VZCZCXRO0758
OO RUEHBC RUEHDE RUEHDH RUEHKUK RUEHROV
DE RUEHAM #1264/01 1551515
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 041515Z JUN 09
FM AMEMBASSY AMMAN
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5227
INFO RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC IMMEDIATE 0356
RUEHEE/ARAB LEAGUE COLLECTIVE
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 0071

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 AMMAN 001264 
 
SENSITIVE 
SIPDIS 
 
NEA/ELA 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREL KPAO JO
SUBJECT: JORDAN: JOURNALISTS BOTH PRAISE AND CRITIQUE CAIRO 
SPEECH 
 
REF: SECSTATE 55334 
 
Summary 
-------- 
 
¶1. (SBU) Ten of Jordan's leading journalists joined the 
Ambassador for a luncheon to view and discuss the President's 
speech in Cairo.  All responded favorably to the overall 
substance and tone of the speech.  This group also focused in 
great detail on the language used to deny the legitimacy of 
continuing Israeli settlements and expressed concern that a 
concrete action plan for peace was not announced.  They also 
felt more or "equal" attention should have been paid to the 
plight of the Palestinians.  Admitting that Jordanians were 
most concerned with regional conflicts and security issues, 
they did not think language on human rights and religious 
freedom would have a major impact on the street.  At the end, 
all guests agreed that the message would increase a sense of 
optimism amongst Muslims in Jordan.  End Summary. 
 
Winning Hearts and Minds 
-------- 
 
¶2. (SBU) The journalists praised the content of President 
Obama's speech, as well as his delivery and tone.  They 
predict his personal prestige in the region will rise as a 
result.  "He brings a new spirit, energy, and warmth to the 
U.S./Muslim dialogue."  They also appreciated his thoughtful 
and appropriate references to the Koran throughout the 
speech. 
 
We Care About Israel and Palestine.... 
-------- 
 
¶3. (SBU) There was detailed discussion of the language on 
Israel and Palestine.  One guest commented, "There will be a 
comparison -- down to syllabic calculations -- about how much 
attention was paid to the plight of the Israelis vs. the 
plight of the Palestinians."  The group's perception was that 
Israel's plight had received more attention.  They carefully 
parsed the President's words on continuing settlements and 
appreciated his "clarity of language." 
 
¶4. (SBU) There was a distinction about "new language."  While 
they agreed that the speech represented a new tone from the 
Oval Office, they did not find new messaging on the 
Israeli-Palestinian issue.  "We've studied President Obama's 
speeches from the campaign and there is nothing new here." 
They were disappointed not to hear a more detailed list of 
concrete actions to further peace negotiations. 
 
...But Less About Reform Issues 
--------- 
 
¶5. (SBU) We were told that the primary focus of the speech 
for Jordanian would not be the sections dealing with human 
rights and reform.  "We care more about the impact of 
security and economics in our daily lives than these issues." 
 One guest was particular vocal in his disappointment in the 
President's travel to Egypt and Saudi Arabia, saying those 
countries which do not respect human rights should not be 
"rewarded" by a visit from the President or praise for their 
leaders. 
 
Bottom Line - Speech Was a Success 
---------- 
 
¶6. (SBU) The groups agreed that expectations were extremely 
high before the speech and that the President "passed the 
test."  When asked to predict how the Jordanian public would 
respond, they told us that there would be an increase in 
optimism and confidence in President Obama. 
 
Participants 
------- 
 
¶7. (U) The following journalists attended the lunch: 
 
Dr. Fahed Al- Fanek, Chairman of the Board, Jordan Press 
Foundation 
Oraib Al-Rantawi, Columnist, Ad-Dustour 
Nabil Ghisan, Senior Editor, Al Arab Al-Yawn 
Jamil Al Nimri, Columnist, Al Ghad 
Sameeh Al Ma'aytah, Columnist, Al Ghad 
Samir Barhous, Chief Editor, Jordan Times 
Daoud Kuttab, Radio Al-Balad 
Rana Sabbagh, Jordan Times 
 
AMMAN 00001264  002 OF 002 
 
 
Dr. Hassan Barari, Columnist, Al-Rai 
Basil Okoor, Editor, AmmanNews.Net (Note: The Ambassador held 
an on-line webchat with this group after the speech. End 
Note.) 
Beecroft