OMAN MEDIA REACTION

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STATE FOR NEA/ARP
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E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OIIP KPAO KMDR MU
SUBJECT: OMAN MEDIA REACTION


1. SUMMARY: Omani dailies uniformly called for ethical changes from
Washington, saying that transparency and legitimacy are required for
the new president to achieve his agenda. Government Arabic daily
"Oman" said that President Obama must prioritize the Middle East
peace process and play an honest role. Arabic private daily "Al
Watan" advised President Obama to abandon strategies of allegations,
lies, and false superiority. Later in the week, "Oman" praised the
closing of illegal prisons, and again called for policies of
integrity and fairness. END SUMMARY.

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"A Return to Legitimacy"
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2. On January 22, government Arabic daily "Oman" (circulation 38,000)
called on President Obama to prioritize the Israeli - Palestinian
peace process, expressing hope that the U.S. will return to an
"honest role". According to "Promising Hopes for Peace":

"Everyone heard Obama's promise to pursue a new path with the Islamic
world, starting by withdrawing from Iraq and establishing peace in
Afghanistan. The Arab world needs President Obama to pay attention
to the Palestinians, an issue that must take priority in U.S. foreign
policy. We hope that the U.S. will play an honest role, allowing it
a return to legitimacy. Everyone hopes that the new president will
work to implement the Arab initiative and avoid Israel's policy of
murder, procrastination and delay in the belief that violence and
aggression will bring peace."

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"Hope President Obama Will Move Away from the Lies"
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3. On January 21, private Arabic daily "Al Watan" (circulation
42,000) stated that President Obama must abandon the previous
policies of lies to restore the credibility needed to meet political
and economic challenges. "The world is Waiting for Obama" said:

"The whole world knows well that American policy is unchangeable,
regardless of the administration. However, there is hope that
President Obama will move away from the lies and fabrications that
were the principals of American policy. He is facing enormous
political, economic, military and environmental challenges.
Accordingly, he needs to change the policies of his country,
abandoning the strategy of allegations, lies and false superiority.
President Obama needs to restore credibility if he really wants to
achieve the aspirations of hope and confidence. He needs to
differentiate between terrorism and the real demands of rights and
benefits. There are many contradictions in American policy; however,
this young administration can overcome these contradictions by a
return to honesty, credibility and respect for others' rights and
aspirations."

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"Closure of Illegal Prisons Commendable"
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4. "Oman" on January 24 advised that transparency and integrity are
required for President Obama to change the image of AMERICA and make
progress on peace initiatives. According to "Between Phosphorous
Bombs and U.S. Prisons":

"The impact of phosphorous bombs on the bodies of the children in
Gaza and continues to raise smoke every time these wounds are
cleaned. Since ethics are indivisible, we hope to hear support for a
serious investigation of the tragedy that has claimed more than 1300
lives. President Obama's closure of illegal prisons and adherence to
the Geneva Convention is commendable and signals the beginning of new
era in America. The President wants to improve the image of his
country which deteriorated during the Bush presidency. Obama will
need to deal with external issues with transparency, integrity and
fairness, especially in the Arab-Israeli conflict. We will not judge
him on his speeches or appointment of envoys, rather on the actions
of his policies."
GRAPPO

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