Press denounces Jeddah attack Newspapers throughout the Middle East have condemned Monday's attack on the US consulate in Jeddah. One Egyptian paper encouraged the USA to re-examine its policies in the region in the light of the attack. The swift reaction of the security forces was seen by a Saudi paper as a victory for the kingdom's strategy on terrorism. The attack on the US consulate in Jeddah yesterday must surely be deplored by all rational men and women - those who support American policies as well as those who do not. A small minority of militants and extremists must not be allowed to carry out barbarities while sheltering under the banner of Islam. The welfare of the kingdom's guests is a religious duty of the people and leaders of Saudi Arabia. Samar Fatany in Saudi Arab News Terrorist acts in all their forms will remain loathsome... Terrorists cells can only work in the dark. They exist where nobody expects them to be. They disguise themselves in different forms so that they may hide. What they lack are human features that make it possible to recognise them... Those supporting terrorism have no future except death. Editorial in Saudi Al-Jazirah The determined manner in which elite security forces quickly overwhelmed the attackers was a display of the resolution with which the authorities are prepared to act against this terrible scourge... This latest outrage, coming after some six months of relative quiet, would seem to demonstrate that the terrorists have been severely weakened by the unrelenting campaign against them. Editorial in Saudi Arab News Once again terrorists have hit Saudi Arabia. This time the terror was planned by a radical group which chose its target to cause enough media uproar to reaffirm its existence, despite exerted efforts to eradicate it. Ali Ibrahim in London-based Saudi-owned Al-Sharq al-Awsat Terrorism has once again proved that it can manoeuvre without restrictions. Despite all the efforts made by Saudi authorities, so-called terrorism has managed to stretch its tentacles to most secure areas and hit them. This is a dangerous situation. Strengthening ties between regional countries - especially at this time- is the best way to contain and extinguish the spreading fire of terrorism on the face of the earth. Iran's Al-Vefagh The attack on the US consulate in Jeddah calls for the USA to think deeply about its policies in the region and to review all its activities. We totally reject and strongly condemn all forms of such acts. However, we also urge the USA to look into the causes and factors leading to such incidents. There is no doubt that US policies in the region, particularly since President Bush came to power in Washington, have created deep, hostile feelings towards the only superpower in the world. Egypt's Al-Akhbar The attack on the US consulate in Jeddah reflects, to a great extent, the magnitude of the planning capabilities and strategies by jihadist groups in Saudi Arabia. London-based Al-Quds al-Arabi http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4075675.stm Sure is nice to see such stuff in the middle east press. A step in the right direction.
