MEDIA REACTION: OBAMA'S FOREIGN POLICY, NOBEL

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 NEW DELHI 002123 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: OBAMA'S FOREIGN POLICY, NOBEL AWARD FOR PRESIDENT OBAMA, PAKISTAN, INDIA-CHINA; 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. -------------- OBAMA'S FOREIGN POLICY -------------- ¶1. "OBAMA'S LOVE FOR CHINA," editorial in October 08 Cuttack nationalist Oriya SAMAJA: "By denying audience to the Dalai Lama, President Obama has sent a wrong signal. It is interpreted as America's endorsement of human rights violations in China and the Chinese clampdown in Tibet. It is obvious that America is shifting from all its democratic ideals only to befriend China. The U.S. reiteration that it will hold on to its Tibet policy does not sound convincing. As a powerful nation, America is required to safeguard human rights globally but by siding with China, the U.S. is giving the impression that it is keeping its eyes closed." -------------- NOBEL AWARD FOR PRESIDENT OBAMA -------------- ¶2. "OBAMA AND NOBEL," editorial in October 12 Oriya centrist SAMBAD: "It seems that the global community does not fully agree with the Nobel committee's view that Obama has been chosen for his efforts to make the world safe by destroying nuclear weapons. Speaking of a nuclear free world is not enough. America has to set an example about it. It has the largest stock of nuclear weapons and it spends a huge amount annually on building and stockpiling nuclear weapons. The U.S. itself is involved in the Afghan war. So, Nobel peace prize to the president of such a country is bound to raise eyebrows. " -------------- PAKISTAN -------------- ¶3. "PAKISTAN'S DILEMMA," editorial in October 19 Bengali independent, ANANDABAZAR PATRIKA: "Though Pakistan has now become a victim of terrorism, its role in spawning terrorism cannot be ignored. The U.S. has offered massive aids to Pakistan for its socio-economic development in order to prevent uneducated and unemployed youths from joining radical groups but Pakistan's army generals have used the money for military reinforcement. That's why both the U.S. Congress and the Obama Administration are vigilant this time. Pakistan's dilemma lies in the fact that while America will not allow it to become a Taliban-ruled country, its cities such as Lahore, Peshawar, Islamabad, and Karachi will witness more bloodshed if Pakistan continues its anti-Taliban operation." NEW DELHI 00002123 002 OF 002 ¶4. "TERROR IN PAKISTAN," editorial in October 19 Guwahati Assamese centrist, DAINIK JANASADHARAN: "Pakistan should now abandon its double standard and take strong measures to defeat terrorism in its own interest. Otherwise, the problem might develop into an unshakable burden." ¶5. "TERROR IN ANARCHIC COUNTRY," editorial in October 16 centrist Hindi daily, DAINIK HINDUSTAN: "Terrorist activities in Pakistan are nothing new, but the new trend of targeting the Pakistani security mechanism itself is noteworthy. The same terrorists created and supported by Pakistan's army have turned against it. The terrorists' growing strength is dangerous for India. There is still a hope that somehow by putting international pressure we can make Pakistan agree to act tough against terrorists. But, this hope will also die if the Pakistan government weakens." -------------- INDIA-CHINA -------------- ¶6. "CHINA'S IMPERIALIST POLICY," commentary in October 17 right-of-center Hindi daily, DAINIK JAGRAN: "India- China wrangling over Arunachal Pradesh is nothing new, but this time Delhi gave it back to Beijing. China has no right to object to PM Manmohan Singh's visit to Arunachal Pradesh. The world knows that it is an integral part of India. India and China should avoid conflict and make efforts for each other's welfare by becoming trade-partners so that Asia economically becomes strong. After the U.S. and Europe, now Asia can become the biggest economic center." ROEMER