MEDIA REACTION: PAKISTAN; NEW DELHI.

UNCLAS NEW DELHI 002786 SIPDIS STATE FOR NP, AC, PM STATE FOR INR/MR STATE FOR SCA/INS, PM/CBM, PM/PRO STATE FOR SCA/PPD, PA/RRU STATE FOR AID/APRE-A USDOC FOR 4530/IEP/ANESA/OSA FOR BILL MURPHY E.O. 12958:N/A TAGS: KMDR KPAO PGOV PREL IN SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION: PAKISTAN; NEW DELHI. This cable reports on relevant media reaction from India's large non-English press. Embassy New Delhi reports on English-language media via email in the daily "Early Edition". USG customers please write to Geeta Krishali (KrishaliG@state.gov) to subscribe to the "Early Edition." -------------- PAKISTAN -------------- ¶1. "PAKISTAN BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE," op-ed in the October 23 AMAR UJALA Hindi daily by senior journalist Kuldip Talwar: "Pakistan is facing a serious threat to its security and sovereignty. The army is struggling with the Taliban in Swat and Bajaur areas. On the other hand, U.S. forces are launching air strikes on the Al-Qaida fighters in Pakistan, but innocent people are suffering. Thus, the resentment against the U.S. and Pakistan government is increasing. Besides that, Pakistan is already politically unstable. And now the U.S. also believes that the ISI has links with the terrorist attacks in Afghanistan and India.... Actually, now both the extremists and the U.S. have turned against it. And Musharraf4s dual policies are responsible for this war- like situation. Let us see how Pakistan will deal with it. If this instability continues it will also affect Afghanistan and India." ¶2. "PAKISTAN IN DEEP FINANCIAL VORTEX," commentary in the October 23 RASHTRIYA SAHARA Hindi daily by columnist Rahees Singh: "Pakistan is sucked into deep economic vortex. If immediate attention is not paid, it will soon be bankrupt. Pakistan's rivalry with India is the main reason behind its economic troubles. Instead of addressing its domestic problems it is trying to be on par with India. This was the motive behind Zardari's recent China visit. But, the question arises-- can he present Pakistan as a power without finding a solution to economic crisis.... Pakistan's economy is on the verge of a collapse. The Pakistani rupee has reached 75 against the dollar. The stock market has fallen to 5224 points. The Inflation rate has reached 24.3%. The Pakistan Finance Ministry is requesting institutions like IMF for a bailout package. If Pakistan becomes unstable, it will also affect India." MULFORD