PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: MAY 14, 2009

UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 001035 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KMDR KPAO OIIP OPRC PGOV PREL PK SUBJECT: PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: MAY 14, 2009 Summary: Pakistan Army's claim that "Troops gain a firm foothold in Peochar, the headquarters of Taliban" dominated headlines in all newspapers on Thursday. Army Chief General Kayani's order to security forces to "minimize collateral damage even at the expense of taking risks" received prominent display. All major newspapers highlighted President Zardari's remarks that "Pakistan has asked Washington for 'ownership' of U.S. drones carrying out attacks on its territory." Likewise, several dailies reported that the "U.S. military had given Pakistani officers significant control over targets, flight routes and decisions to launch attacks." Some major newspapers highlighted U.S. Embassy-sponsored roundtable press talk with the U.S. RECCA (Regional Economic Co-operation Conference on Afghanistan) delegation, and cited Principal Assistant Secretary Moon as allaying fear of "India's likely dominance over regional trade after signing of Afghan Transit Trade." The English newspaper "Daily Times" reported that the "U.S. Embassy assists citizens about displaced relatives" in response to the USG's continued support of IDPs. Most major dailies ran editorials on a host of subjects including the various dimensions of the current military operation against Taliban, plight of IDPs, the U.S.-Pakistan bilateral relations, and U.S. role in Afghanistan and so on. Terming the ouster of General McKiernan as "a subtle admission of failure" the center-right national English daily "The Nation," advised that the "U.S. has to realize that the AfPak theater of war is a sticky wicket; so the sooner it extricates itself the better for all involved." Commenting on the recent statement of U.S. Special Envoy Holbrooke, the Lahore-based populist daily "Khabrain," editorialized that "while all of Mr. Holbrooke's statements are true, we feel they constitute interference in (Pakistan's) national affairs." The leading mass circulation Urdu daily "Jang," noted that "all the pros and cons of the recently signed Afghan Transit Trade Agreement must be discussed in the Parliament." End Summary. -------------- News Stories -------------- "Troops Gain Firm Foothold In Peochar" "Dawn" (05/14) "The army claimed on Wednesday that security forces had gained a foothold in Peochar valley, the stronghold of Taliban leader Maulana Fazlullah, and were targeting militants' hideouts there. According to an ISPR update on the Swat operation, 11 militants, including Commander Naseeb Rehman, were killed in different areas of the valley over the past 24 hours. Four soldiers were also killed and 12 others injured during the operation." "Kayani Orders Precision Strikes" "The Nation" (05/14) "Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani Wednesday instructed the army to make precise strikes against the militants in Swat and the adjacent areas to ensure minimum collateral damage even at the expense of taking risks, according to ISPR statement." "Army To Help Govt. Facilitate Displaced people At Camps" "The News" (05/14) "The Special Support Group (SSG) of the Pakistan Army would help the Federal and Provincial Governments in facilitating the internally displaced persons (IDPs) at camps till their rehabilitation, while speaking to media in Peshawar on Wednesday, in charge of the Group Lt. Gen. Nadeem Ahmed said." "Pakistan Wants 'Ownership' Of U.S. Drones: Zardari" "Daily Times" (05/14) "Pakistan has asked Washington for 'ownership' of U.S. drones conducting attacks on its territory, President Asif Ali Zardari said on Wednesday. He said the fight against the Taliban would be a long-term struggle, and underlined the importance of defeating them, AFP reported." "U.S. Gives Pakistan 'Control' Over Drone Strikes" "Daily Times" (05/14) "The U.S. military has begun flying Predator drones in Pakistan and given Pakistani officers significant control over targets, flight routes and decisions to launch attacks, U.S. officials say. The officials say the project has been started recently to bolster Pakistan's ability and willingness to disrupt the militant groups active in both Pakistan and Afghanistan." "Transit Trade Treaty - U.s. Allays Indian Domination Fear" "The Nation" (05/14) "Trying to allay fear of India's likely dominance over regional trade after signing of Transit Trade Treaty between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the united States of American on Wednesday said the treaty could be much helpful for the signatory countries too. Talking to media persons in Islamabad, Patrick S. Moon, Principal Assistant Secretary, Bureau for South and Central Asian Affairs, said Pakistan and Afghanistan would be the major beneficiaries of the agreement if implemented to promote intra-regional trade." "U.S. Embassy Islamabad Providing Referral And Support Services To American Citizen Inquiries On IDP Relatives" "Daily Times," "Pakistan Observer" (05/14) "The United States Embassy on Wednesday announced that Consular officials at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad are providing assistance and support to American citizens - and especially Pakistani-Americans - concerned about the welfare and whereabouts of relatives who may be among those displaced." "Afghanistan Seeks End To Attacks On Supplies: Aid Pledges To Be Fulfilled, Gilani Assures Karzai" "Dawn" (05/14) "Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and Afghan President Hamid Karzai stressed the need for improving trade and economic cooperation between the two countries in their addresses at the Third Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan in Islamabad on Wednesday. Mr. Gilani said that despite facing an economic crisis Pakistan would go ahead with the three-year $300 million financial package it had committed to Afghanistan. Pakistan, he added, was 'second home' for Afghans. Mr. Karzai welcomed the gesture, but called upon Pakistan to take steps to stop attacks on NATO's supplies to Afghanistan." "Islamabad, Kabul Renew Vow To Arrest Militancy; Say Terrorism 'Wildfire' Hurts Regional Trade" "The Nation" (05/14) "Pakistan and Afghanistan with full backing of the U.S. and the world community vowed on Wednesday in Islamabad to join hands for making the region peaceful with greater focus on development. Addressing the inaugural session of the 3rd Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan (RECCA),Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and Afghan President Hamid Karzai reiterated to work jointly for durable peace in the region to save future of the generations." "Karzai To Launch Swat-Style Operation On Border" "Daily Times" (05/14) "Afghan President Hamid Karzai announced on Wednesday that his government would follow in Pakistan's footsteps and launch a military operation against the Taliban on its side of the border. After conducting bilateral talks with Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani in Islamabad on Wednesday, he said Afghanistan supported Pakistan's efforts to combat terrorism." "U.S. Says No Plan To Seize Pakistan's N-Weapons" "Dawn" (05/14) "The United States has no plans to seize Pakistan's nuclear weapons, says Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher. In an interview to 'Dawn,' Mr. Boucher rejected the suggestion that once the Taliban were defeated, the U.S. would turn its attention to Pakistan's nuclear weapons. 'I think it is silly. Nobody has any basis to make a claim like that,' Mr. Boucher said. The U.S., he said, believed that Pakistan was capable of defending the weapons against any move to seize them." "Benchmarks In Place For Pakistan: Holbrooke" "Daily Times" (05/14) "U.S. special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke has told senators taking issue with the Obama administration's plan to defeat extremists, saying: 'We do have a comprehensive strategy' and 'we do have benchmarks.' He was responding to Senator Robert Menendez who had said he was skeptical of expanding funding for Pakistan's military." "U.S. Administration Satisfied With Swat Operation: Qureshi" "Daily Times" (05/14) "Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said the U.S. is satisfied with the military offensive in Swat and adjoining areas, a private TV channel reported on Wednesday." "24,000 Registered IDPs In Capital Wait For Help" "Daily Times" (05/14) "Scores of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) from the NWFP's troubled districts who have reached the federal capital over the weeks desperately await the government's help to cope with testing times. Having been pushed from pillar to post since arrival in town, they complain of the authorities' indifference towards their misery. "Taliban Want Malakand Legislators To Quit" "Dawn" (05/14) "A Taliban spokesman issued a series of threats and ultimatums against officials on Wednesday and demanded that all National and Provincial Assembly members from the Malakand Division must resign within three days. 'Otherwise, we will arrest all their families and will destroy all their buildings,' Muslim Khan threatened in a telephone interview with CNN." "JI To Hold Rally Against Malakand Operation" "Dawn" (05/14) "The Jamaat-i-Islami will hold a protest rally in Islamabad on May 24 to protest the ongoing army operation in Malakand division. At a press conference in Lahore on Wednesday, Secretary-General Liaquat Baloch said the army action was creating hatred against the armed forces and Punjab among the people of the affected areas." "Swat Outlook 'Pretty Bleak': U.S. Expert" "Daily Times" (05/14) "Pakistan's campaign against the Swat Taliban has only a limited chance of success, David Kilcullen, a counter-insurgency expert has warned. Kilcullen has been a leading adviser to Gen David Petraeus, the head of U.S. Central Command. In an interview with the 'Financial Times,' Kilcullen said he doubted Pakistan could succeed." "Only 38% Of NWFP, FATA Under The Govt. Thumb: BBC; Zardari Rejects Reports" "The News" (05/14) "A BBC report suggests that only 38% of North West Frontier Province (NWFP) and surrounding areas is under full government control. The report, compiled by the BBC's Urdu language service, was based on local research and correspondent reports as well as conversations with officials. It shows the Taliban strengthening their hold across the north-west. President Asif Ali Zardari rejected the findings, telling the BBC it was an 'incorrect survey.' He was speaking after talks in London with U.K. Prime Minister Gordon Brown." "Pakistan Must Review Terms Of Engagement With U.S." "Dawn" (05/14) "Former army chief Gen Mirza Aslam Baig has asked the government to review terms of engagements with America as the country was confronting multiple crises. Speaking at a seminar on 'Extremism and militancy in Swat and Tribal Areas,' the former Army Chief said that U.S. was devising exit strategy for Afghanistan and holding talks with Saudi Arabia and other regional powers, adding U.S. would call it a day within a year." "Crackdown On Tribe Sheltering Taliban In Landikotal" "Daily Times" (05/14) "The political administration launched a crackdown against the Ashrafkhel Shinwari tribe on Wednesday in Landikotal for sheltering Taliban as security forces started a search operation in Abdal Khad area to arrest Taliban, said an administration source." "Ulema Vow To Fight Taliban If Army Fails" "Dawn" (05/14) "Prominent religious leaders, for years mute in the face of growing hard-line religious influence, are mobilizing support for the government as it battles the Taliban, warning that militants could take over the country. 'The military must eliminate the Taliban once and for all.' 'We don't want civil war ... But God forbid, if the government fails to stop them, then we will confront them ourselves,' Mufti Sarfraz Naeemi, a senior scholar of the Barelvi school of thought, told Reuters." "Militants Attack Two Terminals, Destroy Vehicles" "Dawn" (05/14) "Militants attacked two terminals for trucks in Peshawar early on Wednesday morning and destroyed eight lorries and seven containers." -------------- Editorials/Op-eds -------------- "U.S. Admission Of Failure," an editorial in the center-right national English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (05/14) "The dismissal of the top U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan General David McKiernan, which makes it the second removal from office of such a high ranking American military official after General Douglas MacArthur was forced out during the Korean War, could be viewed as a subtle admission of failure in a war that has lasted longer than either of the two World Wars.... The U.S. has to realize that the AfPak theatre of war is a sticky wicket; so the sooner it extricates itself the better for all involved. Hiding its failures by harping on Pakistan being the 'most dangerous country' in the world would not help matters." "Unnecessary U.S. Interference In National Matters," an editorial in the Lahore-based populist center-right Urdu daily "Khabrain" (cir. 50,000) (05/14) "Richard Holbrooke is right when he says that the 10-year military rule has damaged Pakistan greatly.... Military governments are never beneficial for the country but it is also a fact that the U.S. has always supported military dictators in Pakistan.... Mr. Holbrooke should also urge the U.S. government to change its double standards.... While all of Mr. Holbrooke's statements are true, we feel they constitute interference in [Pakistan's] national affairs." "Plug The Loopholes," an editorial in the center-right national English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (05/14) "Realizing that Pakistan needs to be fully supported as it fights the militants in Malakand Division, the international community has come to its rescue. Any unnecessary delay, Ambassador Holbrooke rightly points out, would only benefit the terrorists. But doubts, whether the money would be used for its original purpose are also being created. In trying circumstances like these, the government must devise a mechanism for a proper oversight. The repercussions would be severe otherwise. The matter would not only be taken up by the opposition, but will also tarnish our image abroad." "Helping Hands," an editorial in the centrist national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (05/14) "The Special Representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke has made an ardent appeal for help for Pakistan.... In this respect it must be noted that Holbrooke's plea for help was met with skepticism by at least two Senators as he spoke to the House Foreign Affairs Committee.... Eventually it is our own government and our own establishment that must deliver. All those who have a say in policy making must keep in mind that a failure now will mean future help from the U.S. or elsewhere will become increasingly unlikely. The hesitation we see even now is proof of this. But this having been said we do need assistance right now; we must therefore hope Mr. Holbrooke and his friends can rustle it up...." "Transit Trade Agreement Must Be Debated In The Parliament," an editorial in the leading mass circulation centrist Urdu daily "Jang" (cir. 300,000) (05/14) "Before the November 26 Mumbai carnage, both India and Pakistan had agreed to open land routes for bilateral trade. But the gory episode in Mumbai upturned the whole lot. So, trade with India isn't an issue, the real issue is that such contraband commodities must not come from India which can damage our economy, and undermine national security. Agreements, treaties and MOUs can be productive only if people recognize and welcome them wholeheartedly. It is essential to take the Pakistani nation into confidence on the new Afghan Transit Trade." "Swat Operation Must Be Accomplished Quickly," an editorial in the Karachi-based, pro-Taliban Jihadi Urdu daily "Islam" (cir. 15,000) (05/14) "The military operation in Swat and adjoining areas is destroying the geography of that part of the world, and the local people are passing through a severe emotional trauma that cannot be treated easily. The government must find some way out of this predicament with the help of patriot political and religious circles of the country. We can alleviate the miseries of the IDPs by their immediate repatriation to their homes as soon as the military operation is accomplished. Therefore, the Army should accomplish the operation swiftly." "As The Battle Heats Up," an editorial in the Karachi-based center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) (05/14) "The current crackdown has naturally gone down well with the US which had long been pushing, to put it mildly, for decisive action against the Taliban. Washington's routine public criticism of Islamabad's capitulation as well as aspersions cast on Pakistan's security apparatus served no constructive purpose whatsoever. Any such complaints ought to have been discussed solely on a government-to-government level but were instead broadcast through the media as well. Now that a military operation is in full swing, U.S. criticism has tapered off for the time being. If we are in this together for the long haul, Washington would do well to show patience and hold its verbal fire." "Swat Operation Intensifies: Caution Needed At All Levels," an editorial in liberal Urdu daily "Express" (cir. 25,000) (05/14) "So far, the military operation seems to be successful. If possible, the operation should be completed at the earliest as it will help reduce the suffering of the IDPs. However, the federal and provincial governments need to remain vigilant because extremists will certainly try to carry out suicide attacks in the country. Monday's attack on Darra Adam Khel check-post is a clear example of that." "IDPs' Troubles And The Government's Responsibility: Get Rid Of The U.S. Now," an editorial in the second-largest, center-right nationalist Urdu daily "Nawa-i-Waqt" (cir. 150,000) (05/14) "This operation would undoubtedly strengthen the U.S. and our wily enemy India as our troops' engagement in the tribal areas will give it an opportunity to attack our security. However, it will take us several years to deal with the economic loss and problems arising out of the operation. Hence it would be better to put an immediate halt to Operation, initiated just to please the U.S." "The Real Mettle Of Pak Nation," an editorial in the Islamabad-based rightist English daily "Pakistan Observer" (cir. 5,000) (05/14) "It is feared that the IDPs will have to remain away from their homes for a longer duration for which the country would need assistance from UN, friends and donors abroad.... These people have been displaced due to fight against terrorism which is not just Pakistan's responsibility but a shared global concern and mitigating its side-effects is also a global responsibility. While Pakistani nation is extending assistance, we expect the international community to contribute its share so that these people, who left their homes and facilitated operation against militants, are looked after in a better way until their return." "Going After The Terrorists In Swat," an editorial in the Lahore-based liberal English language daily "Daily Times" (cir. 10,000) (05/14) "The Swat refugees have seen more cruelty at the hands of the Taliban than the people of Bajaur who nonetheless organized their own militias to fight them. But the level of cruelty achieved in Swat is unprecedented and therefore the IDPs are large even though not alienated from the state. However, they will be alienated if they are not looked after well. Fortunately, however, after the initial lack of preparedness, one can see the beginnings of a worthy response to the calamity." "Malakand Priorities," an op-ed by I.A. Rehman in the Karachi-based center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) (05/14) "Most of the fallout of the military operation in Malakand Division is not unexpected but its scale has perhaps exceeded official estimates. Unless the government can effectively cope with the side effects of its prescription, the whole effort at overcoming terrorism and militancy could miscarry.... The displacement of people is likely to continue, and gather greater momentum, as fighting spreads to the hitherto quieter parts of the region.... The authorities must bear in mind that the displaced people are not victims of a natural disaster, whose options are usually limited. They have more options. Their loyalty to the state should not taken for granted." "Obey's Overdone Obsession," an op-ed by I.M. Mohsin in the center-right national English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (05/14) "Despite the trusty tunes sounded in Washington in the parleys between the Presidents of U.S., Pakistan and Afghanistan last week, the situation in the affected areas remains grim.... Peace will come to the area as and when all regional countries pursue it 'unconditionally.' Meanwhile Pakistan faces a grave danger due to the Malakand Division - diaspora. Failure to optimally help these patriotic people, deliberate or otherwise, would sabotage peace all the way so much so that even the U.S. may not be able to do much if it misses the bus now.... We have to do all we can with all-out U.S./EU/UN help to resettle them in their 'heavenly abode.' If we slip, Obey's worst fears could come true." "A Cobweb Of Myths," an op-ed by Dr. Tariq Rahman in the Karachi-based center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) (05/14) "Now that a military operation is going on in the Malakand Division it is imperative that it should be supported by the people and that the IDPs should be looked after with all resources at hand and be treated with compassion and respect." "Re-Inventing Af-Pak," an op-ed by Sherry Rehman in the centrist national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (05/14) "Anyone with feet, instead of prospective boots on the ground in Pakistan, will tell you that the biggest challenge the government faces is managing ownership of the battle against terrorism, not because the people of Pakistan tolerate militancy, as they certainly do not, but because an international military presence in Afghanistan, whatever its merits or demerits is seen largely as a hostile occupation next door. This has fuelled a deep vein of inter-state Pashtun resentment against the U.S., a dynamic that defies the logic of rational outcomes about possible endgames in Afghanistan. The reality that Pakistan's military establishment has an old fear of an unfriendly government in Kabul, or a non-Pashtun one, has just not been factored into a possible regional peace for the region." "But this Is No Solution!," an op-ed by Mohammad Jamil in the Lahore-based liberal English daily "The Post" (cir. 5,000) (05/14) "The Pentagon has replaced the top American commander in Afghanistan, General David McKiernan, less than a year after he took over. This change in military leadership is reflective of frustration on the part of U.S. leadership and of course an indication of the gravity of the situation.... As regards much-touted new strategy, there seems to be nothing new.... Anyhow, President Obama should reinvent American ideals of human rights and right of self-determination of nations and let people of other countries decide the way they want to live, so long as they do not impose their will on others.... In other words, it is the right of the people of a certain nation to decide how they want to be governed without the influence of any other country." Patterson