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UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 000950 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OIIP OPRC PGOV PREL PK
SUBJECT:  PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: MAY 04, 2009 
 
Summary:  The decision by Swat Taliban and TNSM "rejecting the 
establishment of 'Darul Qaza' (appellate courts) and appointment of 
two high court judges as 'Qazis'" dominated headlines in all 
newspapers on Monday.  Sufi Mohammad's remarks that "there is no 
room for democracy in Shariah" received front page display.  All 
newspapers highlighted reports that the "Swat Taliban beheaded two 
personnel and resumed armed patrols in the valley."  Several major 
dailies published a Washington Post report that the "Obama 
administration may announce a new public formula for dual control of 
the drones that attack suspected terrorist target inside FATA." 
Foreign Minister Qureshi's statement that a "national consensus 
against extremism and terrorism is taking shape" received extensive 
coverage. 
 
All major dailies ran editorials on a host of subjects including the 
growing threat of extremism in Pakistan, establishment of Darul 
Qaza, and the President Zardari's visit to the United States.  The 
center-left independent national English daily "Dawn," observed that 
"if the Pakistan government is guilty of not living up to the basic 
standards of governance and policymaking, the U.S. government has 
similarly failed to devise a credible policy towards Pakistan."  The 
Lahore-based liberal daily, "Daily Times," noted that the "logic of 
military action will succeed only if the army stays on and doesn't 
retreat from the theater of war."  The leading mass circulation 
centrist Urdu daily "Jang," editorialized that the "national 
interests necessitate that the experiment of the Nizam-i-Adl must be 
made successful."  End Summary. 
 
----------------- 
News Stories 
----------------- 
 
"Democracy, Sharia Incompatible: Sufi; TNSM, Taliban Reject Darul 
Qaza" "Dawn" (05/04) 
 
"The Tehrik-i-Nifaz-i-Shariat-i-Muhammadi and Swat Taliban have 
rejected the Darul Qaza set up by the NWFP Government and the two 
judges appointed by it as Qazis, and accused the government of 
taking unilateral decisions without consulting Maulana Sufi 
Mohammad.  Meanwhile, Swat Taliban spokesman Muslim Khan told 
newsmen by phone that they would not accept the Darul Qaza which had 
been set up along with bombing and shelling by planes...." 
 
"Democracy Has No Worth In Sharia, Says Sufi" "The News" (05/04) 
 
"In an interview with the Geo News, Chief of the defunct 
Tehrik-i-Nifaz-i-Shariat-i-Muhammadi Maulana Sufi Mohammad says 
there is no room for democracy in Sharia." 
 
"Taliban Resume Patrolling in Swat" "The News" (05/04) 
 
"The Swat Taliban beheaded two security personnel and resumed armed 
patrols in the valley, further imperiling the peace deal with the 
government." 
 
"U.S. To Offer Dual Control Of Drones, Says Report" "Dawn" (05/04) 
 
"The Obama administration may announce a new public formula for dual 
control of the drones that attack suspected terrorist target inside 
FATA, The Washington Post reported on Sunday.  The newspaper said 
that U.S. officials were exploring ways to reduce the political 
strain on the Zardari government caused by U.S. drone attacks on Al 
Qaeda sanctuaries in the tribal areas.  The drone attacks, however, 
would continue." 
 
"Drone Attacks Backfiring, Congress Told" "The News" (05/04) 
 
"A key advisor to U.S. Army General David Petraeus, who is the head 
of Central Command, has called for ending the highly controversial 
and unpopular drone attacks against militant targets on the 
Pakistan-Afghanistan border region, saying the strikes are creating 
more enemies than they eliminate." 
 
"Pakistan Regaining Control In NWFP, Says Robert Gates" "Daily 
Times" (05/04) 
 
"U.S. Defence Secretary Robert Gates said on Sunday that Pakistan 
has started regaining control of parts of NWFP that were recently 
taken over by the Taliban, and acknowledged the growing recognition 
in Islamabad of the terrorist threat, Gates told CNN when asked 
about the Pakistan Army's operations against the Taliban in Buner 
and other areas around Swat valley." 
 
"Taliban To Be Flushed Out Of Buner In a Week: Army" "The News" 
(05/04) 
 
"In Charge Buner Operation Brig. Fayyaz Mahmood Qamar on Sunday said 
the ongoing military offensive in the troubled district will 
complete within a week." 
 
"21, 'Would-Be Suicide Bombers' Killed In Buner: ISPR" "Dawn" 
(05/04) 
 
"Military authorities claimed on Sunday to have killed about 80 
militants, including a leader of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan 
(TTP), during the ongoing military operation in Buner.  According to 
the Inter-Services Public Relations, three soldiers were also killed 
and eight others were injured....  The ISPR announced 21 'would-be 
suicide bombers' had been eliminated during the operation in 
Buner." 
 
"Sufi's House In Lal Qila Hit By Shell" "Dawn" (05/04) 
 
"The house of the Chief of Tehrik-i-Nifaz-i-Shariat-i-Muhammadi 
Maulana Sufi Mohammad - in the Lal Qila area of Maidan - was hit by 
shells fired by security personnel on Sunday evening, according to 
one of his sons." 
 
"Swat Deal Is Dead, Says Muslim Khan" "The News" (05/04) 
 
"Our peace agreement with the NWFP Government practically stands 
dissolved,' confirmed Muslim Khan, spokesman for Swat chapter of the 
banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), while talking to 'The News' 
via telephone." 
 
"Taliban Slap 'Curfew,' Blow Up School" "Dawn" (05/04) 
 
"Militants occupied shops and government buildings in Mingora and 
imposed curfew-like restrictions after troops captured a number of 
Taliban fighters.  A state-run high school was blown up in the 
valley on Sunday, the first such action taken by the militants since 
February 16 when the NWFP Government and the 
Tehrik-i-Nifaz-i-Muhammadi signed a peace agreement." 
 
"Missing Persons Under 'U.S. custody' In Pakistan, Says Munawar" 
"The News" (05/04) 
 
"Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Ameer Syed Munawar Hassan has alleged that the 
PPP-led coalition government is pursuing the policies of former 
President Pervez Musharraf and that several Pakistani citizens are 
in the custody of U.S. agencies, which have set up jails in 
Pakistan, while talking to Defense of Human rights commission 
chairperson Amina Masood Janjua in Mansoora on Sunday." 
 
"First ROZ to Be Set Up At Gadoon" "The Nation" (05/04) 
 
"Pakistan-Afghanistan-specific Reconstruction Opportunity Zones 
(ROZs) are soon to become a reality, as the Gadoon Amazai Industrial 
Estate in NWFP has been selected as principal site to launch the 
first phase of the U.S.-proposed program, well-placed government 
sources told 'The Nation' on Sunday." 
 
--------------------- 
Editorials/Op-eds 
--------------------- 
 
"More Clarity Needed," an editorial in the Karachi-based center-left 
independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) (05/04) 
 
"We hope Mr. Obama and his officials will send a clear signal that 
they support the democratic process in Pakistan....  If in fact U.S. 
officials have deliberately been sending mixed signals to the 
Pakistan government in recent weeks that must stop....  Moreover, 
two wrongs will not make a right.  If the Pakistan government is 
guilty of not living up to the basic standards of governance and 
policymaking, the U.S. government has similarly failed to devise a 
credible policy towards Pakistan.  Alternating between expressions 
of support and dissatisfaction is not good policy.  It is a recipe 
for failure." 
"Holbrooke's Twist," an editorial in the Karachi-based center-right 
sensationalist Urdu daily "Ummat" (cir. 33,000) (05/04) 
 
"World is surprised that how can the sole global superpower keep on 
changing statements. Doesn't this reflect their dual policy? 
Contrary to U.S. President Obama, Mr. Holbrooke has issued a 
statement in President Zardari's support, while accusing media of 
misreporting. It is established now that the contradictory 
statements of the American officials are part of their strategy to 
create panic and uncertainty in Pakistan." 
 
"Two-Pronged Policy Against Taliban," an editorial in the 
Lahore-based liberal English language daily "Daily Times" (cir. 
10,000) (05/04) 
 
"The state needs to pay heed to the relationship of coercion which 
the terrorist develops with the victim population on the basis of 
intimidation.  The army therefore goes in among people who will not 
show loyalty to it in the initial phase.  The logic of military 
action will succeed only if the army stays on and doesn't retreat 
from the theatre of war.  It cannot allow the civilian government to 
negotiate with the terrorists in a military vacuum and then assume 
that it has given primacy to 'political solutions.'" 
 
"Will Darul-Qaza Bring Peace Or More Mayhem?," an editorial in the 
leading mass circulation centrist Urdu daily "Jang" (cir. 300,000) 
(05/04) 
 
"It is the responsibility of the followers of TNSM and Taliban to 
surrender weapons, and refrain from indulging in such activities 
that can reinforce extremism and militancy.  The national interests 
necessitate that the experiment of the Nizam-i-Adl must be made 
successful, and the perceptions of extremism and militancy should be 
removed to convince those elements who aren't ready to accept the 
Sharia laws as a universal remedy of all troubles." 
 
"Announcement Of Darul-Qaza" an editorial in the Karachi-based, pro 
Taliban Jihadi Urdu daily "Islam" (cir. 15,000) (05/04) 
 
"The TNSM must take religious scholars and parties on board, or 
else, it will be isolated from the mainstream society, and become an 
easy prey of the anti-Islam forces.  There can be differences of 
opinion on the method of implementation of Shariat laws, but it 
should not be taken as conflict between Muslims and infidels." 
 
"Commendable Decision Of Setting Up Darul-Qaza," an editorial note 
in the popular rightist Urdu-language daily "Ausaf" (cir. 10,000) 
(05/04) 
 
"With the announcement of establishment of Darul Qaza, the 
government has thrown the ball in the Taliban and Sufi Mohammad's 
court.  Now it is their responsibility to reciprocate the 
government's sincere gesture by establishing peace in the area." 
 
"After The Setting Up Of Darul Qaza: Joint Responsibility Of The 
Government And Sufi Muhammad," an editorial in the second-largest, 
center-right nationalist Urdu daily "Nawa-i-Waqt" (cir. 150,000) 
(05/04) 
 
"A delay in establishing the Darul Qaza would have deteriorated the 
situation further. Moreover, no government can give an individual or 
group the authority to appoint Qazis or judges....  Rejecting the 
Darul Qaza on minor technical grounds or trivial differences is not 
wise....  It is in the national interests that the government and 
TNSM make the deal successful through talks but sincerely remove 
each other's misgivings so that the bloodshed in Malakand can end." 
 
 
"Establishment Of Darul Qaza: There Should Be Peace Now," an 
editorial in the Lahore-based populist center-right Urdu daily 
"Khabrain" (cir. 50,000) (05/04) 
 
"The government has fulfilled its promise by setting up the Darul 
Qaza; it is now Sufi Muhammad's turn to fulfill his.  He must now 
direct the TNSM to stop the Taliban from their activities.  The ball 
is now in Sufi Muhammad's court. It is now his responsibility to 
restore peace in the area and make the Shariah system successful in 
Swat." 
 
"Blowing Hot And Cold," an editorial in the center-right national 
English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (05/04) 
 
"President Obama might have succeeded in alarming the world about an 
imminent collapse of the civilian government, though there was 
little basis for making such an assumption, but at the same time he 
evoked strong resentment among Pakistanis.  Many of them believe 
that the acquisition of Pakistan's nuclear assets was also on 
Washington's agenda, apart from dealing with the terrorist menace. 
President Obama's views were put down to pressure tactics for 
Islamabad to prove its credentials by taking stronger action against 
the militants....  It is a pity that the U.S. has failed to 
appreciate Islamabad's legitimate reservations about taking armed 
action against militants who are from among its own population." 
 
"Statements Of Obama And Petraeus - Responsibilities Of Political 
And Military Leaders," an editorial in the second-largest, 
center-right nationalist Urdu daily "Nawa-i-Waqt" (cir. 150,000) 
(05/02) 
 
"Following President Obama's statement, President Zardari's visit to 
the United States has lost its significance and usefulness.   Now 
the purpose of his visit is nothing but to meet and greet President 
Obama, and to concede new U.S. conditions with trivial assistance. 
However, President Zardari can make it clear to the U.S. 
administration that Pakistan isn't ready to accept the U.S. strings, 
and if the U.S. doesn't change its approach, Pakistan will quit the 
global war on terror." 
 
"If We Face Threat From Within, We Can Find Strength from Within 
Too," an editorial in the leading mass circulation centrist Urdu 
daily "Jang" (cir. 300,000) (05/02) 
 
"Our leaders have done everything to claim the Afghan war (initiated 
by U.S.) as theirs, but the outcome of all these efforts is that 
President Obama has issued a charge-sheet against Pakistani 
government in his first most important address...  We can also 
assume that the U.S. government is giving an indication of bringing 
back the old era of dictatorship by showing dissatisfaction with the 
efficacy of the present democratic setup. Views expressed by CENTCOM 
General Petraeus also show the gravity of the situation.  President 
Obama's statement, that came a few days ahead of President Zardari's 
U.S. visit, is meant to lessen the importance of the visit, or is it 
an effort to mount pressure on Pakistan so that they may submit to 
their unfair demands." 
 
"Obama's Dissatisfaction Over Pakistani Government," an editorial in 
the popular rightist Urdu-language daily "Ausaf" (cir. 10,000) 
(05/02) 
 
"U.S. President Obama has voiced concerns over weak Pakistani 
government and expressed hope to strengthen relations with the 
Pakistan Army.  According to his views, Pakistan faces grave threats 
from within and not from India. On the other hand a U.S. newspaper 
has claimed that Obama administration has given a two-week deadline 
to the Pakistani government to streamline their policies and 
actions.  It seems that the U.S. is facing difficulty in dealing 
with the incumbent government, and if it fails to rise to their 
expectations, then they will encourage the Pak Army to take charge 
of the government." 
 
"U.S. Is Following 'Carrot And Stick' Policy," an editorial in the 
Karachi-based, pro-Taliban Jihadi Urdu daily "Islam" (cir. 15,000) 
(05/02) 
 
"If we examine the statements issued by President Obama and other 
U.S. officials, we will know that they are doing this in a 
well-planned way. One day U.S. Secretary of State expresses concerns 
that the Pak nukes might fall in the hands of Taliban, and other 
day, U.S. President says that the nuclear arms are safe.  We should 
not consider these mix signals as any naivety of the U.S. officials, 
or lack of communication, in fact, this is the carrot and stick 
policy used by Americans more often than not.  One day they threaten 
Pakistani officials, and the other day, they use financial aids to 
tempt Pakistani officials to fulfill their strategic goals." 
 
"Tough Talks," an editorial in the centrist national English daily 
"The News" (cir. 55,000) (05/02) 
 
"In an unusually candid set of comments, President Barack Obama has 
made it quite clear that his government has no faith in the 
Pakistani civilian government....  It is in some ways unfortunate 
though that the identification of Pakistan's key problems had to 
come from Washington....  The distance that has opened up in fact 
makes it possible for the U.S. to make attacks of the kind that has 
come from Obama.  The President and his team will then need to 
persuade the big guns in Washington that they are indeed capable of 
meeting the needs of their beleaguered country and that what they 
need to achieve this is support.  But the government must also 
realize that diminishing faith may mean there will be fewer chances 
in the future.  There must then be no more failures, but only the 
success we need to move forward and eliminate the militancy that is 
today the biggest threat to our nation." 
 
"Blow To The Government," an editorial in the Karachi-based 
center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) 
(05/02) 
 
"With President Zardari due to arrive in Washington next week, the 
U.S. has piled on the pressure on the civilian government.  On 
Wednesday, President Obama explicitly spelled out his concern.... 
It is clear that at the root of the American disquiet lies 
Pakistan's nuclear weapons and the possibility of them falling into 
the militants' hands." 
 
"U.S. Apprehensions," an editorial in the center-right national 
English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (05/02) 
 
"President Obama's unusually strong indictment of the government 
presided over by President Zardari coincides with the latter's U.S. 
visit....  Coming as it does from President Obama, the observation 
would turn out to be a self-fulfilling prophecy.  Despite concerns 
expressed earlier by his Administration regarding the Army for 
considering India the main enemy and thus ignoring the 'existential' 
threat posed by the Taliban and Al-Qaeda, President Obama pins more 
hope now on the (Pak) Army." 
 
"A Needless Concern," an editorial in the Lahore-based liberal 
English daily "The Post" (cir. 5,000) (05/02) 
 
"The U.S. President Barack Obama's latest statement throws ample 
light on his administration's foreign policy in relation to 
Pakistan....  It is now clear - constant and increased pressure, no 
matter who sits on the throne of the White House.  Will showing lack 
of trust in the elected and democratic leadership of Pakistan 
resolve issues or further complicate them? Sadly, the latter 
possibility is the answer." 
 
"U.S. Blows Hot And Cold," an editorial in the Islamabad-based 
rightist English daily "Pakistan Observer" (cir. 5,000) (05/02) 
 
"People of Pakistan are now used to contradictory statements 
emanating from Washington, the tone and tenor of which changes on 
almost daily basis.  While some of the remarks made by the U.S. 
leadership and officials convey an impression of the United States 
taking genuine interest in Pakistan and its eagerness to provide 
some relief, at times a vivid message is relayed to people of 
Pakistan that Washington is pursuing an agenda to weaken the 
country.  This perception was once against confirmed by comments 
made by President Barack Obama at a news conference in Washington on 
Wednesday....  In any case, it is absolutely clear that the U.S. 
establishment has its own agenda and that is nuclear free Pakistan. 
It is moving slowly and gradually towards that end." 
 
"What Obama Will Not Hear From Zardari," an op-ed by Moazzam Husain 
in the Karachi-based center-left independent national English daily 
"Dawn" (cir. 55,000) (05/04) 
 
"Now that the tide of Pakistani public opinion appears to be turning 
against the Taliban and as the military scores a series of 
successes, Pakistan needs to be given an enabling environment to 
follow this process through to its logical conclusion.  The Obama 
administration and congressional policymakers may not hear this from 
President Zardari and the Pakistani delegation when they arrive in 
Washington this week.  But policymakers in Washington would do well 
to approach policy formulation from the perspective of Pakistan's 
overall military doctrine as it has evolved after 1971." 
 
"Holbrooke Remarks Only For Pak Consumption," a news analysis by 
Tariq Butt in the centrist national English daily "The News" (cir. 
55,000) (05/04) 
 
"President Barack Obama's razor-sharp description of the civilian 
government as fragile and picking holes in its different polices 
caused a storm in Pakistan's official, political and parliamentary 
circles who termed U.S. Presidential envoy Richard Holbrooke's 
subsequent damage-control statement, negating Obama's remarks, a 
salvage operation under Pakistani pressure, more an afterthought.... 
   Obama's contentions were a huge slight and snub to President Asif 
Ali Zardari as it came less than a week before he pays an official 
visit to Washington and will have first ever fact to face 
discussions with Obama....  Zardari's visit was made awfully 
worthless even before it materialized.  Obama's drubbing reflected 
the weight and bearing that he attaches to Zardari as the President 
of Pakistan." 
 
"Confusion At The Top And Frustration Below," an op-ed by Kamal 
Siddiqi in the centrist national English daily "The News" (cir. 
55,000) (05/04) 
 
"Something is very wrong in a society that eulogizes the Taliban and 
its leadership.  Our people are being pushed into extremism and 
intolerance not only by religious parties but also supposedly 
'saner' elements like people in our government, the media and in 
civil society....  There are many who argue that people have turned 
to extremism because of frustration with daily life.  And this is a 
valid point.  This frustration is being channelized by various 
forces.  Here is where the government comes in and this is what 
President Obama is referring to.  People in Pakistan are worried 
with the present state of affairs but there is no one who can give 
them hope." 
 
"Obama Has Distorted Vision Of Pak-India Ties," an op-ed by M. 
Ashraf Mirza in the Islamabad-based rightist English daily "Pakistan 
Observer" (cir. 5,000) (05/04) 
 
"Is Pakistan's perception of India as the mortal threat 'misguided' 
or President Obama's vision about South Asia especially the 
Pak-India relations is 'distorted'?  It's the pertinent question 
that has arisen in the minds of many Pakistanis after Obama's 
comment at his Press conference in Washington marking completion of 
his 100 days in office.  His assertion that there is 'some 
recognition in Pakistan just in last few days that the obsession 
with India as the mortal threat to Pakistan has been misguided' is 
simply startling and doesn't represent the realities on the ground. 
It's not clear what has made the U.S. President to reach this 
conclusion since India is as hostile to Pakistan today as it was 
before." 
 
"Pak-Afghan Coordination," an editorial in the Lahore-based liberal 
English daily "The Post" (cir. 5,000) (05/04) 
 
"Understandably, forces from some countries are not prepared to move 
beyond their peace-keeping duties such as relief and reconstruction, 
and take on a combat role in regions that are centers of Taliban 
activity.  To come out of this situation, both the countries will 
have to strengthen their coordination to wipe out the menace of 
terrorism." 
 
"The Medium Is The Message," an op-ed by Huma Yusuf in the 
Karachi-based center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" 
(cir. 55,000) (05/04) 
 
"In the past few days, the U.S. government has made alarmist 
statements about ongoing military operations and the fragility of 
the Pakistan government.  Shoot-from-the-hip comments make it easy 
for Pakistanis to discredit the American understanding of ground 
realities." 
 
"Consequences Of Talibanization," an op-ed by Talat Masood in the 
centrist national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (05/04) 
 
"If the fight against the Taliban is perceived by our people as an 
extension of our support for the Americans as some of our vernacular 
press, politicians and commentators would like us to believe, then 
there is no way that the military will be able to defeat them. 
Talibanization is the anti-thesis of Quaid-e-Azam's Pakistan.  If 
anyone is under the impression that the Taliban will bring in good 
governance, security and justice to the areas that they control he 
must be living in a world of fantasy." 
Feierstein