OMAN MEDIA REACTION

UNCLAS MUSCAT 000387 SIPDIS STATE FOR NEA/ARP NEA/PPD NEA/PI INR/R/MR NEA/SA/EX/PMO LONDON FOR NEA WATCHER PARIS FOR NEA WATCHER FOREIGN PRESS CENTER FOR NEA WATCHER E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OIIP KPAO KMDR MU SUBJECT: OMAN MEDIA REACTION ¶1. SUMMARY: This week in Omani dailies, private "Al Watan" criticized the U.S. for setting the same conditions before Hamas as the previous administration. On April 24, "Al Watan" said that the U.S. must treat all its international partners by the same criteria, noting U.S. policy towards Pakistan and Somalia. On April 27, state daily "Oman" pointed the finger at self-interested groups, sects, and parties for the renewed violence in Iraq. END SUMMARY. -------------- -- A SETBACK IN THE U.S. ADMINISTRATION'S POSITION -------------- -- ¶2. On April 23, private Arabic daily "Al Watan" (circulation 42,000)criticized the Obama administration for setting similar conditions before Hamas as the ex-administration, namely renunciation of violence and recognition of Israel. According to "Obstacles on the Path to Peace": "The conditions (to renounce violence and recognize Israel) that Secretary Clinton set for dealing with a future Palestinian government that includes Hamas is a setback in the current U.S. administration's position. This is a retreat from its commitment to the principles of the peace process and a simple repetition of the conditions set forth by ex-President Bush and Israel's previous governments. There was hope that Obama's administration would take a step forward and establish a Palestinian state living side-by-side with Israel. Secretary Clinton should have demanded that Israel create the appropriate atmosphere for peace and that it end settlements." -------------- THE INTERESTS OF THOSE WHO FEEL THREATENED -------------- ¶3. "Al Watan" on April 24 wrote that the U.S. must not disregard the interests of countries like Pakistan and Somalia. "Standardizing Criteria Is the Most Important Step to Address the Tensions in the World" said: "The U.S. has the right to maintain its security, but it should not ignore the interests of those who feel threatened by America like Pakistan, Mexico and Somalia. Washington has perceived Pakistan as a danger since it developed nuclear weapons, and the U.S. is calling for it to disarm in fear of the Taliban's control. This however, disregards Pakistan's interests, dignity, and economic and security needs. On Somalia, the U.S. only took action after being bitten by Somalia piracy. America supported the international donor community to allocate $250 million to fight Somalia piracy, which is not enough." -------------- ATTRACTED BY THE PRESENCE OF U.S. TROOPS -------------- ¶4. On April 27, Arabic-language daily "Oman" (circulation 38,000) said that renewed violence in Iraq is being committed by groups intent on destabilizing Iraq. According to "The Security and Stability of Iraq Requires Concentrated Efforts of All": "Terrorist attacks against innocent Iraqi civilians have escalated. There are many groups, sects, parties and organizations that have their own agendas and interests that they pursue at the expense of innocent people. The Iraqi government is trying to establish security so that U.S. forces can withdraw from Iraq as agreed. However, these groups and organizations, which are attracted by the presence of U.S. troops, are fighting battles to shake the security and stability of Iraq." GRAPPO