MEDIA REACTION: PRESIDENT OBAMA'S SPEECH IN

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 NEW DELHI 001191 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: MEDIA REACTION: PRESIDENT OBAMA'S SPEECH IN CAIRO, TERRORISM/PAKISTAN; NEW DELHI. This countrywide cable reports on relevant media reaction/opinion from India's large non-English press. The Mission reports on English-language media via email through the daily "Early Edition" summary. -------------- PRESIDENT OBAMA'S SPEECH IN CAIRO -------------- ¶1. "OBAMA TRYING TO BECOME SAVIOR OF THE WORLD," op-ed in June 8 right-of-center AMAR UJALA: "President Obama is trying to become the savior of the world, projecting himself as a messiah. The United States, before advising others, should know that the Israel-Arab conflict, terrorism in Pakistan and even Al-Qaida are its own creations." ¶2. "OBAMA'S MESSAGE," commentary in June 6 Oriya daily, SAMBADA: "Obama's comments and assurances are considered significant in establishing world peace. The Cairo address is a small but serious effort to create an atmosphere of communal goodwill." ¶3. "AMERICA'S ISLAM BROTHERHOOD," editorial in June 8 Oriya daily, SAMAYA: "While America believes in human rights and democratic principles, the Taliban and Islamic leaders do not care for democracy and women's freedom. One may hope that Obama's friendship offer may usher in a new era of cordial relations, but given the fundamental differences, it is very difficult to say how soon the Muslim world will react to his overture." ¶4. "OBAMA'S EFFORTS," editorial in June 8 right-of- center Urdu daily, MUNSIF: "Obama cannot be held responsible for the atrocities perpetrated by Bush, but it is a fact that massacre and bloodshed in Afghanistan and Iraq were committed by none other than Obama's predecessor. To what extent can Obama ensure that America is ready to open a new chapter of friendship and harmony with the Islamic world? He can make a breakthrough provided he prefers valor over precaution." ¶5. "PREACHING IS OVER, NOW IT IS TIME TO PRACTICE," op- ed article in June 9 right-of-center Urdu daily, RASHTRIYA SAHARA: "The basic reason for tension prevailing between the U.S. and the Muslim world is the former's pro-Israel policy. Incursions into Iraq and Afghanistan further fuelled the fire. He has delivered a courageous speech. But the pertinent question is whether mere words are enough to heal the wounds?" ¶6. "MESSAGE OF BARACK OBAMA IS A LIGHT-HOUSE," op-ed article in June 9 right-of-center Urdu daily, RASHTRIYA SAHARA: "The most significant aspect of this speech is that he has admitted with an open heart the mistakes committed by the Bush administration against Islam and the Muslims. Now, it is high time for Muslims to bring the inevitable changes suggested by president Obama." ¶7. "COULD PRESIDENT OBAMA CONVINCE THE ISLAMIC WORLD?" NEW DELHI 00001191 002 OF 002 op-ed in June 8 right-of-center Urdu daily, MUNSIF: "The pro-American elements, particularly the U.S.- influenced media have cordially welcomed the speech, but there is only a slender hope that it will amount to anything substantial." -------------- TERRORISM/PAKISTAN -------------- ¶8. "THE TRUTH ABOUT PAKISTAN," editorial in June 8 right-of-center Hindi daily, DAINIK JAGRAN: "It is no surprise that Pakistan used American aid to bolster its military strength against India. President Obama should realize that Pakistan is not only playing a double game with the U.S. in the name of the war against terror, but it is also creating hurdles in India's path. India should certainly be careful about its own interests." BURLEIGH