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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 NEW DELHI 000346 
 
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: PAKISTAN, INDO - PAK RELATIONS, 
SRI LANKA, GLOBAL ECONOMY; 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. 
 
-------- 
PAKISTAN 
-------- 
 
¶1. "TALIBAN IN PAKISTAN," editorial in the February 23 
AMAR UJALA Hindi daily: "It is pretty evident from the 
ceasefire in Swat Valley that the Taliban is regaining 
strength in Pakistan. President Asif Ali Zardari's 
comments also underline Islamabad's helplessness in the 
face of the Taliban. The U.S. National Security Agency 
has intercepted messages indicating connections between 
the ISI and the Taliban. The U.S.' continuous attacks in 
specific areas of Pakistan cannot be without solid 
reasons. But what is Islamabad's intention? If it keeps 
supporting the Taliban then the U.S. air strikes are 
useless. On the other hand, Gilani has a strong hold over 
the army and the ISI and he agrees to their connections 
with the Taliban. Thus, despite being fewer in number and 
in opposition to the liberals, the Taliban has expanded 
in Pakistan. Pakistan is without a doubt collapsing from 
these monsters. Along with terrorism, the challenge of 
fanaticism deepening its roots in the neighborhood is 
equally worrisome for India." 
 
-------------------- 
INDO - PAK RELATIONS 
-------------------- 
 
¶2. "IT IS A POSITIVE APPROACH", editorial in the February 
21 right-of-center Urdu daily RASHTRIYA SAHARA, New 
Delhi: "No one can deny the fact that, whether it is 
about cooperation in combating terrorism or efforts 
towards resolving the existing issues between the two 
countries, mutual dialogue is the only effective way out. 
If India and Pakistan go for war, the results could be 
tragic, in fact disastrous, and might even lead to 
complete annihilation. There cannot be any other outcome. 
The Pakistani leadership has also begun to fathom the 
situation now. It would be better if it focuses its 
energies on the development and prosperity of the country 
rather than creating war hysteria. It is extremely 
important that peace exist between the two countries, and 
for the welfare of the people that the two neighbors seek 
all possible cooperation in tackling the menace of 
terrorism while working together. The confidence building 
measures which had been promoted between India and 
Pakistan need to be carried forward in earnest, so that 
mutual trust is restored." 
 
--------- 
SRI LANKA 
--------- 
 
¶3. "SRI LANKA & DEFENCE PROWESS OF LTTE", editorial in 
the February 21 right-of-center Urdu daily SIASAT, 
Hyderabad: "The recent aerial attack & bombardment on 
 
NEW DELHI 00000346  002 OF 002 
 
 
Colombo has proved that the LTTE has not lost much of its 
prowess and still retains a substantial amount of fury. 
It also retains the capability to take on the Sri Lankan 
army. Ironically, these so-called peace loving countries 
of the West invited the LTTE as spokesman and 
representative of the Tamil people to the peace 
conference in 2002. The LTTE accepted a good deal during 
dialogue, because it was keen to reinforce itself, gain 
ground and position itself for further offensives. The 
group has its own policies, system of governance, justice 
delivery mechanism and a well-defined objective. It is 
now strengthening itself to be safe from the onslaught 
launched by the Sri Lankan security forces. However, it 
no longer enjoys public support and a popular mandate, 
which it used to enjoy in 1983. The Lankan government is 
visibly confirmed." 
 
-------------- 
GLOBAL ECONOMY 
-------------- 
 
¶4. "RECESSION AND EMPLOYMENT," editorial in the February 
23 DAINIK HINDUSTAN Hindi daily: "Globalization warrants 
that movement of labor should be free. But developed 
nations, for obvious reasons, do not want this. The U.S., 
out of need and in its own interest, has small windows 
like the H-1B, but that's about it. In its own interest, 
America began off-shoring business processes in a big 
way, and that benefited many developing nations, 
including India. Now that recession has hit the U.S., the 
first sacrificial lamb on the chopping block is 
outsourcing. The West will make a big mistake if it ends 
outsourcing, because outsourcing helps America remain 
competitive. There are other ways to fight the economic 
slump besides ending outsourcing." 
WHITE