AMMAN, Jordan, May 16 (UPI) -- Arab press roundup for May 16:
The Palestinian al-Hayat al-Jadeeda commented Tuesday on the 58th anniversary of the Palestinian "nakbah," or "catastrophe" when Palestinians lost their homes as the state of Israel was established in the 1948 war. The mainstream daily said 58 years should have been enough to learn lessons and be able to read the future of the national cause so that the anniversary of the "nakbah" doesn't just become an occasion. It added that more than 58 catastrophes have hit the Palestinians since 1948 as a result of the first one and "we fear from the catastrophe of internal differences that looms in the dark horizon." The paper, close to the Fatah faction, warned more dangers lie ahead, including slipping into internal fighting and a civil war and the settlement of refugees in their host countries, losing their right to return to their homes. It said other nations who have had their own ordeals and catastrophes have managed to secure their independence, while the Palestinians fall from one disaster to another. The daily asked whether the Palestinians should suffice with just marking their 1948 catastrophe with talk and statements, without strategic plans, "as if we are embarrassed by facing our catastrophe."
Lebanon's independent Daily Star said the Syrian authorities' arrest of prominent Syrian writer Michael Kilo was a troubling event that should "weigh heavily" on Lebanese leaders when they resume their dialogue Tuesday. The English-language paper added in its editorial that all the leaders must agree on the independence of the judiciary and not to be used as a political tool. "A fair judicial system can preserve the rights of all Lebanese, but abuse of the judiciary endangers the lives and livelihoods of citizens of all religions, sects, ages and political persuasions," it insisted. The daily stressed the national dialogue participants must urgently design legislation to protect the independence of the judiciary, indicating this should not be a difficult task because all agree on this need. It said the "shameful misuse" of the Syrian judicial system to arrest Kilo should be a reminder to Lebanese leaders in power "who are waiting along the sidelines for their turn at the helm." It said many of these politicians have their ideological differences, but might "one day find that they themselves are considered dissidents." It asked whether they will treat each other in the same way "we have seen authoritarian regimes oppress non-violent opposition." Or, it went on, "will they take the necessary steps now to ensure that Lebanon remains a haven of free expression?"
The United Arab Emirates' al-Khaleej daily criticized anti-Syrian Lebanese forces for honoring U.S. ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton last week for his services to their country "although it's impossible for someone to serve Israel and Lebanon at the same time." The pro-government paper said it was regrettable for some of these politicians to "visit one of the neo-conservatives, hostile to the Arabs and arm Israel, to thank and honor him." This effectively means they are honoring his "Zionist allies and all their violations against the Arabs and Palestinians in particular," the paper complained. It described Bolton as the protector of the "Zionist war criminals who has a black record in his hatred for the Arabs," yet he found Arabs ready to honor him, describing it as a "scandal that comes as the Arab region is facing a colonial attack to consolidate the Zionist occupation of Palestine" and parts of Lebanese territories. The Dubai-based paper opined that Bolton should have been honored by Israel for his services, not by a Lebanese team just to spite Syria, Lebanese who continue to confront the Zionist occupation and other Arabs.
Qatar's al-Watan said that had Lebanese politicians not attended a ceremony honoring John Bolton in Washington, the event would have passed with no importance, since the sponsoring Lebanese-American Alliance has no roots or influence in Lebanon. The politicians' participation in the event, in which Bolton received a "Cedar Shield" for his "invaluable support to the cause of freedom and sovereignty" in Lebanon, raises many questions, it said. The pro-government daily's commentary said Bolton is only known for his support to Israel and its occupation, its attacks against Lebanon and for repeating Israeli rhetoric. His references to Lebanon, it added, are only intended to "push Lebanon towards the American-Israeli orbit at the expense of its national unity, popular interests and its historic and geographic identity." The ceremony, the paper said, had nothing to do with diplomacy or honoring someone, but carries a number of messages to the Lebanese national dialogue, is against the resistance and against the unity of the Lebanese.
Kuwait's al-Watan commented in its editorial on Monday's parliamentary row in which "reformist" MPs staged a walk-out amid chants from supporters in the gallery over a government draft law reducing the number of voting constituencies. The pro-government daily said that had the speaker not adjourned the session, the parliament would have turned "from a symbol of Kuwait's democracy to a forum for fights and cursing." It argued the government is paying a price for its inability to take firm decisions and will continue to pay more if the "process of confusion, instability and lack of clear vision continues." The daily said the government must determine its path once and for all and warned it against being taken "hostage in the trap of questioning the prime minister," adding that dissolving the parliament will not resolve the issue. "Questioning is a legitimate right for the lawmakers," it stressed and asked why the prime minister would not answer legislators' questions and "shut up those who don't want stability for this country," in reference to the "reformers." "We all know those who claim reforms are the biggest beneficiaries of corruption," it opined.
