SPECIAL MEDIA REACTION: U.S. PRESIDENTIAL

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 09 NEW DELHI 002852 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: SPECIAL MEDIA REACTION: U.S. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION; NEW DELHI This cable reports on relevant media reaction from India's English and large non-English press. -------------- U.S. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION -------------- ¶1. "YES, HE CAN," editorial in the November 6 centrist THE TIMES OF INDIA. "Obama campaigned consistently as the candidate for change by handing a landslide victory to its first ever African-American president, America already is a different country ... With Obama's election America has come close to realizing King's dream. Given the history of slavery, America's reach in the world and the change Obama promises to bring November 4, 2008 ... may well be seen by future historians as the day the 21st century truly began. Obama's victory reflects America's diversity as much as it acknowledges his ability to appeal to voters across race, class and age ... Obama stood for the more benign image of America to the world ... We wish him all the best in what will be a significant journey not just for America, but for the world." ¶2. "ANYTHING'S POSSIBLE," editorial in the November 6 centrist THE INDIAN EXPRESS. "By his very election, by his forceful bid for the most powerful job around, just by the victory, he has repaired so much. The U.S. has been these past years a country divided, and also a country seen to have the potential to be divisive ... applaud the electoral system that produced this result, that enabled a man with no influential patrons to win the confidence of a formidable political party and then his country." ¶3. "A FAMOUS VICTORY," editorial in the November 6 centrist THE HINDU. "American voters showed that they had, for the most part, put the shameful legacy of racism behind them. But the historic verdict of November 4 went far beyond race. It was simultaneously a rejection of the George W. Bush legacy - marked by two disastrous wars and a financial crisis - and an embrace of a positive message of change ... With countrywide support of this order, the President-elect has the mandate to implement his campaign promise of a fundamental transformation of U.S. domestic and foreign policies ... the international community, which overwhelmingly voted Mr. Obama U.S. President much before the American people did, will be mightily relieved." ¶4. "ONE EMOTIONAL, INCANDESCENT MOMENT," editorial in the November 6 centrist THE HINDU by P. Sainath. "A nation has gone against its historical record. Risen above its worst prejudices in one, emotional, incandescent moment ... What will Mr. Obama's election mean for the rest of the world? Both campaigns dwelt in the realm of the unreal on that front. Hopefully, much of what Mr. Obama said about acting unilaterally on Pakistani soil was part of the rhetoric of the campaign trail. Perhaps he will now discard the idea. If lucky, he will not escalate the war in Afghanistan, maybe the most wretched nation on earth, though he said he would. Will he steer the U.S. more quickly out of Iraq? How will he lead a nation where NEW DELHI 00002852 002 OF 009 powerful forces still believe economic decline can and must be offset by military might? For the moment, though, the idea of the first African-American family ever to occupy the White House in history overrides every other fact, issue and thought." ¶5. "BRIDGE OVER THE DEEPEST DIVIDES," editorial in the November 6 nationalist the HINDUSTAN TIMES. "The 44th president of the US stands out as a beacon of hope for all those struggling to make it to the top in their own societies. Obama and America have shown that countries can bridge the deepest of divides ... watching Barack Obama in victory and John McCain in defeat has been a humbling experience ... We can only hope that our politicians were watching." ¶6. "BEYOND OBAMA'S TRIUMPH," editorial in the November 6 Pro-Economic Reform THE ECONOMIC TIMES. "Indeed, the desire to do away with the disastrous economic legacy of the Bush era seems to have been a primary reason for the sweeping verdict in Obama's favor ... There is no cause to doubt that the new-found level of U.S. engagement with India will be scaled back. But whether there will be the same level of aggressive backing for issues like nuclear cooperation is somewhat unclear. Given that Obama's vision for South Asia seems to entail a greater focus on tackling militants in Pakistan, as part of the war in Afghanistan, and a concomitant push for a larger India- Pakistan dialogue on resolving the Kashmir issue, there could be some tense moments ahead. There could also be irritants arising out of his stated policy of ending tax sops to U.S. companies that are shifting jobs overseas. However, it is unlikely that Obama will seek to fundamentglly alter the outsourcing strategy of the U.S. corporations." ¶7. "A MOMENT IN HISTORY," editorial in the November 6 Pro-Economic Reform, THE BUSINESS STANDARD. "The United States has done itself proud by electing Barack Obama as its next president, proving that race in the country is at last less important than ability and suitability ... This election is historic not only because Mr. Obama is an African-American ... but also because it energized new sections of voters, witnessed a record turnout, and has been the most emphatic victory in decades, pulling Republican strongholds into the Democrat net ... He has the visionary in him, and seems focused on elevated goals and the common good. In short, Mr. Obama has the potential to be a great president." ¶8. "RESTORING FAITH IN AMERICA," opinion in the November 6 pro-BJP THE PIONEER by Ajoy Bose. "The most important message of Barrack Hussein Obama's historic victory in the U.S. presidential race to the rest of the world is that after a long time people across the globe can now hope to share some common values with the most powerful nation. This is particularly significant after two successive terms of the Bush Administration generated widespread alienation if not downright hostility in an overwhelming majority of countries toward the United States ... Without firing a shot and spending a single dollar, Washington today can hope to wield far more NEW DELHI 00002852 003 OF 009 international clout than it has managed to do over the past decade by brandishing military hardware and flaunting currency notes ... For India, these ideals and hopes raised by the collapse of the neo-conservative agenda are particularly relevant." ¶9. OBAMA VICTORY AND INDO-US RELATIONS," opinion in the November 6 Pro Economic Reforms THE ECONOMIC TIMES by C Uday Bhaskar. "Will the U.S. under Obama become more 'protectionist' about its own interests and thereby jeopardize the interests of the developing world? On current assessment, the Obama vision appears to be more inclined towards meaningful multilateralism ... Terrorism and its linkages with Pakistan's opaque nuclear narrative will challenge the sagacity of the Obama White House and this will be of direct relevance to India." ¶10. "GREAT HOPES, GREAT EXPECTATIONS TOO," editorial in the November 6 centrist THE ASIAN AGE. "Barack Obama has made history, and how! ... For America and Americans, the world has turned upside down, and this is an achievement of social evolution ... If Mr. Obama is the change, he will have to walk the talk. Obama arrives on the scene in the guise of a conciliator after America's virtual alienation from critical allies, especially in Europe and West Asia. The outgoing President Bush has left behind two unfinished wars, in Iraq and Afghanistan, and friendships that have soured. Mr. Obama will be called upon to build anew ... India may expect pressure from the incoming US administration to sign a nuclear test ban treaty and to take a stand on Kashmir that will help Washington curry favor with Pakistan. We should know how far to go for mutual accommodation, and act with reassurance." ¶11. "BARACK OBAMA CATALYST OF CHANGE" editorial in the November 6, 2008 centrist Gujarati daily GUJARATMITRA. "A nation that had witnessed the worst form of slavery and racism has today created history by electing an African- American to the highest civilian office there.... American voters seem to be fed-up with President Bush's policies that had left his and his Republican party's popularity ratings soaring down. Besides, the economic crisis only aggravated the matters further with people turning to Obama as a catalyst of change.... Obama's election as the President has shown that Martin Luther King's sacrifice has not gone in vain. America is a land of immigrants and Obama's achievement signals the victory of America's multi-polar society...." ¶12. "IS THERE A NEED FOR EUPHORIA OVER OBAMA'S VICTORY?" editorial in the November 6, 2008 Mumbai-based right-of- center Gujarati daily MUMBAI SAMACHAR. "An African- American person becoming America's, the world's most powerful nation's President is in itself a history. We as Indians need to ask ourselves should we cheer Obama's election? He has clearly stated his position on outsourcing. While this is cent per cent true from a nationalist point of view, it is not in India's interest which is the outsourcing hub for many western nations, especially America. Besides, when India launched its Chandrayaan I, Obama was quick to react by saying that NEW DELHI 00002852 004 OF 009 America will have to move fast in space technology before it loses its numero uno position in space science to nations like India and China. Besides, Obama's views on Kashmir give a sense that he considers this tangle as Pakistan's problem. His statements give a sense that America intends to play the role of a mediator to resolve Kashmir so that Pakistan can concentrate on weeding out Afghan terrorists. We need to remember that Kashmir is a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan and needs to be resolved by the two nations. India has from the very beginning made its stand clear. There is no role for a mediator here. What is the 44th President-elect trying to convey by such remarks?" ¶13. "CHANGE, NOT JUST CHANGE OF REGIME" editorial in the November 6, 2008, Mumbai edition of left-of-center Marathi daily MAHARASHTRA TIMES. "The tears of joy in the eyes of those witnessing President-elect Barack Obama's victory speech in Chicago stand testimony to the feeling of oneness that Obama signifies in America. It is indeed a revolution, not just an election of the first African-American president. In fact, Obama goes much beyond the African-American status. He is a staunch advocate of a dream, a marvel called America. Just as slavery is a reality in American history, the struggle against slavery and racism is also a reality in America. And Obama considers himself a part of a glorious tradition of struggle against social ills, slavery, inequality, discrimination...." ¶14. "YES, WE CAN" editorial in the November 6, 2008, Mumbai edition of left-of-center Marathi daily LOKSATTA. "By electing Barack Obama as their 44th president, Americans have brought hope in a world that is besieged by fundamentalism, racism, terrorism and war-mongering. Obama's election to the highest office in the U.S. is not just another political event. Obama is a symbol of America's lasting values, its belief in democracy. Of late America was identified with military strength. But Obama has restored pride in America's true image - the land of opportunities where race, color and gender are no inhibiting factors.... How successful he will be in all the change he has promised is to be seen. Analysts have already started the dissection of his future strategies. But the point is that Obama's arrival is the beginning of a promised change..." ¶15. "A BLACK AT THE WHITE HOUSE" editorial in the November 6, 2008, Mumbai edition of centrist Marathi daily SAKAAL. "Obama's victory is not just a political win for the Democrats in America. It is not just a black man's victory over his white rival. Neither is it a young candidate's victory over a veteran; but it is all this and much more. Obama's election is like beginning of a new era. It is change and wholesome change for that matter. A golden chapter in American history." ¶16. "OBAMA'S 'WHITE HOUSE' SUCCESS" editorial in the November 6, 2008, Mumbai edition of centrist Marathi daily NAVASHAKTI. "Obama's belief in world peace comes as a solace to the whole world. Unlike his predecessor George W. Bush who executed several preemptive strikes, NEW DELHI 00002852 005 OF 009 which also targeted civilians, Obama has made it clear that even if he has to send troops to any other country, it will only be for the limited purpose of curbing terrorism. Oba ma will certainly not compromise with America's national security. But he will not even indulge in unnecessary war-mongering. His stance therefore rules out the possibility of an American war in North Korea and Iran..." ¶17. "ENCOURAGING AND WELCOME" editorial in the November 6, 2008, Mumbai edition of left-of-center Marathi daily APLA MAHANAGAR. "n election, an appointment that was perceived as an impossibility has finally secured its perfect place in American history. People have clearly voted for him. The Blacks, long discriminated against for a long time, have finally entered the corridors of power..." ¶18. "OBAMA AGE," editorial in the November 6 centrist NAVBHARAT TIMES Hindi daily by: "Obama has realized Martin Luther King's famous dream of an equal America. But he will have to prove to his countrymen that they did not err by electing him. That will be difficult - 700 billion dollars have already been pledged as the economic bailout by the Bush Administration, leaving little money or scope for Obama to do developmental work. Obama's policies on Kashmir and outsourcing are of concern to India. We wait to see how it will all play out once he gets into the hot seat." ¶19. "GREAT EXPECTATIONS FROM OBAMA," editorial in the November 6 centrist HINDUSTAN Hindi daily: "If for a moment we can leave side our concerns on outsourcing, Kashmir and some other sticky issues, then Obama's election as the U.S. president is a cause to rejoice for India. Obama has not said anything anti-India that should cause widespread alarm. In fact, he supported the nuclear deal too. Leave alone reversing, one can expect him to increase the momentum of US-India relations." ¶20. "MIRACLE IN U.S.," editorial in the November 6 right- of-center DAINIK JAGRAN Hindi daily: "Barack Obama's becoming U.S. President is incredible, indicative of a sea change in the U.S. society. There may be flaws in American politics, but Obama's emergence has shown that the America's salient qualities too are unmatched. The huge worldwide expectations are certainly a major challenge for Obama, especially when the U.S. is going through a critical phase on both fronts-- economic and foreign policy... It is noteworthy that he not just represented blacks, but the mainstream of the U.S. society as the presidential candidate and he also achieved the support of all the sections. Our politicians should learn from him." ¶21. "VICTORIOUS BARACK," editorial in the November 6 nationalist RASHTRIYA SAHARA Hindi daily: "Barack Obama has not just won an election. He herald's a radical change in America. At present U.S. is struggling on both internal and external fronts. In an atmosphere of depression and disappointment his promises have created hope among the people. But, the matter of concern is that NEW DELHI 00002852 006 OF 009 his recommendations to deal with the crisis seem to be protectionist. It will mean curbs on outsourcing and free import of foreign goods. It could hurt the outsourcing sectors of India and China and the imports of Japanese cars. At the same time, Obama's views on the world's 'common destiny', his strong opposition to terrorism and his support for peace and security is welcome." ¶22. "A HISTORY OF CHANGE" editorial in the November 6, 2008, centrist Marathi daily LOKMAT. "Barack Obama's election as the 44th president is a dream come true-the dream that Martin Luther King dreamt a few decades ago. It is a sign of a mature, clear and rich American democracy. It is a clear mandate in favor of an African- American whose political candidacy could rise above race and color. " ¶23. "RED CARPET FOR OBAMA" editorial in the November 6, 2008, Gujarat Samachar. "The whole world is welcoming and cheering at the victory of Barack Obama as America's 44th President.... Obama's victory is the result of his hard work that has fructified in this election.... At a time when India needs the support of super-power nation in its march towards becoming an economic super power by 2020, Obama's elections ushers renewed hope that the new President-elect of United States will work for a result- oriented partnership with India...." ¶24. "OBAMA, OBAMA" editorial in the November 6, 2008, Divya Bhaskar "The American people today opened their hearts to choose an African-American as their new President.... Obama's election not only fulfills Martin Luther King's 'I have a Dream' speech but it also epitomizes the vibrancy of American democracy, its society and culture. This moment is truly a historic moment, a moment resembling tryst with destiny!" ¶25. "INDIA WILL HAVE TO MOVE CAUTIOUSLY, THINKS DELHI," dispatch from New Delhi by Bureau Chief Jayanta Ghosal in the November 6 independent Kolkata Bengali daily, ANANDABAZAR PATRIKA. "India cherishes hopes and experiences some concerns while probing into the silent revolution in the conservative American society. Obama will prioritize lifting America from the depth of financial crises. He may virtually try to abolish outsourcing and that will certainly endanger India. The MEA is also worried about the civilian nuclear deal since transfer of nuclear technology as well as the supply of nuclear fuel is yet to be done. Another area of concern over Obama is Kashmir. The MEA believes he has adopted this strategy in order to placate Pakistan but that does not mean that he will displease India. Indian diplomats feel that they will have to be cautious but will not be in danger." ¶26. "HISTORIC," editorial in the November 6 independent Kolkata Bengali daily, ANANDABAZAR PATRIKA. "This is not merely a moment of internal history of a nation; the value of this moment is great for the entire world. Only true democratic values can place an individual above all societal identity. America has set a historic example in cultivating this value. This election instills new hopes NEW DELHI 00002852 007 OF 009 in the rest of the world. It is unfortunate for President Obama that he does not have any scope to relax." ¶27. "FAMOUS VICTORY" editorial in the November 6 nationalist Kolkata daily THE TELEGRAPH. "...With victory of Barack Obama, it can be said that the entire Afro- American people have traversed the immeasurable distance between slavery and the head of the United States of America... He could well be the man to complete the agenda of both Abe Lincoln and Martin Luther King: a white man's vision and a black man's dream...." ¶28. "OBAMA REACHES OUT TO WORLD" front-page dispatch by Washington-based diplomatic editor K.P. Nayar in the November 6 nationalist THE TELEGRAPH. "......With...64 per cent of eligible voters (having) cast their votes, braving the elements, long queues and snags at polling stations...yesterday's voting statistics could set a record in 100 years for a country that is notorious for its indifference to exercising adult franchise...." ¶29. "WHAT OBAMA WILL DO" front-page analysis by veteran columnist and cartoonist Rajinder Puri in the November 6 nationalist daily THE STATESMAN. "...The most crucial and immediate task that Obama will address relates to South Asia. He will attempt to neutralize Al-Qaida based in the region between Afghanistan and Pakistan... This requires an overall formula... If the Kashmir dispute is settled, not only will it enable Pakistan to focus on Afghanistan, it could provide the template for a Pak- Afghan settlement, one that is acceptable to the Taliban...." ¶30. "HISTORIC MOMEMT FOR AMERICA" editorial in the November 6 independent Shillong daily THE SHILLONG TIMES. "Obama's victory has much to do with George Bush's flawed foreign policy marked by the US misadventure in Iraq and the onslaught on Afghanistan... Obama's quick response to critical issues like Kashmir by naming former President Bill Clinton as interlocutor is brilliant diplomacy... Predictions that Obama's tough stance on outsourcing could hurt India's interests remain to be seen...." ¶31. "REGIME CHANGE IN AMERICA," editorial in the November 6 second-largest Kolkata Bengali daily, BARTAMAN. "...This is a glaring example of the maturity of American democracy. If promises are kept, this victory for the Democrats will definitely usher in several changes in different nations. Obama's stand on outsourcing may impact the Indian IT sector in a big way." ¶32. "NEW HISTORY CREATED," editorial in the November 6 left-of-center Kolkata Bengali daily, SAMBAD PRATIDIN. "...The world will want to see whether Obama can transform America's war-mongering. Will he be able to change America's big brotherly attitude? The imminentchange in the White House, no doubt, is historic. But this phenomenon alone is not sufficient to pacify the peace- loving people in the world. So, several questions crop up...." ¶33. "THE CHANGED AMERICA," editorial in the November 6 NEW DELHI 00002852 008 OF 009 Bangalore-based independent Kannada daily KANNADA PRABHA: "The top priorities for the President-elect Obama are ending the financial crisis of the country and resolving the Iraq issue. Everyone wishes that the bilateral relationship touch new peak during the reign of Obama, who is setting a long-term goal to change the policies of the US." ¶34. "AN ALLURING CHANGE," editorial in the November 6 Bangalore-based left-of-center Kannada daily PRAJAVANI: "President-elect Barak Obama has several challenges to address. The first and foremost task for Obama is to bail out the U.S. from the economic crisis. One should wait and watch, how he is going to address the issues like Muslim fundamentalism, withdrawal of American forces from Iraq, situation in Afghanistan, Iran and Georgia. Obama has already hinted about need for U.S. policy change towards Pakistan. There is another lurking suspicion that Obama might turn out to be pro-active on Kashmir. He also advocated the need for the US to resolve the 'Kashmir crisis.' India should react cautiously with regard to this issue. There may not be any threat to the Indo-US nuclear deal, since Obama has supported the nuclear deal." ¶35. "VICTORY FOR OBAMA," editorial in the November 6, Bangalore-based independent Kannada daily VIJAY KARNATAKA: "Obama is leading the U.S. at a very crucial time. America is facing political, economic and moral predicaments and it needed an able person to lead; they found Obama. Obama has become the ray of hope for the common people in his country, which is right now in the middle of a financial crisis. He is likely to be more helpful to India as he has already committed to further the relationship with India. Since he has already acknowledged Mahatma Gandhi as one of his inspirations, he may contribute a great deal to world peace." ¶36. "A BLACK PERSON IN THE WHITE HOUSE," editorial in the November 6 Chennai-based Tamil daily DINAMANI: "The victory of Obama as the first Afro-American President should be recorded in the human history in golden letters. Whether Obama's victory will lead to a change in the external policy of the United States is a question. There are no major differences between both the parties, the Republican and the Democrat, with regard to their economic and external affairs policies." ¶37. "A BLACK PERSON IN THE WHITE HOUSE," editorial in the November 6 Hyderabad-based independent Telugu daily EENADU: "Obama's win signifies a negative vote against the policies of Republicans. The Iraq war, the meltdown, most disastrous administration of President Bush have given way for the Change. The Indian software and information technology-enabled services industry is still worried over Obama's views on outsourcing. Indian concerns will continue to remain. India should be watchful while developing bilateral relations with the US under the new leader." ¶38. "DEFEAT OF 'ARROGANT AMERICA'", editorial in the November 6, 2008 right-of-center Urdu daily HINDUSTAN NEW DELHI 00002852 009 OF 009 EXPRESS: "It is impossible to deny the fact that unparallel victory of Barack Obama is, in fact, a shameless defeat of "arrogant America", with its symbols as George W. Bush and John McCain. The haughty America made Martin Luther King to organize the longest March in the annals of history against the tyranny and oppression of America itself. Past experience stand witness that mere change in the President ship does not bring any revolutionary change in policies and modus operandi. However, there is no doubt that the crucial turning point where America stands now, and the storm of change brought in by none other than Obama may become a harbinger of a revolution. Let us see as to what extent, the American think tanks and the newly elected President, hear the reverberations of the defeat, which startled the whole world." ¶39. "HOW WILL THE REVOLUTIONARY CHANGE TAKE PLACE", editorial in the November 6 right-of-center Urdu daily "HAMARA SAMAJ", New Delhi: "The entire world community and the American people themselves are hoping a lenient attitude and policy from Barack Obama. It is a justified expectation that he will never go for an aggressive attitude. The time to come may shatter some dreams, some hopes and some expectations. But only Barack Obama will not be responsible for out-of-place expectations. It would be the circumstances procreated by George W. Bush. People are and were guileless and political beasts are and were intrepid. May there be a change across the world, where humanity stands successful and where peace stands victorious." ¶40. "CHALLENGES BEFORE OBAMA", editorial in the November 6, 2008 right-of-center Urdu daily "RASHTRIYA SAHARA", New Delhi: "The victory of Barack Obama is indeed a matter of great joy for blacks of the entire world including those of USA. It is indeed a matter of great joy because the headship of superpower America now is in the hand of a person of such a race which has been a target of racial arrogance and exploitation by whites for centuries and millenniums. In a nutshell, Obama's victory is an historical milestone but his place and status in history will be assessed by his initiatives to face the challenges before America, and to restore the lost image of the country in the international arena." WHITE