MEDIA REACTION: AF/PAK ISSUES, OBAMA NOBEL

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 NEW DELHI 002489 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: AF/PAK ISSUES, OBAMA NOBEL PEACE PRIZE, COPENHAGEN, NUCLEAR ISSUES; 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. -------------- AF/PAK ISSUES -------------- ¶1. "ADVICE FOR U.S.," editorial in December 12 right- of-center Hindi daily, DAINIK JAGRAN: "The arrest of five U.S. nationals in Pakistan for their involvement in the terrorist activities should be an eye-opener for the U.S. It is meaningless to have a new Af-Pak policy focusing on Afghanistan, instead of Pakistan. Despite established evidence of Pakistani army and the ISI's role in encouraging terrorism, the U.S. still dreams of combating the war against terrorism with Pakistan's support." ¶2. "HARD TO PUT OUT AFGHANISTAN FIRE," op-ed in December 14 right-of-center Urdu daily, SAHAFAT: "Even if we don't trash President Obama's new Afghanistan- Pakistan policy, it is certain that his dream to root out the Taliban by sending 30,000 additional U.S troops would never be fulfilled. On the other hand, the subsequent withdrawal of U.S and NATO forces from Afghanistan in 2011 will not solve but accentuate the problem in the South Asian region, particularly India." ¶3. "WHAT AFTER THE PULLOUT, MR. OBAMA?" op-ed in December 13 right-of-center Urdu daily, RASHTRIYA SAHARA: "The withdrawal of U.S troops from Afghanistan is a welcome step, but is it the solution of the problem? The additional 30,000 troops are no guarantee of a victory against the Taliban. Until the U.S doesn't succeed in stopping youth from joining the Jihad and abandon Taliban's sources of income; it would not be possible to win the war on terror in Afghanistan." -------------- OBAMA NOBEL PEACE PRIZE -------------- ¶4. "NOW WAR MEANS WELFARE!" editorial in December 12 centrist Gujarati daily, JANMABHOOMI: "During his acceptance speech for the Nobel Peace prize, President Obama said war is sometimes necessary for global peace. Isn't it ironic for Obama to say this even when the U.S. continues to supply aid and weapons to Pakistan, the epicenter for global terrorism? Obama's words and actions have diminished the esteem of the Nobel Prize." ¶5. "THE NUCLEAR-ARMED PEACE AMBASSADOR," editorial in December 12 centrist Marathi daily, NAVSHAKTI: "President Obama's acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize completes a circle. For someone who came to power by promising change, this prize is a booster, another reason for doing long-term constructive work for global peace. Admittedly the Obama presidency has obliquely NEW DELHI 00002489 002 OF 002 served the cause of peace and universal brotherhood in the U.S. The election of a person of mixed racial heritage to the top post in U.S. government is a statement in itself. One just hopes that the international situation does not ever compel him to take to war." -------------- COPENHAGEN -------------- ¶6. "WRANGLING OVER RESPONSIBILITY," editorial in December 13 right-of-center Hindi daily, DAINIK JAGRAN: "The ongoing rich-poor tussle in Copenhagen is disappointing. If developed nations do not realize their moral responsibility, developing nations will have to reconsider their voluntary cuts. However, the developed nations should get concessions if they share green technologies with developing nations." -------------- NUCLEAR ISSUES -------------- ¶7. "NEW EVIDENCE OF CLOSENESS," op-ed article in December 13 right-of-center Hindi daily, DAINIK JAGRAN: "PM Manmohan Singh's Russia visit was highly successful. This new deal with Russia is better than the U.S.-India nuclear agreement. Besides America's anti-India attitude during the Cold War, the China factor has also put India-Russia security interests on par. The India-Russia joint statement indicates that China is affecting their mutual security interests. Although wars are out, China remains an important aspect in the India-Russia mutual security concerns." ROEMER