What did they think, they would be praised??
Arab press scorns attackers
Newspapers in the Arab world continue their attacks on the US and Britain, as hostilities in Iraq go into their fourth day.
Some argue that although the US may win the war, it will lose the peace as the world turns against it.
The following are quotes from the Sunday editions of the Arabic press.
This destructive war will have effects and ramifications for American and British interests for many years to come. It will also have serious effects on the international order and the UN.
Al-Quds - Palestinian
The British are the ones who divided up the Arabian Gulf and left behind land mines in the form of territorial disputes so that Iraq and Iran can fight over Ahvaz and Hamra, Kuwait and Iraq over a border strip, Qatar and Saudi Arabia over the border and so on and so forth. Every state has a border dispute with a neighbouring state. Indeed, there is no state that has won its independence from British occupation and which does not have a border dispute with a neighbour. For us [Palestinians], the British did not even leave us a country. (From a commentary headlined “British wickedness”)
Al-Hayat al-Jadidah - Palestinian
What is said about intelligent bombs homing in on their targets accurately is nothing but a big lie and the proof is what happened in Baghdad.
Tishrin - Syria
The war of aggression against Iraq is escalating dangerously. This [US] administration has to a great extent violated the moral and humanistic values which the American people believe. It has greatly harmed its interests and credibility in the Middle East and has opened the gates of hatred and resentment against it among states and nations.
Al-Thawrah - Syria
We must keep our focus on pledges made to preserve the territorial integrity of Iraq, bring about democracy, rebuild the country and the pledge not to stay in Iraq more than is necessary. There are other pledges however which America must fulfil, namely, the pledge to bring about lasting peace and stability in the region and to put pressure on Israel to enter into a serious dialogue with the Palestinians.
Al-Watan - Saudi Arabia
There are fears that the USA is now seeking to give its military operations in Iraq legitimacy although Russia and France have expressed their opposition to this endeavour. It is clear that the tragedy of the Iraqi people comes second to the interest of states.
Al-Jazirah - Saudi Arabia
The leaders of the Iraqi regime deluded themselves into thinking they could break the will of the Kuwaitis by a handful of missiles. In their moment of despair they launched some of them towards Kuwait, but thank God, their intention failed and Kuwait and its people were saved. The country emerged as it as always been: one, united, patient, steadfast and behind its wise and strong-willed leadership.
Al-Ra’y Al-Am - Kuwait
The American war is a violation of international law. The war is a shameful aggression and a blatant violation of diplomacy and shows a prior decision to opt for war over peace.
Al-Hayah - London-based
America’s weapons of mass destruction are pulverizing the children of Iraq and its infrastructure in a war of genocide unprecedented in history.
Al-Quds Al-Arabi - London-based
What is clear so far is that the beginning of the war has had a positive impact on economic performance. The international market indicators have rallied consistently since the beginning of military operations. However, the continuing tension will thwart any chance by the states in the region to attract foreign investment which they so badly need.
Al-Sharq al-Awsat - London-based
The international community has expressed its feelings in different ways such as demonstrations because this war has no international legitimacy or legal cover. It has united not only the feelings of the Arab people but millions of people across the world.
Al-Jumhuriyah - Egypt
The USA will lose. It may gain on the military fronts but for sure it will lose in the political, social and economic domains, even if it succeeds in looting Iraq and controlling its resources.
Al-Wafd Egypt
This war has proved not only the inability and the failure of the Arab regimes but also the failure of the world order represented by the Security Council and the UN.
Al-Ittihad - United Arab Emirates
The USA wakes up Iraqi children at midnight and invites them to a banquet of death and fear. Some of these children will not wake up again until the day of resurrection.
Al-Jamahiriyah - Libya
The USA has started its war with a political defeat.
Al-Shams - Libya
