Saudi Arabia: Media Reaction to the Madrid Interfaith

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 RIYADH 001133 SIPDIS DEPT FOR NEA/PPD (DBENZE, PAGNEW); INR/R/MR; INR/NESA, RRU-NEA; NEA/ARP; NEA/RA; PA; R; DRL LONDON FOR SREEBNY DUBAI FOR PELLETIER E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL KMDR KPAO KDEM PHUM SA SUBJECT: Saudi Arabia: Media Reaction to the Madrid Interfaith Dialogue Conference REF: RIYADH 1090, RIYADH 1070 ¶1. Summary and comment: The Madrid Interfaith Dialogue Conference provided Saudi press with an excellent opportunity to advance King Abdullah's agenda of promoting interfaith dialogue and religious tolerance among the broader Saudi society. Highlights include a commentary by a prominent editor who emphasized no single religion can dominate the world. Editorials underscored King Abdullah's vision, leadership and bold initiative to call for and organize this important conference. Unique in the local press, English language daily Saudi Gazette noted the unscheduled presentation by the only female conference speaker and underscored the absence of women at the conference and in leading religious circles. Comment: The local media coverage of this conference, including healthy commentaries and editorials in all major dailies, has positively contributed to softening mistrust existing between followers of different faiths. End summary and comment. ¶2. Key editorials and commentaries (chronological): --In "Dialogue Not Clashes", Jeddah-based moderate Al-Bilad (7/12) editorialized, "The conference took place at a time when the world is suffering from pains of war and violence that do not belong to any religion or sect. [These pains] can be uprooted only through peaceful coexistence between people and with dialogue, not clashes." --In "A Conference for Welfare of Humanity", Jeddah-based conservative Okaz (7/15) opined, "King Abdullah's call for the conference opened a new era in human history." --In "Building Bridges between Faiths", an editorial by English language daily Arab News (7/15) noted, "Our humanity provides the foundation on which interfaith dialogue and respect can be built." --In "Dialogue Instead of Conflict", Jeddah-based conservative daily Al-Madina (7/16) wrote, "The conference is a practical and pragmatic response to claims of Fukuyama, Samuel Huntington, Bernard Lewis and others who advocate clashes of civilizations." --An Al-Hayat (7/16) commentary by prominent Saudi journalist and liberal writer Dawood Al-Shiryan noted: "The conference would attract media and political attention not realized if [it had been] convened in an Arab or Islamic country...[however] the Madrid venue allows free discussion and debate." --In "Interfaith Dialogue in Madrid", Abha-based moderate Al-Watan (7/16) wrote "Participants should make use of this historical event linked to this conference. They should realize the responsibility in adopting language of calm dialogue, acceptance, and mutual respect which will result in spreading foundations of peace around the world." --In "The Dialogue for Welfare of Humanity"", Jeddah-based moderate Okaz (7/17) remarked King Abdullah's address before the conference "was not a political speech but rather a humanitarian one." --Another Al-Hayat (7/17) commentary by prominent Saudi journalist and liberal writer Dawood Al-Shiryan observed, "Regrettably, this international gathering witnessed the remarkable absence of Muslim scholars." He added, "...the participation of Christian, Jewish and other faiths' spiritual leaders was remarkable and significant. The lack of interest among some Muslim scholars shows dissatisfaction with the goals of this conference." --Influential editor-in-chiefof conservative Al-Riyadh (7/19) Turki Al-Sedair wrote: "Participants were aware that conflict amog religions must end because there is no room fo a single religion to dominate the world. The cnference demonstrated that extremism is not a dee-rooted Islamic behavior and is unacceptable to Mulims. Had they participated, [the Muslims] who filed to attend the conference would not have fel animosity towards them." --In "Restore the Digity of Women - Theologians," Muhammed Shoukany wrte in English language daily Saudi Gazette (7/19) ...when one delegate asked, 'Where are the women' To this, Saleh Bin Humaid, Chairman of the Saui Shoura Council replied, 'You theologians don'tusually include women in your hierarchy. Include tem and then we will invite them.'" --English anguage daily Arab News (7/19) wrote, "Greater awaeness of the beliefs and attitudes of other reliions will help take away the suspicions harboredalmost automatically for those who are seen to coe from different cultures and backgrounds." RIYADH 00001133 002.3 OF 002 --In "Madrid Declaration ... Message to History" Dammam-based moderate Al-Yaum (7/20) opined: "The world is currently passing through a real crisis, a crisis of mistrust between followers of religions or civilizations. The Madrid Declaration could lead to salvation of the human community, with support of the UN." ¶3. Conclusion and comment: Editorials focused on national issues and related to King Abdullah's call for tolerance and moderation. Predictably, the print media effectively promoted the government's programs of advocating moderation. We did not see any negative commentary on this initiative of the King. End comment and conclusion. GFOELLER