR/R/MR, NEA/IR E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KMDR KPAO OPRC PTER IZ IR CI SUBJECT: CHILE MEDIA REACTION -- IRAQ AND IRAN ¶1. On October 30, business and financial "Diario Financiero" (circ. 30,000) carried a column by international commentator Libardo Buitrago entitled "Iraq: Bush's Swamp." Quote: "Iraq's sands have become a serious trap for President George Bush's administration. All the alternatives to solve the situation in Iraq are bad... This war has finally become the axis of the Congressional campaign.... Even the President has admitted a parallel with the war in Vietnam. And he continues to speak about victory while it is something that seems unlikely.... Some U.S. officials blame the latest violence (in Iraq) as an attempt by the insurgents and terrorists to influence the American electoral campaign -- which does not seem preposterous. But it also reflects the failure of the recent American redeployment to give a leading role to the Iraqi forces." ¶2. On October 28, government-owned, editorially independent "La Nacion" (circ. 4,200) carried a piece by international analyst Raul Sohr. Quote: "The last thing that the United States can allow itself is to open another front (against Iran). With regard to Iraq, Teheran is currently holding the winning cards. The U.S. stance will be determined both by what occurs in the Middle East as with what will happen in the upcoming November 7 congressional elections." KELLY