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E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OIIP OPRC PGOV PREL PK
SUBJECT:  PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: JULY 12-14, 2008 
 
Summary:  Reports on a suicide attack at a U.S. military camp in 
Afghanistan's Nuristan Province that killed 10 American soldiers 
dominated front pages in several newspapers on Monday.  All 
newspapers reported that while rejecting the idea of any foreign 
attack inside Pakistan territory, Prime Minister Gilani said that 
Pakistan was an independent state, and no one could dare challenge 
its sovereignty.  The remarks attributed to Pakistan Army Chief 
General Kayani during his meeting with visiting U.S. Joint Chiefs of 
Staff Chairman Admiral Mullen -- that border violations by U.S. led 
coalition forces would no longer be acceptable to Pakistan -- 
figured prominently in newspapers on Sunday.  Weekend newspapers 
gave prominent coverage to Foreign Minister Qureshi's meeting with 
Secretary of State Rice.  All newspapers reported on Saturday that 
NATO planes bombarded Angoor Adda town, a border village in South 
Waziristan, injuring nine Pakistani soldiers and two tribesmen. 
 
Several newspapers ran editorials on the security situation in the 
tribal areas, and alleged U.S intervention in Pakistan.  Commenting 
on the visit of Admiral Mullen to Islamabad, the centrist English 
daily "The News" noted that the unexpected arrival of Admiral Mike 
Mullen is further evidence of heightening U.S. impatience with what 
is perceived as Pakistan's inability to combat a new wave of 
terrorism and to prevent infiltration into Afghanistan.  Toeing the 
same line, the Urdu language liberal daily "Express" observed that 
the purpose of Admiral Mullen's unexpected visit on Saturday also 
seems to be to increase pressure on the government (of Pakistan).  A 
prominent columnist wrote in "The News" that the patience of the 
U.S. army and the coalition forces is wearing thin, and they have 
started attacking at will on Pakistani soil, despite all the Foreign 
Minister's talk of no one being allowed to do so.  However, the 
Lahore-based liberal independent weekly "The Friday Times" is 
skeptical about the ability of the Pakistani leaders, and cautioned 
that someone will have to step in soon to save the country, and the 
Pakistan army has tried to 'save' the country three times in the 
past.  "Each time it has left behind a bigger mess than the one it 
inherited from the civilians on assuming power", the periodical 
added.  End Summary. 
 
----------------- 
News Stories 
----------------- 
 
¶1.  "10 U.S. Soldiers Killed In Attack On Afghan Base" "Dawn" 
(07/14) 
 
"A multi-pronged militant assault on a small, remote U.S. base in 
the eastern Nuristan province and killed 10 American soldiers and 
wounded 15 on Sunday in the deadliest attack on U.S. forces in 
Afghanistan in three years." 
 
¶2.  "Gilani Brushes Aside Foreign Attack Notion" "The News" (07/14) 
 
"Rejecting the idea of any foreign attack inside Pakistan territory, 
Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Sunday said Pakistan was 
an independent state and no one could dare challenge its 
sovereignty, he told reporters in Peshawar." 
 
¶3.  "Border Violations Not Acceptable, Kayani Tells Mullen" "Daily 
Times" (07/13) 
 
"Chief of Army Staff Gen. Ashfaq Kayani has told U.S. Joint Chiefs 
of Staff Chairman Admiral Mike Mullen that border violations by 
U.S.-led coalition forces in Afghanistan would no longer be 
acceptable to Pakistan, a private television channel reported on 
Saturday, according to 'Dawn News.'...  Mullen was on a surprise, 
one-day trip to Pakistan.  U.S. Embassy officials confirmed the 
visit but said they had no details on Mullen's itinerary." 
 
¶4.  "Qureshi, Rice Discuss Bilateral Ties" "The News" (07/12) 
 
"Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and U.S. Secretary of State 
Condoleezza Rice met in Washington on Friday to discuss enhancing 
Pakistan-U.S. bilateral relations in wide-ranging areas." 
 
¶5.  "NATO Planes Bomb Angoor Adda; 9 Army Men Injured" "The News" 
(07/12) 
 
"Eleven people, including nine Pakistani soldiers and two tribesmen, 
were injured when two NATO warplanes blitzed Pakistan's Angoor Adda 
town, a border village on the Pak-Afghan border in South Waziristan, 
on the night between Thursday and Friday caused serious injuries to 
nine soldiers." 
 
¶6.  "Pakistan Using Diplomatic Pressure To Stop Foreign Raids" "The 
News" (07/12) 
 
"Pakistan is using diplomatic pressure to refrain NATO forces 
particularly the United States from incursions in Pakistan's 
territory as Islamabad has already lodged protest on the Friday air 
attack at Angoor Adda by the U.S. planes." 
 
¶7.  "Pakistan In The Eye Of The Storm: Qureshi" "The News" (07/14) 
 
"After his meetings with the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and 
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice Foreign Minister Shah 
Mahmood Qureshi has conceded that 'Pakistan is in the eye of the 
storm' and that 'we have to make farsighted and prudent decisions to 
safeguard our interests,' while addressing to the Pakistani 
community in New York." 
 
¶8.  "U.S. Must Not Opt For Hot Pursuit: Zardari" "Daily Times" 
(07/14) 
 
"The United States should avoid talks of 'hot pursuit' of militants 
into Pakistan's Tribal Areas and give the newly formed government 
time to enact its own policies without undue pressure, Pakistan 
People's Party (PPP) Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari said on Sunday. 
In an exclusive chat with the Business Plus TV channel, he said that 
Pakistan was in favor of the war on terror, but it was unjustified 
of the United States to expect miracles from a four-month old 
government." 
 
¶9.  "Force Alone Wouldn't Resolve Issues, U.S. Told" "Dawn" (07/14) 
 
"Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has told U.S. administration 
officials that military force alone should not be used as a weapon 
against terrorism.  Addressing a huge partisan gathering at the 
Pakistan Consulate in New York, he said that while Pakistan would 
not hesitate to use force against militants but this war had to be 
fought with the help of people, by 'winning hearts and minds.'" 
 
¶10.  "U.S. Not Hunting Usama in Pakistan" "Daily Times" (07/14) 
 
"There are no United States or other foreign military personnel on 
the hunt for Al Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden in Pakistan, and none 
will be allowed in to search for him, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood 
Qureshi has said.  In an interview on Saturday, he said the new 
government had ruled out such military operations, covert or 
otherwise, to catch militants." 
 
¶11.  "PML-Q To Raise U.S. Attack Threat In Parliament: Mushahid" 
"Pakistan Observer" (07/14) 
 
"Pakistan Muslim League (Q) has denounced cross-border aggression 
into Pakistani territory and affirmed to table condemnation 
resolution in the next Parliament session, party Secretary General 
Mushahid Hussain Sayed told a news conference in Islamabad on 
Sunday." 
 
¶12.  "Qazi Warns U.S. Of Tit-For-Tat Response" "The News" (07/14) 
 
"The Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Qazi Hussain Ahmad has rejected 
the U.S. policy of hot pursuit of suspected militants into the 
tribal areas of Pakistan.  Such an action would be taken as 
aggression and the nation would resist it, he told reporters after 
addressing people at a seminary in Peshawar on Sunday." 
 
¶13.  "Bush Urged To Send Troops Withdrawn From Iraq To Afghanistan" 
"Dawn" (07/14) 
 
"A senior American Senator urged the Bush administration on Sunday 
to send the troops withdrawn from Iraq to Afghanistan to help stop 
cross-border infiltration.  In an interview with CBS News, Senator 
Richard Lugar said he believed the need for U.S. troops in 
Afghanistan was 'intense.'" 
 
¶14.  "Pakistan Not Responsible For Terror; Musharraf Says Use Of 
Force Breeds More Terrorists And Extremists" "The Post" (07/14) 
 
"President Musharraf has denied involvement of Pakistani agencies in 
the deadly attack on the Indian Embassy in Kabul and said Pakistan 
itself was a victim of terrorism.  Talking to outgoing French 
Ambassador R'gis de Belenet who called on him, Musharraf said the 
international community should stop blaming Pakistan for every 
terrorist act in the region, the Khaleej Times reported on Sunday." 
 
¶15.  "Drive To Secure 78 U.S. Teenagers Studying In Pak Madarassas; 
600 American Boys Getting Jihadi Education In 22 Seminaries" "The 
Post" (07/14) 
 
"A Pakistani filmmaker has launched a campaign to secure the release 
of 78 American teenagers from a Taliban-backed Madarassa in the 
country and asked the U.S. to step in to check students' enrolment 
in radical seminaries to close 'the pipeline to Jihad.  Imran Raza, 
who helped secure the release of two U.S. teenagers of Pakistani 
origin, found up to 80 other such boys and girls in Karachi-based 
Jamia Binoria while shooting Karachi Kids, a documentary on American 
children in Pakistan's seminaries that will be released next 
week....  It is believed that there are another 600 American boys 
currently being educated in 22 Madarassas throughout Pakistan.  They 
are known to mass-produce extremists with a political agenda, 
including a cripplingly narrow view of society and zero tolerance of 
western culture.  They radicalize Muslim youth and are seminaries 
for violent jihad." 
 
¶16.  "Tehrik-e-Jaish Islami Pakistan (TJIP) Warns U.S. 'Spies'" "The 
News" (07/14) 
 
"Vowing to take stern action against those involved in espionage, 
the Bajaur chapter of Tehrik-e-Jaish Islami Pakistan (TJIP) on 
Sunday warned that they would award exemplary punishment to the 
persons spying for the United States.  Qari Saifullah, spokesman for 
chief of TJIP Bajaur chapter Commander Wali-ur-Rahman, told 
reporters from an undisclosed location by telephone that their 
organisation would continue Jihad against America until its troops 
leave Afghanistan and other Islamic countries." 
 
¶17.  "Militants Hand Over Bodies Of Troops" "Pakistan Observer" 
(07/14) 
 
"Suspected Taliban militants on Sunday handed over the bodies of 17 
paramilitary troops killed in an ambush in Pakistan's restive 
northwest, highlighting a surge in insurgent activity there.  The 
dead were part of a convoy heading to a fort outside the city of 
Hangu near the border with Afghanistan on Saturday when rebels 
attacked it with rocket-propelled grenades and assault rifles, 
officials said." 
 
¶18.  "Four hurt in D.I. Khan suicide attack" "The News" (07/14) 
 
"Four people were injured when a suicide bomber blew himself up soon 
after the concluding session of the Shuhada-e-Islam Conference in 
Dera Ismail Khan on Sunday." 
 
¶19.  "Six More Killed In Lashkar, Ansar Clashes" "The News" (07/14) 
 
"Six more people were killed and 10 others injured in fresh clashes 
between the two warring groups in the Mangal Bagh-led 
Lashkar-e-Islam and the Mahoob-led Ansarul Islam in the remote Tirah 
Valley of the Khyber Agency on Sunday." 
 
¶20.  "Jirga To Decide Fate Of 29 Abducted Soldiers: Omar" "The News" 
(07/14) 
 
"Spokesman for the Pakistan Tehrik-e-Taliban Maulvi Omar has said 
that the decision of the local Taliban in Hangu regarding the fate 
of 29 abducted soldiers would be acceptable for the central 
leadership." 
 
--------------------- 
Editorials/Op-eds 
--------------------- 
 
¶21.  "Unexpected Visitor," an editorial in the centrist national 
English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (07/14) 
 
"The unexpected arrival of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman 
Admiral Mike Mullen in Islamabad on Saturday is further evidence of 
heightening U.S. impatience with what it perceives as Pakistan's 
inability to combat a new wave of terrorism and to prevent 
infiltration into Afghanistan.  There can be no doubt more direct 
U.S. involvement in Pakistan would only add further complexities and 
strengthen the view that Pakistan is fighting the war on terror at 
the behest of the U.S.  Washington has a duty to help Pakistan 
overcome the militant Frankenstein.  But it must do so rationally 
and sensibly, keeping in mind the fact that the mere use of military 
might will further aggravate the problem rather than helping to 
resolve it." 
 
¶22.  "Attack On Security Forces And U.S. Admiral's Unexpected Trip 
To Pakistan," an editorial in liberal Urdu daily "Express" (cir. 
25,000) (07/14) 
 
"U.S. jets bombarded Angoor Adda, in Waziristan, on the night 
between Thursday and Friday, injuring 11 including 9 security 
personnel.  Pakistan lodged a strong protest with NATO and the U.S. 
on this attack.  This was not the first incident of bombardment of 
Pakistani areas and violation of Pakistani airspace by U.S. jets and 
it won't be the last, if we keep U.S. designs in mind....  The U.S. 
media are increasing demands for action by U.S. commandos in the 
tribal areas.  One reason for this demand could be the U.S. 
elections.  The purpose of U.S. Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Mike 
Mullen's unexpected visit on Saturday also seems to be to increase 
pressure on the government.  The Bush administration is bent on 
proving Pakistan is more dangerous than Iraq or Afghanistan.  It 
seems that preparations are being made for a major operation." 
 
¶23.  "U.S. Admiral Mullen's Visit To Pakistan," an editorial in the 
Karachi-based right-wing pro-Jamaat-e-Islami Urdu daily "Jasarat" 
(cir. 3,000) (07/14) 
 
"The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad has confirmed the visit and meeting 
of the U.S. CJCS Admiral Michael Mullen, while ISPR has neither 
refuted the report, nor confirmed it.  What was the agenda of this 
sudden and unplanned visit of the U.S. army chief, and his meeting 
with Pakistan's military chief Gen. Kiyani?  Details of the meeting 
are not made public, but it is obvious that the real agenda of 
meeting was 'the U.S.-led war on terror', and to exert more pressure 
on Pakistan to allow U.S. forces to launch military action in 
Pakistani tribal areas.  Opposing the U.S. war on terror is not an 
emotional catchphrase, but it is a solid fact.  It is becoming 
clearer as American elections are approaching nearer.  Pressure on 
Pakistan is mounting that eventually aims at U.S. occupation of 
Pakistani disorderly tribal areas." 
 
¶24.  "Hundred Days On, the Hopes Are Fading," an op-ed by Kamal 
Siddiqi in the centrist national English daily "The News" (cir. 
55,000) (07/14) 
 
"Things have gone from bad to worse in the tribal areas and the 
NWFP.  The patience of the U.S. army and the coalition forces is 
wearing thin.  They have started attacking at will on Pakistani 
soil, despite all the talk of no one being allowed to do so by our 
globe-trotting Foreign Minister.  We are scared about what is 
happening in the tribal areas and the NWFP.  There are fears that 
this will spread to all other parts of Pakistan.  The tragedy in 
Islamabad earlier this month is a sad reminder of the helplessness 
of our leaders and the games that are being played between 'us' and 
'them.'  The only truth is that the people have reconciled to the 
fact that this government is no better, or worse, than the previous 
one." 
 
¶25.  "Desperately Seeking Leaders," an editorial Lahore-based 
English language liberal independent weekly "The Friday Times" 
(07/11-17) 
 
"President Musharraf's daring re-entry into the political arena 
recently - 'I'm not going anywhere,' he says stridently, 'the army 
is with me' - has shaken everyone.  The refrain that the civilians 
are failing to provide solutions to Pakistan's myriad problems is 
becoming common enough, even though it is barely four months since 
the last elections.  More dangerous is the supplementary comment 
that is trembling on many lips: 'someone will have to step in soon 
to save the country.'  The army has tried to 'save' the country 
three times in the past.  Each time it has left behind a bigger mess 
than the one it inherited from the civilians on assuming power." 
 
¶26.  "A Change Of Tune," an editorial in the centrist national 
English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (07/13) 
 
"The top U.S. Military Commander, Admiral Mike Mullen, is being very 
blunt when he says: 'There's clearly not enough pressure being 
brought to bear, particularly on the Pakistani side of the border. 
There's more freedom there.'  Unpack that statement and run it 
alongside the 'trust deficit' and you get the diplomatic equivalent 
of a poke in the eye with a sharp stick.  'Hot pursuit' - the 
chasing of targets into Pakistan by foreign forces - is in all 
probability being signaled by these tonal shifts, and given the 
volatility of the Tribal Areas, the virulent anti-Americanism in 
many parts of the country and the political fragility we are 
currently experiencing, such a move could have severe negative 
consequences." 
 
¶27.  "Western Front On Fire," an editorial in the center-right 
national English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (07/13) 
 
"The Americans have replaced the old line of denial of involvement 
or simple silence with plain declarations that they have the right 
and Pakistan government's permission to intervene.  Islamabad is 
left with making puerile protests....  The Pakistan government has 
to act on two fronts simultaneously: persuading the U.S. to give a 
timetable of departure and assuring the tribesmen of its sincerity 
in ending armed action.  But first of all, the coalition forces need 
to mend fences and evolve a consensus on how to tackle the menace of 
militancy.  Otherwise, strife and despair would continue to haunt 
the nation." 
 
¶28.  "Qureshi Reflects Nation's Aspirations," an editorial in the 
Islamabad-based rightist English daily "Pakistan Observer" (cir. 
5,000) (07/14) 
 
"The hegemonic and colonial mindset of the United States is causing 
considerable anti-America feelings the world over including 
Pakistan, of course.  The way the U.S. launches missile and drone 
attacks, violates ground and air space of Pakistan frequently and 
CENTCOM officials issue threatening statements is bound to cause 
resentment in Pakistan.  Americans claim to be friends of Pakistan 
yet their actions belie these claims and embitter bilateral 
relations.  We believe that it is because of out of the way 
cooperation and willingness to accept even humiliating demands that 
the United States has taken Pakistan for granted and is not only 
meddling into its domestic affairs but also carries out attacks 
inside its territory, making mockery of our sovereignty.  We have 
been emphasizing in these columns that parameters of cooperation 
should be quite clear, open and Pakistan must tell Washington that 
these are the red lines.  The situation would be different if 
Pakistan adopts a clear and nationalist policy on the issue." 
 
¶29.  "From Bad To Worse," an editorial in the centrist national 
English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (07/14) 
 
"Even as concern both within and outside the country about resurgent 
militancy in the country grows, new incidents each day go to 
reinforce these fears.  Tactics to cope with such a situation need 
to be devised.  The militants are acutely aware that high death 
tolls add to pressures on decision makers.  The capture of hostages 
also follows a similar line of thinking, in which blackmail is the 
key tool.  There is a need, at the highest level, to draw up a 
master-plan.  Militancy must be dealt with wherever it occurs. 
Piecemeal accords, if part of a cohesive strategy, may make sense - 
but the crucial requirement is to back words with actions." 
 
¶30.  "Cult Of The Gun," an editorial in the center-right national 
English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (07/14) 
 
"Despite mounting foreign pressure, the coalition government has 
continued to resolve the issue of militancy through talks.  This 
policy enjoys wide support in the country.  The militants have to 
understand that the majority of Pakistanis comprises moderate 
people.  Continuing acts of violence will turn the public opinion 
against them.  In case this happens they may not find many 
supporters pleading that talk be held with them." 
 
¶31.  "Strong Words," an editorial in the centrist national English 
daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (07/13) 
 
"The lack of agreement between Islamabad and the U.S. over the 
militant issue naturally complicates the task of defeating 
terrorism.  But the U.S. needs to recognize that over the past seven 
years, when it has, through its ally President Musharraf, been 
firmly in charge of strategy and been able to dictate policy - in 
some cases even at the micro level -- the militant problem has 
expanded at alarming speed....  Pakistan must be certain it has an 
unambiguous policy, so that it can convincingly persuade others to 
back it and ensure there is a common front against the looming 
menace of terror." 
 
¶32.  "Foreign Threats, Internal Problems; Nawaz And Asif's 
Indifference," an editorial in the second-largest, center-right 
nationalist Urdu daily "Nawa-i-Waqt" (cir. 125,000) (07/14) 
 
"Nawaz Sharif and Asif Zardari should not disappoint the nation; 
they should rise above their personal and political interests and 
give proof of being unselfish national leaders." 
 
¶33.  "U.S. Bombardment At South Waziristan," an editorial in the 
Peshawar-based Urdu-language daily "Mashriq" (cir. 55,000) (07/13) 
 
"The presence of U.S. and NATO troops in our neighborhood is itself 
a matter of serious concern for Pakistan, but the aerial and ground 
border violations have also become routine nowadays.  And there are 
also some reports that a U.S. aircraft carrier has arrived in the 
Arabian Sea to help NATO forces with any possible attack on 
Pakistani territory.  The United States and its allied forces are 
apparently fighting a war against terrorism, but in fact they are 
indulging in terror activities in this part of the world." 
 
¶34.  "Bombardment At South Waziristan - Government Must Realize 
Gravity Of Situation," an editorial in the leading mass circulation 
centrist Urdu daily "Jang" (cir. 300,000) (07/13) 
 
"A Pakistani check-post has been destroyed and 14 people were 
injured including 12 security personnel in bombardment by the U.S. 
and allied forces at Angoor Adda in South Waziristan....  The time 
has come for our government to get ready to defend Pakistani borders 
instead of fighting a proxy war for others.  The Pakistan Army is a 
professional and patriotic army, and has ability to frustrate the 
designs of its enemies.  However, the government must take the 
political and religious parties, tribal elders, and the nation into 
confidence before taking any political, economic, and military steps 
to deal with the situation." 
 
¶35.  "Sensible Proposal To Deploy Afghan Troops At Pak-Afghan 
Border," an editorial in the Peshawar-based Urdu-language daily 
"Mashriq" (cir. 55,000) (07/12) 
 
"Suppose it is true that if Taliban infiltrate into Afghanistan from 
Pakistan, then Afghan and allied forces must be deployed at the 
Pak-Afghan border instead of in the streets of Kabul.  But perhaps 
President Karzai cannot afford to do so, nor are the allied forces 
ready to leave Kabul, as they both are afraid of Taliban attacks. 
Foreign Minister Qureshi has rightly proposed that Afghanistan must 
also deploy its troops at the border to deal with any threat from 
Taliban who allegedly are entering from Pakistan." 
 
¶36.  "How Vital Are The United States And Pakistan For Each Other," 
an op-ed by Mahmood Sham, Group Editor in the leading mass 
circulation centrist Urdu daily "Jang" (cir. 300,000) (17/14) 
 
"The lack of a clear-cut policy of the new government about 
religious extremists and militants and the continuous struggle of 
lawyers for the restoration of judges has given a bad impression to 
the United States and other western countries about the coalition 
government of Pakistan.  The inability of the present government to 
resolve the issues inherited from the previous administration is 
also creating doubts about its capability and worth.  Pakistan is 
still a very important country for the United States, and its 
geo-strategic position is very significant.  The rising threat of 
the Taliban force in the FATA is making Pakistan essential for the 
United States." 
 
¶37.  "Iran's Nuclear Program And American Attitude," an editorial in 
liberal Urdu daily "Express" (cir. 25,000) (07/14) 
 
"It would not be difficult to resolve Iran's nuclear issue if the 
United States adheres to a policy of live-and-let-live.  If the 
United States resolves its issues with Iran, it would have a 
positive impact on Iraq as well as Afghanistan, and the war on 
terror can be turned into a success." 
 
 
Patterson