Cablegate: Media Reaction On Iraq, November 8, 2004

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

UNCLAS TEGUCIGALPA 002529

SIPDIS

FOR WHA/PDA, IIP/G/WHA, AND IIP/T/ES
FOR PM, NEA/NGA, WHA/PPC, AND WHA/CEN

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OIIP PREL KPAO PGOV MOPS IZ HO
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION ON IRAQ, NOVEMBER 8, 2004

1. Editorial in Tegucigalpa-based moderate daily "El
Heraldo" on 11/8, entitled "Another Challenge in Iraq."
"While President George W. Bush and his followers are
enjoying his indisputable win, the occupation forces in Iraq
have a difficult task at hand: conquering the rebel Sunni
city of Fallujah through blood and fire after having failed
for the past seven months."

"The problem is that, as usually happens to occupation
forces, time is becoming their worst enemy, both because of
their inability to ensure safety - which is shameful for the
greatest power in history - and the fact that it would be a
terrible failure for the U.S. if the elections scheduled for
January can't be carried out. The elections in Iraq are a
good thing for the Americans, even though they're merely a
farce, just as in Afghanistan."

"We hope that, in the end, after so much death, pain, and
destruction this senseless occupation has caused, the Iraqis
themselves come out triumphant to reclaim their right to
live in peace and under the government they choose in
legitimately free elections."

Pierce

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