MEDIA REACTION: U.S. FOREIGN POLICY,

UNCLAS NEW DELHI 001941 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: U.S. FOREIGN POLICY, TERRORISM; 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. -------------- U.S. FOREIGN POLICY -------------- ¶1. "MUSHARRAF'S CONFESSION," editorial in September 16 Hindi daily, NAVBHARAT TIMES: "Pervez Musharraf's confession is nothing but a ploy because any anti-India activity is seen as a sign of patriotism in Pakistan. He is trying to gain sympathy of the hardliners and the Pakistani army... It is clear that U.S. President Obama is following the same Pakistan-policy as Bush. His only concerned is that the Pakistan government should act against the Taliban in Afghanistan. Obama is not bothered about Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. If the U.S. really wants peace in South Asia, it should keep an eye on Pakistan's India-mania." -------------- TERRORISM -------------- ¶2. "HOW ASTONISHING! AMERICA PROVIDES INFO ON TERRORIST ATTACKS IN INDIA," editorial in September 17 centrist Gujarati daily, GUJARATMITRA: "If one is to write India's present day history, it would go something like this. India is a nation that even after 62 years of independence has failed to liberate herself from the scourge of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. Our leaders are meek, weak and corrupt, and need to be shown their right place. We need to accept that after freeing ourselves from the British rule we are acting as if we are America's slave. When America issues warnings of terrorist attacks, doesn't it realize that such terrorists come from Pakistani soil? Pakistan is the epicenter of terrorism but has America taken any concrete action in this regard? America's fresh rounds of warnings indicate India is sitting on a powder keg. However, simply complaining to America is not going to yield any results. India needs to take drastic measures to crush the menace of terrorism." ¶3. "HOW LONG WILL THIS SHAM GO ON?" editorial in September 16 right-of-center Urdu daily MUNSIF: "U.S. is carrying on a big fraud in connection with 9/11.... How long will the world keep accepting America's false allegations, baseless accusations, fraud and deception? Everything has a limit, but this drama has crossed all limits. Millions of dollars are being spent in the name of war against terrorism, and it is a waste. Innocent people are being harassed, apprehended, and oppressed in the name of war on terrorism. This drama should come to an end so that people live with a sense of security and dignity." ROEMER