MEDIA REACTION: PRESIDENT OBAMA IFTAR DINNER,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 NEW DELHI 001853 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 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. -------------- PRESIDENT OBAMA'S IFTAR DINNER -------------- ¶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." -------------- PAKISTAN MISSILES -------------- ¶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 NEW DELHI 00001853 002 OF 002 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