OBAMA SPEECH IN CAIRO: INDIA MEDIA REPORT II

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 05 NEW DELHI 001185 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: OBAMA SPEECH IN CAIRO: INDIA MEDIA REPORT II SUMMARY: President Obama's address to the Muslim World generated extensive commentary in the Indian media over the weekend. Opinions ranged from wild praise to warnings to fellow Muslims not to be deceived by the speech. The common refrain was that the speech marked a potential significant shift in U.S. policy, welcomed by most, however, with a degree of skepticism. While acknowledging President Obama's sincerity and his understanding of the current issues facing Muslims, newspapers generally opined that "ultimate credibility lies in positive action." Notable reactions published in the English press follow in Section A below; reactions in the Urdu press in Section B; and all other vernacular press in Section C. END SUMMARY. -------------- SECTION A -------------- ¶1. "OBAMA'S CANDOUR IN TIMELESS CAIRO," opinion piece in June 6 centrist English daily, THE INDIAN EXPRESS: "Barack Obama's speech is quite simply one of the most important articulations by any world leader on the relationship between Islam and the West-indeed, between Islam and the rest of the world. It is heartening to see the president of the United States approach many global issues from the standpoint of truth and justice." ¶2. "OBAMA'S CAIRO SERMON," editorial in June 6 centrist, nationally circulating leading business daily, THE ECONOMIC TIMES: "The speech does seem to mark a decisive end to the confrontational and brazen ways of the US in the recent past. Not less important was the acknowledgement of the need to challenge stereotypes of Islam and Muslims, while yet gently reminding people of the existence of extremist thought, lack of human rights, or gender discrimination." ¶3. "POLITICS AND PROSE," editorial in June 6 independent, centrist, nationally circulating English daily, THE INDIAN EXPRESS: "Obama's success lay in a fine touch; in a speech utterly realistic, but with an idealistic sweep. In seeking the common ground of "mutual interest and mutual trust" between America and the Muslim world, in urging to break mutual stereotypes, Obama's speech itself was "a new beginning" in that this "dialogue" was long-needed and long-awaited, given the intractable differences steadily entrenched over the last eight years." ¶4. "STATEMENT OF PURPOSE," editorial in June 6 nationally circulating English daily, THE TIMES OF INDIA: "It also packed much substance and, in some ways, marks a paradigm shift in US foreign policy. Expect no miracles overnight, but if even some of the tensions between parts of the Muslim world and America were lessened during Obama's tenure, it would have benefited the entire world." NEW DELHI 00001185 002 OF 005 ¶5. "GOING BEYOND THE OBAMA SPEECH," editorial in June 6 left-influenced nationally circulating English daily, THE HINDU: "It is already clear that President Barack Hussein Obama's address to the Muslim world has gone some way towards correcting the widespread perception that the United States government is 'anti-Muslim.'" ¶6. "THE PROMISE OF OBAMA'S ADDRESS," op-ed in June 6 THE HINDU: "West Asia's history of violence, hatred and divisions notwithstanding, Mr. Obama's eloquence might have generated a powerful impulse which could help lay the foundations for a relatively less confrontationist political discourse in the region." ¶7. "OBAMA NEEDS SOME MORE LESSONS IN ISLAM," opinion piece in June 6 independent, centrist, nationally circulating English Daily, THE INDIAN EXPRESS: "It is not just President Obama who should be required to do all the 'outreaching'; the Muslim world has its share to do as well. President Obama seems not to know that there are more Muslims in the Indian sub-continent than anywhere and that we lived in relative harmony till Saudi money started to fund Wahabi Islam." ¶8. "SALAAM FROM BARACK OBAMA," editorial in June 7 centrist, nationally circulating English Daily, THE HINDUSTAN TIMES: "His speech struck the right rhetorical notes: scriptural quotations, the humble superpower and even a bit of Israel bashing. The real test will be about converting sentiment into substance." ¶9. "VOICE OF THE FUTURE," editorial in June 6 centrist THE TELEGRAPH: "The speech made by Obama is significant because it presages a change in U.S. attitudes and policies towards a very volatile part of the world. Mr. Obama has used the rhetoric of healing, the tone from that of superiority to that of partnership." ¶10. "NEW HORIZON," editorial in June 7 English independent THE ASSAM TRIBUNE: "Obama's desire for a complete change in relationship has struck a chord with the Islamic mind across the world and has been universally welcomed, though occasionally with a degree of scepticism. However, words and intentions are by themselves not enough, for ultimate credibility lies in positive action." ¶11. "THE OBAMA OUTREACH," in June 8 independent English daily, DNA: "For the first time, a US President with a Muslim ancestry and a Muslim middle name is attempting to appeal to the Muslim world. It is a new experience for the Muslim leaders and clergy." -------------- SECTION B -------------- ¶12. "NEW BEGINNING," editorial in June 6 right-of- center Urdu daily, RASHTRIYA SAHARA: "By giving an outstanding speech in Cairo, without a doubt Obama has scored successfully with the Islamic world. If the U.S. NEW DELHI 00001185 003 OF 005 can honestly translate these ideas into actions, he will go down in history. But the million-dollar question is whether Obama will succeed in changing America's age-old anti-Islamic policy, and will his country's anti-Islamic lobby will allow him to do so?" ¶13. "OBAMA HAS EXTENDED HIS HAND," front page editorial in the June 6 right-of-center Urdu daily MILAP: "A mere speech can't solve the problem, the US should take concrete steps. Obama has extended his hand of friendship and Muslim leaders should also reply with a positive approach." ¶14. "THANK YOU FOR THE NILDUS SPEECH, MR. PRESIDENT," op-ed in the June 7 RASHTRIYA SAHARA: "It was extremely important that a president of the United States quoted the Quran's unequivocal condemnation of terrorism. Barack Obama has offered the key, but it is up to Muslims to open the door." ¶15. Some notable reactions published in prominent Urdu newspapers dated June 6: "Obama's speech is trying to make fools of Muslims. Obama noted that 3,000 innocent people had died on 9/11, but we regret that he did not mention the martyrdom of countless Palestinians. Obama shows no sadness about the countless innocent deaths in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Palestine because he is the president of America." Syed Ahmad Bukhari, Imam of Shahi Jama Masjid, Delhi (AKHBAR E MASHRIQ) "We welcome the President's speech and we hope that action will soon follow. Confidence will not be restored simply by a speech. In revenge for the death of a few hundred [referring to 9/11], America does not regret killing thousands of citizens. This kind of injustice is hard to forget. This wound cannot be healed by a speech alone." Dr. Mufti Mohammed Mokarram Ahmad, Imam of Shahi Masjid Fatahpuri (RASHTRYA SAHARA, AKHBAR E MASHRIQ) "This is the first American president who has confessed with an open heart the mistakes made against Muslims, thus giving a message of a new beginning. If the president with good intentions desires peace and makes positive steps toward resolving the Palestinian problem, and calls the soldiers home from Afghanistan and Iraq, then the Muslims must support him." Prof. Akhtarul Wassey, Head Dept. of Islamic Studies (RASHTRYA SAHARA) "The President has taken the first solid step toward protecting the world. There is no reason to doubt Obama's intentions, because Obama has accepted the mistakes of the past and their gravity, and has promised the beginning of a new peaceful epoch." Dr. Zafar Mahmood, President, Zakat Foundation of India (RASHTRYA SAHARA) "The President must make clear his own position on what NEW DELHI 00001185 004 OF 005 has happened in Afghanistan and Iraq until today -- whether these policies have been correct or wrong. On this declaration, we will decide whether we will trust or not what the President has said" Maulana Mohammad Salim Quasmi, Vice President, Muslim Personal Law Board (HAMARA SAMAJ) "We welcome the President's ideas and perspectives, but it is imperative that action must immediately follow." Maulana Khizar Shah, President Tanzeem Ulama e Hind (HAMARA SAMAJ) "The destruction occurring in Iraq and Afghanistan is the murder of humanity. America must stop its double standards and seriously try." Maulana Sufian Quasmi, Member Muslim Personal Law Board (HAMARA SAMAJ) -------------- SECTION C -------------- ¶16. "OBAMA'S MESSAGE," editorial in June 6 nationalist Hindi daily, RASHTRIYA SAHARA: "Barack Obama will go down in history as someone who tried in earnest to bridge the chasm between America and the Muslim world. Obama is clearly not into rhetoric; the man genuinely understands the Muslim psyche." ¶17. "NEW VISION," editorial in June 6 right-of-center, mass circulating Hindi daily, DAINIK JAGRAN: "It is a good sign that President Obama has declared his intent to improve America's relations with the Muslim world. It remains to be seen how effective his strategies will be." ¶18. "SALAM OBAMA," editorial in June 7 independent Telugu daily, SAKSHI: "President Obama's speech is sure to open a new chapter of reconciliation between the largely aggrieved Muslim world and the West. The final question that remains is - how far his words will translate in to action?" ¶19. "EFFORT OF BRIDGING," editorial in June 6 independent Kolkata Bengali daily, ANANDABAZAR PATRIKA: "This is the first time that any U.S. President had uttered so many respectful words about the Islamic world. However, its real value will depend on how the Islamic world accepts his remarks. Obama's speech will gain even more significance if it charts out the next step of action." ¶20. "PROPOSAL FOR A NEW BEGINNING BETWEEN AMERICA AND MUSLIM NATIONS," editorial in June 6 Gujarati daily, DIVYA BHASKAR: "Obama's sincere approach reflects his personal integrity filled with a sense of optimism. It remains to be seen how Muslim nations respond to this genuine offer for camaraderie" ¶21. "OBAMA'S ASSALAMAALEKUM," editorial in June 6 centrist Marathi daily, NAVSHAKTI: "President Obama spoke from his heart, and he extended friendship to the NEW DELHI 00001185 005 OF 005 Islamic world. The speech is a definite good beginning, but Obama needs to make many more genuine efforts and take tough decisions with regard to some of the notorious Islamic nations." ¶22. "WHOSE BURDEN IS OBAMA CARRYING?" op-ed in June 6 centrist Marathi daily, LOKSATTA: "Just as one is happy to see President Obama making a strong and firm case for friendship with the Islamic countries, one is also worried about the consequences. Obama is trying to rewrite world history. Unfortunately, the U.S. history has many mistakes which underline America's negative role in world affairs." ¶23. "WHO'S CHRISTIAN? WHO'S MUSLIM?" op-ed in June 7 centrist Marathi daily, PRAHAAR: "President Obama has spoken about love and friendship in Cairo. World affairs do not change overnight, neither do violent minds calm down after peace talks. But Obama wishes to keep peace uppermost on the agenda, and that is a success in itself." BURLEIGH