MEDIA REACTION: AL-QAEDA, PAKISTAN / WEAPON

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 NEW DELHI 001834 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: AL-QAEDA, PAKISTAN / WEAPON MODIFICATION, INDIA AFGHANISTAN-PAKISTAN STRATEGY; 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. -------------- AL-QAEDA -------------- ¶1. "FIRST SUICIDE ATTACK IN SAUDI ARABIA," editorial in September 1 right-of-center Urdu daily, SIASAT: "Anti- terrorism initiatives taken by Saudi Arabia have increased al-Qaeda threats to this royal state. An attempt to assassinate Prince Mohammad bin Naif is a matter of serious concern for the Royal family, because he is active against anti-al-Qaeda activities in Saudi Arabia. Instead of appeasing the US in matters of anti- terrorism actions, Saudi Arabia should take care of its own internal security, because the first suicide attack in Saudi Arabia is a symbol of danger ahead." ¶2. "SAUDI ROYAL FAMILY TOO IS THE TARGET OF TERRORISM," editorial in September 1 right-of-center Urdu daily, ETEMAAD: "After an attack on Prince Mohammad Naif, it would be a misunderstanding to think that the present policy is fruitful. In this perspective, American policy has significantly influenced the day-to-day happenings. Barack Obama's assurance of 'justice' to Muslims has not been translated into action as yet. Had the USA implemented its policies vis-`-vis the Muslims sincerely, the policy to eradicate al-Qaeda would have been fruitful." -------------- PAKISTAN / WEAPON MODIFICATION -------------- ¶3. "PAKISTAN'S GAMES: WILL OBAMA STOP AID TO PAKISTAN?" editorial in September 2 centrist Marathi daily, NAVSHAKTI: "While the members of the U.S. Congress know for a fact that Pakistan has often siphoned off American military assistance for anti-India military initiatives, it is now to be seen if this knowledge results in a change in the Obama administration's decision to grant further military aid to Pakistan. Even as the U.S. Congress is currently considering the proposals to spend billions of U.S. dollars over the next five years to train and equip Pakistan's military for counterinsurgency warfare, is it also not the right time to see if this aid is being really used to fight insurgency and terrorism? Or is the U.S. aid being directed at building a huge nuclear arsenal in akistan?" ¶4. "CAUTION REQUIRED," editorial in September 02, Bangalore-based left-of-center Kannada daily, PRAJAVANI: "The United States, which has resolved to eliminate the Taliban, believes that Pakistan alone can perform this task. Pakistan is modifying the weapons supplied to it by the U.S. to fight the Taliban in such NEW DELHI 00001834 002 OF 002 a way that they can be used against India. Pakistan has agreed for an inspection by the U.S. authorities, though, in reality, it is mere farce. India should pressure the U.S. to see to it that no unconditional military assistance is provided to Pakistan." ¶5. "DECEPTIVE PAKISTAN," editorial in September 1 nationalist Hindi daily, RASHTRIYA SAHARA: "The US has accused Pakistan of illegally modifying US-made missiles to target land-based targets in a potential threat to India. The Pakistani establishment is always under pressure to go after India. Pakistan's rulers perpetually face three big problems - one, how to keep the fire burning against India; two, to keep its control over Afghanistan; and finally to make sure its begging bowl is full of alms from the United States and China. One can understand the strategic reasons behind the U.S. giving military and financial assistance to Pakistan. But why can't the U.S. put in place a stringent mechanism to check that its assistance is not being misused?" ¶6. "PROOF OF BAD INTENTION," editorial in September 1 Hindi daily, DAINIK JAGRAN: "India should not keep quiet regardless of the U.S. reaction to Pakistan's illegal missile modification. It is evident that Pakistan is misusing the U.S. aid against India rather than fighting against terrorism, but the West, especially the U.S., prefers to silently overlook it. The Obama Administration is also following the policy to keep Pakistan happy at any cost. This is the height of the U.S. blind love for Pakistan. When will our strategists clarify to the U.S. that its Pakistan policy is extremely dangerous for India?" -------------- AFGHANISTAN-PAKISTAN STRATEGY -------------- ¶7. "THIS TIME BALUCHISTAN," editorial in July 24 independent Kolkata Bengali daily, ANANDABAZAR PATRIKA: "There is no more time to play with fire. India complains, Pakistan denies and Pakistan complains, India denies. In the midst of this, terrorism continues. Islamabad, by any means, must be compelled to make a commitment to curb terrorism. India should remain steadfast in following diplomatic norms and avoid unnecessary arguments, no matter what the criticism is." ROEMER