KUWAIT MEDIA REACTION -- JANUARY 20 INAUGURATION

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SUBJECT: KUWAIT MEDIA REACTION -- JANUARY 20 INAUGURATION

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SUMMARY
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Thursday, January 22, 2009


1. (U) Summary and Comment. As of Thursday, January 22, all the
Arabic and English dailies continued to publish headlines and
pictures about the January 20 Inauguration Day ceremony. In
addition to the front-page coverage, many columnists commented
positively on the event from different perspectives. While some
columnists opined regionally, others commented on the story from a
local point of view. A number of columnists believed that President
Obama's biggest challenge will be Palestine. Other columnists
focused on the all-inclusive religious aspects of the inauguration,
as well as President Obama's allusions to reconciliation with the
Muslim world. One columnist considered the inauguration to be a
platform used by Americans to demonstrate that democracy is the best
form of government. Finally, one prominent columnist wrote an
article in the form of a letter addressed to President Obama asking
what will happen to the 'Roadmap' for Middle East peace. End Summary
and Comment.


2. (U) Block quotes:

--Under the headline 'Obama's Inauguration: Highest Cost in
History,' the moderate Arabic daily Al-Jarida printed an Op-Ed by
liberal columnist Dr. Ghanim Al-Najjar where he concluded (1/20):
"The cost of Obama's inauguration is the highest in U.S. history,
but I do not know how much other countries, where people are
oppressed and are forced to re-elect the same leader for decades,
have paid for the re-elections and birthdays of their leaders. But
what is more important than this is what Obama will bring to the
world. The entire world is watching his first steps. Perhaps the
latest Israeli aggression in Gaza is directly related. Obama has
taken important and noticeable steps so far on Guantanamo Bay,
global warming, stem cell research, etc. But his biggest challenge
will be Palestine, and if he can push forward a lasting resolution.
Will he pass this test? I wonder! I am not optimistic; if Obama's
inauguration was the most expensive in U.S. history, it would be
justified if he can bring basic changes to U.S. policy, especially
in regards to our region."

--Under the headline "Even If They Were Palestinians!" in the newly
established pro-government Arabic daily Awan, the regular columnist
Mutlaq Msaed Al-Ajmi commented (01/22): "After taking the oath of
office, President Obama gave an inauguration speech, in which he
admitted that America is now facing such challenges as the economy
and terrorism. He promised to face them along with allies and
friends. He also noted that America would not stand in the way of
those who are seeking freedom. This is a general principle. We
cannot predict how it would be executed in real life. However, we
certainly hope that this includes the Palestinian people. Perhaps
some will not surrender to dreams and illusions that America may
change its mind after the inauguration of a new president of a
different race. However, America is not ruled by a president alone,
but rather by laws, institutions, and interests. For that reason,
President Obama was clear when he said that some of his Republican
predecessor's policies will continue since they are American
policies and not the President's even if he were Afghan, Iraqi,
Palestinian, or Israeli."

--The regular columnist in the moderate Arabic language daily
Al-Qabas, Ali Al-Baghli commented (01/22): "I have seen hundreds of
millions of persons around the world who were watching the
Inauguration Ceremony of President Obama, the first African-American
U.S. President. It was truly a historic moment. What made the
speakers proud on that day was that the transition was peaceful and
civilized. A Christian pastor gave a sermon in which he thanked God
for his grace and praised the American society, a society of values
and forgiveness. The pastor did not insult those who are not
Christians and did not call them nonbelievers. Instead, he admired
every human being regardless of his or her religion and called for
co-existence in peace. However, the most powerful words were those
of President Obama, who called for reconciliation with the Muslim
World. I could not help but to think sadly of the views that we
have towards other races and genders. We in Kuwait still call the
'black' people who are citizens and Arabs 'Abeed' [literal Arabic
translation of slaves]. This view is rooted in the mentalities of
many of us and it shows clearly the gap that lies between our
mentality and the American mentality."

--Abdul Latif Al-Duaij, the regular and liberal columnist in the
moderate Arabic daily Al-Qabas, noted that (01/22): "The
Inauguration Ceremony of President Obama was not only a highly

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prestigious show. It was rather a special occasion through which we
became aware of how much democratic principles are rooted in the
world at large, particularly in the United States. Even though
religion dominated the majority of the festivities, it encompassed
all religions. This religion was expressed by the pastor who prayed
for the President-elect and the occasion. Equality was indeed very
present. The occasion was special since the President-elect was the
first African-American U.S. President."

--Dr. Nabil Hawi, head of International News in the moderate Arabic
daily Al-Qabas noted (01/21): "To the President of the United
States: please accept our congratulations. We salute your
insisting upon opening a new chapter with the Islamic world. We are
deeply relieved about your commitment to end civil wars and
segregation. We -- the Arabs -- are hoping to send you a heartfelt
letter of congratulations in which we enclose our requests at a very
hard time. We would like to open a new blank page in our dealings
as one Arab nation. Today, we address you as we are wrapping up our
Arab Summit to confirm that we are able to find a common
understanding to save the peace process in the region. The crises
are so many and solutions are not impossible. This starts with
issues such as oil prices, and includes the ramifications of the
economic turmoil, Kuwait's support of Iraq during their transition
period, as well as a solution to the Iranian nuclear issue. Last
but not least, the only issue that remains is the Israeli war on
Gaza and the West Bank. On this issue we urge you that those
responsible should be punished for war crimes. However, we find
ourselves obliged to ask you: What is the status of the roadmap and
the results of the Annapolis Conference?"

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For more reporting from Embassy Kuwait, visit:
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/kuwait/?cable s

Visit Kuwait's Classified Website:
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/kuwait/
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JONES