PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: JULY 12-14, 2008

UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 002377 E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KMDR KPAO OIIP OPRC PGOV PREL PK SUBJECT: PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: JULY 12-14, 2008 Summary: Reports on a suicide attack at a U.S. military camp in Afghanistan's Nuristan Province that killed 10 American soldiers dominated front pages in several newspapers on Monday. All newspapers reported that while rejecting the idea of any foreign attack inside Pakistan territory, Prime Minister Gilani said that Pakistan was an independent state, and no one could dare challenge its sovereignty. The remarks attributed to Pakistan Army Chief General Kayani during his meeting with visiting U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Admiral Mullen -- that border violations by U.S. led coalition forces would no longer be acceptable to Pakistan -- figured prominently in newspapers on Sunday. Weekend newspapers gave prominent coverage to Foreign Minister Qureshi's meeting with Secretary of State Rice. All newspapers reported on Saturday that NATO planes bombarded Angoor Adda town, a border village in South Waziristan, injuring nine Pakistani soldiers and two tribesmen. Several newspapers ran editorials on the security situation in the tribal areas, and alleged U.S intervention in Pakistan. Commenting on the visit of Admiral Mullen to Islamabad, the centrist English daily "The News" noted that the unexpected arrival of Admiral Mike Mullen is further evidence of heightening U.S. impatience with what is perceived as Pakistan's inability to combat a new wave of terrorism and to prevent infiltration into Afghanistan. Toeing the same line, the Urdu language liberal daily "Express" observed that the purpose of Admiral Mullen's unexpected visit on Saturday also seems to be to increase pressure on the government (of Pakistan). A prominent columnist wrote in "The News" that the patience of the U.S. army and the coalition forces is wearing thin, and they have started attacking at will on Pakistani soil, despite all the Foreign Minister's talk of no one being allowed to do so. However, the Lahore-based liberal independent weekly "The Friday Times" is skeptical about the ability of the Pakistani leaders, and cautioned that someone will have to step in soon to save the country, and the Pakistan army has tried to 'save' the country three times in the past. "Each time it has left behind a bigger mess than the one it inherited from the civilians on assuming power", the periodical added. End Summary. -------------- News Stories -------------- ¶1. "10 U.S. Soldiers Killed In Attack On Afghan Base" "Dawn" (07/14) "A multi-pronged militant assault on a small, remote U.S. base in the eastern Nuristan province and killed 10 American soldiers and wounded 15 on Sunday in the deadliest attack on U.S. forces in Afghanistan in three years." ¶2. "Gilani Brushes Aside Foreign Attack Notion" "The News" (07/14) "Rejecting the idea of any foreign attack inside Pakistan territory, Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Sunday said Pakistan was an independent state and no one could dare challenge its sovereignty, he told reporters in Peshawar." ¶3. "Border Violations Not Acceptable, Kayani Tells Mullen" "Daily Times" (07/13) "Chief of Army Staff Gen. Ashfaq Kayani has told U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Admiral Mike Mullen that border violations by U.S.-led coalition forces in Afghanistan would no longer be acceptable to Pakistan, a private television channel reported on Saturday, according to 'Dawn News.'... Mullen was on a surprise, one-day trip to Pakistan. U.S. Embassy officials confirmed the visit but said they had no details on Mullen's itinerary." ¶4. "Qureshi, Rice Discuss Bilateral Ties" "The News" (07/12) "Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice met in Washington on Friday to discuss enhancing Pakistan-U.S. bilateral relations in wide-ranging areas." ¶5. "NATO Planes Bomb Angoor Adda; 9 Army Men Injured" "The News" (07/12) "Eleven people, including nine Pakistani soldiers and two tribesmen, were injured when two NATO warplanes blitzed Pakistan's Angoor Adda town, a border village on the Pak-Afghan border in South Waziristan, on the night between Thursday and Friday caused serious injuries to nine soldiers." ¶6. "Pakistan Using Diplomatic Pressure To Stop Foreign Raids" "The News" (07/12) "Pakistan is using diplomatic pressure to refrain NATO forces particularly the United States from incursions in Pakistan's territory as Islamabad has already lodged protest on the Friday air attack at Angoor Adda by the U.S. planes." ¶7. "Pakistan In The Eye Of The Storm: Qureshi" "The News" (07/14) "After his meetings with the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has conceded that 'Pakistan is in the eye of the storm' and that 'we have to make farsighted and prudent decisions to safeguard our interests,' while addressing to the Pakistani community in New York." ¶8. "U.S. Must Not Opt For Hot Pursuit: Zardari" "Daily Times" (07/14) "The United States should avoid talks of 'hot pursuit' of militants into Pakistan's Tribal Areas and give the newly formed government time to enact its own policies without undue pressure, Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari said on Sunday. In an exclusive chat with the Business Plus TV channel, he said that Pakistan was in favor of the war on terror, but it was unjustified of the United States to expect miracles from a four-month old government." ¶9. "Force Alone Wouldn't Resolve Issues, U.S. Told" "Dawn" (07/14) "Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has told U.S. administration officials that military force alone should not be used as a weapon against terrorism. Addressing a huge partisan gathering at the Pakistan Consulate in New York, he said that while Pakistan would not hesitate to use force against militants but this war had to be fought with the help of people, by 'winning hearts and minds.'" ¶10. "U.S. Not Hunting Usama in Pakistan" "Daily Times" (07/14) "There are no United States or other foreign military personnel on the hunt for Al Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden in Pakistan, and none will be allowed in to search for him, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said. In an interview on Saturday, he said the new government had ruled out such military operations, covert or otherwise, to catch militants." ¶11. "PML-Q To Raise U.S. Attack Threat In Parliament: Mushahid" "Pakistan Observer" (07/14) "Pakistan Muslim League (Q) has denounced cross-border aggression into Pakistani territory and affirmed to table condemnation resolution in the next Parliament session, party Secretary General Mushahid Hussain Sayed told a news conference in Islamabad on Sunday." ¶12. "Qazi Warns U.S. Of Tit-For-Tat Response" "The News" (07/14) "The Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Qazi Hussain Ahmad has rejected the U.S. policy of hot pursuit of suspected militants into the tribal areas of Pakistan. Such an action would be taken as aggression and the nation would resist it, he told reporters after addressing people at a seminary in Peshawar on Sunday." ¶13. "Bush Urged To Send Troops Withdrawn From Iraq To Afghanistan" "Dawn" (07/14) "A senior American Senator urged the Bush administration on Sunday to send the troops withdrawn from Iraq to Afghanistan to help stop cross-border infiltration. In an interview with CBS News, Senator Richard Lugar said he believed the need for U.S. troops in Afghanistan was 'intense.'" ¶14. "Pakistan Not Responsible For Terror; Musharraf Says Use Of Force Breeds More Terrorists And Extremists" "The Post" (07/14) "President Musharraf has denied involvement of Pakistani agencies in the deadly attack on the Indian Embassy in Kabul and said Pakistan itself was a victim of terrorism. Talking to outgoing French Ambassador R'gis de Belenet who called on him, Musharraf said the international community should stop blaming Pakistan for every terrorist act in the region, the Khaleej Times reported on Sunday." ¶15. "Drive To Secure 78 U.S. Teenagers Studying In Pak Madarassas; 600 American Boys Getting Jihadi Education In 22 Seminaries" "The Post" (07/14) "A Pakistani filmmaker has launched a campaign to secure the release of 78 American teenagers from a Taliban-backed Madarassa in the country and asked the U.S. to step in to check students' enrolment in radical seminaries to close 'the pipeline to Jihad. Imran Raza, who helped secure the release of two U.S. teenagers of Pakistani origin, found up to 80 other such boys and girls in Karachi-based Jamia Binoria while shooting Karachi Kids, a documentary on American children in Pakistan's seminaries that will be released next week.... It is believed that there are another 600 American boys currently being educated in 22 Madarassas throughout Pakistan. They are known to mass-produce extremists with a political agenda, including a cripplingly narrow view of society and zero tolerance of western culture. They radicalize Muslim youth and are seminaries for violent jihad." ¶16. "Tehrik-e-Jaish Islami Pakistan (TJIP) Warns U.S. 'Spies'" "The News" (07/14) "Vowing to take stern action against those involved in espionage, the Bajaur chapter of Tehrik-e-Jaish Islami Pakistan (TJIP) on Sunday warned that they would award exemplary punishment to the persons spying for the United States. Qari Saifullah, spokesman for chief of TJIP Bajaur chapter Commander Wali-ur-Rahman, told reporters from an undisclosed location by telephone that their organisation would continue Jihad against America until its troops leave Afghanistan and other Islamic countries." ¶17. "Militants Hand Over Bodies Of Troops" "Pakistan Observer" (07/14) "Suspected Taliban militants on Sunday handed over the bodies of 17 paramilitary troops killed in an ambush in Pakistan's restive northwest, highlighting a surge in insurgent activity there. The dead were part of a convoy heading to a fort outside the city of Hangu near the border with Afghanistan on Saturday when rebels attacked it with rocket-propelled grenades and assault rifles, officials said." ¶18. "Four hurt in D.I. Khan suicide attack" "The News" (07/14) "Four people were injured when a suicide bomber blew himself up soon after the concluding session of the Shuhada-e-Islam Conference in Dera Ismail Khan on Sunday." ¶19. "Six More Killed In Lashkar, Ansar Clashes" "The News" (07/14) "Six more people were killed and 10 others injured in fresh clashes between the two warring groups in the Mangal Bagh-led Lashkar-e-Islam and the Mahoob-led Ansarul Islam in the remote Tirah Valley of the Khyber Agency on Sunday." ¶20. "Jirga To Decide Fate Of 29 Abducted Soldiers: Omar" "The News" (07/14) "Spokesman for the Pakistan Tehrik-e-Taliban Maulvi Omar has said that the decision of the local Taliban in Hangu regarding the fate of 29 abducted soldiers would be acceptable for the central leadership." -------------- Editorials/Op-eds -------------- ¶21. "Unexpected Visitor," an editorial in the centrist national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (07/14) "The unexpected arrival of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Admiral Mike Mullen in Islamabad on Saturday is further evidence of heightening U.S. impatience with what it perceives as Pakistan's inability to combat a new wave of terrorism and to prevent infiltration into Afghanistan. There can be no doubt more direct U.S. involvement in Pakistan would only add further complexities and strengthen the view that Pakistan is fighting the war on terror at the behest of the U.S. Washington has a duty to help Pakistan overcome the militant Frankenstein. But it must do so rationally and sensibly, keeping in mind the fact that the mere use of military might will further aggravate the problem rather than helping to resolve it." ¶22. "Attack On Security Forces And U.S. Admiral's Unexpected Trip To Pakistan," an editorial in liberal Urdu daily "Express" (cir. 25,000) (07/14) "U.S. jets bombarded Angoor Adda, in Waziristan, on the night between Thursday and Friday, injuring 11 including 9 security personnel. Pakistan lodged a strong protest with NATO and the U.S. on this attack. This was not the first incident of bombardment of Pakistani areas and violation of Pakistani airspace by U.S. jets and it won't be the last, if we keep U.S. designs in mind.... The U.S. media are increasing demands for action by U.S. commandos in the tribal areas. One reason for this demand could be the U.S. elections. The purpose of U.S. Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Mike Mullen's unexpected visit on Saturday also seems to be to increase pressure on the government. The Bush administration is bent on proving Pakistan is more dangerous than Iraq or Afghanistan. It seems that preparations are being made for a major operation." ¶23. "U.S. Admiral Mullen's Visit To Pakistan," an editorial in the Karachi-based right-wing pro-Jamaat-e-Islami Urdu daily "Jasarat" (cir. 3,000) (07/14) "The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad has confirmed the visit and meeting of the U.S. CJCS Admiral Michael Mullen, while ISPR has neither refuted the report, nor confirmed it. What was the agenda of this sudden and unplanned visit of the U.S. army chief, and his meeting with Pakistan's military chief Gen. Kiyani? Details of the meeting are not made public, but it is obvious that the real agenda of meeting was 'the U.S.-led war on terror', and to exert more pressure on Pakistan to allow U.S. forces to launch military action in Pakistani tribal areas. Opposing the U.S. war on terror is not an emotional catchphrase, but it is a solid fact. It is becoming clearer as American elections are approaching nearer. Pressure on Pakistan is mounting that eventually aims at U.S. occupation of Pakistani disorderly tribal areas." ¶24. "Hundred Days On, the Hopes Are Fading," an op-ed by Kamal Siddiqi in the centrist national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (07/14) "Things have gone from bad to worse in the tribal areas and the NWFP. The patience of the U.S. army and the coalition forces is wearing thin. They have started attacking at will on Pakistani soil, despite all the talk of no one being allowed to do so by our globe-trotting Foreign Minister. We are scared about what is happening in the tribal areas and the NWFP. There are fears that this will spread to all other parts of Pakistan. The tragedy in Islamabad earlier this month is a sad reminder of the helplessness of our leaders and the games that are being played between 'us' and 'them.' The only truth is that the people have reconciled to the fact that this government is no better, or worse, than the previous one." ¶25. "Desperately Seeking Leaders," an editorial Lahore-based English language liberal independent weekly "The Friday Times" (07/11-17) "President Musharraf's daring re-entry into the political arena recently - 'I'm not going anywhere,' he says stridently, 'the army is with me' - has shaken everyone. The refrain that the civilians are failing to provide solutions to Pakistan's myriad problems is becoming common enough, even though it is barely four months since the last elections. More dangerous is the supplementary comment that is trembling on many lips: 'someone will have to step in soon to save the country.' The army has tried to 'save' the country three times in the past. Each time it has left behind a bigger mess than the one it inherited from the civilians on assuming power." ¶26. "A Change Of Tune," an editorial in the centrist national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (07/13) "The top U.S. Military Commander, Admiral Mike Mullen, is being very blunt when he says: 'There's clearly not enough pressure being brought to bear, particularly on the Pakistani side of the border. There's more freedom there.' Unpack that statement and run it alongside the 'trust deficit' and you get the diplomatic equivalent of a poke in the eye with a sharp stick. 'Hot pursuit' - the chasing of targets into Pakistan by foreign forces - is in all probability being signaled by these tonal shifts, and given the volatility of the Tribal Areas, the virulent anti-Americanism in many parts of the country and the political fragility we are currently experiencing, such a move could have severe negative consequences." ¶27. "Western Front On Fire," an editorial in the center-right national English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (07/13) "The Americans have replaced the old line of denial of involvement or simple silence with plain declarations that they have the right and Pakistan government's permission to intervene. Islamabad is left with making puerile protests.... The Pakistan government has to act on two fronts simultaneously: persuading the U.S. to give a timetable of departure and assuring the tribesmen of its sincerity in ending armed action. But first of all, the coalition forces need to mend fences and evolve a consensus on how to tackle the menace of militancy. Otherwise, strife and despair would continue to haunt the nation." ¶28. "Qureshi Reflects Nation's Aspirations," an editorial in the Islamabad-based rightist English daily "Pakistan Observer" (cir. 5,000) (07/14) "The hegemonic and colonial mindset of the United States is causing considerable anti-America feelings the world over including Pakistan, of course. The way the U.S. launches missile and drone attacks, violates ground and air space of Pakistan frequently and CENTCOM officials issue threatening statements is bound to cause resentment in Pakistan. Americans claim to be friends of Pakistan yet their actions belie these claims and embitter bilateral relations. We believe that it is because of out of the way cooperation and willingness to accept even humiliating demands that the United States has taken Pakistan for granted and is not only meddling into its domestic affairs but also carries out attacks inside its territory, making mockery of our sovereignty. We have been emphasizing in these columns that parameters of cooperation should be quite clear, open and Pakistan must tell Washington that these are the red lines. The situation would be different if Pakistan adopts a clear and nationalist policy on the issue." ¶29. "From Bad To Worse," an editorial in the centrist national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (07/14) "Even as concern both within and outside the country about resurgent militancy in the country grows, new incidents each day go to reinforce these fears. Tactics to cope with such a situation need to be devised. The militants are acutely aware that high death tolls add to pressures on decision makers. The capture of hostages also follows a similar line of thinking, in which blackmail is the key tool. There is a need, at the highest level, to draw up a master-plan. Militancy must be dealt with wherever it occurs. Piecemeal accords, if part of a cohesive strategy, may make sense - but the crucial requirement is to back words with actions." ¶30. "Cult Of The Gun," an editorial in the center-right national English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (07/14) "Despite mounting foreign pressure, the coalition government has continued to resolve the issue of militancy through talks. This policy enjoys wide support in the country. The militants have to understand that the majority of Pakistanis comprises moderate people. Continuing acts of violence will turn the public opinion against them. In case this happens they may not find many supporters pleading that talk be held with them." ¶31. "Strong Words," an editorial in the centrist national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (07/13) "The lack of agreement between Islamabad and the U.S. over the militant issue naturally complicates the task of defeating terrorism. But the U.S. needs to recognize that over the past seven years, when it has, through its ally President Musharraf, been firmly in charge of strategy and been able to dictate policy - in some cases even at the micro level -- the militant problem has expanded at alarming speed.... Pakistan must be certain it has an unambiguous policy, so that it can convincingly persuade others to back it and ensure there is a common front against the looming menace of terror." ¶32. "Foreign Threats, Internal Problems; Nawaz And Asif's Indifference," an editorial in the second-largest, center-right nationalist Urdu daily "Nawa-i-Waqt" (cir. 125,000) (07/14) "Nawaz Sharif and Asif Zardari should not disappoint the nation; they should rise above their personal and political interests and give proof of being unselfish national leaders." ¶33. "U.S. Bombardment At South Waziristan," an editorial in the Peshawar-based Urdu-language daily "Mashriq" (cir. 55,000) (07/13) "The presence of U.S. and NATO troops in our neighborhood is itself a matter of serious concern for Pakistan, but the aerial and ground border violations have also become routine nowadays. And there are also some reports that a U.S. aircraft carrier has arrived in the Arabian Sea to help NATO forces with any possible attack on Pakistani territory. The United States and its allied forces are apparently fighting a war against terrorism, but in fact they are indulging in terror activities in this part of the world." ¶34. "Bombardment At South Waziristan - Government Must Realize Gravity Of Situation," an editorial in the leading mass circulation centrist Urdu daily "Jang" (cir. 300,000) (07/13) "A Pakistani check-post has been destroyed and 14 people were injured including 12 security personnel in bombardment by the U.S. and allied forces at Angoor Adda in South Waziristan.... The time has come for our government to get ready to defend Pakistani borders instead of fighting a proxy war for others. The Pakistan Army is a professional and patriotic army, and has ability to frustrate the designs of its enemies. However, the government must take the political and religious parties, tribal elders, and the nation into confidence before taking any political, economic, and military steps to deal with the situation." ¶35. "Sensible Proposal To Deploy Afghan Troops At Pak-Afghan Border," an editorial in the Peshawar-based Urdu-language daily "Mashriq" (cir. 55,000) (07/12) "Suppose it is true that if Taliban infiltrate into Afghanistan from Pakistan, then Afghan and allied forces must be deployed at the Pak-Afghan border instead of in the streets of Kabul. But perhaps President Karzai cannot afford to do so, nor are the allied forces ready to leave Kabul, as they both are afraid of Taliban attacks. Foreign Minister Qureshi has rightly proposed that Afghanistan must also deploy its troops at the border to deal with any threat from Taliban who allegedly are entering from Pakistan." ¶36. "How Vital Are The United States And Pakistan For Each Other," an op-ed by Mahmood Sham, Group Editor in the leading mass circulation centrist Urdu daily "Jang" (cir. 300,000) (17/14) "The lack of a clear-cut policy of the new government about religious extremists and militants and the continuous struggle of lawyers for the restoration of judges has given a bad impression to the United States and other western countries about the coalition government of Pakistan. The inability of the present government to resolve the issues inherited from the previous administration is also creating doubts about its capability and worth. Pakistan is still a very important country for the United States, and its geo-strategic position is very significant. The rising threat of the Taliban force in the FATA is making Pakistan essential for the United States." ¶37. "Iran's Nuclear Program And American Attitude," an editorial in liberal Urdu daily "Express" (cir. 25,000) (07/14) "It would not be difficult to resolve Iran's nuclear issue if the United States adheres to a policy of live-and-let-live. If the United States resolves its issues with Iran, it would have a positive impact on Iraq as well as Afghanistan, and the war on terror can be turned into a success." Patterson