Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06TUNIS2259
2006-08-31 11:23:00
CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN
Embassy Tunis
Cable title:  

ANTI-U.S. INCITEMENT: ONE TUNISIAN IMAM

Tags:  PREL KPAO TN 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0008
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHTU #2259 2431123
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
P 311123Z AUG 06
FM AMEMBASSY TUNIS
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 1735
INFO RUEHXK/ARAB ISRAELI COLLECTIVE
C O N F I D E N T I A L TUNIS 002259 

SIPDIS

NOFORN
SIPDIS

FOR NEA/MAG (HARRIS)

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/30/2016
TAGS: PREL KPAO TN
SUBJECT: ANTI-U.S. INCITEMENT: ONE TUNISIAN IMAM
REPORTEDLY CROSSES THE LINE

Classified By: CDA David Ballard for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).

C O N F I D E N T I A L TUNIS 002259

SIPDIS

NOFORN
SIPDIS

FOR NEA/MAG (HARRIS)

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/30/2016
TAGS: PREL KPAO TN
SUBJECT: ANTI-U.S. INCITEMENT: ONE TUNISIAN IMAM
REPORTEDLY CROSSES THE LINE

Classified By: CDA David Ballard for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (C/NF) The imam of the main mosque in the town of Oued
Ellil allegedly included severe anti-U.S. rhetoric in the
course of August 18 Friday prayers. The imam is reported to
have condemned the U.S. for its role in the recent fighting
in Lebanon and called on Allah to "eliminate" President Bush
and the Administration. Worshippers are said to have noted
the presence of two high-level local RCD (ruling party)
officials sitting in close proximity to the imam, in addition
to the attendance of two plain clothes policemen known as
such in the community.


2. (C/NF) This second-hand report comes from long-time
Embassy contact and human rights activist, Khemais Chammari
(protect),who is also ardently anti-regime. Being secular
himself, Chammari was not in attendance at these Friday
prayers; he told Pol/EconCouns he learned of the incident
from an apolitical friend of his who was present. When asked
about the credibility of his source, Chammari was emphatic
about his bona fides, noting that he would have no reason to
fabricate or exaggerate his description of the incident.


3. (C/NF) Comment: If this story is true, this would
represent the first such anti-U.S. incitement we have heard
of coming out of any of Tunisia's mosques, all of which are
under the strict control of the state. The imam's reported
words go beyond the tenor of the widespread anti-U.S.
sentiment we have observed in recent weeks, which has ranged
from disappointment, which tends to be voiced by long-time
Embassy contacts; to criticism and conspiracy theory-fueled
cynicism, particularly evidenced in the local media. The
closest Tunisians have come to public incitement, as far as
we are aware, was in the "Death to Israel; Death to America"
banners and slogans that were in evidence at a July 17
demonstration that was broken up by the police. It may be
that the GOT was simply experimenting with an approach that
would allow the public to "blow off steam" about the
situation in Lebanon, an issue that is not considered a
threat to the stability of the government. Even so, the
GOT,s implicit endorsement of the imam's message, as
indicated by the presence of the RCD officials and undercover
police, is worrisome. Post will continue to be watchful for,
and report on, such incidents. End Comment.
BALLARD