Media Reaction: Iran; Dhaka

UNCLAS DHAKA 000382 SIPDIS FOR I/FW, B/G, IIP/G/NEA-SA, B/VOA/N (BANGLA SERVICE) STATE FOR SA/PAB, SA/PPD (LSCENSNY, RPALLADINO),SA/RA, INR/R/MR, AND PASS TO USAID FOR ANE/ASIA/SA/B (WJOHNSON) CINCPAC FOR PUBLIC DIPLOMACY ADVISOR, J51 (MAJ TURNER),J45 (MAJ NICHOLLS) USARPAC FOR APOP-IM E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KMDR OIIP OPRC KPAO PREL ETRD PTER ASEC BG OCII SUBJECT: Media Reaction: Iran; Dhaka Summary: Commenting on developments regarding Iran's nuclear program an opinion page article in pro-Islamic "Naya Diganta" apprehends that the Muslim world will be under special pressure. -------------- Iran's Nuclear Program -------------- "World Heading Toward another Conflict" An editorial page article in pro-Islamic Bangla newspaper "Naya Diganta" by Editor Alamgir Mohiuddin opines (1/25): ...Financial measures taken by Iran last week showed that it is observing developments carefully. Reportedly, it withdrew 36 billion dollars from the U.S. and Europe. Besides, it has kept its missile system operational so that Israel may not launch a preemptive attack. Iran said that if it is attacked, it will retaliate against U.S. interests at any place in the world. Recent U.S. efforts to influence public opinion show that Washington has not taken the threat lightly. U.S. officials have been applying pressure in negotiations with Muslim countries to keep surveillance on their domestic affairs in the name of anti-terrorism programs. Reportedly, they are also utilizing the media in this regard. A pro-western newspaper in the Middle East said that the opposition in Iran is powerful and will welcome any anti-government action. It seems that incidents that led to the Iraq campaign are being repeated. There is no way to deny that the world is swinging from hopes to fear with the threat to launch attack on Iran. Muslim nations will be under special pressure. It is hoped that good sense will prevail in the end. Chammas