Cablegate: Daily Iraqi Website Monitoring - September 22, 2005

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 003935

SIPDIS

STATE FOR INR/R/MR, NEA/PPD, NEA/PPA, NEA/AGS, INR/IZ, INR/P

E.0. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OPRC KMDR KPAO IZ
SUBJECT: DAILY IRAQI WEBSITE MONITORING - September 22, 2005

SUMMARY: Discussion on the constitutional referendum was the
major editorial theme of Iraqi, Arabic language websites on
September 22, 2005. END SUMMARY.

------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
------------------------------

A. "Iraq. . .What Is After the Constitution?" (Al-Jeeran,
9/22)
B. "Voting Yes on the Constitution Is a Weapon Against Its
Rejecters" (Soat Al-Iraq, 9/22)
---------------------------------------
SELECTED COMMENTARIES

A. "Iraq. What Is After the Constitution?"
(Editorial by Karim Al-Hazaa - Al-Jeeran -
http://www.aljeeran.net/viewarticle.php?id=22 823&pg=articles
)

"Here, in the Arab homeland, laws are similar to a spider's
web, where small birds are hunted while large birds can
escape. There are many countries that have constitutions and
laws but they are ineffective due to the absence of
monitorial institutions and political freedoms. In addition,
the community does not have a clue about what is going on
behind the scenes. This is the ignorance of the state and
individual.

"In Iraq, we have many difficult questions. We want to know
if the new Iraqi constitution will become a phenomenon
throughout the Arab homeland and the Middle East. Will
globalization and the new texts of constitutions be
advantageous for Iraq? Will the complexity of ego and
identity result in Iraq's isolation?

"There are many voices that fear dilution due to internal
problems. Those voices argue whether or not Iraq is an Arab
or Islamic country. Is Iraq going to be free of all this
supervision so that it can breathe freely? Is Iraq destined
to be forever subjected to evil? Mahatma Gandhi said that
refusing to cooperate with evil is more important than
cooperating with good. For this reason, we say men should
ask themselves if they are cooperating with evil. The
question is still unanswered. What will happen to Iraq after
the constitution?"

B. "Voting Yes on the Constitution Is a Weapon Against Its
Rejecters"
(Editorial by Showki Al-E'isa - Soat Al-Iraq -
http://www.sotaliraq.com/articles-iraq/nieuws .php?id=15906 )

"Iraq is heading towards a constitutional referendum that
guarantees all rights and freedoms for Iraqi people - rights
and freedoms that were previously absent under tyrannical
governments. After successfully passing through all previous
political stages, we have reached the constitutional
referendum. We should vote for this constitution to thwart
all schemes and conspiracies against our people. We should
make our "Yes" for the constitution, a giant hammer to use
against those who issue fatwas, those who campaign against
the constitution, and those who are turning this country
into chaos.

"Iraqis have become accustomed to these cries and sounds
before approaching any new stage; during this stage talented
and qualified people should call for Iraqis to make Iraq's
constitution successful; this requires that people vote for
it. This is a political battle in which the average Iraqi
should engage before savvy politicians do because it is for
the future, will, and prosperity of the people. We need to
study the constitution, including its principles and
freedoms; after that we can decide to reject it or accept
it.

"The constitution guarantees men, women, and children
rights. It prevents tyranny and it prevents Ba'athists from
joining the political scene. It allows Iraqis to play a role
in running their own affairs and allows them to enjoy their
resources and wealth. And it protects minorities. This is
Iraq's constitution. How can we vote against it? It is
Iraq's true protection that will smash the heads of those
hypocrites who reject it. We will vote yes, yes for the
constitution..."

KHALILZAD

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