Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

EUROPE

RUSSIA: "Glenn Breaks Age Records"

Centrist Nezavisimaya Gazeta's Nadezhda Kevorkova filed this from Washington (11/3): "In 1962, Glenn was a 40-year old pilot who was breaking world speed records. Now he is breaking age records, fighting for America's old and against the most ruthless and aggressive enemy, and an a priori victor."

"Nostalgia For Heroes"

Yevgeniy Bai filed from Washington for reformist weekly Moskovskiye Novosti (# 43, 11/3): "Americans miss heroes. Having gone through a sickening and incredibly long period of seeing their leader stripped of his clothes and humiliated, they are dying for the sublime. Glenn's sentimental journey--to the past or to the future?--is their moment of inspiration.... Only a happy man and nation can afford such a challenge."

"Russia's Leonov Wants To Emulate Glenn"

Interfax reported for reformist daily Segodnya (11/2): "Russia's veteran cosmonaut Aleksei Leonov, 64, has stated that he is willing to emulate American Senator John Glenn and make a flight into space. Leonov, one of the Gagarin draft, went on his first space mission in 1965. He was the first man in the world to take a walk out in space. Leonov says that, while he would not accept a six-month flight aboard the Mir orbiting station, he would be happy to go there for two weeks."

"It May Not Be His Last Trip"

Yevgeny Popov of nationalist opposition Sovetskaya Rossiya (10/31) wished John Glenn a "happy journey and a safe return to the Earth. Who knows, the veteran astronaut may not look at this trip as the end of his space Odyssey."

"Space Exploration In Focus Again"

Anatoliy Dokuchayev remarked in centrist, army daily Krasnaya Zvezda (10/31): "The American Gagarin is back in outer space. This has jacked up public interest in the space research program."

"American Legend Back In Space"

Reformist Izvestiya's editorial emphasized (10/30): "While Russia is busy discussing its 67-year old president's health, and some of the Duma deputies are considering medical and age restrictions on presidential candidates, the United States is demonstrating an entirely different approach to age as a medical and biological notion. The 'American Gagarin,' John Glenn, 77, a legend, took a tremendous risk, going into space yesterday in another challenge to nature."

"Stark Testimony Of Professional Longevity"

The deputy director of Russia's institute of medical and biological problems, Valeriy Polyakov, told Aleksandr Koretskiy of reformist daily Segodnya (10/30): "Glenn's flight is stark testimony of his professional longevity. It is an investment that has paid off handsomely."

"Neither Adventure Nor Political Show"

Sergei Leskov told readers of reformist Izvestiya (10/29): "The John Glenn flight, admittedly, is the first experiment in aerospace medicine in which the United States can break ahead of Russia. So far, Russia has been in the lead. The deputy director of the institute of medical and biological problems...said, 'I saw John Glenn last May. He is a very sturdy man, has a lucid mind and a good sense of humor. He really believes in the importance of his experiment. I don't think it is an adventure or a political show."

BRITAIN: "NASA Is Over The Moon With Glenn"

The liberal Guardian declared (11/6): "When the crew of the shuttle Discovery returns to earth tomorrow, NASA's hierarchy will fete one of the most successful missions in years. In only nine days the astronauts have inspired the media's rediscovery of space. John Glenn's second venture into the cosmos has brought glamour to the routine of the shuttle program...[which is] far more important to NASA than the results of the aging-in-space experiments conducted by Mr. Glenn."

"Astronaut Legend Launches Gray Pride Into Orbit"

The conservative Times said this (10/30) about John Glenn's participation in the latest launch of the space shuttle Discovery: "John Glenn, the first American to orbit the earth, returned to space last night on a trip that is ostensibly about science, but is really the story of a nation rediscovering the excitement of space travel.... Americans will now spend nine days gazing at the heavens. The venture has captured the imagination like no other since the Apollo missions of more than a quarter of a century ago.... The trip's buildup was notable for the emergence of 'Gray Pride'--pride in a hero who still seems to have the right stuff, and pride of all America's other grandfathers--and grandmothers--who now think anything is possible."

GERMANY: "Glenn's Second Trailblazing Act"

Right-of-center Muenchener Merkur had this to say (11/2) in an editorial by Lorenz von Stackelberg: "It is certainly true that the well-trained John Glenn is not the average man in his 70s. But if a man of his age is able to defy the ordeal of a rocket take-off and the conditions of zero gravity, then this will be something like a beacon. The message is that it could be possible that the vitality and the fitness of millions of people of his age have been vastly underestimated. John Glenn's trip to outer space may be an enormous advertising event, a soap opera, an American happening, but it could open the eyes of many people to the reserves, the experience, the abilities and the talents that are wasted among many so-called 'elderly people' because a thoughtless society admires the young. This tough, gray-haired guy in the space shuttle Discovery with his 77 years of age and the movements of a 50-year-old has got what it takes to become a pioneer again: The trailblazer for the development of a new awareness."

"Things Are Looking Up For Senior Citizens"

Right-of-center Nordbayerischer Kurier of Bayreuth told its readers (10/30): "A space trip for an old trooper to examine the effects zero gravity has on older people--that was the reason [NASA] tried to present. However, (in order to examine the effects of zero gravity), a stay for a year on the Russian space station Mir would have been more helpful. But who wants to fly voluntarily on Mir? Glenn's contribution for senior citizens lies in a different field. They can now see that, even at 77 years of age, things are looking up."

"NASA's Real Goal--Reviving Interest In Space Program"

Centrist Leipziger Volkszeitung contended (10/30): "Even though the thundering applause in Cape Canaveral may suggest it, Glenn's trip is no milestone in astronautics. It only serves the well-developed NASA and Russian pattern to recycle the space enthusiasm from the '60s and '70s with public relations activities and utopian views. At that time, costs did not play a role...and U.S. astronaut John Glenn was a hero. Basically, he does not need to repolish his glory now. But obviously, senile obstinacy was the real driving force for him to fly again."

ITALY: "Spirits At NASA Buoyed By Weightlessness"

Readers of centrist, influential La Stampa saw these remarks (11/1): "The abundance of cheerfulness on the Discovery seems to be directly proportional to weightlessness. Everyone jokes with everyone else, and the conversations between the astronauts and technicians at NASA seem to be taken right from a Hollywood movie.... John Glenn's next appointment will be of a kind confirmation of the opinion of those who say that his mission is prompted by publicity reasons rather than by scientific objectives. He will engage in a radio linkup with three groups of school children in Ohio."

"Grandfather Glenn's Voyage May Spark Renewed Interest In Space"

New York correspondent Arturo Zampaglione filed this for left-leaning, influential La Repubblica (10/31): "There is no doubt that the Discovery mission is having a very positive effect both on the image of NASA and on that of the White House.... NASA was concerned that public opinion may have lost its enthusiasm for space flights and that congressmen would translate this indifference into cuts of its budget. But the return into orbit of grandfather Glenn has marked a sudden revival of space missions.... Clinton has been very skillful in completely exploiting the nation's emotion for Glenn's undertaking."

"Press Conference From Space"

Stefano Trincia said this in Rome's centrist Il Messaggero (10/31): "From living legend to geriatric guinea pig.... On Monday, Glenn will participate in his first press conference from space: a sensational move which, a few hours before the congressional elections, seems destined to help the Democratic Party, of which Glenn is a prominent member, and Bill Clinton."

"Glenn Flight Makes The Headlines"

All Italian media (10/30) devoted extensive coverage to the launch of the Discovery shuttle with Senator John Glenn among the crew members. Some television newscasts interrupted their programs to show the launch live. While underlining the festive atmosphere surrounding the event, commentators also point out the goals of the mission, including NASA's efforts to give new impulse to its Shuttle program. President Clinton's presence is underlined in all reports. Select headlines included: "Glenn Into Orbit, America Is With Him," in Milan's centrist, top-circulation Corriere della Sera; "Grandfather Glenn Into Orbit And Clinton Cries," in Rome's influential, left-leaning La Repubblica; "Space Finds Its Pioneer Again," in Turin's centrist, influential La Stampa; and "Three, Two, One: Grandfather Glenn Off Into Space," in Milan's leading rightist opposition Il Giornale.

"Enthusiasm For Glenn Mission May Boost Space Program"

Andrea di Robilant filed from Washington for centrist, influential La Stampa (10/30): "Despite the skeptical comments by some American media...the history of NASA missions with a human crew...has come to an important turning point, and President Clinton's presence yesterday was not just a token of his friendship for Glenn.

"The next grandiose project is the construction of a huge 'international' platform in space.... Clinton and NASA administrator Dan Goldin hope that the enthusiasm raised by the Glenn mission may boost a program which otherwise risks beginning its decline.... Furthermore, the scientific fallout of these missions seems to be less and less interesting."

"Glenn's Example, Man's Revenge"

Beppe Severgnini told readers of centrist, top-circulation Corriere della Sera (10/30): "John Glenn left for this mission with one serious objective: To show that a long active life is the next revolution ahead for man.... Let's respect the American way of doing things. These are people who can be sensational and serious at the same time."

BELGIUM: "U.S. Publicity Stunt, European Work"

Leftist Le Matin (10/29) commented: "It is a particularly important mission that will take off tonight from Cape Canaveral in Florida.... Also an important mission for Europe because this flight will be the last of a series that made it possible to accumulate precious experience for the international space station.... However, it seems that this flight is more a publicity stunt than one prompted by a serious scientific concern. For several years, space programs have ceased to make the Americans dream, and NASA hopes that this flight will revive public opinion's interest in those programs--in order to obtain new credits to finance its projects."

DENMARK: "Senior Citizens Can Reach For The Stars"

According to center-left Politiken (11/1): "Perhaps the real value of Glenn's mission is that it shows that healthy senior citizens are able to fulfill their goals if they put in the effort needed."

POLAND: "The Renaissance Of Old Age"

Zbigniew Wojtasinski observed in centrist Rzeczpospolita (10/30): "The orbit mission with John Glenn, the most senior among U.S. astronauts, is a source of optimism. The 77-year-old veteran of space explorations is the oldest man ever to try to meet the hard requirements of weighlessness [in space]. NASA experts are convinced that there is no age limit for candidates for long-term space flights. The American astronaut's space voyage has also a broader aspect--'old age' is enjoying its renaissace at the end of the 20th century.... Older people are often in no worse shape than their middle-aged counterparts. This is a completely new phenomenon in today's world."

"Out Of The Rocket Window"

Robert Krasowski opined in right-of-center Zycie (10/30): "Alas, the end of the Cold War brought about one disadvantage--resignation from the technology race, space explorations included. We can fear today that John Glenn's voyage constitutes not a new stage, but the closure of the era in which mankind 'inhabited' the universe...unless the Americans fulfill their promise and send their astronauts to Mars."

SPAIN: "A Blast-Off For Spain"

Independent El Mundo commented (10/29): "It could turn out to be a media relations coup for NASA...plus having substantial scientific worth as well. For Spaniards, however, the most notable aspect will be the inclusion of...Pedro Duque.... The first Spaniard into space will have earned his spot.... In representing of the entire European Space Agency, he has been made responsible for an important segment of the scientific activities to be conducted."

WESTERN HEMISPHERE

CANADA: "A Real Blast"

The new conservative National Post told its readers (10/28): "Mr. Glenn's mission will do more than rekindle man's drive to explore the mysteries of the universe. It will give fresh hope to a lot of middle-aged guys with thinning hair and spreading waists, who will stride out, feeling that life still holds new experiences, and shoulder a yuppie off the sidewalk. Thumbs up!"

EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC

INDONESIA: "Drawing Inspiration From An Elderly Astronaut"

Leading independent Kompas's editorial stressed (11/3): "For the military, for prestige, but also to enhance science and technology, space carries an impact unequalled on Earth.... We are aware that achievements in space carry a heavy price tag.... Nevertheless, as a nation that aspires to greatness, we recognize that space is really the challenge of the future. One day, when this crisis has passed, when we have managed to restore the lives tormented by it, and when we can adequately meet the needs of the people, we may want to consider the space business. The desire is not merely a quest for prestige, but a desire to be involved in an area we believe would benefit Indonesia's technological and scientific capabilities.... Meanwhile, while national affairs are confined to fulfilling life's basic needs--an effort often thwarted by underhanded political practices--we can only be inspired by John Glenn's flight, taking it to heart, wondering if in the future we can take part in a sophisticated civilization such as that the Americans are demonstrating."

AFRICA

BURKINA FASO: "John Glenn--As Courageous As 36 Years Ago"

Government-owned Sidwaya had this editorial view (11/10): "The media has agreeably served us these last few days, "the sensational and the spicy," as journalists say. The departure for space of an old man (Excuse me!--of a 77-year-old young American). A fairy tale? Unbelievable, one would say.... For the moment, Glenn signs with panache, brilliantly, one of the most beautiful pages of the history of space missions, which are among the greatest human adventures. What passion! What courage! What a good example!"

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Telephone: (202) 619-4355

11/12/98

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