MEDIA REACTION: PAKISTAN, U.S./IRAN, TERRORISM

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 NEW DELHI 000543

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STATE FOR NP, AC, PM

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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, U.S./IRAN, TERRORISM
REPORT, UNITED STATES/ECONOMY, IRAQ; NEW DELHI - MARCH
21-23, 2008.

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.

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PAKISTAN
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1. "AMERICA'S INAPPROPRIATE ADVICE," editorial in March
21 DAINIK JAGRAN Hindi daily: "The U.S. advice to India
to pull back its troops from the Indo-Pakistan border is
inappropriate. Islamabad projects to the U.S. that it
cannot concentrate on fighting terrorists active on the
Afghanistan border because of Indian troop build-up. Is
the U.S. administration willing to guarantee that there
would not be terrorist infiltration from Pakistan? It is
clear that the U.S. is only concerned about terrorist
organizations which pose a threat to it and Europe."


2. "WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO PAKISTAN?" op-ed article by
editor Kumar Ketkar in March 22 left-of-center Marathi
daily LOKSATTA. "The U.S. is at a loss for a solution to
any of the unfolding crises in Pakistan. The only
solution it can offer is to augment its troops on the
Pakistan-Afghanistan border, on the assumption that a
robust U.S. military presence there will help the U.S. to
contain the mayhem and political violence in Pakistan. To
some extent, even the Pakistani administration wants the
U.S. forces to counter the rise of the Taliban. The U.S.
cannot afford the Taliban's hold over Pakistan. It is
already so difficult to negotiate with Pakistan; it will
be worse if the Taliban becomes a legitimate partner in
the Pakistani administration."


3. "NEW POLITICAL TUSSLE IN PAKISTAN", editorial in March
21 right-of-center Urdu daily MUNSIF: "In Pakistan,
democracy is always shaky. This round went to Nawaz
Sharif, but Asif Ali Zardari is hatching a conspiracy in
collaboration with other political parties to oust PM
Gilani from power. It is possible that democracy may be
shattered again within a few months."

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U.S./IRAN
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4. "IRAN-U.S. RELATIONS," editorial in the March 23 CPI
(M) Bengali Organ GANASHAKTI. "Is the U.S. going to
change its Iran policy under Obama? Iranian leaders want
to see concrete examples of changes in American
perception. The fundamental question is: will the U.S.
stop supporting hostile groups against Iran? A new phase
in ties may begin only if [the Obama Administration's]
words match its actions."


5. "IRAN'S REACTION ON U.S. INITIATIVE" editorial in
March 23 right-of-center Urdu daily ETEMAAD: "On Iran,
Obama seems to be trying a different approach. He brought
hope initially, but as far as the Muslim world is

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concerned, nothing has changed. In his message, Obama has
said nothing that can heal the wounds inflicted on Iran."


6. "SAGACIOUS DECISION OF OBAMA", editorial in the March
21 right-of-center Urdu daily RASHTRIYA SAHARA, New
Delhi: "Obama's proclamations show he is against
enhancing international tensions. Mending relations with
Iran is a step in this direction. Obama's first step
should be to ease economic sanctions against Iran. The
Iranian leadership too has indicated its readiness to
improve ties with America. It is hoped that Obama will
discontinue previous strategies that made U.S-Iran
relations bitter."


7. "AMERICA OFFERS NEGOTIATIONS WITH IRAN", editorial in
the March 21 right-of-center Urdu daily SIASAT: "Obama's
efforts to mend relations with Iran demonstrate a sea
change in U.S. policy. These efforts should not be
allowed to fall prey to any conspiracy. Iran should also
respond positively. Israel will try its level best to
sabotage U.S-Iran relations."


8. "OBAMA'S MESSAGE TO IRAN", editorial in the March 22
right-of-center Urdu daily SIASAT, Hyderabad: "It is
heartening that America is ready to forget the acrimonies
of the past and reconsider its policies vis-`-vis Arab
and Muslim nations. Obama's peaceful overtures are a
breath of fresh air, provided they are genuine."

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PATTERNS OF GLOBAL TERRORISM REPORT
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9. "WHAT IF MASOOD AZHAR IS HANDED OVER?" editorial in
the March 22 VIR ARJUN Hindi daily by editor Anil
Narendra: "Nothing better demonstrates just how ill-
equipped India is to counter terror than the latest U.S.
State Department report that ranks the country among the
world's most terror-hit nations. The US annual report has
also rapped India for its slothful law enforcement and
justice systems, calling them outdated and overburdened.
The UPA government's timid approach towards terrorists is
increasingly becoming an obstacle to fighting terror in
our backyard."


10. "INDIA SHOULD FREE ITSELF OF U.S. INFLUENCE" edit-
page article in March 23 Guwahati Assamese ASAMIYA
PRATIDIN by columnist Sajjad Hussain. "As a safeguard
against growing terrorism in Pakistan, India should adopt
an independent diplomatic and foreign policy which is not
influenced by the U.S. India should make efforts to form
an effective regional alliance to fight Pakistan-based
terrorism."

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UNITED STATES/ECONOMY
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11. "TOUGH OBAMA," editorial in March 23 right-of-center
Gujarati daily GUJARAT SAMACHAR. "Obama expressing his

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frustration and astonishment at AIG's decision to share
bonuses with its employees is totally justifiable. It is
totally unfair on the part of such companies to corner
hard-earned aid in the form of largesse... even India needs
to adopt Obama's style. After all, such packages come
from the taxpayers' money."

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IRAQ
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12. "SIXTH ANNIVERSARY OF INVASION OF IRAQ", editorial in
March 22 right-of-center Urdu daily RASHTRIYA SAHARA:
"Six years of Bush's aggressiveness are over! President
Obama has startled the whole world with his announcement
that U.S-Iran talks should be resumed. Obama's message
shows that U.S. policy is undergoing a real change, but
the U.S. administration can go only as far as the
powerful Jewish lobby will let it."
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