Arab Press Welcomes NATO Split

Newspapers around the Arab world are joyful at the split that has occurred between the US and its NATO allies Germany, Belgium, and France. The three countries have stated their opposition to protecting Turkey, a fellow NATO member, arguing that to promise it even defensive support would mean encouraging a US-led war on Iraq. Interpreting the three countries' move as support of Arab independence and as an anti-war statement, Arab media praised the decision. A statement in Sudan's Al-Ray Al-Am was typical: "We would like to present one million roses from the gardens of Arab presidential palaces to Germany and France. With this gesture we would like to express our appreciation to them." – YaleGlobal