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UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 001035 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OIIP OPRC PGOV PREL PK
SUBJECT:  PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: MAY 14, 2009 
 
Summary: Pakistan Army's claim that "Troops gain a firm foothold in 
Peochar, the headquarters of Taliban" dominated headlines in all 
newspapers on Thursday.  Army Chief General Kayani's order to 
security forces to "minimize collateral damage even at the expense 
of taking risks" received prominent display.  All major newspapers 
highlighted President Zardari's remarks that "Pakistan has asked 
Washington for 'ownership' of U.S. drones carrying out attacks on 
its territory."  Likewise, several dailies reported that the "U.S. 
military had given Pakistani officers significant control over 
targets, flight routes and decisions to launch attacks."  Some major 
newspapers highlighted U.S. Embassy-sponsored roundtable press talk 
with the U.S. RECCA (Regional Economic Co-operation Conference on 
Afghanistan) delegation, and cited Principal Assistant Secretary 
Moon as allaying fear of "India's likely dominance over regional 
trade after signing of Afghan Transit Trade."  The English newspaper 
"Daily Times" reported that the "U.S. Embassy assists citizens about 
displaced relatives" in response to the USG's continued support of 
IDPs. 
 
Most major dailies ran editorials on a host of subjects including 
the various dimensions of the current military operation against 
Taliban, plight of IDPs, the U.S.-Pakistan bilateral relations, and 
U.S. role in Afghanistan and so on.  Terming the ouster of General 
McKiernan as "a subtle admission of failure" the center-right 
national English daily "The Nation," advised that the "U.S. has to 
realize that the AfPak theater of war is a sticky wicket; so the 
sooner it extricates itself the better for all involved." 
Commenting on the recent statement of U.S. Special Envoy Holbrooke, 
the Lahore-based populist daily "Khabrain," editorialized that 
"while all of Mr. Holbrooke's statements are true, we feel they 
constitute interference in (Pakistan's) national affairs."  The 
leading mass circulation Urdu daily "Jang," noted that "all the pros 
and cons of the recently signed Afghan Transit Trade Agreement must 
be discussed in the Parliament."  End Summary. 
 
----------------- 
News Stories 
----------------- 
 
"Troops Gain Firm Foothold In Peochar" "Dawn" (05/14) 
 
"The army claimed on Wednesday that security forces had gained a 
foothold in Peochar valley, the stronghold of Taliban leader Maulana 
Fazlullah, and were targeting militants' hideouts there.  According 
to an ISPR update on the Swat operation, 11 militants, including 
Commander Naseeb Rehman, were killed in different areas of the 
valley over the past 24 hours.  Four soldiers were also killed and 
12 others injured during the operation." 
 
"Kayani Orders Precision Strikes" "The Nation" (05/14) 
 
"Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani 
Wednesday instructed the army to make precise strikes against the 
militants in Swat and the adjacent areas to ensure minimum 
collateral damage even at the expense of taking risks, according to 
ISPR statement." 
 
"Army To Help Govt. Facilitate Displaced people At Camps" "The News" 
(05/14) 
 
"The Special Support Group (SSG) of the Pakistan Army would help the 
Federal and Provincial Governments in facilitating the internally 
displaced persons (IDPs) at camps till their rehabilitation, while 
speaking to media in Peshawar on Wednesday, in charge of the Group 
Lt. Gen. Nadeem Ahmed said." 
 
"Pakistan Wants 'Ownership' Of U.S. Drones: Zardari" "Daily Times" 
(05/14) 
 
"Pakistan has asked Washington for 'ownership' of U.S. drones 
conducting attacks on its territory, President Asif Ali Zardari said 
on Wednesday.  He said the fight against the Taliban would be a 
long-term struggle, and underlined the importance of defeating them, 
AFP reported." 
 
"U.S. Gives Pakistan 'Control' Over Drone Strikes" "Daily Times" 
(05/14) 
 
"The U.S. military has begun flying Predator drones in Pakistan and 
given Pakistani officers significant control over targets, flight 
routes and decisions to launch attacks, U.S. officials say.  The 
officials say the project has been started recently to bolster 
Pakistan's ability and willingness to disrupt the militant groups 
active in both Pakistan and Afghanistan." 
 
"Transit Trade Treaty - U.s. Allays Indian Domination Fear" "The 
Nation" (05/14) 
 
"Trying to allay fear of India's likely dominance over regional 
trade after signing of Transit Trade Treaty between Pakistan and 
Afghanistan, the united States of American on Wednesday said the 
treaty could be much helpful for the signatory countries too. 
Talking to media persons in Islamabad, Patrick S. Moon, Principal 
Assistant Secretary, Bureau for South and Central Asian Affairs, 
said Pakistan and Afghanistan would be the major beneficiaries of 
the agreement if implemented to promote intra-regional trade." 
 
"U.S. Embassy Islamabad Providing Referral And Support Services To 
American Citizen Inquiries On IDP Relatives" "Daily Times," 
"Pakistan Observer" (05/14) 
 
"The United States Embassy on Wednesday announced that Consular 
officials at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad are providing assistance 
and support to American citizens - and especially 
Pakistani-Americans - concerned about the welfare and whereabouts of 
relatives who may be among those displaced." 
 
"Afghanistan Seeks End To Attacks On Supplies: Aid Pledges To Be 
Fulfilled, Gilani Assures Karzai" "Dawn" (05/14) 
 
"Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and Afghan President Hamid Karzai 
stressed the need for improving trade and economic cooperation 
between the two countries in their addresses at the Third Regional 
Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan in Islamabad on 
Wednesday.  Mr. Gilani said that despite facing an economic crisis 
Pakistan would go ahead with the three-year $300 million financial 
package it had committed to Afghanistan.  Pakistan, he added, was 
'second home' for Afghans.  Mr. Karzai welcomed the gesture, but 
called upon Pakistan to take steps to stop attacks on NATO's 
supplies to Afghanistan." 
 
"Islamabad, Kabul Renew Vow To Arrest Militancy; Say Terrorism 
'Wildfire' Hurts Regional Trade" "The Nation" (05/14) 
 
"Pakistan and Afghanistan with full backing of the U.S. and the 
world community vowed on Wednesday in Islamabad to join hands for 
making the region peaceful with greater focus on development. 
Addressing the inaugural session of the 3rd Regional Economic 
Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan (RECCA), Prime Minister Syed 
Yousuf Raza Gilani and Afghan President Hamid Karzai reiterated to 
work jointly for durable peace in the region to save future of the 
generations." 
 
"Karzai To Launch Swat-Style Operation On Border" "Daily Times" 
(05/14) 
 
"Afghan President Hamid Karzai announced on Wednesday that his 
government would follow in Pakistan's footsteps and launch a 
military operation against the Taliban on its side of the border. 
After conducting bilateral talks with Prime Minister Yousuf Raza 
Gilani in Islamabad on Wednesday, he said Afghanistan supported 
Pakistan's efforts to combat terrorism." 
 
"U.S. Says No Plan To Seize Pakistan's N-Weapons" "Dawn" (05/14) 
 
"The United States has no plans to seize Pakistan's nuclear weapons, 
says Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher.  In an interview 
to 'Dawn,' Mr. Boucher rejected the suggestion that once the Taliban 
were defeated, the U.S. would turn its attention to Pakistan's 
nuclear weapons.  'I think it is silly.  Nobody has any basis to 
make a claim like that,' Mr. Boucher said.  The U.S., he said, 
believed that Pakistan was capable of defending the weapons against 
any move to seize them." 
 
"Benchmarks In Place For Pakistan: Holbrooke" "Daily Times" (05/14) 
 
"U.S. special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke 
has told senators taking issue with the Obama administration's plan 
to defeat extremists, saying: 'We do have a comprehensive strategy' 
and 'we do have benchmarks.'  He was responding to Senator Robert 
Menendez who had said he was skeptical of expanding funding for 
Pakistan's military." 
 
"U.S. Administration Satisfied With Swat Operation: Qureshi" "Daily 
Times" (05/14) 
 
"Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said the U.S. is 
satisfied with the military offensive in Swat and adjoining areas, a 
private TV channel reported on Wednesday." 
 
"24,000 Registered IDPs In Capital Wait For Help" "Daily Times" 
(05/14) 
 
"Scores of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) from the NWFP's 
troubled districts who have reached the federal capital over the 
weeks desperately await the government's help to cope with testing 
times.  Having been pushed from pillar to post since arrival in 
town, they complain of the authorities' indifference towards their 
misery. 
 
"Taliban Want Malakand Legislators To Quit" "Dawn" (05/14) 
 
"A Taliban spokesman issued a series of threats and ultimatums 
against officials on Wednesday and demanded that all National and 
Provincial Assembly members from the Malakand Division must resign 
within three days. 'Otherwise, we will arrest all their families and 
will destroy all their buildings,' Muslim Khan threatened in a 
telephone interview with CNN." 
 
"JI To Hold Rally Against Malakand Operation" "Dawn" (05/14) 
 
"The Jamaat-i-Islami will hold a protest rally in Islamabad on May 
24 to protest the ongoing army operation in Malakand division.  At a 
press conference in Lahore on Wednesday, Secretary-General Liaquat 
Baloch said the army action was creating hatred against the armed 
forces and Punjab among the people of the affected areas." 
 
"Swat Outlook 'Pretty Bleak': U.S. Expert" "Daily Times" (05/14) 
 
"Pakistan's campaign against the Swat Taliban has only a limited 
chance of success, David Kilcullen, a counter-insurgency expert has 
warned.  Kilcullen has been a leading adviser to Gen David Petraeus, 
the head of U.S. Central Command.  In an interview with the 
'Financial Times,' Kilcullen said he doubted Pakistan could 
succeed." 
 
"Only 38% Of NWFP, FATA Under The Govt. Thumb: BBC; Zardari Rejects 
Reports" "The News" (05/14) 
 
"A BBC report suggests that only 38% of North West Frontier Province 
(NWFP) and surrounding areas is under full government control.  The 
report, compiled by the BBC's Urdu language service, was based on 
local research and correspondent reports as well as conversations 
with officials.  It shows the Taliban strengthening their hold 
across the north-west.  President Asif Ali Zardari rejected the 
findings, telling the BBC it was an 'incorrect survey.'  He was 
speaking after talks in London with U.K. Prime Minister Gordon 
Brown." 
 
"Pakistan Must Review Terms Of Engagement With U.S." "Dawn" (05/14) 
 
"Former army chief Gen Mirza Aslam Baig has asked the government to 
review terms of engagements with America as the country was 
confronting multiple crises.  Speaking at a seminar on 'Extremism 
and militancy in Swat and Tribal Areas,' the former Army Chief said 
that U.S. was devising exit strategy for Afghanistan and holding 
talks with Saudi Arabia and other regional powers, adding U.S. would 
call it a day within a year." 
 
"Crackdown On Tribe Sheltering Taliban In Landikotal" "Daily Times" 
(05/14) 
 
"The political administration launched a crackdown against the 
Ashrafkhel Shinwari tribe on Wednesday in Landikotal for sheltering 
Taliban as security forces started a search operation in Abdal Khad 
area to arrest Taliban, said an administration source." 
 
"Ulema Vow To Fight Taliban If Army Fails" "Dawn" (05/14) 
 
"Prominent religious leaders, for years mute in the face of growing 
hard-line religious influence, are mobilizing support for the 
government as it battles the Taliban, warning that militants could 
take over the country.  'The military must eliminate the Taliban 
once and for all.'  'We don't want civil war ... But God forbid, if 
the government fails to stop them, then we will confront them 
ourselves,' Mufti Sarfraz Naeemi, a senior scholar of the Barelvi 
school of thought, told Reuters." 
 
"Militants Attack Two Terminals, Destroy Vehicles" "Dawn" (05/14) 
 
"Militants attacked two terminals for trucks in Peshawar early on 
Wednesday morning and destroyed eight lorries and seven 
containers." 
 
--------------------- 
Editorials/Op-eds 
--------------------- 
 
"U.S. Admission Of Failure," an editorial in the center-right 
national English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (05/14) 
 
"The dismissal of the top U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan 
General David McKiernan, which makes it the second removal from 
office of such a high ranking American military official after 
General Douglas MacArthur was forced out during the Korean War, 
could be viewed as a subtle admission of failure in a war that has 
lasted longer than either of the two World Wars....  The U.S. has to 
realize that the AfPak theatre of war is a sticky wicket; so the 
sooner it extricates itself the better for all involved. Hiding its 
failures by harping on Pakistan being the 'most dangerous country' 
in the world would not help matters." 
 
"Unnecessary U.S. Interference In National Matters," an editorial in 
the Lahore-based populist center-right Urdu daily "Khabrain" (cir. 
50,000) (05/14) 
 
"Richard Holbrooke is right when he says that the 10-year military 
rule has damaged Pakistan greatly....  Military governments are 
never beneficial for the country but it is also a fact that the U.S. 
has always supported military dictators in Pakistan....  Mr. 
Holbrooke should also urge the U.S. government to change its double 
standards....  While all of Mr. Holbrooke's statements are true, we 
feel they constitute interference in [Pakistan's] national affairs." 
 
 
"Plug The Loopholes," an editorial in the center-right national 
English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (05/14) 
 
"Realizing that Pakistan needs to be fully supported as it fights 
the militants in Malakand Division, the international community has 
come to its rescue.  Any unnecessary delay, Ambassador Holbrooke 
rightly points out, would only benefit the terrorists.  But doubts, 
whether the money would be used for its original purpose are also 
being created.  In trying circumstances like these, the government 
must devise a mechanism for a proper oversight.  The repercussions 
would be severe otherwise.  The matter would not only be taken up by 
the opposition, but will also tarnish our image abroad." 
 
"Helping Hands," an editorial in the centrist national English daily 
"The News" (cir. 55,000) (05/14) 
 
"The Special Representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard 
Holbrooke has made an ardent appeal for help for Pakistan....  In 
this respect it must be noted that Holbrooke's plea for help was met 
with skepticism by at least two Senators as he spoke to the House 
Foreign Affairs Committee....  Eventually it is our own government 
and our own establishment that must deliver.  All those who have a 
say in policy making must keep in mind that a failure now will mean 
future help from the U.S. or elsewhere will become increasingly 
unlikely. The hesitation we see even now is proof of this.  But this 
having been said we do need assistance right now; we must therefore 
hope Mr. Holbrooke and his friends can rustle it up...." 
 
"Transit Trade Agreement Must Be Debated In The Parliament," an 
editorial in the leading mass circulation centrist Urdu daily "Jang" 
(cir. 300,000) (05/14) 
 
"Before the November 26 Mumbai carnage, both India and Pakistan had 
agreed to open land routes for bilateral trade.  But the gory 
episode in Mumbai upturned the whole lot.  So, trade with India 
isn't an issue, the real issue is that such contraband commodities 
must not come from India which can damage our economy, and undermine 
national security.  Agreements, treaties and MOUs can be productive 
only if people recognize and welcome them wholeheartedly.  It is 
essential to take the Pakistani nation into confidence on the new 
Afghan Transit Trade." 
 
"Swat Operation Must Be Accomplished Quickly," an editorial in the 
Karachi-based, pro-Taliban Jihadi Urdu daily "Islam" (cir. 15,000) 
(05/14) 
 
"The military operation in Swat and adjoining areas is destroying 
the geography of that part of the world, and the local people are 
passing through a severe emotional trauma that cannot be treated 
easily.  The government must find some way out of this predicament 
with the help of patriot political and religious circles of the 
country.  We can alleviate the miseries of the IDPs by their 
immediate repatriation to their homes as soon as the military 
operation is accomplished.  Therefore, the Army should accomplish 
the operation swiftly." 
 
"As The Battle Heats Up," an editorial in the Karachi-based 
center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) 
(05/14) 
 
"The current crackdown has naturally gone down well with the US 
which had long been pushing, to put it mildly, for decisive action 
against the Taliban.  Washington's routine public criticism of 
Islamabad's capitulation as well as aspersions cast on Pakistan's 
security apparatus served no constructive purpose whatsoever.  Any 
such complaints ought to have been discussed solely on a 
government-to-government level but were instead broadcast through 
the media as well.  Now that a military operation is in full swing, 
U.S. criticism has tapered off for the time being.  If we are in 
this together for the long haul, Washington would do well to show 
patience and hold its verbal fire." 
 
"Swat Operation Intensifies: Caution Needed At All Levels," an 
editorial in liberal Urdu daily "Express" (cir. 25,000) (05/14) 
 
"So far, the military operation seems to be successful. If possible, 
the operation should be completed at the earliest as it will help 
reduce the suffering of the IDPs.  However, the federal and 
provincial governments need to remain vigilant because extremists 
will certainly try to carry out suicide attacks in the country. 
Monday's attack on Darra Adam Khel check-post is a clear example of 
that." 
 
"IDPs' Troubles And The Government's Responsibility: Get Rid Of The 
U.S. Now," an editorial in the second-largest, center-right 
nationalist Urdu daily "Nawa-i-Waqt" (cir. 150,000) (05/14) 
 
"This operation would undoubtedly strengthen the U.S. and our wily 
enemy India as our troops' engagement in the tribal areas will give 
it an opportunity to attack our security.  However, it will take us 
several years to deal with the economic loss and problems arising 
out of the operation. Hence it would be better to put an immediate 
halt to Operation, initiated just to please the U.S." 
 
"The Real Mettle Of Pak Nation," an editorial in the Islamabad-based 
rightist English daily "Pakistan Observer" (cir. 5,000) (05/14) 
 
"It is feared that the IDPs will have to remain away from their 
homes for a longer duration for which the country would need 
assistance from UN, friends and donors abroad....  These people have 
been displaced due to fight against terrorism which is not just 
Pakistan's responsibility but a shared global concern and mitigating 
its side-effects is also a global responsibility.  While Pakistani 
nation is extending assistance, we expect the international 
community to contribute its share so that these people, who left 
their homes and facilitated operation against militants, are looked 
after in a better way until their return." 
 
"Going After The Terrorists In Swat," an editorial in the 
Lahore-based liberal English language daily "Daily Times" (cir. 
10,000) (05/14) 
 
"The Swat refugees have seen more cruelty at the hands of the 
Taliban than the people of Bajaur who nonetheless organized their 
own militias to fight them.  But the level of cruelty achieved in 
Swat is unprecedented and therefore the IDPs are large even though 
not alienated from the state.  However, they will be alienated if 
they are not looked after well.  Fortunately, however, after the 
initial lack of preparedness, one can see the beginnings of a worthy 
response to the calamity." 
 
"Malakand Priorities," an op-ed by I.A. Rehman in the Karachi-based 
center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) 
(05/14) 
 
"Most of the fallout of the military operation in Malakand Division 
is not unexpected but its scale has perhaps exceeded official 
estimates.  Unless the government can effectively cope with the side 
effects of its prescription, the whole effort at overcoming 
terrorism and militancy could miscarry....  The displacement of 
people is likely to continue, and gather greater momentum, as 
fighting spreads to the hitherto quieter parts of the region.... 
The authorities must bear in mind that the displaced people are not 
victims of a natural disaster, whose options are usually limited. 
They have more options.  Their loyalty to the state should not taken 
for granted." 
 
"Obey's Overdone Obsession," an op-ed by I.M. Mohsin in the 
center-right national English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) 
(05/14) 
 
"Despite the trusty tunes sounded in Washington in the parleys 
between the Presidents of U.S., Pakistan and Afghanistan last week, 
the situation in the affected areas remains grim....  Peace will 
come to the area as and when all regional countries pursue it 
'unconditionally.'  Meanwhile Pakistan faces a grave danger due to 
the Malakand Division - diaspora.  Failure to optimally help these 
patriotic people, deliberate or otherwise, would sabotage peace all 
the way so much so that even the U.S. may not be able to do much if 
it misses the bus now....  We have to do all we can with all-out 
U.S./EU/UN help to resettle them in their 'heavenly abode.'  If we 
slip, Obey's worst fears could come true." 
 
"A Cobweb Of Myths," an op-ed by Dr. Tariq Rahman in the 
Karachi-based center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" 
(cir. 55,000) (05/14) 
 
"Now that a military operation is going on in the Malakand Division 
it is imperative that it should be supported by the people and that 
the IDPs should be looked after with all resources at hand and be 
treated with compassion and respect." 
 
"Re-Inventing Af-Pak," an op-ed by Sherry Rehman in the centrist 
national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (05/14) 
 
"Anyone with feet, instead of prospective boots on the ground in 
Pakistan, will tell you that the biggest challenge the government 
faces is managing ownership of the battle against terrorism, not 
because the people of Pakistan tolerate militancy, as they certainly 
do not, but because an international military presence in 
Afghanistan, whatever its merits or demerits is seen largely as a 
hostile occupation next door.  This has fuelled a deep vein of 
inter-state Pashtun resentment against the U.S., a dynamic that 
defies the logic of rational outcomes about possible endgames in 
Afghanistan.  The reality that Pakistan's military establishment has 
an old fear of an unfriendly government in Kabul, or a non-Pashtun 
one, has just not been factored into a possible regional peace for 
the region." 
 
"But this Is No Solution!," an op-ed by Mohammad Jamil in the 
Lahore-based liberal English daily "The Post" (cir. 5,000) (05/14) 
 
"The Pentagon has replaced the top American commander in 
Afghanistan, General David McKiernan, less than a year after he took 
over.  This change in military leadership is reflective of 
frustration on the part of U.S. leadership and of course an 
indication of the gravity of the situation....  As regards 
much-touted new strategy, there seems to be nothing new....  Anyhow, 
President Obama should reinvent American ideals of human rights and 
right of self-determination of nations and let people of other 
countries decide the way they want to live, so long as they do not 
impose their will on others....  In other words, it is the right of 
the people of a certain nation to decide how they want to be 
governed without the influence of any other country." 
Patterson