PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: AUGUST 17, 2009

UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 001930

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OIIP OPRC PGOV PREL PK
SUBJECT: PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: AUGUST 17, 2009

Summary: Reports and photographs of U.S. Special Envoy Richard
Holbrooke's Islamabad visit and his meetings with senior Pakistani
leaders received extensive coverage. His vow to "help Pakistan
overcome energy crisis" dominated headlines in all newspapers on
Monday. Some dailies also reported that the "bad weather forced
Holbrooke to defer his visit to Mingora (Swat)." Several major
newspapers ran a NYT story that the "U.S. is setting up a new unit
in the State Department to counter militant propaganda in
Afghanistan and Pakistan." All newspapers highlighted reports that
at least "17 Taliban were killed in factional fighting in South
Waziristan."

Editorializing the latest suicide attack in Swat, the Karachi-based
center-left independent national English daily "Dawn," observed that
"a grim juxtaposition and a reminder, if one was needed, that the
battle for the control of Swat is far from over." However, the
Lahore-based liberal English language newspaper, "Daily Times,"
noted that "some residual activity of the Taliban may be disturbing
but it is not as serious as other such problems in South Waziristan
and Balochistan." Commenting on a statement attributed to
Undersecretary Robert Black ruling out the possibility of civil
nuclear deal with Pakistan, the second-largest Urdu daily
"Nawa-i-Waqt," advised that "we can strengthen our defense and
economy by being self-reliant because the U.S. has not concealed the
fact that it is India's friend." End Summary.

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News Stories
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"U.S. Vows Assistance To Ease Energy Crisis" "Dawn" (08/17)

"President Barack Obama's special representative for Pakistan and
Afghanistan said in Islamabad on Sunday that the U.S. administration
would cooperate with the country to help it to overcome the energy
crisis. 'The U.S. understands Pakistan's energy requirements and
needs. Therefore, energy-related issues will be focused more in
Pakistan-U.S. relations in future, as they are moving towards
economic ties,' Richard Holbrooke said at a press conference after
talks with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi."

"Holbrooke Says Washington Impressed By Pak Successes Against
Militants" "The News" (08/17)

".... Appreciating the success in the war against terror by
Pakistani forces, Holbrooke said the U.S. would extend full
assistance in the rehabilitation of the internally displaced persons
of Swat, Malakand and other areas where Pakistani forces have
launched operation against the militants. He said the U.S. has been
impressed by the success of Pakistani forces in the operation
against the militants."

"Pakistan To Hunt Down Terrorist Wherever They are; U.S. Focusing On
Pak Economy, Energy Sector" "Daily Times" (08/17)

"Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi vowed on Sunday to eliminate
terrorists from every part of the country, with the U.S. assuring
Pakistan of its support in tackling challenges facing the country,
including the energy crisis. Addressing a joint press conference
after a meeting with U.S. special envoy Richard Holbrooke, Qureshi
said both sides were in agreement that the Swat operation was a
success, and 'the tide has turned against the Taliban.'"

"Holbrooke Sees Shift In Pakistan's Terror Policy" "Dawn" (08/17)

"Pakistan has been shifting its forces by historic proportions from
its Indian border to the Afghan frontier, gaining ground against
militants and giving the United States room to focus on economic
problems threatening the South Asian country, according to the U.S.
envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan. Richard Holbrooke told
reporters travelling with him to Islamabad his current focus on
economic and social issues, rather than security, reflected gains by
the Pakistani military in the Swat and Buner valleys."

"Bad Weather Forces Holbrooke To Defer Visit To Mingora" "Daily
Times" (08/17)

"U.S. special envoy Richard Holbrooke's visit to Mingora was
postponed on Sunday because of bad weather. Holbrooke, who arrived
in Islamabad on Saturday, was scheduled to visit Mingora for a
briefing by the military and local officials."

"Distancing From Nawaz To Hamper U.S. Interests: Holbrooke" "The
Nation" (08/17)

"Reuters and AFP news agencies quoted Holbrooke as saying that
widening distance from Nawaz Sharif would hamper the interests of
U.S., as he is a popular leader in Pakistan. The U.S. special envoy
Richard Holbrooke assured the former Prime Minister that the U.S.
viewed Pakistan as an extremely important country that deserved the
help and assistance of the entire international community in its
efforts to confront militancy and to strengthen the economy."

"It should Be Trade, Not Aid, Nawaz Tells U.S." "The News" (08/17)

"Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Quaid Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on
Sunday urged Washington to support Pakistan's efforts to finalize a
Free Trade Agreement with the U.S. and to encourage greater American
investment in Pakistan, especially in its energy and power sectors,
as these will have a direct bearing on the country's economy as well
as on the people's well being. This was observed by Nawaz Sharif in
a meeting with President Obama's Special Envoy for Afghanistan and
Pakistan Richard Holbrooke who called on the PML-N Quaid in
Islamabad."

"U.S. Not To Hinder Musharraf's Trial" "The Post" (08/17)

"U.S. special envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke
during his meeting with PML-N Quaid Mian Nawaz Sharif in Punjab
House, Islamabad has said Pervez Musharraf is history now and his
country will not create any hurdle in Musharraf trial by Pakistani
Parliament."


"U.S. To Fight Taliban With FM Radio, Cell Phones" "Daily Times"
(08/17)

"The United States is setting up a new unit in the State Department
to counter militant propaganda in Afghanistan and Pakistan, the New
York Times has reported."

"Showdown With Policeman: U.S. Embassy Official Sent Home" "Dawn"
(08/17)

"The U.S. Embassy security officer who was involved in a showdown
with a local police officer has returned home (United States) under
a compromise arrangements to defuse the tense situation, but short
of being declared persona non grata, a senior security officer told
'Dawn.'"

"Seventeen Taliban Killed In Factional Fighting" "Dawn" (08/17)

"At least 17 supporters of militant commander Maulvi Nazir were
gunned down on Sunday allegedly by followers of Baitullah Mehsud in
a South Waziristan area under the control of the outlawed
Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan. Azam Tariq, spokesman for the TTP,
however, said his group had nothing to do with the incident. Some
local sources said the attack could have been the work of Uzbek
militants."

"6 Terrorists Killed, 69 In Custody: ISPR" "Daily Times" (08/17)

"Six terrorists were killed, 52 apprehended and 17 surrendered to
security forces and local lashkars in various parts of Swat and
Malakand division as Operation Rah-e-Raast continued on Sunday."

"Tribesmen Vow To Support Govt. Against Militants" "The Nation"
(08/17)

"Bhetanni tribesmen have reiterated their determination to support
government's efforts to restore peace and eliminate militancy from
the area (Lakki Marwat),an official source told on Sunday."

"Four Injured In Mingora Suicide Attack; 18 Bodies Found In Swat"
"Dawn" (08/17)

"At least four soldiers were injured in a suicide attack on a
check-post in the Naway Kallay area in Mingora on Sunday evening.
Earlier, bodies of 18 militants were found in various areas of Swat
and security forces killed six militants in a clash in Dehrai."
"Lashkars On Outskirts Of Peshawar Fighting Fire With Fire" "Daily
Times" (08/17)

"Local lashkars (Peshawar),brandishing cudgels and other weapons
and patrolling the outskirts of the city, have been quite successful
in restricting Taliban raids in rural areas - demonstrating
considerable vitality and tact in successfully dealing with
onslaughts."

"17 Arrested After Rocket Attacks On Kohat Cantt." "Dawn" (08/17)

"Five militants and 12 suspects were arrested on Sunday from western
parts of the district following a rocket attack on the cantonment
area, police said."

"Intelligence Reports Warn Of Possible TTP Retaliation" "Daily
Times" (08/17)

"Intelligence agencies have warned that members of the
Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) may launch a fresh series of
suicide and terror attacks across the country to avenge the killing
of former TTP chief Baitullah Mehsud."

"As Vote Nears, U.S. Raises The Stakes In War" "Daily Times"
(08/17)

"Elections in Afghanistan come at a pivotal moment for the U.S.-led
war effort as Washington pours troops and money into an increasingly
ambitious mission with no end in sight. The vote serves in part as
a test of U.S. strategy as thousands of troops have moved into the
country's volatile south to try to bolster security in the face of
rising violence from Taliban insurgents."

"Most Afghans See Karzai As Winnable Candidate: Survey" "Dawn"
(08/17)

"Afghan President Hamid Karzai is most likely to continue to rule
his war-ravaged country for next five years as the majority in
Afghanistan sees him as a winnable, although not necessarily the
best, candidate for Thursday's election."

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Editorials/Op-eds
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"Swat Suicide Attack," an editorial in the Karachi-based center-left
independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) (08/17)

"The day after the residents of Swat came out on the streets to
celebrate Independence Day, a suicide bomber struck.... A grim
juxtaposition and a reminder, if one was needed, that the battle for
the control of Swat is far from over.... While the second and
third-tier leadership is believed to have been dealt severe blows,
the capacity for the militants to potentially reorganize themselves
and launch a guerrilla war remains a grave danger as long as the top
leaders of the TTP remain at large.... The contrast between the
return of hope to Swat and the continuing problems with eliminating
the militants could not be starker.... In Swat, mere rumors and
governmental claims that Maulana Fazlullah is injured or worse will
not do. The demands that the security forces 'do more' are not mere
carping; 'do more' is essential to reclaiming Swat once and for
all."

"Taliban Remnants In Malakand," an editorial in the Lahore-based
liberal English language daily "Daily Times" (cir. 10,000) (08/17)

"Some residual activity of the Taliban may be disturbing but it is
not as serious as other such problems in South Waziristan and
Balochistan.... Yet this is not the point in the war against the
Taliban where we should become smug about the return of the refugees
to their homes and their willingness to mount vigilante action
against the terrorists. More troop strength is needed to prevent
the pockets of the Taliban from becoming more permanent than they
are now. From the Taliban death toll, one can conclude that their
over-all numerical strength is being depleted.... The people of
Malakand cannot be abandoned once again to the savagery of the
Taliban."

"Mass Murder?," an editorial in the populist, often sensational
national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (08/17)

"A fact-finding mission of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan
has come across reports from local people of mass graves in various
parts of Swat. It is thought these graves in some cases at least
contain the remains of Taliban militants killed by security forces.
There have also been accounts of extra-judicial killings. There are
those who argue that in the kind of situation that prevailed in
Swat, such atrocities are unavoidable.... But there are many -
including HRCP - who agree there were no options left."

"U.S. Refusal For Civil Nuclear Cooperation," an editorial in the
second-largest, center-right nationalist Urdu daily "Nawa-i-Waqt"
(cir. 150,000) (08/17)

"In a television interview, U.S. Assistant Secretary for South Asia
Robert Black has said that a civil nuclear deal with Pakistan is not
possible, and Pakistan cannot sign such a deal with any major
country.... We can strengthen our defense and economy by being
self-reliant because the U.S. has not concealed the fact that it is
India's friend. Since India is our arch-enemy, we should not expect
any good from the U.S. either. Robert Black's statement is a link in
the same chain."

"Thumbs Up Or Down?," an editorial in the populist, often
sensational national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (08/17)

"A hefty 64 per cent regard the U.S. as an enemy, and only 9 per
cent a partner. Despite this there is an openness to improving
relations with the U.S. and considerable support for the idea of
working with it to combat terrorism. By a margin of 53 per cent to
29 per cent Pakistanis say it is important that relations between
the two countries improve. The gap remains wide, and American
attempts to narrow the trust deficit are yet to see much by way of
bearing fruit.... A poll is only a snapshot and within this glimpse
of ourselves toleration and moderation seem elusive."

"After Baitullah's Death," an op-ed by Talat Masood in the populist,
often sensational national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000)
(08/17)

"Clearly, Baitullah's demise is a major setback for the Taliban, but
this by no means implies that the insurgency will soon disappear.
The social, political and ideological structure, as it exists today
in FATA, favors the continuation of militancy.... There are
nonetheless some favorable factors that need to be exploited. It
will not be easy for the new Taliban leadership to consolidate power
while facing military and economic pressure from Pakistan as well as
NATO forces.... The media needs to be careful that it should not
over-project the new leader as that would help him consolidate
power. The foreign and local media either inadvertently or
deliberately played a major role in building Baitullah's militant
stature. It should not repeat the same mistake.... The situation
changed after the Swat/Malakand operation when it became obvious to
U.S. policy-makers that Pakistan was serious in combating
terrorism."

"Presence Of 2,000 U.S. Troops In Islamabad," an editorial in the
popular rightist Urdu-language daily "Ausaf" (cir. 10,000) (08/17)

"Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly, PML-N member Rashid
Akber Khan claimed that arrangements were being made for the
deployment of 7,000 Marines at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, and
added that 2,000 Marines had already reached Islamabad... According
to some media reports, the U.S. is planning to turn its 30-acre
diplomatic complex in Islamabad into a huge detention center,
rivaling to the infamous Abu Gharib, the Guantanamo and the Bagram
Jail, in the garb of security measures. All this is being done
despite the fact that the Government of Pakistan has made foolproof
security arrangements for the U.S. nationals throughout the country
including Islamabad. It is an open secret that the U.S. poses more
threat to the stability and security of Pakistan than the
extremists. The U.S.-Israel-India troika is not only bent to
destabilize Pakistan, but it may also prove extremely dangerous for
the global peace. The incumbent government should clearly define
rules of engagement with the United States, so that Pakistan's
solidarity, independence and freedom are not compromised at any
cost."

"NATO Troops' Dignity Lies In Withdrawal From Afghanistan," an
editorial in the Lahore-based independent Urdu daily "Din" (cir.
10,000) (08/17)

"The biggest reality of this region is that U.S. and NATO troops
should not stay in Afghanistan for a long period of time. It is
imperative for world peace that the U.S. and other foreign troops
and authorities give up their prejudiced attitude, and leave the
country. This is the only solution to the Afghan issue."

(All circulation figures are based on estimation)
Feierstein