PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: SEPTEMBER 26, 2008

UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 003137 E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KMDR KPAO OIIP OPRC PGOV PREL PK SUBJECT: PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: SEPTEMBER 26, 2008 SUMMARY: Reports of the firing by "Pakistani security forces on intruding U.S. military gunship helicopters" in North Waziristan dominated headlines in all newspapers on Friday. Newspapers quoted Pakistan Military spokesman as confirming the incident while the Pentagon was quoted as terming the incident as "unfortunate misunderstanding." All dailies also quoted President Zardari as saying in New York that "flares were fired to warn NATO at border." President Zardari's address to the UN General Assembly calling for "help to defeat terrorism" also figured prominently. All newspapers also highlighted the closure of the U.S. consular officer in Pakistan over "deepening concerns over security." Newspapers ran editorials on an array of subjects with no singular theme dominating. The English daily, "Dawn," in its editorial titled "Turmoil in Afghanistan" noted that "the problem is that the American appear to view Afghanistan through the prism of a military strategy. The tens of billions of dollars that the West has poured into the country in development aid are virtually nullified by the ever-increasing civilian casualties of war." In its highly critical editorial the independent Urdu daily "Din" wrote: "Power-crazed U.S. officials have forgotten even the basics of diplomatic and moral conduct. The latest example of this is U.S. National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley's remarks wherein he said that ..."Pakistan is not doing the U.S. or Afghanistan any favor by combating terror; this is necessary for its own survival."... An unrealistic person like Stephen Hadley is actually a covert enemy of U.S. national security, not a friend... In the light of these facts, it can be said without any hesitation that it is these White House advisors who are playing a key role in fanning anti-U.S. sentiments in the developing countries and the Muslim world, including Pakistan..." End Summary. -------------- News Stories -------------- ¶1. "Pakistan, US Blow Hot and Cold Over Flare-Up" "Dawn" (09/26) "Security forces fired on two NATO helicopters which had intruded into Pakistan territory on Thursday, forcing them to turn back to Afghanistan, officials said. "Two helicopters from the Afghanistan side crossed into Saidgai, Ghulam Khan Sector, North Waziristan. When the helicopters passed over our border post and were well within Pakistan territory, our security forces fired anticipatory warning shots," said a statement issued by the ISPR." ¶2. "Only Flares Fired: Zardari" "The Nation" (09/26) "President Asif Ali Zardari said Pakistani forces had fired flares at NATO helicopters in the border area on Thursday to ensure they did not cross into Pakistani territory. "They are flares, they are flares, just to make sure that they know they have crossed the border line," said Zardari, when asked to comment on helicopters from the NATO-led force in Afghanistan being fired on from a military checkpoint along Pakistan's border." ¶3. "Five-Minute Ground Battle?" "Dawn" (09/26) "Firing by Pakistani soldiers at American helicopters that were escorting ground troops along the volatile border on Thursday sparked a five-minute ground battle between the American and Pakistani soldiers, officials said. US Central Command spokesman Rear Admiral Greg Smith sQd when the helicopters were fired on, the ground forces fired rounds meant not to hit the Pakistani troops, but "to make certain that they realized they should stop shooting," Smith said from CENTCOM headquarters in Florida." ¶4. "Friends Can't Be Intruders: Zardari" "The News" (09/26) "Pakistan has made it clear that it cannot allow its friends to violate its territory and its sovereignty. 'Attacks within Pakistan that violate our sovereignty actually serve to empower the forces which we fight together,' said President Asif Ali Zardari in a confident tone while addressing the United Nations General Assembly's 63rd session here at the headquarters of the world body." ¶5. "President Zardari Meets Secretary Rice" "The News" (09/26) "US Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice had an unscheduled meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari in his hotel on Thursday morning, which lasted about an hour as the request for the meeting came from the US secretary of state. The diplomatic observers are attaching great importance to the meeting as it took place in the backdrop of noteworthy developments especially the incident of firing at the US chopper in the border areas with Afghanistan. The sources in Pakistan entourage told this scribe that both the leaders discussed ways and means to further strengthen the existing cordial relations between the two countries." ¶6. "Asif's Plea for Help to Defeat Terrorism" "Dawn" (09/26) "President Asif Ali Zardari expressed Pakistan's firm resolve to combat the scourge of extremism in the world and asked the developed world to help Pakistan fight terrorists. "We have picked up the torch and will fight against terrorists who attack us, and fight against terrorists who use our territory to plan attacks against our neighbors or anywhere in the world," Mr. Zardari said in his maiden speech to the United Nations General Assembly." ¶7. "US Must Fulfill Its Side Of The Bargain, Say Officials" "Dawn" (09/26) "As the United States continues to put pressure to do more, Pakistan says it is the US which is skirting around the real issue of providing resources to enable it to deal with militancy in an effective manner. "We have been saying this and raising this issue virtually at every tier, including at the highest level - give us the capability we need to effectively control the situation in our tribal areas, but the Americans have been skirting around the issue," security officials said in background interviews with Dawn. The issue was once again raised with the Americans in the last interaction they had when Admiral Mike Mullen, the Chairman of the US Joint Chief of Staff, visited Islamabad on Sept 17, according to these officials. "When we ask for capability, they start talking about joint operations and training program. We tell them 'give us the capability and you will see more effective control of the tribal areas', and they tell us 'we are looking into it'," is how one military official described the Americans' response." ¶8. "US Should Let Zardari Deal With Radicalism: Expert" "Daily Times" (09/26) "Stating that the United States cannot fight radicalism in Pakistan, an American expert at a think-tank on Thursday urged the US to support President Asif Ali Zardari's strategy in combating the menace. "America should give him the latitude he needs to succeed, and even a little trust. We cannot defeat radicalism in Pakistan. But if Zardari gets the support he needs, he can," said Thomas Houlahan, director of the Military Assessment Program of the Centre for Security and Science." ¶9. "Gushing Compliments Make Palin Blush" "Dawn" (09/26) "President Asif Ali Zardari's enthusiastic and lavish praise for US vice-presidential candidate (Republican) Sarah Palin's looks in front of television cameras has raised eyebrows here. According to one report, on entering a room filled with several Pakistani officials on Wednesday afternoon, Ms Palin was immediately greeted by Information Minister Sherry Rehman. "And how does one keep looking that good when one is that busy?," Ms Rehman asked, drawing friendly laughter from the room when she complimented her. "Oh, thank you," Ms Palin said. When President Zardari entered the room seconds later, Ms Palin rose to shake hands, saying she was "honored" to meet him. Mr Zardari then called her "gorgeous" and said: "Now I know why the whole of America is crazy about you." "You are so nice," Ms Palin said, smiling. "Thank you." A handler from Mr Zardari's entourage then told the two politicians to keep shaking hands for the cameras. "If he's insisting, I might hug," said the president. Palin smiled politely." ¶10. "US Suspends Visa And Consular Services For Security Reasons" "Dawn" (09/26) "The US embassy on Thursday suspended its visa and consular services because of security concerns. "The embassy has suspended routine consular services, including visa services, beginning today (Thursday)," an embassy official said. The suspension of services, the embassy said, would not affect emergency services for US citizens in Pakistan." ¶11. "Pakistan Seeks Russian Defense Equipment" "Daily Times" (09/26) "Russia can provide defense equipment to Pakistan as part of collaboration between the two countries, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said on Thursday. "Pakistan and Russia can co-operate in several sectors, including energy, communications, gas pipeline projects and steel production," Qureshi said at a meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergei V. Lavrov, on the sidelines of the 63rd United Nations General Assembly session in New York." ¶12. Pakistan Not To Seek Weapons from US" "Dawn" (09/26) "The government has decided that it will not take technical assistance and weapons from the United States under a comprehensive security strategy being devised by a high-powered committee to combat terrorism. An official source told Dawn on Thursday that the government was looking at other options to purchase latest bomb detectors, weapons and other equipment for its security agencies." ¶13. "Obama to Help India, Pakistan Sign CTBT" "The Post" (09/26) "Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama said if elected he would encourage India and Pakistan to ratify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and resolve the Kashmir problem to reduce nuclear dangers in South Asia. "The best way to reduce nuclear risks in South Asia is to reduce incentives to test and deploy new nuclear weapons," Obama told the journal Arms Control Today when asked how he would work to reduce the risks posed by Indian and Pakistani nuclear arsenals and program." ¶14. "Chemical Substance Recovered From Marriott Hotel's Room Occupied By U.S. Soldier" "Ausaf" (09/26) "An investigation team working on the Marriott Hotel bomb blast has recovered a chemical tube from a room at the fourth floor of the hotel, credible sources revealed. According to the hotel management, the room was occupied by an American soldier named Fedreko, who checked out in the morning on the day of the blast. The presence of a chemical substance in the room of an American solider has raised several questions as to who is behind the fire that engulfed the hotel." ¶15. "Extremists Threaten Pakistan's Existence: US General" "Dawn" (09/26) "Extremist forces threaten the very existence of Pakistan, the incoming US commander in the region warned on Thursday, as tension mounted between NATO and Pakistani forces on the Afghan frontier. General David Petraeus, who will take charge of US forces in southwest Asia and the Middle East next month, said Pakistani and US-led troops would have to work together." ¶16. "Airports On Red Alert After Bomb Threat" "Dawn" (09/26) "Airports across the country were put on full alert on Thursday morning after threats that they could face terrorist attacks. All 36 airports were placed on a state of 'red alert' following an anonymous call that a suicide bomber might target the capital's Benazir Bhutto Shaheed International Airport." ¶17. "10 Militants Killed In Bajaur" "Dawn" (09/26) "Security forces, backed by helicopter gun ships, pounded Taliban's positions in several areas of the Bajaur tribal region on Thursday and, according to officials, 10 militants were killed in a gun battle." ¶18. "Benazir's Murder Probe: UN Urged To Form Commission" "Dawn" (09/26) "United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon assured Pakistan President Asif Zardari on Thursday that he would expedite formation of an impendent inquiry commission to probe into the circumstances of the assassination of Benazir Bhutto. Mr. Zardari in a meeting with the UN chief asked him to hasten the appointment of such a commission." ¶19. "Pakistan, Saudi Arabia United in War on Terror: PM" "The News" (09/26) "Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani Thursday said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were united in the war against terrorism and are committed to eradicating this menace. Talking to the Saudi Ambassador Ali S. Awadh Asseri who called on him at the PM House, the Prime Minister said terrorists were projecting negative image of Islam, which essentially teaches peace, tolerance and harmony." ¶20. "Pak Efforts for Envoy's Recovery Satisfactory" "The Nation" (09/26) "Sultan Ahmad Baheen, a high-ranking Afghan Foreign Ministry official, has expressed his satisfaction over the efforts being made by Pakistan for the early and safe recovery of Haji Abdul Khaliq Farahi, the Afghan Ambassador-designate who was kidnapped from Peshawar a few days back." ¶21. "Taliban Chased Out of Mullagori" "The News" (09/26) "A tribal 'lashkar' comprising more than 3,000 armed volunteers Thursday set all the three main Taliban headquarters on fire after chasing the militants associated with the banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) out of their area in Jamrud tehsil of Khyber Agency." ¶22. "PM Sets Up Rs.100 Million Terror Victims Fund" "The News" (09/26) "Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has set up a special fund of Rs.100 million for the victims of terrorism. The fund - "Prime Minister's Special Fund for Victims of Terrorism" - is meant to take care of families of the deceased as well the injured till their full recovery." ¶23. "Third Agosta Sub Joins PN Today" "The News" (09/26) "Pakistan Navy is set to achieve another milestone as the indigenously built Agosta 90B submarine Hamza, third in series is being inducted in its fleet on Friday." -------------- Editorials/Op-eds -------------- ¶24. "Turmoil in Afghanistan," an editorial in the Karachi-based center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) (09/26) "The problem is that the Americans appear to view Afghanistan through the prism of a military strategy. The tens of billions of dollars that the West has poured into the country in development aid are virtually nullified by the ever-increasing civilian casualties of war. As the Taliban have grown bolder in their attacks on Isaf and US forces, the military response has been increasingly indiscriminate - further alienating the local population. This is the same pattern that is being played out in Waziristan, from where the Americans insist cross-border attacks are being launched inside Afghanistan. The only strategy that can be successful is one that empowers and enables local forces to take on the Taliban." ¶25. "Imprudent Friends in the White House" an editorial note in the Lahore-based independent Urdu daily "Din" (circ.5000) (09/26) "Power-crazed U.S. officials have forgotten even the basics of diplomatic and moral conduct. The latest example of this are remarks by U.S. National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley wherein he said that "Pakistan is not doing the U.S. or Afghanistan any favor by combating terror; this is necessary for its own survival."... An unrealistic person like Stephen Hadley is actually a covert enemy of U.S. national security, not a friend... In the light of these facts, it can be said without any hesitation that it is these White House advisors who are playing a key role in fanning anti-U.S. sentiments in the developing countries and the Muslim world, including Pakistan... ¶26. "State of War," an editorial in the centrist national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (09/26) "President Zardari's appeal, made at a news conference in New York, to recognize that we are in a state of war, comes as an acknowledgement that the government is willing to accept that today militancy poses an immense threat to it and to its people.... Mr. Zardari has got it right when he says we are at war. There can be no other words to describe a situation in which suicide bombers target our cities at will, leaving damage and destruction across them. Indeed, this war is far worse than conventional ones. Even though all combat brings much horror, in this case it is innocent civilians who have most often lost their lives as a result of actions by militants." ¶27. "Whose War? America's or Ours?," an op-ed by Ayaz Amir in the centrist national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (09/26) "... Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman US Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Gen Petraeus, the new CENTCOM commander, shouldn't be touching down in Islamabad whenever they feel like it. If there is a problem in FATA we should look to it in our own way. But we must put our house in order. The charges hurled at us of the ISI being double-faced should be honestly investigated. The ISI should have no room for operatives pursuing lone ranger agendas. The days of 'jihad' as conceived by General Ziaul Haq and General Akhtar Abdul Rehman are over. Time we moved on and exorcised those ghosts. What the US is trying to do is push us into another 'jihad'. This is a kindness best avoided...." ¶28. "Talking to Mullah Umar and Hekmatyar?," an editorial in the Lahore-based liberal English language daily "Daily Times" (cir. 10,000) (09/26) "The NWFP Governor, Mr. Owais Ghani, has asked the United States "to talk to Mullah Omar, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar and Jalaluddin Haqqani, to negotiate peace in Afghanistan." His contention is that "political stability will only come to Afghanistan when all political power groups, irrespective of the length of their beard, are given their just and due share in the political dispensation in Afghanistan." He wants the US to know that "all three militant commanders are in Afghanistan." He also says, though with less credibility, that "Pakistan has no favorites in Afghanistan." Alas, Governor Ghani's assertion that the three warrior chiefs are in Afghanistan has already been challenged by independent observers of the Afghan scene. No matter. It is good that he has come out in the open and claimed a Pakistani strategic stake in Afghanistan. The US should listen to what he is saying. There is a strong message in his statement. If the US can give India a strategic stake in building up the Northern Alliance Tajiks and Uzbeks in Afghanistan, there is no reason why it can't do the same for Pakistan and the Pashtuns...." ¶29. "Zardari-Bush Meeting," an editorial in the country's premier business newspaper, "Business Recorder" (cir. 25,000) (09/26) "Pakistan's newly elected President Asif Ali Zardari's meeting with the lame duck US President George W. Bush on the sidelines of the UN summit may not be of much worth in itself, but some of the issues discussed certainly are important. They pose serious challenges to the stability and security of Pakistan.... Pakistan is caught between a rock and the hard place. It does want to help the US and also to rid its own tribal badlands of the extremist elements that threaten its own stability and security. What more could the US want? Incursions and attacks will only make it more difficult for the government to extend help and co-operation...." ¶30. "Intelligence Deficit," an editorial in the Karachi-based center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) (09/26) "... More troubling is the lingering fear that decades of ideological indoctrination may have left their mark, that there may be 'renegade' elements within the agencies that not only sympathies with the Taliban and their ilk but actively further their murderous cause. Even if this is untrue, a thorough rethink is in order. We are not fighting someone else's battle. ¶31. "State of War," an editorial in the center-right national English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (09/26) "... The recent attacks by the US inside FATA combined with a new series of suicide attacks in various cities, the latest on Marriott Hotel, have caused widespread concern in Pakistan. As the public looks to the government for guidance, it gets contradictory signals in return. Within days of the assurance by the Interior Advisor that suicide bombings have been brought to an end, a horrific attack took place right inside the Red Zone in Islamabad...." ¶32. "Pakistan in State of War", an editorial in the Karachi-based right-wing pro-Jamaat-e-Islami Urdu daily "Jasarat" (cir. 3,000) (09/26) "President Zardari has said that Pakistan is in a state of war. What he did not, however, tell was: war against whom? We are facing aggression from the US and NATO forces, and the people understand it very well." ¶33. "Mr. Prime Minister! Country Needs Revolutionary Measures," an editorial in the Peshawar-based Urdu-language daily "Mashriq" (cir. 55,000) (09/26) "It is true that the decision to become an ally of the United States in the war on terror following 9/11 incidents was based on personal whims and interests. And the outcome of this decision is before us. Now it is imperative to evolve new rules of engagement instead of wailing on the past." ¶34. "We All Are Taliban," an editorial in the popular rightist Urdu-language daily "Ausaf" (cir. 10,000) (09/26) "If truth be told the United States has set such bad examples of barbarism in the tribal areas that one cannot make any distinction between tribesman and Taliban any longer. Member of every other household in Waziristan has been killed in the so-called U.S.-led war on terror, and every member of the survivor families is now enthusiastic to become a Taliban. In other words, the United States has forced those people to join the Taliban ranks that did not want to wage war against the U.S. previously, and were leading a peaceful life." ¶35. "Agreement To Resume The Indo-Pak Peace Talks" an editorial in liberal Urdu daily "Express" (cir. 25,000) (09/26) "As a result of talks between Mr. Zardari and Mr. Manmohan Singh, it is hoped that the [Indo-Pak] peace process would resume; there would be progress on the Kashmir issue; trade would be promoted and the two countries would strengthen ties on the basis of parity. The joint communiqu has also stressed on the need for combined efforts to eliminate terrorism. For that to happen, it is necessary that the two countries trust each other. ... If the Indian leadership wants to expand ties with Pakistan it must desist from blaming Pakistan for every incident that takes place in India." Patterson