ALGERIA MEDIA REACTION TO PRESIDENT'S Al-ARABIYA INTERVIEW:

UNCLAS ALGIERS 000116 STATE FOR PA/PRS, NEA/ARP, NEA/PA, NEA/AIA, NEA/PI, INR/NESA, R/MR, I/GNEA, B/BXN, B/BRN, NEA/PPD LONDON FOR NEA WATCHER PARIS FOR NEA WATCHER E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EINO OPRC KMDR KPAO PREL XF AG SUBJECT: ALGERIA MEDIA REACTION TO PRESIDENT'S Al-ARABIYA INTERVIEW: OVERSHADOWED BY SCANDAL REF: (A) STATE 07500; (B) ALGIERS 113 ¶1. As of Thursday, January 29, President Obama's interview received no front page coverage or commentary in the 70 or so daily Algerian newspapers. Many newspapers did, however, print short, primarily factual articles about the interview on Wednesday, January 28. Most articles were hidden on the international pages of the Algerian papers, although a few printed articles more prominently placed near the front of the paper. Any prospect of further coverage or commentary was quickly overshadowed by the news story of the Algiers CIA Station Chief accused of drugging and raping two Algerian women, which broke on ABC on January 28 (Ref B). ¶2. The Algerian press underscored President Obama's intention to fulfill his campaign promises, namely dealing with the Israeli-Palestinian issue as soon as possible, as well as his desire to address the Muslim world from a Muslim capital, his promise to do a more effective job of reaching out, listening, and speaking to the Muslim world, and withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq. Moreover, the Algerian press highlighted the "hand of friendship" President Obama extended to the Muslim world. On the other hand, the press also made the point of mentioning the U.S.'s unfailing support to Israel and President Obama's belief that Israel's security is paramount. ¶3. There were no editorials or commentaries on the interview. In general, however, the tone of coverage was cautiously optimistic. Most contacts we have spoken to have expressed excitement and support for Obama, although they realize that he faces many obstacles and challenges in the coming months. The blogging culture in Algeria is small, and few of the newspapers bothered placing their coverage of the interview on their websites where readers could comment. Interest in the interview was also hindered by the fact that Al Arabiya is not widely watched by audiences in Algeria. PEARCE