O 050950Z JAN 09
FM AMEMBASSY ISLAMABAD
TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 0930
SECDEF WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
INFO USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 
USMISSION USNATO IMMEDIATE 
THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
NSC WASHDC IMMEDIATE
HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL//CCPA// IMMEDIATE
HQ PACAF HICKAM AFB HI//CCPA// IMMEDIATE
JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
DIA WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
ALL SOUTH AND CENTRAL ASIA COLLECTIVE
AMEMBASSY LONDON 
AMEMBASSY PARIS 
AMEMBASSY MOSCOW 
HQ USPACOM HONOLULU HI

UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 000023 
 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OIIP OPRC PGOV PREL PK
SUBJECT:  PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: JANUARY 05, 2009 
 
Summary:  Reports and photographs of "Israeli big ground offensive" 
dominated front pages on Monday.  All newspapers highlighted reports 
on a "suicide attack" in NWFP's southern district of Dera Ismail 
Khan that killed 10 people, including four policemen.  Foreign 
Minister Qureshi's statement rejecting "India's demand to handover 
terror suspects linked to the strikes," as "there was no extradition 
treaty between the two countries" received prominence in all major 
dailies.  The English daily, "Dawn," Washington report stated that 
"India wants Washington to persuade Islamabad to handover Mumbai 
terror suspects."  Several major newspapers reported "Boucher due 
today (Monday) with heavy agenda," in regards to the Assistant 
Secretary of State's visit and that Vice President-elect "Joseph 
Biden to visit Pakistan this week to defuse tension." 
 
All major Urdu language newspapers ran editorials pertaining to the 
ongoing "Israeli military aggression" against Palestinians in Gaza 
Stripe.  The center-right nationalist daily, "Nawa-i-Waqt," 
commented that the "Israeli attack on Gaza is a slap on the faces of 
peace loving states and nations and rich Arab states that are 
instrumental in the implementation of the international U.S. 
agenda."  The Liberal Urdu daily, "Express," noted that "there is no 
chance of Israel's condemnation from the UN platform because the 
U.S. supports Israel, and Britain cannot afford to annoy the U.S." 
The pro-Taliban Jihadi daily, "Islam," observed that "in the present 
state of affairs, liberal and moderate Muslims have also become 
ready to lay their lives for this cause."  However, Islamabad-based 
rightist English daily "Pakistan Observer," wrote:  "There was 
urgent need on the part of the OIC to have come out with a concrete 
action plan to make Israel stop its aggression but unfortunately it 
has resorted to rhetoric alone."  End Summary. 
 
----------------- 
News Stories 
----------------- 
 
"Israeli Tanks And Artillery Battle Hamas Fighters; Invading Troops 
Surround Gaza's Main City In Big Ground Offensive" "Dawn" (01/05) 
 
"Tens of thousands of Israeli troops backed by tanks and artillery 
battled Hamas fighters in Gaza fields and roads on Sunday as the 
Palestinian death toll from the Israeli military aggression passed 
¶500.  Israeli forces surrounded the enclave's main city and families 
fled other battlefield towns in packed trucks and cars to escape the 
biggest Israeli military aggression since its 2006 war in Lebanon. 
More than 45 Palestinians were killed by tank shells or missiles 
fired from warplanes since the ground offensive was launched on 
Saturday night, Gaza medics said." 
 
"U.S. Heads Off UNSC Move On Gaza Ceasefire" "The News" (01/05) 
 
"The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has failed to agree on a 
statement calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip after 
the United States argued a return to the situation that existed 
before Israel's ground invasion was unacceptable." 
 
"Suicide Bomber Traps, Kills 10 In Dera Ismail Khan" "The News" 
(01/05) 
 
"Ten persons, including four policemen, were killed and 27 others 
injured in two bomb blasts near the Polytechnic College in Dera 
Ismail Khan on Sunday.  Eyewitnesses said soon after the blast, 
police personnel and people rushed to the spot.  As a large number 
of policemen and people gathered at the site, a 16-year-old suicide 
bomber forced his entry into the crowd and blew himself up." 
 
"2 Injured In Bannu Suicide Blast" "Daily Times" (01/05) 
 
"A suicide bomber was killed while two people received injuries near 
a check-post in Officers' Colony in Bannu on Sunday. The suicide 
bomber blew himself up in an attempt to target a check-post but 
could not succeed as the bomb went off before he could reach his 
target." 
 
"Taliban Behead 5 Security Men In Tit-For-Tat Response" "The 
Statesman" (01/05) 
 
"Five bodies of security personnel were found hanging from 
electricity poles at Green Chowk and Sohrab Chowk in Mingora city 
with a note 'those who kill Taliban would face the similar fate,'. 
Local Taliban claimed responsibility." 
 
"Taliban Consolidating Grip On Quetta: Sanaullah Baloch" "Daily 
Times" (01/05) 
 
"Balochistan National Party (BNP) Information Secretary and former 
senator Sanaullah Baloch has disclosed that the supporters of 
Taliban have captured land worth Rs 2 billion in the eastern and 
western parts of Quetta with the covert support of the 
'establishment' in order to undermine the Baloch nationalist 
movement and promote Talibanization in Balochistan." 
 
"Arms Seized On Sixth Day Of Khyber Operation" "Daily Times" 
(01/05) 
 
"A military operation in Jamrud tehsil of Khyber Agency continued 
for the sixth consecutive day as security forces raided a Taliban 
hideout and seized arms and vehicles." 
 
"Taliban Rule The Roost In Swat Through FM Radio" "The News" 
(01/05) 
 
"Most people in Swat are becoming regular listeners of the FM radio 
channel run by the Maulana Fazlullah-led Swati Taliban as they want 
to know about new threats or decrees issued by the militants.... 
The FM radio is obviously illegal but it continues to operate every 
night. Sometimes, the authorities try to block its broadcasts but 
the radio is back on air after a while.  Maulana Fazlullah's deputy 
Maulana Shah Dauran attributes this to Allah's help for Taliban and 
tells his listeners that their FM radio broadcasts cannot be blocked 
as alternate arrangements were in place to continue broadcasting." 
 
"No Let-Up In Swat Violence As 5 More Killed" "The News" (01/05) 
 
"Five more persons, including two security forces personnel, were 
killed in separate incidents of violence in the volatile Swat Valley 
on Sunday." 
 
"TTP Sets Up Courts, Complaint Centers In Upper Orakzai Agency" "The 
News" (01/05) 
 
"The Orakzai chapter of the proscribed Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan 
(TTP) has established Shariah courts and complaint centers in most 
parts of the agency, directing people to resolve their disputes in 
accordance with the Islamic laws.  Sources told 'The News' that the 
local TTP established two complaint centers and Shariah courts in 
Kundi Sheikhan and Ghaljo on Sunday." 
 
"Taliban Ban Co-Education In Tribal Areas" "The Nation" (01/05) 
 
"After banning girls education in Swat, Taliban on Sunday imposed 
restrictions on co-education in tribal areas bordering Afghanistan. 
Pamphlets attributed to the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were 
distributed in the tribal areas, asking school owners and teachers 
to close down all institutes offering co-education even at the 
pre-school level." 
 
"BISP To Be Launched For FATA Women" "Dawn" (01/05) 
 
"The government has decided to take the Benazir Income Support 
Program (BISP) to people in tribal areas, despite reported threats 
from the local Taliban that women receiving monetary help would be 
killed, BISP's Chairperson Farzana Raja told 'Dawn' on Sunday." 
 
"Pakistan Rejects Manmohan's Demand Over Mumbai Suspects" "The 
Nation" (01/05) 
 
"On the eve of a top U.S. diplomat's visit Pakistan to push 
Islamabad to act against the Mumbai attack perpetrators, Pakistan on 
Sunday rejected India's demand to hand over terror suspects linked 
to the strikes, insisting that there was no extradition treaty 
between the two countries.  There can be no comparison between 
Pakistan's extradition of terror suspects to the U.S. and India's 
demand for the handing over of persons linked to the Mumbai attacks, 
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi told a news conference in 
Multan....  Qureshi said the tensions sparked by the Mumbai attack 
had been defused due to the intervention of 'friends and important 
nations in the region and beyond.'" 
 
"India Seeks U.S. Support For Extradition Demand" "Dawn" (01/05) 
 
"The United States is once again being pushed into playing a major 
role in an India-Pakistan dispute - this time by New Delhi which 
wants Washington to persuade Islamabad to hand over Mumbai terror 
suspects.  India is sending a special emissary - Home Minister P. 
Chidambaram - to Washington this week as part of a global diplomatic 
offensive aimed at isolating Pakistan.  Washington is also sending 
its points-man for South Asia, Assistant Secretary Richard Boucher, 
to the region for defusing tensions between the two nuclear 
neighbors." 
 
"India To Give U.S. Mumbai Attacks 'Evidence'" "Business Recorder" 
(01/05) 
 
"The sophistication of the Mumbai attack points to the involvement 
of 'state actors' in Pakistan, India's Home Minister said on Sunday, 
ahead of a visit to the United States with a dossier of evidence, 
Chidambaram told NDTV news channel." 
 
"Boucher Due Today With Heavy Agenda" "The Nation," "The Post," 
"Pakistan Observer," "Business Recorder," "The Frontier Post" 
(01/05) 
 
"U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher will arrive in 
Islamabad today (Monday) and hold talks with Pakistani leadership on 
Indo-Pak tension, terrorism and other issues of mutual interests." 
 
"Joe Biden To Visit Pakistan To Defuse Tension" "Daily Times" 
(01/05) 
 
"United States vice-president-elect Joseph Biden will arrive in 
Pakistan on a two-day visit this week to defuse the tension between 
Pakistan and India after the Mumbai terror attacks, a private TV 
channel reported on Sunday.  The channel quoted diplomatic sources 
as saying that a high-level congressional delegation would also 
accompany Biden.  The delegation would meet President Asif Ali 
Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani to discuss the war on 
terror in Pakistan, Pak-India relations and a $15 billion aid 
package for Islamabad.  The sources said the U.S. delegation is 
likely to arrive in Pakistan on January 9." 
 
"Secret Deal Between India And U.S. Revealed" "Ummat" (01/05) 
 
"Indian newspaper Times of India has revealed the Manmohan 
administration has made a secret deal with the U.S. on earlier this 
month under which U.S. would provide latest equipment to Indian Navy 
worth $2.10 billion.  Under the agreement, India would have right to 
acquire more fighter jets from the U.S." 
 
--------------------- 
Editorials/Op-eds 
--------------------- 
 
"Israel's Latest Ground Assault; War Against The Arab And Muslim 
World," an editorial in the second-largest, center-right nationalist 
Urdu daily "Nawa-i-Waqt" (cir. 125,000) (01/05) 
 
"The Israeli attack on Gaza is a slap on the faces of peace loving 
states and nations and rich Arab states that are instrumental in the 
implementation of the international U.S. agenda....  It is not only 
Israel that has the right to defend as Palestinians do have the same 
right.  The Israeli declaration of war is not just against Hamas or 
Palestinians; it is against Arabs and Muslims." 
 
"Israeli Ground Assault In Gaza: Moment Of Concern For The Muslim 
World," an editorial in liberal Urdu daily "Express" (cir. 25,000) 
(06/24) 
 
"Rulers of Muslim countries must ask themselves: how long will they 
think mere lip-service [to the Palestinian cause] is enough.... 
There is no chance of Israel's condemnation from the UN platform 
because the U.S. supports Israel and Britain cannot afford to annoy 
the U.S. Palestinians need to be prepared for a long struggle again 
and they must remember that, as always, they will be alone in their 
struggle." 
 
"Zionist Invasion At Gaza And Cowardice Of Muslim Rulers," an 
editorial in the Karachi-based, pro Taliban Jihadi Urdu daily 
"Islam" (cir. 15,000) (01/05) 
 
"On the one hand, common Muslims are holding protest demonstrations 
across the world, and on the other hand, Muslim rulers are not ready 
to move against Israel.  The big powers and the Muslim governments 
have left with Muslim youth with no option except the 'do or die' 
choice.  In the present state of affairs, liberal and moderate 
Muslims have also become ready to lay their lives for this cause. 
The international community must understand that there is always a 
limit of injustice, violence and discrimination.  Are the big powers 
waiting for another 9/11 incident?" 
 
"OIC Should Convene UN Meeting On Gaza," an editorial in the 
Islamabad-based rightist English daily "Pakistan Observer" (cir. 
5,000) (01/05) 
 
"What is more alarming is that Israel is indulging in extremely 
intolerable action of destruction of mosques.  This belies claims of 
the Jewish State that only Hamas strongholds are the targets.  In 
this backdrop, there was urgent need on the part of the OIC to have 
come out with a concrete action plan to make Israel stop its 
aggression but unfortunately it has resorted to rhetoric alone.... 
Apart from building up diplomatic pressure individually, the OIC 
states should have demanded immediate convening of the UN session to 
discuss Israeli aggression against Palestinians." 
 
"Palestinian Massacre In Gaza And American Strategy," an editorial 
in the center-right Urdu daily "Pakistan" (cir. 10,000) (01/05) 
 
"The conditions faced by hapless Gaza residents could be faced by 
other Muslim societies.  In order to create a safeguard against 
hostile U.S. designs the Muslim societies should promote democratic, 
political system and make the people real power in these societies. 
The Muslim societies should also make it clear to the world that no 
Muslim country would be left alone by the Muslim community in time 
of need." 
 
"Israeli Aggression: A Cause Of Concern For The International 
Community," an editorial in Lahore-based Urdu daily "Waqt" (Cir.10, 
000) (01/05) 
 
"Are the Muslim states so helpless that they cannot prevent Israel 
from this aggression or put pressure on the U.S. to stop its 
illogical support of Israel and adopt fairness?  The world, 
especially the U.S., western countries and Muslim states need to 
understand that peace is not possible through use of force." 
 
"Israeli Aggression - Silence Of International Community And 
Aloofness Of Muslim States," an editorial in the popular rightist 
Urdu-language daily "Ausaf" (cir. 10,000) (01/05) 
 
"It is highly unfortunate that Israel with the connivance of the 
U.S. had sent the popularly elected Hamas administration away to 
home, and now it is killing the innocent Palestinians in the garb of 
taking action against Hamas.  Now the Muslim countries must not 
expect that the UN or the western countries will provide justice to 
Muslim, particularly Palestinians any longer.  All Muslim countries 
must not look at the west, rather they should convene an urgent 
meeting of the OIC to save the lives of besieged innocent Muslims in 
Gaza Strip." 
 
"When Will Muslim Countries Wake Up?," editorial in the 
Karachi-based center-right sensationalist Urdu daily "Ummat" (cir. 
33,000) (01/05) 
 
"As expected, international community in general and Muslim 
countries in particular remained indifferent to the killings of 
Palestinians.  The American President-elect Obama too remained 
silent over Israeli aggression.  And among 57 Muslim states, not a 
single state dared to ask President Bush that why the innocent 
civilians are being deprived of medicine and food?  One hopes that a 
day will come when the awakened Muslim masses would succeed in 
waking up their rulers to save humanity from U.S. and Israel's state 
terrorism." 
 
"Matters Of Appearance," an editorial in the centrist national 
English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (01/05) 
 
"The incident in which nine Muslims were removed from a flight at 
Washington airport, while on their way to a spiritual meeting, 
belies the deep prejudice based on religion that still persists in 
most western countries....  It is obviously an unacceptable one. 
The discrimination against Muslims depicts racism in its worst form. 
 
 In the U.S. it sometimes parallels the attitude black people faced 
through past decades, with Muslims today presumed guilty unless they 
can prove their innocence.  This attitude must be changed. A more 
conscious effort to do so must be made.  Otherwise the hatred and 
suspicion it breeds will, in time, destroy us all." 
 
"World Is Silent On Indian Terrorism," an editorial in the 
Karachi-based right-wing pro-Jamaat-e-Islami Urdu daily "Jasarat" 
(cir. 3,000) (01/05) 
 
"There are over a dozen separatist militant movements in India 
actively involved in massive violent activities. Though it is 
India's internal problem and no country has right to interfere but 
Pakistan who cannot remain aloof to Indian atrocities in Kashmir 
because it is a disputed area and Pakistani Muslims have deep 
sympathies with Indian Muslims.  It is surprising that the 
international community is silent on sufferings of Muslims in 
India." 
 
"The War Drama," an op-ed by Khurshid Akhtar Khan in the 
center-right national English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) 
(01/05) 
 
"It is time to review our long association with the Americans that 
has not blossomed into mutual respect on either side and now, the 
entry of the Indians in the triangle has titled the balance of 
alliance heavily in favor of the Indians.  A majority of our public 
is hostile to the American policies and resent their domination of 
our internal affairs.  It has been proved time and again that the 
American cooperation with us is on need basis to capitalize on our 
logistic and nuisance value in their pursuit of world domination 
that ceases with fulfillment of their objectives." 
 
"Kayani's Call," an editorial in the Lahore-based liberal English 
daily "The Post" (cir. 5,000) (01/05) 
 
"It cannot be gainsaid that the drone attacks notably add to the 
anger among the local people but also undermine efforts to seek 
broader support of the tribal people against terrorists....  There 
seems no change in the U.S. policy of drone attacks inside Pakistan; 
with the result it has fanned anti-Americanism feelings in the 
region.  It is time the government told the U.S. in clear terms that 
since the continuing drone attacks are not helping but hindering the 
fight against terror.  If the U.S. does not immediately revise its 
policy of violating our sovereignty, success in the war against 
terrorism will remain an elusive dream." 
 
"Please See To It That Army Is Not Exhausted," an editorial in the 
Islamabad-based rightist English daily "Pakistan Observer" (cir. 
5,000) (01/05) 
 
"The on-going war on terror has assumed new but dangerous dimensions 
but there appears to be no change in the policy of the Government. 
The situation has serious implications for the future of the country 
and therefore, there is dire need to carry out reassessment of the 
entire policy....  We would urge the authorities concerned to 
initiate dialogue and halt the operation to give respite to the 
troops as well as inhabitants of the area who are braving harsh 
weather as well as fighting." 
 
"Time For Internal Reform," an op-ed by Ahmed Quraishi in the 
centrist national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (01/05) 
 
"The U.S. intervention in Afghanistan and its larger plans for the 
region do not bode well for Pakistan.  Faced by a divided NATO and 
rising Russia and China, Washington needs Indian military help if it 
wants to keep Afghanistan under occupation.  If India is to be 
brought into Afghanistan, a weaker and localized Pakistan better 
suits U.S. interests.  Denuclearizing Pakistan and ending its 
alliance with China are also not possible without weakening the 
Pakistani military." 
 
 
Patterson