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. -------------- AFGHANISTAN-PAKISTAN -------------- ¶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." -------------- UNITED STATES -------------- ¶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." -------------- U.S.-PAKISTAN -------------- ¶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 NEW DELHI 00000244 002 OF 002 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." -------------- TERRORISM IN INDIA -------------- ¶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." -------------- U.S.-CHINA RELATIONS -------------- ¶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! -------------- ISRAEL -------------- ¶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