MEDIA REACTION: SECURITY IN ASIA, AFGHANISTAN,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 NEW DELHI 000202 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: SECURITY IN ASIA, AFGHANISTAN, INDO-PAK RELATIONS; 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. -------------- SECURITY IN ASIA -------------- ¶1. "CHINESE BASES IN PAKISTAN," editorial in January 30 centrist Hindi daily, NAI DUNIYA: "The U.S. is desperate to get out of Iraq and Afghanistan. If the U.S. quits Afghanistan, that will take the pressure off the terrorists, thereby weakening democracy and liberal political forces in Pakistan. Also, in such an eventuality, Pakistan may allow China to directly or indirectly establish its military presence in the area. This will further reduce U.S. influence in South Asia, and increase Chinese authority in the region. China may cite regional stability as an argument to increase its military presence in the area, but it will necessitate India's increasing its defense budget at the cost of developmental spending." -------------- AFGHANISTAN -------------- ¶2. "NEW INITIATIVE," commentary in January 29 right-of- center Hindi daily, DAINIK JAGRAN: "Despite the immense efforts of the U.S. and NATO forces, the situation is not improving in Afghanistan. UK Prime Minister Brown said at the recent London conclave that the Afghanistan problem cannot be solved without India's active cooperation. The Taliban poses a danger not only to the US and UK, but also for Pakistan's nuclear arms. President Obama is absolutely right in saying that it is incorrect to think that the Taliban fighters will only crack down on Asia. Thus, all the heads of state worldwide should take a firm initiative for the peace in Afghanistan." ¶3. "AFGHANISTAN'S DRAMA," editorial in the January 30 right-of-center Gujarati daily, GUJARAT SAMACHAR: "The recent conference to deliberate on Afghanistan's peace process smacks of hypocrisy. It is surrender to talk with the Taliban. The Taliban have only one agenda: to implement their own tyrannical rule in Afghanistan." -------------- INDO-PAK RELATIONS -------------- ¶4. "THROWING DUST INTO EYES," editorial in January 30 right-of-center Urdu daily HAMARA SAMAJ: "If Pakistan's Prime Minister really wants a good relationship with India, instead of making lame excuses he should accept the Indian demand to take stern action against the culprits of the 26/11 attacks. The only benefit goes to the terrorists, who do not want to see both countries forge better bilateral relations. Indo-Pak relations NEW DELHI 00000202 002 OF 002 will remain strained unless bilateral talks are resumed afresh." ROEMER