PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: NOVEMBER 25, 2009

UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 002853

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OIIP OPRC PGOV PREL PK
SUBJECT: PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: NOVEMBER 25, 2009

Summary: Reports and photographs of President Obama's meeting with
Indian Prime Minister Singh, and his (Obama's) remarks that
"Pakistan has an important role in S. Asia," and the "U.S. can't
resolve India-Pakistan issues" received extensive media coverage.
Newspapers reported Ambassador Holbrooke's statement, confirming
Saudi a role in talks with Taliban and that the "U.S. would support
any Saudi initiative." Commenting on the subject, "Dawn," noted that
"the Obama administration and those involved in back-channel probes
must realize how dangerous it would be to quit Afghanistan in a
manner that leaves the Taliban in a dominant position." The
government's announcement of conciliation package for the
long-ignored Balochistan province dominated all front pages on
Wednesday. The Foreign Office Spokesman's remarks, accusing India
of "preparing for a limited war" were also widely reported. End
Summary.

TOP STORIES

News story: Pakistan Has Important Role In S. Asia: Obama "Dawn"
(11/25)

"U.S. President Barack Obama on Tuesday re-emphasized Pakistan's key
position in the American strategy for South Asia, telling a joint
news conference with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that
Islamabad had an enormously important role in the security of that
region." (Story also covered in all newspapers)

News story: U.S. Can't Resolve India-Pakistan issues: Obama "Daily
Times" (11/25)

"The United States cannot play a role in resolving the outstanding
issues between India and Pakistan, U.S. President Barack Obama said
on Tuesday. The U.S. President, who had extensive discussions with
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the situation in South Asia,
said, 'Obviously there are historic conflicts between India and
Pakistan. It is not the place of the U.S. to try, from the outside,
to resolve all those conflicts.'" (Story also covered in all
newspapers)

TERRORISM/MILITARY ISSUES

News story: U.S. Confirms Saudi Role In Talks With Taliban "Dawn"
(11/25)

"U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard
Holbrooke has confirmed that Saudi Arabia has initiated a dialogue
with the Taliban and that the United States would support any Saudi
initiative. Separately, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has
said that the United States is open to the prospect of Afghan
government's talks with elements of the Taliban, but she advised
Kabul officials to proceed cautiously."

News story: FO Accuses India Of Preparing For Limited War "Dawn"
(11/25)

"Pakistan accused on Tuesday India of 'preparing for a limited war'
against it and asked the international community to take notice of
New Delhi's 'long-term intentions.' 'Major powers have a particular
responsibility in this regard,' Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit
said. He was commenting on reported remarks of Indian Army Chief
Gen. Deepak Kapoor, in which he had warned that a "limited war under
a nuclear overhang is still very much a reality in the
subcontinent.' (Story also covered in all newspapers)

News story: Obama Wants To Finish The Job In Afghanistan "Dawn"
(11/25)

"U.S. President Barack Obama said on Tuesday he intended to 'finish
the job' in Afghanistan after eight years of conflict there.
Speaking at a press conference with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh, Mr. Obama said he would announce his long-awaited new
strategy for the Pak-Afghan region soon."

News story: Obama's Afghan Strategy Decision 'Within Days' "Dawn"
(11/25)

"President Barack Obama has concluded months of deliberations on
whether to send thousands more troops to Afghanistan and will
announce his decision within days, the White House said on
Tuesday.... Obama is widely expected to announce his decision next
Tuesday, possibly in a nationally televised address."

News story: Four NATO Supply Vehicles Torched "Dawn" (11/25)

"Gunmen in Balochistan torched four vehicles carrying fuel for NATO
forces in Afghanistan, police said on Tuesday. The attack took place
overnight in Jafarbad district, some 400 kilometers south of
Quetta."

News story: Blackwater's Secret War In Pakistan? "The News" (11/25)


"At a covert forward operating base run by the U.S. Joint Special
Operations Command (JSOC) in Karachi, members of an elite division
of Blackwater are at the centre of a secret program in which they
plan targeted assassinations of suspected Taliban and al-Qaeda
operatives, "snatch and grabs" of high-value targets and other
sensitive action inside and outside Pakistan, an investigation by
Jeremy Scahill of the U.S. based magazine 'The Nation' has
reported."

News story: 39 Militants Killed In Orakzai, Hangu, SWA "The News"
(11/25)

"Thirty-nine militants were killed by security forces in different
areas of South Waziristan and Orakzai tribal regions and the
adjacent Hangu district on Tuesday. Tribal and official sources said
helicopter gunships pounded the hideouts and compounds of militants
and destroyed seven hideouts and four vehicles owned by the
militants." (Story also covered in all newspapers)

News story: Twenty-Three Terrorists Killed In Bara Operation "Dawn"
(11/25)

"Security forces killed at least 23 terrorists and 36 suspects
arrested during a fresh operation in Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency on
Tuesday. The troops were backed by helicopters, tanks, armored
personnel carriers and heavy artillery, a press release issued by
the Frontier Corps media cell in Jamrud said." (Story also covered
in all newspapers)

Editorial: Covert Talks, an editorial in the Karachi-based
center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000)
(11/25)

"Reports that America is engaged in back-channel talks with the
Afghan Taliban through 'neutral players' should come as no
surprise.... Do you talk to the enemy from a position of weakness?
Or do you talk from a position of strength? To think that Hamid
Karzai could help in this regard is to be naive.... All one hopes is
that a phony peace will not be achieved for the sake of a hurried
withdrawal to placate an increasingly skeptical public in the West.
The Obama administration and those involved in back-channel probes
must realize how dangerous it would be to quit Afghanistan in a
manner that leaves the Taliban in a dominant position."

Editorial: A Sensible Way Out, an editorial in the center-right
national English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (11/25)

"The report that the Americans have been engaged in secret diplomacy
with the Taliban for the past six months, with Pakistan, Saudi
Arabia and Britain actively assisting the various interlocutors,
should be greeted with a measure of relief and satisfaction....
After having been eight years in the Afghan blind alley, with Bush's
so-called 'coalition of the willing' either falling apart, as some
countries withdraw their forces and others persist in their attitude
of cosmetic participation, the U.S. finds itself faced with growing
calls for an early exit. Saner analysts have been warning the U.S.
President of another Vietnam should he only choose to listen to his
generals who are in the habit of asking for the deployment of more
and more soldiers - as it was in the case of Vietnam, so it is in
the present case.... Thus, the rationale for talks to devise a
sensible way out."

Editorial: U.S.-Taliban Secret Talks, an editorial in the
Lahore-based liberal English language daily "Daily Times" (cir.
10,000) (11/25)

"Speculations about talks with the Taliban started many months ago
and were denied feebly. That U.S. public opinion was growing weary
of the war in Afghanistan was also not lost upon observers. The
details of the matter, however, leave more questions than answers to
the lingering problems that triggered the conflict in the first
place.... The exit strategy, whatever its actual features, will
leave behind traces of doubts and apprehensions. Will it mean a
return to the previous Taliban regime with a horrendous human rights
record? With several regional actors on the scene, will Pakistan be
able to safeguard its legitimate interests in Afghanistan? With the
U.S.-NATO forces gone, will it be possible to keep the Taliban and
al Qaeda genie at bay? The accommodation of the Afghan Taliban in
the power corridors of Kabul may leave the future of al Qaeda and
the Pakistani Taliban intriguing nightmare. Undesirable haste in
leaving Afghanistan may prove as perilous as entering Afghanistan
without the necessary homework proved."

Editorial: Now Pakistan Too Should Engage Taliban, an editorial in
the Islamabad-based rightist English daily "Pakistan Observer" (cir.
5,000) (11/25)

"It was in the air for the last some time that the United States was
engaged in back channel talks with Taliban but now it has been
confirmed that the U.S. has entered into secret negotiations with
Afghan Taliban in a bid to find a way out of the existing mess in
the war-torn country. Reports trickling down from different sources
suggest that some of the ground rules for future dtente are being
worked out and these include guarantees on the part of Taliban to
ensure peace in Afghanistan in return for a U.S. deadline for
withdrawal of the occupation forces.... But now that the United
States has been forced to pursue the path of dialogue as part of the
exit strategy, Pakistan too should review its plans. This is because
a vast majority of Taliban are not terrorists but have simply been
hijacked by those who are advancing foreign agenda in the country.
There is a danger that the menace of terrorism would continue to
spread in the country until and unless right political moves are
also made to address the issues involved."

Editorial: Implications of Covert Negotiations With Taliban,, an
editorial in the Peshawar-based Urdu-language daily "Mashriq" (cir.
55,000) (11/25)

"In order to exploit the natural resources of the central Asian
states, Washington is convincing the Taliban for playing a new role.
But the regional powers including Russia, China, Iran, Pakistan and
even India are fully aware of the U.S. intentions. We think that the
government of Pakistan must persuade its well-wishers in Washington
to withdraw their troops from Afghanistan as soon as possible."

Editorial: Indian Brinkmanship, an editorial in the populist, often
sensational national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (11/25)

"India's military leadership has once again raised the issue of
Limited War being a viable option within the overarching nuclear
environment.... Both Pakistan and India need to realize that nuclear
antagonists cannot be locked in a zero sum game environment. Their
survival is linked together now. So nuclear deterrence requires the
prevalence of conflict and common interest between the two sides."

Editorial: Full Or Partial Nuclear War: India Will Be Responsible,
an editorial in the second-largest, nationalist Urdu daily
"Nawa-i-Waqt" (cir. 150,000) (11/25)

"Indian military Chief General Deepak Kapoor said that South Asia is
emerging as a center for instability and disputes.... There is a
danger of limited nuclear war in the region.... India imposed 1965
and 1971 wars on Pakistan. Pakistan was dismembered in 1971. If now
India sees the danger of a limited nuclear war then only India would
be responsible for that.... Kashmir dispute is the root cause of
problems, disputes and conflicts in the region. The region would
become cradle of peace if this dispute is resolved."

Editorial: Limited nuclear war in South Asia?, an editorial in the
center-right Urdu daily "Pakistan" (cir. 10,000) (11/25)

"The views expressed by Indian Defense Minister and Army Chief
vis-`-vis limited nuclear war can best be described as irresponsible
and irrational. How did the Indian leaders conclude that in case of
a nuclear conflict in the region India would be safe and that this
war will be limited? This is clear that Indian leaders want to give
some message to Pakistan. Pakistan does not want war and wants to
resolve all issues, the Kashmir dispute, distribution of river water
and Indian interference in Balochistan, through dialogue."

Opinion: The Next Phase Of Counter-Militancy, an op-ed by Dr.
Maleeha Lodhi in the populist, often sensational national English
daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (11/25)

"The battle has therefore to be fought on many fronts, and it is the
government that must step up and take responsibility to establish
the structures for governance and the means to deliver services to
the inhabitants of these areas if conditions are to be created to
prevent the return of militancy. Military action, after all, is only
one prong in an optimal policy response. Looking ahead, the two key
factors that will help determine the longer-term sustainability of
the military gains in South Waziristan are unrelenting and vigorous
efforts to mobilize public support for the anti-militancy effort and
putting in place the governance structures that are seen as
legitimate as well as responsive to the needs of the people living
there."

Opinion: Driving The TTP Out, an op-ed by Zafar Hilaly in the
populist, often sensational national English daily "The News" (cir.
55,000) (11/25)

"By driving the TTP out of their strongholds in South Waziristan the
army deprived them of the use of a safe haven, training facilities,
bomb-making laboratories, etc. They also forced the retreating TTP
to abandon a sizeable amount of weaponry and explosives, all of
which will have to be replenished at considerable cost and much
travail.... The TTP must know that if they are not going anywhere,
nor is the army; and that, until such time as they relent, surrender
or are defeated, neither will the army. What bodes well for the
future is the acceptance by the public of the legitimacy of
operation Rah-e-Nijaat."

Opinion: Quitting Afghanistan, an op-ed by Bassam Javed in the
populist, often sensational national English daily "The News" (cir.
55,000) (11/25)

"The Obama administration in the United States is currently engaged
in rethinking a fresh Afghan strategy aimed at securing an exit
without losing face.... Whatever decision is made on the number of
additional troops for Afghanistan, it certainly will have
repercussions for Pakistan.... As far as the U.S. administration is
concerned, the realization that stability in Afghanistan can only
materialize once they pull out is a good omen. However, a hasty and
ill-planned withdrawal will have disastrous effects not only for
Pakistan but for the region as well."

Opinion: India's Dangerous Games, an editorial in the center-right
national English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (11/25)

"It is fascinating to watch the Indian propaganda machine come into
full play as it is a field in which India excels unlike in the realm
of dialogue and peace where India has always been found wanting as
the neighborhood will testify - from the small neighbors to China.
Once again, instead of seeking to move towards substantive peace
through resumption of dialogue with Pakistan, we are witnessing the
propaganda machinery in all its full glory with Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh's visit to Washington.... It is no wonder then that
India is not willing to talk peace and stability with Pakistan.
Encouraged by its strategic partnership with the U.S., which has
allowed India all manner of leeway to continue its hostile Pakistan
posturing.... India's aggressive designs have never been clearer.
Are we as clear, not only in our counter strategies but also in
devising some proactive policies to counter this threat from the
eastern front?"

Opinion: Singh's Unabated Duplicity With Pak, an op-ed by M. Ashraf
Mirza in the Islamabad-based rightist English daily "Pakistan
Observer" (cir. 5,000) (11/25)

"Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has once again resorted to the
traditional Indian duplicity, distortion and double standards by
talking of peace with Pakistan as well as about his country's
'willingness' to resolve all outstanding issues with Islamabad
through 'bilateral dialogue.'... It's hoped that President Obama's
administration will not be swayed by the Indian Prime Minister's
calculated campaign and will take an objective view of the ground
realities of the South Asian region. Pakistan is the pivot for
peace, security and stability in the area. If it fails, India and
other regional countries and even Europe and America will not be
safe from the scourge of terrorism and militancy.... As a matter of
fact, it's in America's own interest to restrain India from its
dirty conduct because once Pakistan is handicapped, weakened and
destabilized, the number of body bags going back to the U.S. from
Afghanistan will swell manifold."

Opinion: Need For A New Social Contract, an op-ed by Saleem Safi in
the leading mass circulation populist, often sensational Urdu daily
"Jang" (cir. 300,000) (11/25)

"The Americans have begun efforts to study thoroughly the social
fabric, history and political dynamics and variations of Pakistan,
particularly that of the Pashtoon belt. They are making contacts
from the prayer leaders to the politicians, and from schoolteachers
to the journalists. They are using lucrative benefits to entice
these people in order to hire latter's services. The brilliant minds
among these hired people are being shifted to Washington and Europe
against hefty salaries. This practice has gained such a tremendous
momentum that an ordinary journalist, like me, is also getting
offers, almost every month, to work in the U.S. or Western media.
Moreover, Voice of America (VOA) is operating three Pashto-language
radios from Washington. It has now become crystal clear that the
U.S. will have to leave this region sooner or later, but Washington
is working to intrude, socially as well as culturally, into every
house, mind and institution of our country."

ECON/BUSINESS

News story: U.S. Signs MoUs With Pakistan's Corporate Sector For
Provision of Clean Drinking Water "Jang," "The Statesman" (11/25)

"The U.S. government and the Corporate Sector Organizations signed
two Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) in Islamabad on Tuesday to
support safe drinking water and hygiene promotion through water
testing kits and the introduction of water purification sachets to
clean water in homes that aims at benefitting one million people."

POLITICAL

News story: Govt. Offers Olive Branch To Balochistan "Dawn" (11/25)


"An offer of dialogue with 'estranged brothers', promises of probes
into political murders, army pullout from a key area, halt to new
cantonments and more local control on resources marked a
conciliation package for Balochistan that the government unveiled in
Parliament on Tuesday. The Prime Minister made the offer of dialogue
as part of his government's aim to 'heal the broken hearts.'" (Story
also covered in all newspapers)

(All circulation figures are based on estimation)
Patterson