MEDIA REACTION: PAKISTAN, KASHMIR, NOBEL AWARD

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 NEW DELHI 002136 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: PAKISTAN, KASHMIR, NOBEL AWARD FOR PRESIDENT OBAMA, CLIMATE CHANGE, IRAN, SHAHNAWAZ HUSSAIN VISA ISSUE; 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. -------------- PAKISTAN -------------- ¶1. "BLOOD-SOAKED WAZIRISTAN," editorial in October 20 right-of-center Hindi daily, AMAR UJALA: "Under growing pressure from the U.S., the Pakistani Army launched a major incursion into Waziristan in the hopes of mounting a final offensive against the Pakistani Taliban. India needs to keep its eyes open. Last time a similar action was unleashed in Pakistan's Swat valley, it pulled on for six to eight weeks. Pakistan would love to see these militants spill over to Indian Kashmir, like they did after the Russian war in 1990. Pakistani Taliban chief Hakimullah Mehsud has threateed to dispatch terrorists to fight India. This is a grave threat!" ¶2. "U.S. AID FOR PAKISTAN," editorial in October 10 Bhubaneswar Oriya SAMAYA: "The U.S. decision to inspect use of its military aid to Pakistan does not diminish the terror threat to India... India has naturally opposed the U.S. move to send huge military aid to Pakistan fearing that a part of it could be used against it. Now that Pakistan is getting the military aid, India will have to beef up its defense. India has the courage and confidence to defend itself, but does not have adequate fighter planes, weapons etc. It should be borne in mind that self-defense brooks no delay." -------------- KASHMIR -------------- ¶3. "MUSLIM NATIONS HAVE NEVER APPRECIATED OR UNDERSTOOD INDIA," op-ed in October 20 nationalist Hindi daily, RASHTRIYA SAHARA: "Whether it be Palestine, Lebanon, or the issue of Muslim countries in Africa struggling for peace and development, India has always supported Muslim nations in global forums. Even on Iraq and Iran, India left no stone unturned in giving diplomatic assistance. India's economic contribution to the development of Afghanistan is well known. But despite all this, Muslim countries have never given India any appreciation. On the contrary, they always work against India's interests. Recently the Organization of Islamic Conference intervened directly in Indian affairs by appointing a "special envoy" on Kashmir. Is this what India gets for supporting the Muslim world?" -------------- NOBEL AWARD FOR PRESIDENT OBAMA -------------- ¶4. "PEACE NOBEL FOR OBAMA," editorial in October 12 NEW DELHI 00002136 002 OF 003 Cuttack Oriya SAMAJA: "The Nobel Peace Prize to Obama has surprised many including the U.S. President himself. It may be argued that this Black incumbent in the White House has done nothing remarkable for world peace. But the fact remains that he is speaking and campaigning seriously to get rid of nuclear weapons to ensure safe living in the world. At the same time he has started working seriously to control environmental pollution and global warming. Critics may have many things to say, but, it seems the Nobel Committee has done well to choose Obama who has the 'the audacity of hope' for a new world free of fear." ¶5. "THE MYSTERY BEHIND OBAMA'S NOBEL," op-ed in left- of-center Marathi daily, MAHARASHTRA TIMES: "Obama's media managers promoted him as God's gift to the U.S. and the world. But it was soon obvious that he is failing to deliver the 'change' that he promised. His popularity ratings have considerably lowered in the last two months. Obama's global image took a severe beating after he got the Nobel Peace Prize. He received the prize for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples. The point is where are those efforts reflected and what kind of co-operation has he fostered, and in which way?" -------------- CLIMATE CHANGE -------------- ¶6. "ENVIRONMENT: CONTRADICTORY POLICY," editorial in October 21 right-of-center Gujarati daily, MUMBAI SAMACHAR: "Why aren't rich nations ready to bring down their consumption levels? Why are only poorer nations being pressured for emission cuts? Has our environment minister Jairam Ramesh done any positive work on this? He can be ranked number one when it comes to politicizing environmental issues!" -------------- IRAN -------------- ¶7. "SUICIDE ATTACK IN IRAN," editorial in October 20 right-of-center Urdu daily SIASAT: "The suicide attack in Iran is a matter of concern for the entire area. Countries around Iraq are already reeling under tumult, and America, Israel and other countries are eying Iran with nefarious designs in mind. It may be a part of the strategy to harass Iran internally and destabilize it instead of waging a direct war. The doubt gets vindicated by the fact that both America and Israel have been targeting Iran continuously. With all wisdom, diligence and vision, Iran should try to find out the conspirators of such a heinous crime, so that its adversaries may not stand successful in getting their conspiracies accomplished." NEW DELHI 00002136 003 OF 003 -------------- SHAHNAWAZ HUSSAIN VISA ISSUE -------------- ¶8. "SHAHNAWAZ HUSSAIN'S U.S VISA," editorial in October 21 right-of-center Urdu daily AKHBAR-E-MASHRIQ: "Before applying for a U.S visa, Indians should make sure their name is not Khan or Hussain, as the U.S immigration authorities are allergic to Muslim names. After film star Shah Rukh Khan, former minister and BJP leader Syed Shahnawaz Hussain is the recent victim of such an attitude. After 9/11, the U.S is afraid of its own shadow. It's really sad." ROEMER