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.

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A SETBACK IN THE U.S. ADMINISTRATION'S POSITION
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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."

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THE INTERESTS OF THOSE WHO FEEL THREATENED
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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."

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ATTRACTED BY THE PRESENCE OF U.S. TROOPS
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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