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CNN Live Today

Interview With Raghida Dergham

Aired May 13, 2002 - 13:44   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Some in the Arab world are warning that U.S. support for Israel may soon translate to trouble, trouble for American businesses and trouble for Americans traveling overseas. Several events last week have sent signals from overseas. The issue here is should Americans pay attention and what is the appropriate American response?

Let's talk about anti-American sentiment now with Raghida Dergham, senior diplomatic correspondent for "Al-Hayat" newspaper. She is live at the U.N., east side of Manhattan. Good afternoon. Good to see you again, and nice to talk to you as well.

RAGHIDA DERGHAM, "AL-HAYAT" NEWSPAPER: Good afternoon. Thank you for inviting me.

HEMMER: Thank you. I want to go to the suicide bombing in Karachi, Pakistan last week that killed several French. After that bombing, some of those involved made a comment that they were upset and disappointed that no Americans were hurt or killed as a result of this. What are we to make of this, Raghida, from Pakistan?

DERGHAM: From Pakistan, it's a different reaction than it is from the Arab world. We have the tendency to speak of the Islamic world altogether without making the distinction as to the dynamics which drive each people and each geographic area. And as far as Arab world is concerned, the argument is really with policies. It's never been with the character of an American.

However, this boycott that's taking place at the grassroots, at least it's evident in Egypt, not so throughout the Arab world, but the message is we want to be heard out. It is sort of an outcry to get attention against -- so that they can bring out the injustices that they feel are being done to the Palestinians and the Arab world and that is through the United States support, unqualified support (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

HEMMER: Let me just pause for a moment just to update our viewers on what you are talking about, this grassroots boycott. The "New York Times" at the end of last week reported about a grassroots movement throughout the Arab world to protest anything connected with essentially America, American business, American products. Do you have any evidence that that boycott is taking root?

DERGHAM: Not really. It is not all over the Arab world. It is evident in Egypt. And it is an important development because the message is clear. The message is that they want to matter. They want to be heard. And the perception is that the United States is extending unconditional support to Israel where Israel is doing what it is doing to the Palestinians.

My worry, Bill, is beyond the economic. My worry is that the message maybe Americans not welcome, and that would be terrible because there has not been a cultural, if you will, in a way -- the problems that they have had was not with America as a character and as a culture, but with policies. And if it takes hold, it may be a cultural thing. But see, there is lots of dynamics taking place in the whole region.

HEMMER: There certainly are. But, Raghida, let's go to Tripoli, south of Beirut in Lebanon. This bombing that took place last week in the KFC -- it was a KFC/Burger King. In fact, if we can get some videotape, we can show our viewers.

This happened before the store opened up. And I know we were talking about the situation in Egypt. This clearly is Lebanon. What are we to make of this? Is this another example of reaction against America? And if that's the case, how much more serious could it grow?

DERGHAM: Yes, of course, it is reaction. But luckily, thank God, it is not the reaction that's taking hold throughout the region. Throughout the region, its support to boycott products. It is not to bomb American interests. So this is an isolated incident. I don't think of it as what will be sort of the developments of tomorrow.

HEMMER: In the Arab world, is there a feeling that with the White House getting involved right now in the Middle East situation, that that view is now being reflected upon many who want the situation to stabilize in the Middle East? That with the president's involvement right now and with Colin Powell et cetera, that people are starting to believe that the U.S. is truly engaged and is willing to make a difference? And in turn, is that having any impact?

DERGHAM: Yes, Bill. It is a very important position that was taken by the government, but it's also by a number, a very great majority of the public. And American involvement is essential.

The belief is that if the United States does not come in full- heartedly, not only to sort of mediate but to also impose a solution on both parties, that it is a necessary thing to do. You see, the most incredible, in my opinion anyway, the most fundamental phenomenon that has taken hold recently is the readiness of Palestinians to die for their home. That is a new development in my mind. And that is where you feel that the choices are what, Israeli public is in confusion. We have the Likud stand which says, well, never mind the Palestinian state. This is about they have no place amongst us.

But then you do have 60,000 Israelis who went out in a demonstration to say, no, you -- we end occupation so that we can coexist. So there are different shades of opinions. But I say the common denominator there is that both publics, at least the majority in both publics, believes the United States must come in and forcefully -- otherwise the forces of extremism will take over and that will be not only horrible for the region, but for America's interest in the region as well.

HEMMER: Thank you, Raghida. Raghida Dergham, always a pleasure to talk to you.

DERGHAM: Thank you very much.

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