IRAQI MEDIA REACTION: PRESIDENT OBAMA'S VISIT TO IRAQ

UNCLAS BAGHDAD 000972

SIPDIS

STATE FOR INR/R/MR, NEA/PPD, NEA/I, INR/IZ, INR/P
WHITE HOUSE FOR NSC

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL OPRC KMDR KPAO IZ
SUBJECT: IRAQI MEDIA REACTION: PRESIDENT OBAMA'S VISIT TO IRAQ


1. (U) Summary: Iraqi media outlets called President Obama's April
7, 2009, visit to Baghdad an opportunity to stress the significance
of the next 18 months leading to the withdrawal of U.S. combat
forces from Iraq and to reaffirm his commitment to implement the
U.S.-Iraq Security and Strategic Framework Agreements. News
coverage of events was prominent and straightforward as details of
the surprise visit unfolded on TV and the wire services. Outlets
noted that the trip to Iraq marked Obama's first visit as president
to an Arab state. Iraq's traditional Sunni TV channel called
attention to the President's remarks on the need for more political
reform and reconciliation in Iraq. End summary.

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Focus on Bilateral Issues
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2. (U) Iraqi media highlighted the President's meetings with Iraqi
leaders and their discussions on the withdrawal of U.S. forces from
Iraq, the current security situation, and Arab-Kurd issues. They
underscored the President's remarks to fully implement the U.S.-Iraq
Security and Strategic Framework Agreements. Several outlets also
aired live the President and Prime Minister's joint remarks. Iraqi
print and wire services echoed these themes.

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Sunni and Other Outlets Note Call for Political Reconciliation
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3. (U) A secondary emphasis stressed by several outlets was Obama's
call for more political reform and reconciliation in Iraq. The
secular opposition Al-Sharqiya TV channel led its coverage of the
visit with Obama's remark calling for Iraq to reach equitable
solutions to outstanding issues among its political parties, noting
that the President endorsed national reconciliation. In commentary,
the Sunni channel said that the President's remarks are an
indication that the administration's patience is "wearing thin"
regarding the GOI's delay in integrating Iraq's security forces and
state institutions. Al-Hurra TV and the pan-Arab daily Al-Sharq
Al-Awsat echoed this theme.

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First Visit as President to Arab State
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4. (U) Nearly all Iraqi TV, print and Internet media noted in
particular that the trip to Iraq marked Obama's first visit as
president to an Arab state. Outlets mentioned that a dust storm
prevented the President from traveling into central Baghdad as
originally planned. Many newspapers that had earlier deadlines
erroneously reported that President Obama spoke to Iraqi leaders by
telephone. However, the TV channels correctly reported that the
meetings took place in person at Camp Victory.

5.(U) Comment: Not surprisingly, Iraqi media coverage of the
President's visit focused on the bilateral relationship and had less
focus on his meeting with American troops in Iraq. End comment.

BUTENIS