BAHRAINIS WELCOME POTUS SPEECH

C O N F I D E N T I A L MANAMA 000353 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR R, NEA/PPD, AND NEA/ARP E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/11/2019 TAGS: PREL KPAL BA SUBJECT: BAHRAINIS WELCOME POTUS SPEECH Classified By: Classified By: CDA Christopher Henzel for reasons 1.4 (b ) and (d) ¶1. (U) Summary: Bahraini reaction to the President's Cairo speech has been overwhelmingly positive. Most observers have welcomed the message as a new chapter in U.S. relations with the Muslim world, acknowledged the positive tone of the speech, and insisted that the U.S. must now deliver results on the Israeli-Palestinian dispute. As the initial euphoria wanes, however, some skeptical voices are being heard. End summary. ¶2. (C) Speaking to SRAP Holbrooke on June 6, Foreign Minister Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa offered praise for the President,s "rich" speech. He spoke of "turning the page" and said that this was what was needed to reinvigorate the U.S.' relationship with the Muslim world and help moderate Arab regimes stand against extremism. ¶3. (C) Saeed Al Majed, foreign affairs adviser for the mainstream Shia Al Wifaq party, told A/DCM that he was "very impressed" by the President,s message. He continued, "For me it is enough when a man admits a mistake. This I respect." ¶4. (U) Although local media coverage remains generally positive toward the speech, a few politicians and journalists are adopting a more critical tone. In an interview, Abdul Latif Al-Shaikh, spokesperson for the Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated Al-Minbar party, warned of "excessive optimism" and claimed that President Obama,s emotional words will not compensate for blood shed in Muslim countries. The moderate Shia Al-Wefaq party called the speech "a step in the right direction," but more of a "public relations speech than an action agenda." A journalist for Al-Watan newspaper complained that the Obama administration hypocritical for advocating peace and reconciliation while America "occupies Iraq and Afghanistan." ¶5. (U) On the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Minbar MP Nasser Al-Fadhala claimed that President Obama,s emphasis on America,s commitment to Israel and its security "follows in the footsteps of his predecessors." The managing editor of local Arabic daily Al-Bilad characterized the speech as "dangerous" because of its call for Arabs to be responsible and take steps toward reconciliation with Israel. ¶6. (C) The President,s speech continues to generate conversation and analysis among average Bahrainis. On June 9, Bahraini scholars lectured on President Obama,s speech at a human rights workshop. The administration,s public diplomacy strategy was analyzed at an annual public relations conference this week. During a conversation with PAO, Reem Khalifa, journalist for daily Al-Wasat, speculated that Obama the President's speech positively influenced the outcome of the Lebanese elections on June 8 and will also influence the upcoming elections in Iran. ¶7. (C) Comment: Despite immediate, positive praise for President Obama,s speech, some Bahrainis are now taking a more cautiously optimistic approach. Though the speech has generated significant goodwill, many local observers believe that the President,s speech must be followed with steps that reinforce his credibility and the essence of his message. End comment. ********************************************* ******** Visit Embassy Manama's Classified Website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/manama/ ********************************************* ******** HENZEL