MEDIA REACTION: PRESIDENT OBAMA IFTAR DINNER,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 NEW DELHI 001853

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STATE FOR NP, AC, PM

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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 IFTAR DINNER,
PAKISTAN MISSILE; 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.

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PRESIDENT OBAMA'S IFTAR DINNER
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1. "OBAMA'S IFTAR" editorial in September 4, 2009
centrist Urdu daily, MILAP: "The U.S President's
hosting an Iftar dinner at the White House is a
praiseworthy initiative by all means. Hosting Iftars
is a good way to feel the essence of Islam. However,
the invitees are generally those who agree with the
U.S. Instead of engaging those who are already in
agreement, America needs to reach out to those who are
not acquainted with its U.S. policies. Iftar parties
can only be effective if they are used for building a
true relationship with Islam and Muslims. For this, the
U.S. should try to increase its understanding and
appreciation of Islamic thoughts. Islam should not be
seen in isolation, but as a part of humanity... At the
same time, it must be said that while concentrating on
Islam and Muslims, America has ignored other religions
on its soil, such as Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism.
Even in other countries, U.S. representatives keep away
from other religious groups, giving the hardcore
elements in Islam a sense of glee. America must engage
and include other religions too. At least in India,
there is a need to implement this policy. Only then can
the U.S hope to make real friends."

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PAKISTAN MISSILES
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2. "PAKISTAN BECOMING A THREAT," editorial in September
3 nationalist Hindi daily, RASHTRIYA SAHARA:
"Pakistan's obsession with weapons of mass destruction
has become a serious threat not just for India, but for
the entire region. It has illegally modified the U.S.-
made Harpoon missile to target land-based targets. And
it is, undoubtedly, getting money for all this from the
U.S. and some Arab countries. NOW it is U.S.'
responsibility to stop Pakistan. It should discontinue
economic aid immediately. Since India is Pakistan's
target, it should raise this issue at international
platforms. Besides speeding up the disarmament process,
the UN should also take strict action to prevent
Pakistan's hunger for nuclear weapons."


3. "PAKISTAN'S ATOMIC PLANS," editorial in September 3
right-of-center Hindi daily, AMAR UJALA: "The
revelation of Hans Kristensen of the Federation of
American Scientists is worrisome that Pakistan has
increased the number of its nuclear warheads from 60 to
90 and has kept them ready for use at any time. For
India it is a big concern, because India is the
epicenter of Pakistan's focus, its basis for existence
.... What was the November 26, 2008, terror attack on

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Mumbai after all? The name behind it may be Lashkar-e-
Taiba's, but actually it had the Pakistani intelligence
and army's full support. Pakistan's modifying the
Harpoon missile, and naming its missiles Ghaznavi,
Shaheen and Abdali [historical invaders of India]
itself clearly suggest what Pakistan's intentions are.
The international community should take Kristensen's
revelation seriously. India needs a plan to thwart
Pakistan's nefarious plans."
ROEMER