SPECIAL MEDIA REACTION: UAE, FRANCE AND THE U.S.; ARABS

UNCLAS ABU DHABI 000263

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR NEA/ARP; NEA/PPD; NEA/RA; INR/R/MR; PA; INR/NESA; INR/B;
RRU-NEA
IIP/G/NEA-SA
WHITE HOUSE FOR PRESS OFFICE; NSC
SECDEF FOR OASD/PA
USCINCCENT FOR POLAD
LONDON FOR SREEBNY

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OIIP KMDR TC
SUBJECT: SPECIAL MEDIA REACTION: UAE, FRANCE AND THE U.S.; ARABS
AND IRAN



1. SUMMARY:

A UAE columnist in "Al-Ittihad" criticizes Arabs for a selective use
of terminology in differentiating between martyrdom and terrorism
and insinuates that Iran is meddling in Lebanon.

A UAE intellectual in "Al-Khaleej" suggests that France's recent
military agreements and exercises with the UAE symbolize a prudent
search for an alternative to permanent reliance on the U.S. alone to
assure the security of the Gulf. While granting that Iran cannot be
trusted, he also suggests that the UAE must be prepared for both
American "follies" (military strikes against Iran) as well as the
possibilty that the U.S. will strike a deal with Iran and sell out
smaller Gulf States. End Summary.



2. Under the headline "New players: UAE and France", UAE professor
Dr. AbdulKhaleq Abdullah wrote 02/26 op-ed in Sharjah-based daily
"Al-Khaleej" (circulation 90,000):

"The cooperation between Abu Dhabi and Paris was given more
attention than it merited. [...] These logistical arrangements do
not impair the sovereignty of the UAE nor do they affect its neutral
position, and, above all, they are not directed against any
particular country in the region."

"Relying solely on Washington to assure Gulf security is
uncomfortable. The UAE message is clear: it does not want to count
wholly and permanently on America's protection; it wishes to
diversify its sources of protection to avoid getting involved in any
potential American military adventures in the region. If the United
States is planning a military strike against Iran, the UAE must move
away from these American follies. If Washington were to strike a
bargain with Iran, it would be important for the UAE to search for
alternatives. Our strong ties with Washington are not reassuring
and our confidence in the United States is misplaced. It is wise
for a small State like the UAE to think outside of the context of a
close security link with the United States."

"[Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid's] visit [to Teheran] was important,
yet it is difficult to believe Iran's promises or to predict what
Teheran may do. No matter how strong the level of understanding
reached between the UAE and Iran, strategic and security challenges
posed by Iran can never be underestimated or dismissed. To have a
strategic deal with Iran requires first developing our
self-defensive capabilities."

"Having close ties with France or with any other country is not the
solution. What is certain is that the second largest economy in the
Arab region (the UAE) has gained more security and safety through
strategic cooperation with France. As for France, the fifth largest
economy in the world, it has confirmed that it has vital interests
in the Arabian Gulf, and it has an agenda different from the
American agenda. This step is modest but has huge and clear
strategic objectives. The messages here are addressed to all."



3. Under the headline "Emad Magneyah and the conflict of martyrdom
versus terrorism," UAE columnist, Mohammed Al-Hammadi, wrote 02/27
in Abu Dhabi-based Arabic semi-official daily "Al-Ittihad"
(circulation 65,000):
"Some Arabs insist on a selective use of terminology [when
discussing] martyrdom and terrorism. Whoever kills others and dies
is a heroic martyr; whoever comes to their nations and kills their
children on their territory is a terrorist and a criminal!
Sectarianism was not as strong [in Lebanon] prior to Hezbollah's
hyper-strength. It seems that certain players are nourishing this
and there is no doubt that Iran is playing an organized role in this
issue."

QUINN