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UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 000139 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OIIP OPRC PGOV PREL PK
SUBJECT:  PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: JANUARY 22, 2009 
 
Summary:  Reports on the new "White House Foreign Policy Agenda" 
linking "increase in aid to Pakistan to security along Afghan 
border" dominated headlines in all major dailies on Thursday.  Also 
front-paged were reports that "U.S. President Barack Obama asked 
prosecutors to seek a suspension of all military trials at the U.S. 
prison camp in Cuba."  President Zadari's welcoming of President 
Obama's pledge "to seek a new approach with the Muslim world" was 
highlighted in all newspapers. Reports that "top Al Qaeda operative 
was among the seven suspected militants held" in Khyber tribal 
region also received prominent display. 
 
All major English and Urdu language dailies ran detailed editorials 
on the assumption of Barack Obama to the office of U.S. President. 
The independent national daily, "Dawn," noted that "the President 
did not simply make demands from the rest of the world; he 
acknowledged that America too must change." Another English daily, 
"The News," observed that "whilst we may take an interest in how 
President Obama will address his domestic problems, our interest 
will be far keener in how he tackles foreign policy."  The Urdu 
daily, "Islam," wrote:  "The success of President Obama, the global 
peace and stability, and even the very existence of the United 
States is directly linked to the change that the U.S. brings about 
in its policies and the resolution of problems confronting the 
Muslim countries."  Another Urdu daily, "Express," noted that "the 
world can be turned into a better place in a few years if President 
Obama implements his vision. The situation would also improve if 
moderation replaces war-mongering."  End Summary. 
 
----------------- 
News Stories 
----------------- 
 
"Obama Links Increase In Aid to Security Along Afghan Border" "Dawn" 
(01/22) 
 
"U.S. President Barack Obama and Vice-President Joe Biden will 
increase non-military aid to Pakistan and hold it accountable for 
security in the border region with Afghanistan, says the new White 
House foreign policy agenda issued on Wednesday.  Afghanistan and 
Pakistan top this agenda, followed by nuclear weapons, Iran, energy 
security, Israel, bipartisanship and openness, in that order." 
 
"U.S. Takes First Step Towards Closing Guantanamo" "Dawn" (01/22) 
 
"U.S. military judges on Wednesday deferred the trial of key 
Guantanamo suspects, hours after President Barack Obama asked 
prosecutors to seek a suspension of all military trials at the U.S. 
prison camp in Cuba.  Members of the Obama team described his 
decision as the first step towards fulfilling a vow to close the 
controversial 'war on terror' prison." 
 
"Zardari Lauds Obama's 'New Way Forward' Approach" "Dawn" (01/22) 
 
"President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday welcomed a pledge from U.S. 
President Barack Obama to seek a new approach with the Muslim world 
after eight turbulent years of the Bush administration, said a 
statement from the presidency." 
 
"Pakistan To Review Options If U.S. Policy Not Positive" "Daily 
Times" (01/22) 
 
"If U.S. President Barack Obama's administration does not adopt a 
positive policy towards Pakistan, the South Asian country will have 
to review its options, a private TV channel quoted Pakistani 
Ambassador to the U.S. Hussain Haqqani as saying on Wednesday. 
Haqqani told the channel that former U.S. President George Bush 
preferred getting himself heard to listening to others and 'believed 
in the use of force.'  He said that compared to Bush, Obama believed 
in holding talks.  Haqqani hoped that Obama would give a more 
'patient hearing' to Pakistan's views, said the channel." 
 
 
"Hillary Clinton Sworn In As Secretary Of State" "The Nation" 
(01/22) 
 
"The former first lady and New York Senator, Hillary R. Clinton, was 
on Thursday sworn in as the Secretary of State within an hour of her 
being confirmed by the U.S. Senate by an overwhelming majority of 94 
to two votes.  Clinton would be the 67th Secretary of State 
replacing Condoleezza Rice of the previous Bush Administration." 
"U.S. To Name Holbrook As Special Afghan-Pak Envoy" "The Nation" 
(01/22) 
 
"Richard Holbrook, the former US Ambassador to UN is likely to be 
appointed envoy to Pakistan, Afghanistan and related matters by the 
new Obama administration after Hillary Clinton was sworn in as the 
Secretary of State earlier on Thursday." 
 
"Mixed Views On Obama's Swearing-In" "The News" (01/22) 
 
"Rising expectations about a paradigm shift in the U.S. foreign 
policy, especially towards the Muslim Ummah, after the swearing-in 
of Barack Obama as President of the United State on Wednesday evoked 
mixed reaction from the people....  Some even went to say that 
nothing would change whether it is George Bush or Barack Obama as 
the Jewish lobby is in fact in charge of all the American policies 
and it would not let the new President show any soft corner towards 
the Muslim world." 
 
"JI Welcomes Obama's Pledge" "Daily Times" (01/22) 
 
"The Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) on Wednesday welcomed a pledge from US 
President Barack Obama seeking a 'new way forward' with the Muslim 
world.  'We welcome it very much,' said Khurshid Ahmed, a senior 
leader of the JI." 
 
"'Top Al Qaeda Operative' Held In Khyber Raid" "Dawn" (01/22) 
 
"Seven suspected militants were arrested in a pre-dawn operation in 
Bara Qadeem area of the Khyber tribal region on Wednesday. 
According to Reuters, a senior Al Qaeda operative suspected of 
involvement in the 2005 bombings of London transport system was 
among the seven.  Officials said some foreigners were among the 
seven arrested by Mehsud Scouts during a raid on the house of a 
local militant." 
 
"Foreign Troops A Threat To Region: Owais" "Dawn" (01/22) 
 
"NWFP Governor Owais Ahmad Ghani has called for withdrawal of 
foreign troops from Afghanistan, saying that their presence is 
endangering the security of the entire region.  'The roots of 
terrorism are based in Afghanistan and not in Pakistan and efforts 
should be made to control terrorism there,' he said, while speaking 
at a ceremony held in the Khyber Medical University, Peshawar on 
Wednesday." 
 
"Foreign Hands Patronizing Militants In Swat, FATA: Malik" "The 
News" (01/22) 
 
"Terming terrorism a cancer not only for Pakistan but also the 
entire world, Adviser on Interior Rehman Malik said on Wednesday 
that foreign hands were patronizing the militants in Swat and Fata 
areas.  'The government has adopted a strategy to flush out 
terrorists from Swat and peace would be restored there within a 
two-week time,' he said in Islamabad." 
 
"Taliban's Mohmand Chief Killed" "Dawn" (01/22) 
 
"Umer Khalid, the Chief of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in the 
Mohmand tribal region, was killed along with four other key 
commanders in a military operation in Lakaro area on Wednesday 
morning, a security official claimed." 
 
"Swat TTP Conditionally Accepts Government's Olive Branch" "The 
News" (01/22) 
 
"Militants loyal to Maulana Fazlullah on Wednesday expressed their 
willingness to hold talks with Jamiatul Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) 
Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman for a negotiated settlement of the Swat 
problem, but said the government should have the authority to make 
decisions itself instead of 'taking dictations from Washington.'" 
 
"JI Offers To Mediate Between Militants, Government" "The News" 
(01/220 
 
"The Jamaat-e-Islami on Wednesday said it was ready to play an 
active role in mediating between the government and militants in 
Swat and elsewhere, if the unanimous resolution adopted by the joint 
session of parliament was implemented in toto, said provincial 
President of the Jamaat-e-Islami Sirajul Haq while addressing a news 
conference in Peshawar." 
 
"Five Drones Intrude Into NWA" "The News" (01/22) 
 
"Five U.S. drones on Wednesday intruded into the Pakistani tribal 
territory in North Waziristan Agency (NWA) after a long gap but no 
missiles were fired at any target, said a resident of Miramshah." 
 
"Two Schools Destroyed" "Dawn" (01/22) 
 
"Taliban militants destroyed another two government-run schools and 
a health centre as violence continued in Swat on Wednesday." 
 
"Taliban Demand End To Playing Music In Buses" "Daily Times" 
(01/22) 
 
"Bus drivers in the NWFP have begun removing audio and video 
equipment from their vehicles after the Taliban threatened suicide 
attacks against those who played music or films for passengers, an 
industry official said on Tuesday." 
 
"NATO Chief In Islamabad" "Dawn" (01/22) 
 
"NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer arrived in Islamabad 
on Wednesday on a two-day visit during which he is expected to meet 
President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, 
Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and the country's military 
leadership to seek increased cooperation in anti-terror war and 
better security for the alliance's supply routes." 
 
--------------------- 
Editorials/Op-eds 
--------------------- 
 
"Yes He Can?," an editorial in the Karachi-based center-left 
independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) (01/22) 
 
"There was no talk of a 'war on terror'; instead, President Obama 
talked, accurately, of his nation being at war 'against a 
far-reaching network of violence and hatred.'  And offering an olive 
branch to the Muslim world, he spoke of seeking a new way forward. 
Even better, the President did not simply make demands from the rest 
of the world; he acknowledged that America too must change." 
 
"The Morning After," an editorial in the centrist national English 
daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (01/22) 
 
"Whilst we may take an interest in how President Obama will address 
his domestic problems, our interest will be far keener in how he 
tackles foreign policy.  What we have come to expect from Obama is 
greater frankness and perhaps a tougher approach to some of the 
knottier problems on the table." 
 
"Barack Obama's Determination To Develop New Relations With Muslim 
World," an editorial in the Karachi-based, pro Taliban Jihadi Urdu 
daily "Islam" (cir. 15,000) (01/22) 
 
"The success of President Obama, the global peace and stability, and 
even the very existence of the United States are directly linked to 
the change in its policies and the resolution of problems 
confronting the Muslim countries.  If President Obama firmly 
believes in the right of freedom for every nation, then he must stop 
drone attacks on Pakistani border areas immediately." 
 
"Bush Leaves Behind A Tale Of Destruction And Devastation; Obama 
Becomes The Center Of World Expectations," an editorial in liberal 
Urdu daily "Express" (cir. 25,000) (01/22) 
 
"In his inaugural address, President Obama has expressed the desire 
to improve the state of the world's poor.  The world can be turned 
into a better place in a few years if he implements it.  The 
situation would also improve if moderation replaces war-mongering." 
 
 
"Commitment To New Way Forward With The Muslim World: New U.S. 
President Barack Hussein Obama Must Honor His Name," an editorial in 
the second-largest, center-right nationalist Urdu daily 
"Nawa-i-Waqt" (cir. 125,000) (01/22) 
 
"While looking for new way forward for good relations with the 
Muslim world, President Barack Hussein Obama will have to keep in 
perspective Bush's anti-Muslim policies....  If President Barack 
Obama wants peace for the sake of a peaceful society at large and 
wants cooperation from the Muslim world then he will have to 
withdraw the U.S. troops from Afghanistan besides Iraq.  He will 
also have to stop giving anti-Muslim patronage to India and will 
have to have good relations with Muslim countries." 
 
"Welcome Obama," an editorial in the center-right Urdu daily 
"Pakistan" (cir. 10,000) (01/22) 
 
"Pakistan's political and military leadership has conveyed the 
'message' to new U.S. administration.  Only time will tell as to how 
President Obama solicits Pakistan's help in maintaining 'peace' in 
Afghanistan and what assistance he offers to Pakistan in this 
respect....  The Middle East issue would be the biggest hurdle in 
the new way forward for relations with the Muslim world." 
 
"Pakistan's Immediate Expectations From Obama" an editorial in 
liberal Urdu daily "Express" (cir. 25,000) (01/22) 
 
"The first demand the government of Pakistan has from President 
Obama is an immediate halt to the drone attacks... Pakistan also 
expects the new President to play a role in reducing the Indo-Pak 
tension as well as keeping the Kashmir issue resolution on his 
agenda." 
 
"President Barack Hussein Obama And Hopes of the World" an editorial 
in the Lahore-based independent Urdu daily "Din" (cir. 5,000) 
(01/22) 
 
"The world can change if President Obama restores America's image as 
a peace-loving nation, and acknowledges the right of every nation to 
form a democratic system according to its own aspirations." 
 
"U.S. President Obama's Address And Expectations," an editorial in 
the Lahore-based populist center-right Urdu daily "Khabrain" (cir. 
50,000) (01/21) 
 
"While it is true that the U.S. President has to work on a 
pre-determined policy, but one must also remember that the U.S. 
President has a key role in formulating these policies.  If only the 
policy making institutions were paramount, the U.S. nation and the 
international community would not have pinned so many hopes on 
Obama." 
 
"Oath Of Barack Obama - A Momentous Event Of U.S. History," an 
editorial in the popular rightist Urdu-language daily "Ausaf" (cir. 
10,000) (01/22) 
 
"President Barack Obama must seek out such Muslim leaders that can 
bridge the gap between the U.S. and its opponents in the Muslim 
states.  The U.S. will also have to shun exercise of force, and must 
resort to dialogue process to pave way for peace and tranquility in 
the world." 
 
"Commendable Announcements Of President Obama; World Looking Forward 
For Practical Steps," an editorial in the Peshawar-based 
Urdu-language daily "Mashriq" (cir. 55,000) (01/22) 
 
"Whether the change in Washington Administration will bring any 
improvement in the bilateral relations and mutual trust between 
Pakistan and the U.S. will depend on the policies of the Obama 
Administration." 
 
"A Ray Of Hope," an editorial in the center-right national English 
daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (01/22) 
 
"One would assume that a man like him at the helm would be able to 
take the world out of the stormy seas to the safety of land.  But 
let the world keep its fingers crossed till there are signs of a 
tangible change in the U.S. attitude to its various issues on the 
horizon." 
 
"Pledge Of Change," an editorial in the Lahore-based liberal English 
daily "The Post" (cir. 5,000) (01/22) 
 
"In contrast to the relative ease with which he climbed up the 
ladder to the White House, the presidency is not going to be a bed 
of roses for him since he confronts many challenges at home and 
abroad." 
 
"New Era Dawns On U.S. But...," an editorial in the Islamabad-based 
rightist English daily "Pakistan Observer" (cir. 5,000) (01/22) 
 
"Though Obama has promised to 'seek a new way forward, based on 
mutual interest and mutual respect' as far as the Muslim world is 
concerned, yet in the same breath in a veiled reference he blamed 
some Muslim States for the ills that are really the product of the 
direct or indirect U.S. intervention and interference in the 
internal affairs of the countries and regions.  This shows that he 
was not willing to acknowledge that regional and global unrest and 
instability was because of the American policies of regime change 
and pre-emptive strikes and with this kind of approach at least the 
Muslim world can hardly expect any relief in months and years to 
come." 
 
"America's First Black President," an editorial in the country's 
premier business newspaper, "Business Recorder" (cir. 25,000) 
(01/23) 
 
"America has changed, and Barack Hussein Obama's election to the 
country's highest office is the proof.  This change was overdue in 
America, but it had to wait at the doorsteps of the vested interests 
in politics and business....  Yet hope persists that under President 
Obama the United States would have a bigger ear to catch what others 
have to say." 
 
"American Drones And Taliban Terrorism," an editorial in the 
Lahore-based liberal English language daily "Daily Times" (cir. 
10,000) (01/22) 
 
"The decision to find an alternative route was taken after a series 
of attacks near Peshawar destroyed convoys of large carrier trucks, 
resulting in theft of equipment by the Taliban.  Some thought that 
the attacks were a reaction to America's refusal to accede to 
Pakistan's request to stop drone attacks inside the Pakistani 
territory....  President Obama's policy of beefing up forces in 
Afghanistan and offering Pakistan an aid package it cannot resist 
will cause a lot of internal strife in Pakistan.  The government 
will find the 'package' irresistible, but the army may pay less 
attention to questions related to the survival of the national 
economy.  Since the media and the public opinion in Pakistan are 
greatly incensed at drone attacks." 
 
"Change In Thinking: Now It Should Be In Actions," an editorial in 
the Karachi-based center-right sensationalist Urdu daily "Ummat" 
(cir. 33,000) (01/22) 
 
"No doubt 44th President of United States, Obama, has written a new 
chapter in American history. One can welcome President Obama's idea 
of establishing new relationship with Muslim World but the Muslim 
countries should not attach much expectations from Obama because 
Jews tend to influence American politics, media and even military 
planning." 
 
"Will There Be A Change In the World?," an editorial in the 
Karachi-based right-wing pro-Jamaat-e-Islami Urdu daily "Jasarat" 
(cir. 3,000) (01/22) 
 
"So far whatever President Obama has said from his election campaign 
up to the election victory, there is nothing which can give feeling 
to Muslims that things would change under his presidency. So the 
Muslims should not live under any illusions. It is possible that 
Obama's policies might make a difference internally but for the 
Muslim World there would be no change." 
 
"A Harbinger Of Change," an op-ed by Shahab Usto in the 
Karachi-based center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" 
(cir. 55,000) (01/22) 
 
"Pakistan occupies a key place in Obama's foreign policy on many 
counts.  Obama intends to wind up the war in Iraq and focus on 
Afghanistan and FATA....  Pakistan's role critical to the present 
crisis cannot be overlooked by President Obama.  It's heartening 
that he has pledged an increase in Pakistan's non-military aid and 
openly supported a resolution of the Kashmir dispute at a time when 
the Indo-U.S. romance is blooming.  Yet, the proof of pudding is in 
the eating.  The U.S. must translate these promises into action." 
Patterson