MEDIA REACTION: AFGHANISTAN-PAKISTAN, UNITED

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 NEW DELHI 000244

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: AFGHANISTAN-PAKISTAN, UNITED
STATES, U.S.-PAKISTAN, TERRORISM IN INDIA, U.S.-CHINA
RELATIONS, ISRAEL; 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.

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AFGHANISTAN-PAKISTAN
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1. "AMERICA'S PROBLEM," op-ed in February 4 right-of-
center Hindi daily, DAINIK JAGRAN: "The Obama
Administration's strategy for the Taliban is simple: if
you can't defeat them, bribe them. The Taliban, al
Qaeda and groups like the Lashkar-e-Taiba are all birds
of the same feather. To cut a deal with any member of
this syndicate will only fuel international terrorism.
A stable Afghanistan cannot emerge without dismantling
the Pakistani military's sanctuaries and infrastructure
for the Afghan Taliban."

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UNITED STATES
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2. "NEGATIVE IMAGE OF ISLAM AND MUSLIMS IN U.S.," op-ed
in February 5 right-of-center Urdu daily RASHTRIYA
SAHARA: "According to a survey conducted by the Gallup
Center for Muslim Studies, 53 percent of Americans
admit to feeling some prejudice toward Muslims. The
U.S. media is responsible for this. Apart from adopting
a negative and derogatory approach while debating Islam
on channels, they also broadcast baseless stories about
the helplessness of Muslim women and the hegemony of
Muslim men. The conspiracy to malign Muslims is being
hatched by those who have perpetual enmity against
Islam, and, of course, they have a strong grip over the
U.S. media, financial institutions and the
administration as well."

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U.S.-PAKISTAN
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3. "U.S. CONTINUES TO AID PAKISTAN'S SO-CALLED WAR ON
TERROR," editorial in February 5 centrist Marathi
daily, LOKMAT: "Despite the economic recession and the
general cost-cutting in the U.S., there is one constant
factor of the U.S. foreign policy -- U.S. aid to
Pakistan to strengthen its armed forces who claim to
fight terrorists. What Pakistan does with that aid, or
whether it diverts these funds to bolster its warfare
capabilities against India is not a concern for the
U.S. The geo-politics of South Asia makes Pakistan a
crucial ally for the U.S. and therefore Pakistan has to
be kept armed and funded to protect U.S. interests in
the region."


4. "IMPEDIMENTS IN WAY OF PEACE," op-ed in February 3
right-of-center Hindi daily, DAINIK JAGRAN: "America
has seldom admitted its own nefarious role in South

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Asia. It is Washington that trained and arm terrorists
and used them to fight the Soviets during the Cold War.
The result is that the fire of bigotry which the U.S.
ignited is consuming stable and democratic forces. The
visit of Defense Secretary Gates to the region was
significant. For the first time, the U.S. used Indian
soil to send a warning to Pakistan on terrorists."

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TERRORISM IN INDIA
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5. "THE SCARE OF TERRORISM," editorial in February 5
right-of-center Gujarati daily, GUJARAT SAMACHAR:
"Indians are now accustomed to terror threats,
especially U.S. travel advisories. It is surprising
though that India's Tourism Minister feels the country
is safe for travel. India is soft, not safe. Terrorists
awaiting the death penalty have been enjoying the
hospitality of our government. Instead of giving
security assurances to American tourists, it would be
nice if the Indian government could first assure its
own citizens of safety here."

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U.S.-CHINA RELATIONS
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6. "TUSSLE OVER TAIWAN," op-ed in February 4 right-of-
center Hindi daily, DAINIK JAGRAN: "Beijing has
suspended military exchanges and security talks with
Washington after it approved a $6.4bn arms deal with
Taiwan last week. Obviously China is not at all happy
with this deal. The U.S. should realize that China is
not only a threat for Taiwan or some other country, but
it's a threat to America itself!

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ISRAEL
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7. "ISRAEL'S CONFESSION," editorial in February 4
right-of-center Urdu daily RASHTRIYA SAHARA: "Israel's
history is full of treachery. The backing and support
it receives from countries like the U.S. has
continuously augmented Israel's obduracy and tyranny
against Palestinians. It is the responsibility of the
world community to penalize Israel for its war
crimes."
ROEMER