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SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OIIP OPRC PGOV PREL PK
SUBJECT:  SPECIAL PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION - RICHARD HOLBROOKE'S 
VISIT TO PAKISTAN: FEBRUARY 12, 2009 
 
Summary:  U.S. Special Envoy Richard Holbrooke's visit to Pakistan 
continued to garner extensive media coverage Thursday.  All 
newspapers highlighted his visit to Lahore, Peshawar, and Mohmand 
Agency and his meetings with the representatives of various strata 
of society.  Some sample headlines about Holbrooke's engagements: 
"Holbrooke arrives in Lahore, meets Nawaz Sharif and other leaders 
today," (Jang); "Holbrooke meets civil society activists in Lahore," 
(Ummat); "Anti-terror talks in Landi Kotal; Holbrooke and U.S., 
NATO, Afghan officials attend meeting with Pakistan Army," (The 
News); "Holbrooke flies over tribal areas, Swat," (Dawn); "Holbrooke 
gave no assurance of Dr. Aafia's release: Human Rights Network" 
(Ummat). 
 
Almost all major newspapers ran analytical editorials and 
opinion-articles on wide-ranging facets of the visit of the U.S. 
Special Envoy Holbrooke to the region.  The prestigious independent 
national daily, "Dawn," noted that "Mr. Holbrooke's public demands 
will be hashed out, bargained over and accepted or rejected in 
private and it's those decisions that will shape Pak-U.S. relations 
in the months and years ahead..."  In a surprise move, the 
Pro-Taliban Jihadi daily, "Islam," extolled the formation of the 
joint group by saying that "it will help both countries understand 
and move forward to come out of this sticky situation."  The 
Islamabad-based English daily, "Pakistan Observer," noted that the 
"new approach has the potential to deliver but it depends on 
Pakistan's ability to influence the process and sincerity on the 
part of the United States to listen to the voice of reason."  The 
centrist national daily, "The News," observed that "whilst we 
welcome the new spirit of dialogue and inclusivity, we also wonder 
if the team on our side will have the delegated authority to engage 
in the substantive dialogue that will enabled us to capitalize on 
this fresh opportunity."  End Summary. 
 
----------------- 
News Stories 
----------------- 
 
"Richard Holbrooke Arrives In Lahore, Meets Nawaz Sharif And Other 
Leaders Today" "Jang" (02/12) 
 
"U.S. President's special envoy on Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard 
Holbrooke arrived in Lahore from Islamabad.  Richard Holbrooke will 
meet PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif, Governor Salmaan Taseer and will 
attend a lunch hosted by Principal Officer of U.S. Consulate Lahore 
Bryan Hunt.  The visiting envoy will meet Ch. Shujaat Hussain, Ch. 
Pervaiz Elahi and other leaders at the lunch." 
 
"Holbrooke Meets Civil Society Activists In Lahore" "Ummat" (02/12) 
 
"U.S. Envoy Richard Holbrook met with the representatives of the 
civil society in Lahore. Prominent lawyer's leader Aitzaz Ahsan said 
following his meeting with the U.S. Envoy, he made no demands from 
the visiting U.S. emissary." 
 
"Anti-Terror Talks In Landi Kotal; Holbrooke and U.S., NATO, Afghan 
Officials Attend Meeting With Pakistan Army" "The News" (02/12) 
 
"A lengthy meeting of officials of the U.S., NATO, Afghan and 
Pakistan Army was held at Landi Kotal Garrison to discuss security 
situation at the Pak-Afghan border And NATO supply route on 
Wednesday.  Sources told 'The News' that the U.S. special 
representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan, Richard Holbrooke, also 
attended the meeting." 
 
"Holbrooke Visits Peshawar And Mohmand Agency, Gets Briefing On 
Operation Against Militants" "Jang" (02/12) 
 
"Special envoy Richard Holbrooke visited Peshawar and Mohmand Agency 
on Wednesday where he was briefed by military commanders on military 
operation against militants.  The envoy also met Lt. General Masood 
Aslam and Governor Awais Ahmed Ghani." 
 
"Holbrooke Flies Over Tribal Areas, Swat" "Dawn" (02/12) 
 
"U.S. special envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke 
made an extensive aerial visit of the tribal region and Swat on 
Wednesday.  In Peshawar, according to security officials, Mr. 
Holbrooke met NWFP Governor Owais Ahmad Ghani, Chief Minister Ameer 
Haider Hoti and Corps Commander Lt-Gen Masood Aslam." 
 
 
"Holbrook Gave No Assurance Of Dr. Aafia's Release: Human Rights 
Network" "Ummat" (02/12) 
 
"Intekhab Sori, an official of the Human Rights Network, said in 
Karachi that in a meeting with Dr. Fouzia, U.S. Ambassador Richard 
Holbrooke gave no assurance for the release of Dr. Aafia." 
 
"Commanders Brief U.S. Envoy On Operations" "The Nation" (02/12) 
 
"Military commanders on Wednesday briefed a new U.S. troubleshooter 
(Richard Holbrooke) on the fight against militants in the border 
areas with Afghanistan during a visit to northwest Pakistan, 
officials said." 
 
"U.S. Will Assist Pakistan In Curbing Militancy, Says Holbrooke" 
"Daily Times" (02/12) 
 
"U.S. Special Representative on Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard 
Holbrooke met military and civilian leaders on Wednesday to discuss 
operations against Al Qaeda and the Taliban in the Tribal Areas, and 
pledged 'all out U.S. assistance' to help Pakistan maintain law and 
order in NWFP." 
 
"Pakistan Demands Latest Weaponry" "The Nation" (02/12) 
 
"In their interaction with special U.S. envoy Richard Holbrooke, 
Pakistani leaders have demanded provision of latest military 
equipment from the Obama administration including Cobra helicopters 
for its security forces battling Taliban led militants in the tribal 
areas, said a senior official in Islamabad desiring not to be 
named." 
 
"Pakistan Wants More From U.S." "Daily Times" (02/12) 
 
"Pakistan warned U.S. special envoy Richard Holbrooke on Tuesday it 
expected more from the United States in return for its cooperation 
against Al Qaeda and the Taliban, a Washington Post report says. 
Statements issued by President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister 
Yousuf Raza Gilani, after meeting with the envoy, emphasized the 
need to 'expedite' a new U.S. aid package, and 'the importance of 
enhanced cooperation in defence and intelligence sharing.'" 
 
"U.S., U.K. May Be Losing Patience With Islamabad: Report" "Dawn" 
(02/12) 
 
"The arrival in Islamabad of Richard Holbrooke and Britain's 
appointment of its own diplomat as a special envoy for Pakistan and 
Afghanistan indicates a loss of patience with the democratic 
government both countries had invested so much hope and diplomacy 
in, says Dean Nelson, the South Asia editor of Daily Telegraph, in a 
write-up (Pakistan will be a stern test of Washington's 'smart 
power') published on Wednesday." 
 
"Holbrooke Analyzing Scale And Complexity Of His Task" "The News" 
(02/12) 
 
"President Barack Obama's point man, Richard Holbrooke, is seeing up 
close the scale and complexity of his task to overhaul U.S. policies 
in Afghanistan and Pakistan as he tours the region.  Holbrooke, in 
Pakistan until Thursday before going to Afghanistan and India, is 
expected to redefine objectives and present a new strategy at a NATO 
Summit on April 2." 
 
--------------------- 
Editorials/Op-eds 
--------------------- 
 
"Subtext Of Pak-U.S. Ties," an editorial in the Karachi-based 
center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) 
(02/12) 
 
"As expected, U.S. Special Representative Richard Holbrooke has 
delivered a stern message: eliminate the militants' safe havens in 
FATA....  Yet, American dealings with Pakistan are such that tweaks 
in policies come in the shape of secret 'offers' and 'deals' to 
which the public is not privy....  The point is, Mr. Holbrooke's 
public demands will be hashed out, bargained over and accepted or 
rejected in private and it's those decisions that will shape 
 
Pak-U.S. relations in the months and years ahead....  In such murky 
circumstances - even giving the Americans the benefit of the doubt 
that they do in fact seek deeper ties with Pakistan - it is unlikely 
that soft power will trump the military option." 
 
"U.S. And Pakistan Agree To Form Joint Group," an editorial note in 
the Karachi-based, pro Taliban Jihadi Urdu daily "Islam" (cir. 
15,000) (02/12) 
 
"It is commendable that the U.S. Special Envoy Richard Holbrooke 
talked to Pakistani officials like a diplomat instead of assuming a 
role of policeman.  He uttered less, and listened more.  Such people 
are very shrewd and sensible.  Similarly, the decision to form a 
joint group is also praiseworthy, as it will help both countries 
understand and move forward to come out of this sticky situation." 
 
 
"Pakistan Will Have To Do More," an editorial in the Islamabad-based 
rightist English daily "Pakistan Observer" (cir. 5,000) (02/12) 
 
"The outcome of the intensive interaction that U.S. Special 
Representative Richard Holbrooke had with the Pakistani leadership 
on Tuesday conveys the impression that things were moving in the 
right direction as far as Islamabad's perception was concerned. 
There is enthusiasm that the United States has decided to associate 
Pakistan with the process of reviewing the existing policy and 
formulation of the new strategy to deal with the problem of 
extremism and militancy.  The new approach has the potential to 
deliver but it depends on Pakistan's ability to influence the 
process and sincerity on the part of the United States to listen to 
the voices of reason." 
 
"Gloves Off," an editorial in the centrist national English daily 
"The News" (cir. 55,000) (02/12) 
 
"The Americans are coming prepared to talk this time rather than 
merely dictate and then walk away.  They want to see structures and 
individuals that they can talk to and negotiate and work with.  Thus 
we welcome the creation of a bi-partisan interagency team which is 
jointly led by Special Envoy Richard Holbrooke and our own Foreign 
Minister Ahmed Shah Qureshi....  Whilst we welcome the new spirit of 
dialogue and inclusivity, we also wonder if the team on our side 
will have the delegated authority to engage in the substantive 
dialogue that will enable us to capitalize on this fresh 
opportunity." 
 
"An Onerous Task," an editorial in the center-right national English 
daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (02/12) 
 
"The most important outcome of Mr. Holbrooke's visit is the 
formation of two inter-agency teams, one comprising Pakistani 
officials and the other Washington's nominees....  The review 
presents Pakistan with both a challenge and an opportunity....  It 
is time Pakistan's team effectively lobbies with its counterparts 
for a holistic and multifaceted approach to the phenomena of 
extremism and terrorism." 
 
"Richard Holbrooke's Pakistan Visit," an editorial in liberal Urdu 
daily "Express" (cir. 100,000) 
 
"This is a positive development that both the sides now agree that 
extremist in the region cannot be combated through use of force 
only....  If America thinks that Afghanistan cannot be resolved sans 
Pakistan then it should work on curtailing increasing Indian 
influence in the country....  Pakistan has rightly demanded support 
for the resolution of the Kashmir dispute for the establishment of 
lasting peace in the region." 
 
"Holbrooke's Visit," an editorial in the Lahore-based liberal 
English daily "The Post" (cir. 5,000) (02/12) 
 
"If Holbrooke means his statement when he says that he is in 
Pakistan to listen to the Pakistani leadership and familiarize 
himself with complex issues, his tour should be taken positively.... 
 Signaling a positive and dynamic change in dealing with the 
situation in Afghanistan and on the Pak-Afghan border will 
definitely yield results.  Unless the U.S. revises its policy of 
stamping out terrorism and violating our sovereignty, success in the 
war against terrorism cannot be guaranteed." 
 
 
"Holbrooke And Qureshi Are Setting The Direction Right," an 
editorial in the Lahore-based liberal English language daily "Daily 
Times" (cir. 10,000) (02/12) 
 
"As part of a new strategy, the two sides have agreed to set up an 
inter-agency team which will be jointly headed by Mr. Holbrooke and 
Pakistan's Foreign Minister, Shah Mehmood Qureshi....  The joint 
mechanism also means the two sides want to arrive at commonalities; 
moreover, that the U.S. wants to bring on board Pakistan's security 
and other concerns....  The joint consultative mechanism should 
allow Islamabad to voice its concerns more effectively and get them 
plugged into U.S. policy." 
 
"American Envoy Should Convey Our Message," an editorial in the 
Karachi-based center-right sensationalist Urdu daily "Ummat" (cir. 
33,000) (02/12) 
 
"Current U.S. policy in the region is dangerous for both Pakistan 
and the U.S., and the U.S. administration must listen to Pakistani 
advice for dialogue with the moderate Taliban, and equipping 
Pakistan Army to take lead in the fight instead of the U.S. 
resorting to drone attacks by itself. But the real question is that 
does the new government in Washington really want peace in the 
region, or it will continue to carry out its secret plans for the 
region." 
 
"Committee To Review U.S. Policy," an editorial in Hyderabad based 
liberal and independent Sindhi Daily "Kawish" (Cir.105, 000) 
(02/12) 
 
"The review of policy must take into account the broader aspects of 
stability and not just the U.S. interests alone. The U.S. must 
acknowledge that its policy on Afghanistan was a failure, and 
unleashed the menace of extremism in Pakistan.  It must stop drone 
attacks on Pakistan so that Pakistan is not forced to an extent to 
reconsider its decision to remain an ally of the U.S. in the war on 
terror." 
 
"Obama Administrations' Decision To Review Pak-Afghan policy," an 
editorial in Hyderabad based liberal and independent Sindhi Daily 
"Ibrat" (Cir. 80,000) (02/12) 
 
"The worthy outcome of the U.S. Envoy Holbrooke's visit is the 
formation of a three-member joint group which will coordinate 
operations against the militants. In the meantime, President Obama 
has also ordered to review policy on Afghanistan and Pakistan.  Only 
time will decide what will be the outcome of these changes. However, 
one sees these two steps as positive and in the right direction." 
 
"New U.S. Strategy About Pakistan?" an editorial in the 
Karachi-based, pro Taliban Jihadi Urdu daily "Islam" (cir. 15,000) 
(02/12) 
 
"There is no doubt that the U.S.-Pakistan ties have become so 
complicated and intricate following 9/11 terror incidents that on 
the one side there is the U.S. and its allies, and Pakistan is 
playing a frontline state in the U.S.-led war on terror, and on the 
other the U.S. is carrying out against Pakistan whatever it can do 
against an enemy from leveling serious allegations to the direct 
attacks on Pakistani soil.  The logical outcome of this state of 
affairs was extreme resentment, bitterness, and hatred of Pakistani 
nation against the United States.  The widespread attacks on NATO 
convoys are demonstration of this anger.  In this situation, it is 
not possible for the U.S. to accomplish its agenda in this part of 
the world, therefore they (Americans) are forced to change their 
policy." 
 
"Agreement On Pak-U.S. Joint Team For Ending Uprising: Use Of Force 
Would Not Solve Problem," an editorial in the second-largest, 
center-right nationalist Urdu daily "Nawa-i-Waqt" (cir. 125,000) 
 
"The rulers should tell Obama administration that withdrawal of 
troops from Afghanistan is the only solution of the problem. 
Predator drone attacks should also stop....  Our elders should take 
notice of the press report that Taliban have decided to send their 
warriors to Islamabad." 
 
"Policy Must Be Reviewed In The Light Of Ground Realities," an 
 
editorial in the Peshawar-based Urdu-language daily "Mashriq" (cir. 
55,000) (02/12) 
 
"It is true that President Obama has ordered to review the U.S. 
policy on Pakistan and Afghanistan, but his tone is not so much 
different from that of President Bush.  It is very difficult and 
complicated for even a super power to resolve issues with its 
military might. President Obama must not only learn lesson from the 
outcome of this war on terror, but also devise policy in the light 
of the mistakes committed during this global drive." 
 
"U.S. Committee To Review Pak-Afghan Policy," an editorial in the 
Lahore-based independent Urdu daily "Din" (circ. 5000) (02/12) 
 
"[The formation of] Pakistan-U.S. joint committee and the U.S. 
committee to review Pak-Afghan policy are indeed signals that any 
future policy changes will take Pakistan's reservations [about the 
regional situation] into consideration." 
 
"Decision To Form Pak-U.S. Consultative Group," an editorial in the 
Lahore-based Urdu daily "Waqt" (circ. 5000) (02/12) 
 
"It is imperative that while formulating a new policy in the war on 
terror based on Mr. Holbrooke's  fact-finding report the U.S. 
leadership give due consideration to Pakistan's  compulsions and 
public opinion instead of using friendly countries like Pakistan as 
a scapegoat." 
 
"U.S. Review Of Pak-Afghan Policy," an editorial in the center-right 
Urdu daily "Pakistan" (cir. 10,000) (02/12) 
 
"President Obama has acknowledged Pakistan's invaluable services in 
the war on terror. U.S. President's order to review Pak-Afghan 
policy proves that a need has been felt to carefully consider what 
Pakistan is doing for peace in the region. The arrival of President 
Obama's special representative in Pakistan, his meetings with senior 
officials and the formation of a Pak-U.S. committee are all positive 
measures." 
 
"The Tentacles Of Terrorism," an op-ed by I.M. Mohsin in the 
center-right national English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) 
(02/12) 
 
"Ambassador Holbrooke has made an emphatic plea for a change of 
direction.  It is encouraging to note that the U.S., learning from 
history, is coming around to the treat Afghanistan, as GeneQl 
Petraeus said, as the 'graveyard of empires.'...  Ambassador 
Holbrooke would be well advised if he focuses on the formula spelt 
out by Stratfor recently whereby a Taliban government can be 
installed as they did not attack the U.S.  This is meant to alienate 
Al-Qaeda.  He should also arrange assured funds for reconstruction 
in Afghanistan and Pakistan with a mechanism to ensure that these 
are spent properly by all concerned." 
 
"Holbrooke On 'The Afpak Mission,'" an op-ed by Aziz-ud-Din in the 
center-right national English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) 
(02/12) 
 
"The next two months during which a review of the US strategy in 
Afghanistan and Pakistan is to be completed provides Pakistani 
leadership an opportunity to get its concerns registered.  There is 
a growing realization among some of the important people around 
President Obama that the old policy regarding militancy in Pakistan 
and Afghanistan would not pay....  What is needed is to convince the 
major U.S. players involved in the formulation of the new strategy 
for the region of the need to help in the resolution of the Kashmir 
issue, shift focus from the use of force to diplomacy, 
rehabilitation and development and call an end to the drone attacks. 
 It remains to be seen if those in Islamabad interacting with 
Holbrooke, Bruce Riedel, General Petraeus and other important 
officials have the capacity to do the job." 
 
"Countering Terrorism At Ground Zero," an op-ed by Ikram Sehgal in 
the centrist national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) 
(02/12) 
 
"A brief interaction with the Holbrooke team in Islamabad conveyed 
not only their quality but their intention and commitment thereof. 
The finest was on display, the initial vibes were very positive.... 
 
the Holbrooke team must consider the destabilization in the region 
that will occur as a result if the Army is put at odds with its own 
people.  This is a war that has to be won.  It can be won if the 
U.S. realizes that it will take time as well as compromise." 
 
"A Precarious Situation," an op-ed by Tariq Fatemi in the 
Karachi-based center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" 
(cir. 55,000) (02/12) 
 
"Washington is now establishing an 'umbilical cord' relationship 
between Afghanistan and Pakistan, henceforth holding us accountable 
for U.S. setbacks in that country.  At the same time, Washington 
wishes to set 'clear and achievable goals for Afghanistan in a 
comprehensive strategy for which Washington expects its allies to 
take major responsibility.'" 
 
"Window Of Opportunity," an op-ed by Irfan Siddiqui in the leading 
mass circulation centrist Urdu daily "Jang" (cir. 300,000) 
 
"A positive outcome so far as a result of Holbrooke's visit is that 
both the countries have established a joint dialogue group for 
cooperation in security and other matters....  It seems that Obama 
administration has begun looking at the futility of continuing with 
Bush's policies." 
Patterson