PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: JANUARY 12, 2009

UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 000066


E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OIIP OPRC PGOV PREL PK
SUBJECT: PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: JANUARY 12, 2009

Summary: Reports of a "fierce clash" that left at least 40
militants and six soldiers dead in Mohmand Agency (FATA) as the
Frontier Corps "repulsed the attack of more than 600 militants"
dominated headlines in all newspapers on Monday. All major dailies
highlighted reports that Israel's military used the "incendiary
agent white phosphorus" over populated areas of Gaza and a crowded
refugee camp. Several newspapers reported that an "anti-Israel
crowd tried to attack U.S. Consulate" in Karachi. Also underscored
by most newspapers was the report that Prime Minister Gilani "ruled
out extradition of suspects" to any country in connection with the
Mumbai carnage.

Most major dailies ran editorials on the "silence of international
community" over "Israeli strikes in Gaza" and "Indian atrocities in
Kashmir". The Urdu daily, "Ausaf," noted that the "world is playing
role of a silent spectator on Israeli aggression against Palestine,
Indian state-terrorism in Kashmir, and American atrocities in Iraq
and Afghanistan." The leading widely circulated Urdu daily, "Jang,"
observed that "those who are raising hue and cry on Mumbai attacks,
why did they keep mum over the Marriott attack?" The
Islamabad-based English daily, "Pakistan Observer," wrote: "The
western world led by the U.S. is using its full military might to
crush and eliminate a few individuals and groups in the name of war
on terror but they have closed their eyes to the plight of 1.5
million Palestinians." End Summary.

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News Stories
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"40 Militants, Six Troops Killed; FC Repulses Attack On Fort" "Dawn"
(01/12)

"At least 40 militants and six soldiers were killed in a fierce
clash in Mohmand Agency on Saturday night. According to officials,
heavily armed militants stormed a fort of Mohmand Rifles and two
checkpoints in Lakaro subdivision near the Afghan border. The
Frontier Corps (FC) said in a statement issued in Peshawar on Sunday
that more than 600 militants, mostly foreigners, had come from the
direction of the border and attacked the forces at Mamad Gatt. 'FC
troops fired heavy artillery shells and rockets and repulsed the
attack.'"

"South Waziristan official Kidnapped" "Dawn" (01/12)

"Five armed men kidnapped Additional Political Agent Amir Latif of
South Waziristan along with his driver in the presence of more than
20 security personnel on Sunday. No militant group has claimed
responsibility for the kidnapping."

"Fierce Clashes Continue In Hangu; 17 Dead" "Dawn" (01/12)

"The death toll in three days of clashes in Hangu climbed to 43
after another 17 people were killed and several injured on Saturday
night and Sunday in a clash between rival groups in Ganjiano
Kalay."

"Forces Vacate Some Positions In Swat" "The News"

"Some troops were pulled out of parts of the troubled Swat Valley on
Sunday but military officials insisted it was not withdrawal but
readjustment and rotation of the forces."

"Taliban Chop Ears Of Four Private Guards In Bajaur" "Daily Times"
(01/12)

"The Taliban on Sunday chopped off ears of four private security
guards in Bajaur Agency, a private TV channel said."

"Kabul Decides To Introduce Community Guard System" "The Nation"
(01/12)

"Afghan government has decided to introduce Community Guard System,
ostensibly in a move to fight insurgent Taliban. Well-placed
diplomatic sources told 'The Nation' that the program was tailored
in the light of recommendations firmed up by the senior U.S.
commanders and aimed at mobilizing thousands of Afghan youngsters,
particularly from the rural Afghanistan, against Taliban."

"America Floats Idea Of Stationing Chinese Peace Force In
Afghanistan "Ummat" (01/12)

China has refused to send its troops under NATO command in
Afghanistan, while U.S. has floated idea of stationing one hundred
thousand Chinese peace troops in Afghanistan. Sources in Kabul told
to Ummat that in consultation with Saudi Arabia, NATO and American
officials in Kabul have asked China to replace them in Afghanistan
by sending peace troops."

"Israel Using Phosphorus Bombs Over Populated Areas" "Dawn" (01/12)

"Israel's military has fired artillery shells packed with the
incendiary agent white phosphorus over populated areas of Gaza and a
crowded refugee camp, putting civilians at risk, said Human Rights
Watch on Sunday."

"Anti-Israel Crowd Tries To Attack U.S. Consulate" "Daily Times"
(01/12)

"Security forces used tear gas and batons to repel anti-Israel
protesters who tried to attack the U.S. Consulate in the provincial
capital on Sunday, according to AP. Thousands of protesters in
Karachi burned U.S. flags and chanted anti-Israel slogans, and
several hundred of them marched on the U.S. Consulate, senior police
official Ameer Sheikh said. 'They were in a mood to attack,' said
Sheikh."

"Anti-Israel Rally Tear-Gasses; 12 Hurt" "Dawn" (01/12)

"Over a dozen people, including two police officials, were injured
on Sunday when police fired teargas shells and severely
baton-charged participants of an anti-Israel rally, taken out by the
Imamia Students Organization (ISO),police and witnesses said."

"U.S. Losing 'War Hearts And Minds' Of Muslims" "Dawn" (01/12)

"The Gaza conflict appears to have widened the traditional divide in
the United States between the left-leaning liberals and the
mainstream politicians and has also dealt a severe blow to US
efforts for winning the hearts and minds of Muslim masses."

"Bush Regime Prosecution Possible: Obama" "The Nation" (01/12)

"U.S. President-elect Barack Obama has said that the suicide bombers
have remained and would always remain a danger and challenge to the
United States. The President-elect also voiced fear that
Mumbai-type attacks can be replicated by terrorists in other parts
of the world, including the U.S. and said his administration will
focus on putting more pressure on 'our major target' Al-Qaeda. The
'danger is always there' to have a Mumbai-type attack in an American
city, he maintained. Speaking in general terms in an interview with
ABC's This Week program broadcast on Sunday, Obama vowed to take
swift action on the Middle East peace process and Iran's nuclear
ambitions but played for time to shut down the Guantanamo Bay prison
camp. He said he expected to 'move swiftly' to engage Iran, whose
nuclear quest he said would be one of his administration's biggest
challenges."

"Hikmatyar Asks Afghans To Accelerate Attacks On U.S. Troops" "The
News" (01/12)

"Hikmatyar urged Afghans to accelerate attacks against the U.S. to
avenge the Israeli atrocities against Palestinians, the Afghan
Islamic Press quoted Hikmatyar as saying."

"Israeli Atrocities Against Palestinians Condemned" "Dawn" (01/12)

"The Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) in Islamabad on Sunday staged a protest
demonstration against the Israeli atrocities in Gaza that have
killed more than 800 innocent Palestinians. Chief of the JI Qazi
Hussain Ahmad asked all Muslim countries to unite and declare Jihad
(holy war) against Israeli aggression.... The JI leader criticized
President Asif Ali Zardari for awarding medals on the U.S.
authorities 'for their drone attacks on the Tribal Areas and
complicity with Israel to carry out aggression in Gaza.' 'One award
was conferred in return for the bombing in the FATA and the other
for supporting Israeli aggression in Gaza,' he added."

"U.S. Rejected Israeli Plan To Bomb Iranian N-Sites" "Dawn" (01/12)

"US President George W. Bush rejected last year an Israeli request
to provide sophisticated, deep-penetration bombs to attack Iran's
underground nuclear enrichment facilities, the US media reported on
Sunday."

"Gilani Rules Out Extradition Of Suspects" "Dawn" (01/12)

"Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has ruled out handing over
any person to any country in connection with the Mumbai carnage. He
said that Pakistan was carrying out is own investigation and if any
Pakistani was found involved, the government would take action
against him in accordance with law."

"Mukherjee Claims To Handover Entire Documents To Pak" "Pakistan
Observer" (01/12)

"Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee claimed on Sunday
that India had handed over 'entire' documents to Pakistan in
connection with Mumbai attacks, while talking to reporters in
Lalgola in West Bengal after attending a Congress Party rally."

"Pak Dossier On Mumbai Hits Credible: U.S. Envoy" "The Post"
(01/12)

"The U.S. has contended that the dossier given by India to Pakistan
on the Mumbai attacks was "credible" but suggested that New Delhi
should allow time to Islamabad to act on it. U.S. Ambassador to
India David C Mulford said the dossier contains extensive inputs
from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)."

"Let's Know Dossier Inside Out; FO Says It Paints One Side Of the
Picture" "The News" (01/12)

"The 70-page Indian dossier provided to Pakistan last week as
evidence of the Lashkar-e-Tibia's role in the Mumbai terror attacks,
urges Islamabad to hand over the conspirators to face justice in
India, dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism in Pakistan,
prevent further terrorist attacks from the Pakistani soil and to
adhere to all bilateral, multilateral and international obligations
to take the Mumbai attackers to task.... Foreign Office spokesman
said the Pakistani authorities were still examining the dossier and
their reaction was expected shortly."

"ISI Gives Dossier To CIA On Indian Activities" "The Post" (01/12)

"The Inter Services Intelligence has handed over a heavy dossier to
the American CIA with complete evidence regarding Indian involvement
in sabotage and terrorist activities in Balochistan, tribal areas
and even settled areas of Pakistan.... The dossier also provides
detail of the training camps set up by Raw in Balochistan and FATA
to train terrorists for heinous crimes in Pakistani area. ISI has
also provided audio and video material regarding Indian involvement
that proves Indian support to the terrorist and anti state elements
in Balochistan and FATA."

"Patterson Seeks Reinstatement Of Durrani" "The Nation," "The
Statesman" (01/10)

"While expressing concern over the dismissal of Prime Minister's
Advisor on National Security Mehmud Ali Durrani, U.S. has insisted
on Pakistan to reinstate him by withdrawing the sacking orders. The
demand was made by U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Anne W. Patterson
while talking to President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister
Yousaf Raza Gilani at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Thursday, sources informed
Online."

"Karamat Frontrunner For Security Advisor" "The News" (01/12)

"General (R) Jehangir Karamat is fast emerging as the frontrunner
for the just vacated post of National Security Advisor (NSA)
although a section of the U.S. and Pakistani establishment wants
General Musharraf's NSA Tariq Aziz back and some high-ups want even
the sacked Durrani restored, says one official."

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Editorials/Op-eds
--------------

"World Has To Abandon Double Standard To Establish Peace," an
editorial note in the popular rightist Urdu-language daily "Ausaf"
(cir. 10,000) (01/12)

"The world is playing role of a silent spectator on Israeli
aggression against Palestine, Indian state-terrorism in Kashmir, and
U.S. atrocities in Iraq and Afghanistan. The UN moves only when the
interests of some big powers are in danger. The UN moved

immediately to unshackle East Timor, but it never did anything for
the innocent Palestinians and Kashmiri people except passing
worthless resolutions. This approach demonstrates that the UN is
taking care of the interests of big powers alone and justifying
their unlawful actions."

"Israeli Intransigence And Arab League's Insensitivity," an
editorial in liberal Urdu daily "Express" (cir. 25,000) (01/12)

"Massacre in Palestine and Kashmir is continuing for years now but
America and the western world is quiet on this killing. If we review
this attitude, we have to admit that on the international level, the
interests of western imperialism, Indian Brahmanism and Israeli
Zionism are common, hence no attention is being paid to the massacre
in Occupied Kashmir and Gaza. It shows that barbaric Israeli
attacks on Gaza will continue; and Muslim youth will continue to be
killed in occupied Kashmir. However, a few deaths in India, Israel
or America will continue to be made into the world's biggest
issue."

"Israel's Obduracy," an editorial in the Lahore-based liberal
English daily "The Post" (cir. 5,000) (01/12)

"Israel's crimes in Gaza can now be categorized as acts of genocide
as per Article II of the 1948 UN Convention on the Prevention and
Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. It is ironic that the West, the
so-called 'champion of democracy', the West, is not willing to
accept the reality of Hamas because it is not subservient to their
will.... If Israeli aggression is not controlled, the fire will
engulf the whole region as in the entire history of the Middle East,
no war has been confined to one country. If the Israeli leadership
thinks that it is in a position to wipe out all Palestinians, it is
sadly mistaken."

"Is Resolution 1860 Only A Piece Of Paper?," an editorial in the
Lahore-based independent Urdu daily "Din" (circ. 5000) (01/12)

"Despite this clear resolution [UNSC Resolution 1860], Israel is
continuing its aggression and killing in Gaza. No one has the
courage to stop the illegitimate state of Israeli - Middle East's
'mini-America' - from its anti-humanity activities in Gaza."

"Palestinian Plight," an editorial in the center-right national
English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (01/12)

"The Egyptians have apparently managed to broker a ceasefire, though
it might not be worth very much with the Israeli Army entrenched in
the Strip, as well as in Gaza proper. However, while it will
probably be useless for the Palestinians fighting in Gaza, and the
Israeli forces don't need it for resupply, which the Americans will
handle as usual, it should serve a humanitarian purpose. But it
will probably not be permanent, and the Zionist entity will probably
be practically exempt, and allowed because it is backed
unquestioningly by all the major Western powers, to use force
whenever it wants."

"Why Is Our Blood So Cheap?," an op-ed by Irfan Siddiqui in the
leading mass circulation centrist Urdu daily "Jang" (cir. 300,000)
(01/12)

"More or less nine hundred innocent Palestinians have been killed
during Israeli strikes on Gaza in last sixteen days. All missiles
that are being launched at Gaza, and all the fighter jets that are
pounding Palestinians are provided by Americans. These jets are
being flown by the Israeli pilots who got training in the U.S. All
those tanks that ruined the Gaza Strip are made in U.S.A. The
United States allocated one-third of its foreign assistance for
Israel, and the remaining two-third is for the entire world.
Moreover, the U.S. has vetoed some fifty resolutions in UNSC which
were contrary to the Israeli interests. Every individual in this
world knows that who is sponsoring Israel. Every individual knows
that the real killer of Palestinians is the U.S."

"West's Double Standards On Gaza," an editorial in the
Islamabad-based rightist English daily "Pakistan Observer" (cir.
5,000) (01/12)

"The Western world led by the United States is using its full
military might to crush and eliminate a few individuals and groups
in the name of war on terror but they have closed their eyes to the
plight of 1.5 million Palestinians who are bearing brunt of Israeli
state terrorism during the last two weeks.... Israeli brutalities
in Gaza would also compound the problem of terrorism and extremism
and as a result regional and global peace would remain a far off
cry."

"Repeal Of Controversial 17th Amendment: The Need For A Joint
Constitutional Bill And Unanimous Approval," an editorial in the
second-largest, center-right nationalist Urdu daily "Nawa-i-Waqt"
(cir. 125,000) (01/12)

"It is expected of the Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, who is
active for the supremacy of the Parliament, that he will convene a
meeting of PPP and allies parliamentary parties and announce support
for the bill against the 17th Amendment. PPP should take the lead
in repealing the 17th Amendment and restoring the character of the
unanimous constitution given by Shaheed ZAB."

"Israel's Aggression A Test Case Of International Community," an
editorial in liberal and independent Sindhi daily "Kawish" (01/12)

"Two latest events are dominating local and international press, one
is Israel's attack on Gaza and other Mumbai attacks, both these
tragic events are test case for the world. Because terrorism is not
just suicide, the state terrorism is also being perpetrated against
Palestinians. This challenge is also for new American president who
is going to take oath on January 20th, he has to take an stand
against Israeli terrorism, the killing of innocent children, he is
to change American thinking and approach regarding Palestine, Iraq,
Afghanistan and South Asia, only then he can make a place for
himself in history."

"World Has To Give Up Double Standards To Establish Peace," an
editorial in the leading mass circulation centrist Urdu daily "Jang"
(cir. 300,000) (01/12)

"Prime Minister Gilani while talking to journalists in Karachi has
asked that is the state-terrorism against the innocent and unarmed
Kashmiris not terrorism. Why the international community is silent
on these atrocities? World will have to give up these double
standards. Those who are raising hue and cry on Mumbai attacks, why
did they keep mum over Marriott attack? When late Benazir Bhutto
arrived in Pakistan, terrorists hit her welcoming rally in Karachi,
and about 184 people were killed, but the world did not make hue and
cry at that time."

"Whither Dialogue?," an editorial in the Karachi-based center-left
independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) (01/12)

"Given the vitriolic exchanges between the two governments in recent
weeks, the need of the hour is for them to moderate their tone to
improve the political climate in South Asia if the peace process is
to be revived. Both sides, one can presume, understand the
importance of negotiating their disputes. But it is a pity that
leaders on both sides have allowed political expediencies to
determine the course of events.... There is no doubt that
confidence-building measures are fundamental to a stable
relationship between India and Pakistan."

"The Boiling Cauldron," an editorial in the center-right national
English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (01/12)

"One cannot help feeling that behind India's deliberately hawkish
observations stands the political compulsion of general elections
scheduled for the coming May. One wrong step and the tinderbox
could blow up and result in badly burnt fingers to the abiding
consternation of everyone in the Subcontinent as well as the whole
wide world. One hopes wiser counsels would prevail sooner rather
than later."

"India Should Act Responsibly," an editorial in the Lahore-based
Urdu daily "Waqt" (circ. 5000) (01/12)

"The Prime Minister is right when he asks: are the atrocities
unleashed on Palestinians and Kashmiris not terrorism? Why is the
world silent? The world needs to give up these double standards.
Where were those who are raising a hue and cry over Mumbai attacks
when the Marriott was attacked? The Prime Minister is right when he
asks why the world does not express concern at terrorist incidents
in Pakistan."

"Biden's Advice," an editorial in the Lahore-based liberal English
daily "The Post" (cir. 5,000) (01/12)

"Common sense requires that the two neighboring states should not
play into the hands of the terrorists who want to destabilize the
whole region. The fact that Pakistan has admitted that Ajmal Kasab
is a Pakistani national shows that Pakistan sincerely wants to
cooperate India in its Mumbai investigations. The situation demands
that India and Pakistan should help each other in combating
terrorism and extremism."

"Biden For Abiding Ties," an editorial in the country's premier
business newspaper, "Business Recorder" (cir. 25,000) (01/12)

"By pledging to triple the non-military assistance, the bill
reflects the Vice-President-elect's vision that ongoing insurgency
in Pakistan's tribal region is primarily rooted in the backwardness
and poverty of the people. Until that is taken care of, the
Pakistan government must be fully prepared and equipped to fight
terrorism - that is what the senior American politician has tried to
convey to his Pakistani interlocutors. Indeed his commitment to
upgrade the guerrilla-fighting capacity of Pakistani forces is part
of that vision. He seems to be rightly cognizant of the fact that
President Obama's promise to win in Afghanistan would be fulfilled
only when Pakistan is treated as a friend and ally."

"Atrocities Of Gaza And Kashmir," an editorial in the Lahore-based
liberal English language daily "Daily Times" (cir. 10,000) (01/12)

"Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Saturday condemned the Mumbai
attacks but deplored 'the silence of the international community on
the atrocities being committed in Kashmir and Gaza.' On Kashmir, he
said people were being subjected to the worst kinds of oppression
and suppression because they too demanded the right to
self-determination.... Mr. Gilani is right in asserting that the
world has to deal with the issue of 'terrorism' in light of the
issue of 'self-determination' by peoples who want to live in peace
and dignity."

"Why Does The World Only Notice Mumbai Attacks?," an editorial in
the Lahore-based populist center-right Urdu daily "Khabrain" (cir.
50,000) (01/12)

"Supposedly, if the 10 Mumbai attackers were from Pakistan, how does
it prove that the Pakistani government is involved in the attacks?
An American newspaper yesterday reported a CIA official as saying
that Al Qaeda operational Chief Usama Al Keni and two others were
killed in the U.S. missile strike of January 1. Usama Al Keni, was
from Kenya; should the U.S. then attack Kenya?... Even if Ajmal
Kasab is from Pakistan; India and the U.S. should not hurl
allegations at Pakistan."

"Mahmood Ali Durrani And Seventeenth Amendment," an op-ed by Hamid
Mir in the leading mass circulation centrist Urdu daily "Jang" (cir.
300,000) (01/12)

"Mahmood Ali Durrani is not refraining from issuing statements one
after another. He told the WSJ in an interview that Prime Minister
Yousaf Raza Gilani has decided to fire him (Durrani) in a haste. He
also stated that he issued the statement regarding the nationality
of Ajmal Kasab by taking President Zardari into confidence, however
PM Gilani didn't know anything in this regard. Some days ago, the
WSJ reported quoting the sources of Pakistani government that all
the perpetrators of Mumbai attack were Pakistanis. In fact, Mahmood
Ali Durrani provided this information to the Wall Street Journal.
Mr. Durrani sought to exploit some very important journalists of
Islamabad, New Delhi, and Washington to serve a specific agenda. He
wanted to present himself as a symbol of peace in the present
Pakistan-India standoff to get hold of a ticket for the forthcoming
Senate elections to be held in March this year. He was interested
in becoming the foreign minister of Pakistan. Meanwhile, he also
attempted to get control of the ISI. Now he is trying to take
refuge behind President Zardari to save himself. A few years back,
Lt. General Hamid Nawaz while talking to General Aziz Khan in his
office (when he was CJCS) labeled Mahmood Ali Durrani as an
'American agent.' Mr. Durrani smiled at this accusation. Later on,
General Musharraf designated Mr. Durrani as Ambassador of Pakistan
in Washington. Mr. Durrani is known as an American operative.
Prime Minister Gilani didn't make any haste in sacking Mr. Durrani,
but it was a calculated move."

"For The Restoration Of Constitution's Federal, Parliamentary
Character," an editorial in the center-right Urdu daily "Pakistan"
(cir. 10,000) (01/12)

"Former ruling party and PML-N are about to table a bill in the
parliament for the repeal of the 17th Amendment in the constitution
and the restoration of the constitution in its original form.
Reluctant PPP, the ruling party, could still play an important role.
It is good that all the political parties agree on federal,
parliamentary democracy for Pakistan and for the purpose want to
amend the constitution.


Patterson