MIXED SIGNALS FROM THE ARAB WORLD

In my daily read of news from all corners of the world, an article in the Arab news, entitled "How ‘Ugly Americans’ Forced Muslims Into a Wrong War", caught my eye. The writing focuses on the distribution of the television series, "The Road to Kabul", offered to networks in the Arab world. This series is said to "humanize the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan", "portray the American as evil incarnate", and "in a roundabout way", send the message that "Americans have only themselves to blame for the Sept. 11 attacks against New York and Washington". The author then describes several segments of the series relating to "an American conspiracy to divert attention from ... the war to liberate Palestine, presumably by wiping Israel off the map" as the "view .. . hammered ... throughout" the series. In assessing the impact this series has had on Arab television viewers, it is the author’s judgment that they "love the series" because of their "deep-rooted belief that the only issue that deserves their sympathy is Palestine".

By the way, the Qatari television station, for whom the series was made, has now "decided to cancel" the screening and has "informed other channels that had bought the series ... they would not receive the remaining 30 episodes" of the 38 that were produced. It is reported that this decision has "triggered threats of lawsuits" and "produced an avalanche of rumors about the reasons for the cancellation", including one that "Condoleezza Rice ... phoned the Qatari leaders to ask them not to air the series." Looks like some in the Middle East may try their luck in fulfilling personal agendas through litigation.

http://www.arabnews.com/?page=9§ion=0&article=53315&d=23&m=10&y=2004

Then, in strange contrast to the "Ugly American" article, I came across an editorial relating to the United Nations’ role in the oil-for-food scam in Iraq. The author reported the probe into the scheme by Paul Volcker, and acknowledged the involvement of UN officials, well known people in over 30 countries, as well as companies from over two dozen countries. This writing correctly outlines the limitations to the Volcker investigation, and identifies the reasons this probe is insufficient as 1) the lack of subpoena power, and 2) the inability of the investigators to bring criminal charges against any involved in the scheme.

In conclusion, the author states, "Only a proper judicial inquiry, held in public, by the United States, which is the UN’s host country, preferably in conjunction with the European Union and, of course, Iraq, could reveal the whole truth and bring the thieves to justice."

http://www.arabnews.com/?page=7&section=0&article=53312&d=23&m=10&y=2004

Talk about confusing signals, messages, and opinions. On the one hand, we "Ugly Americans" have caused the problems in the Middle East, yet are said to be the only sovereignty that can provide "proper judicial inquiry" and bring the "thieves" in the oil-for-food scam "to justice".