What the papers say in the Middle East

Jerusalem Post

Some Americans, like some Israelis, may be tempted to think about what they have done wrong, what they might have done to cause people to take so many lives along with their own.

The answer is that America has been attacked not for what it has done wrong, but for what it has done right, and for being the hope of the entire world.


Gulf News, UAE

In the past America has sought vengeance ... by retaliating against sites in Libya, Afghanistan and Sudan. It was not clear at that time that America was attacking the right places, and it has become more clear with time that the sites attacked were mistakes.

It is important at a time like this that America remembers its role as the world's leading power, and its commitment to justice.

Bush's intention to 'punish' should not disintegrate into plain revenge, but should incorporate justice as well. In such a search for justice, America carries the sympathy and support of the world.


Daily Star, Beirut

In the long run, this could actually help America and all parties in the Middle East by causing them to see that they in fact have a common interest in achieving a fair and comprehensive peace ...

America has been made to know the suffering that so many other countries understand all too well. Now it should lead the way in finding solutions to the problems that breed violence and desperation.


Jordan Times

Anti-American feelings are growing worldwide because of the new US-led world order after the collapse of Soviet power.

In the Middle East, US policies towards Iraq and uneven-handed stands in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict have fuelled anti-American sentiments among most social and political sectors in the Arab world.

Even traditional and loyal allies, such as Saudi Arabia, are finding it extremely difficult to continue dealing with Washington with the same cordiality.

US decision-makers should evaluate whether they have steered the world's only superpower to dominate under the insignia of justice and international legitimacy, or succumbed to short-term interests, shortsighted considerations and the power of arrogance.


Iraqi television

The American cowboy is reaping the fruits of his crimes against humanity. It is a black day in the history of America, which is tasting the bitter defeat of its crimes and disregard for peoples' will to lead a free, decent life.

The massive explosions in the centres of power in America are a painful slap in the face of US politicians to stop their illegitimate hegemony and attempts to impose custodianship on peoples.


Arab News, Saudi Arabia

If there is a Middle East connection, one can only hang one's head in despair. Whatever the resentments, this has to have been an insane - and ultimately doomed - way to combat Washington.

Not only because no government, let alone a superpower, can be terrorised into changing its stance, but also because it is wrong, in the laws of God and man, to take innocent lives. None of those who died yesterday could have been responsible for the tragedies elsewhere.


Al-Akhbar, Egypt

The Americans' silence on the operation of repression, their lack of interest in what Israel is committing against an unarmed people could be the explanation for such a crazy and irresponsible act.

In response to all questions about who is responsible for this tragedy ... it's Israel, for which Washington has sacrificed all its interests, all the principles of ethics and international law and all international resolutions.