VZCZCXYZ0004
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHIL #0980/01 1280944
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 080944Z MAY 09
FM AMEMBASSY ISLAMABAD
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 2621
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 9358
RUEHNO/USMISSION USNATO IMMEDIATE 5204
RHEHAAA/THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC IMMEDIATE
RHMFISS/HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL//CCPA// IMMEDIATE
RHMFIUU/HQ PACAF HICKAM AFB HI//CCPA// IMMEDIATE
RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON 0272
RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS 7289
RUEHMO/AMEMBASSY MOSCOW 1276
RHHMUNA/HQ USPACOM HONOLULU HI

UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 000980 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OIIP OPRC PGOV PREL PK
SUBJECT:  PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: MAY 08, 2009 
 
Summary:  Prime Minister Gilani's address to the nation announcing 
to "launch a full-scale military operation against militants and 
terrorists in Swat and adjoining areas" dominated headlines in all 
newspapers on Friday.  Newspapers highlighted reports that "war 
planes and gunship helicopters continued pounding the Taliban 
hideouts in Swat" and TNSM's Chief "Sufi Mohammad's son was killed 
in Dir" in security forces' strike.  President Zardari's statement 
declaring that the "operation against the militants would continue 
till normalcy restored" received front page display.  Several major 
dailies highlighted Defense Secretary Gates' remarks that there were 
"no plans to deploy U.S. troops to Pakistan."  Foreign Office 
spokesman's remarks asserting categorically that the "Pak-Afghan 
Transit Trade MoU won't give India free hand to trade with 
Afghanistan" garnered media coverage. 
 
Most major dailies ran editorials on the different facets of the 
President Zardari's ongoing U.S. visit and the national security 
situation. The Peshawar-based Urdu daily, "Mashriq," opined that the 
"U.S. always succeeds in achieving its objectives by giving mere 
assurances to Pakistani rulers for economic assistance, concessions 
in trade, and more job opportunities, and our rulers at all times 
tell a success story to the nation when they return from 
Washington."  Toeing the line, the pro-Taliban Jihadi Urdu daily 
"Islam," observed that "it is an old tactic of Americans to lure 
their 'friends' into financial help to attain their targets, and 
then shelve the aid package by linking it with Congressional 
approval."  The centrist national daily "The News" observed that "it 
is for the moment hard to say what direction events in the future 
will take.  But there can be little doubt that, whatever happens, 
the U.S. will play a key role."  End Summary. 
 
----------------- 
News Stories 
----------------- 
 
"Gilani Takes The War To The Militants" "The News" (05/08) 
 
"A determined sounding Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on 
Thursday ordered the armed forces to launch a full-scale operation 
against militants and terrorists and to ensure their complete 
elimination from Swat and Malakand.  'The government will not bow 
before the militants and terrorists but will force them to lay down 
their weapons,' Prime Minister in his 20-minute televised address 
late Thursday evening." 
 
"Troops Determined To Accomplish Mission: Gilani" "Dawn" (05/08) 
 
"Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said on Thursday that the 
armed forces were fully committed to flushing out militants from the 
troubled areas of Malakand and the government would make all 
resources available to help them to complete their mission." 
 
"55 Militants, 6 Civilians Killed In Swat Fighting" "The Dawn" 
(05/08) 
 
"Fifty-five militants and six civilians were killed while several 
others were injured after fighters, helicopter gunships and 
artillery pounded militant positions in different areas of Swat on 
Thursday, official sources said." 
 
"Sufi's Son Killed As Fierce Clashes In Dir Continue" "Dawn" 
(05/08) 
 
"Maulana Kifayatullah, a son of TNSM Chief Maulana Sufi Mohammad was 
among several militants killed in fierce clashes with security 
forces in Maidan and Chakdara on Thursday." 
 
"Taliban Trap Terrified Civilians In Battle Zone" "The Nation" 
(05/08) 
 
"Taliban militants blocked roads with rocks and trees, preventing 
terrified civilians from fleeing Swat Valley Thursday as the army 
stepped up a ground and air assault on the guerrillas that has been 
applauded by the U.S., witnesses said." 
 
"Journalists Flee Swat Valley" "Daily Times" (05/08) 
 
"Only a few journalists are left in the restive Swat valley to cover 
military operation against the Taliban, as majority of journalists 
have fled the area for fear of their safety.  Most journalists are 
on their way to other cities, Mingora Press Club President 
Salahuddin Khan told 'Daily Times' over telephone on Thursday." 
 
"Operation To Continue Till Mission Accomplished, Says Zardari" 
"Dawn" (05/08) 
 
"President Asif Ali Zardari said on Thursday that the operation 
against the militants would continue till normalcy was restored. 
At a joint news conference with Afghan President Hamid Karzai and 
U.S. Senators John Kerry and Richard Lugar, President Zardari 
stressed Pakistan's commitment to defeating the terrorists." 
 
 
"Kayani Vows Decisive Victory Over Extremists" "The News" (05/08) 
 
"Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on Thursday vowed to secure 
a decisive victory over the militants, saying the Army is fully 
capable of handling the present crisis in the country's North West 
Frontier Province and the Federally-Administered Tribal Areas 
(FATA)." 
 
"No Plan to Deploy U.S. Troops In Pakistan: Gates" "The News" 
(05/08) 
 
"There are no plans to deploy U.S. ground troops to Pakistan, U.S. 
Defense Secretary Robert Gates said on Thursday, while speaking to 
300 Marines at Camp Leatherneck in Southern Afghanistan on 
Thursday." 
 
"Taliban Foray Into Buner Was Last Straw, Says Gates" "Dawn" 
(05/08) 
 
"U.S. Defence Secretary Robert Gates said on Thursday the Taliban in 
Pakistan went too far when its fighters advanced to a district some 
100 kilometers from Islamabad, and said he was satisfied that the 
Pakistan Army was fighting back hard.  Mr. Gates, visiting next-door 
Afghanistan, said there is 'very little chance' that the militant 
group could ever become strong enough in Pakistan to take control of 
the country's nuclear weapons." 
 
"MoU Won't Give India Free Hand To Trade With Afghanistan: FO" "The 
News" (05/08) 
 
"Pakistan declared on Thursday that the Memorandum of Understanding 
(MoU) signed by Pakistan and Afghanistan on transit trade, did not 
automatically guarantee that India would be allowed to use the 
Wagah-Khyber route for trade with Afghanistan.  This is an MoU 
between Pakistan and Afghanistan for a new arrangement to the 
existing transit trade.  Negotiations will take place and the two 
countries will reach an agreement at the end of the year, Foreign 
Office spokesman said at the weekly media briefing on Thursday." 
 
"N-Secrets Can't Be Shared With Any Country: FO" "The Nation" 
(05/08) 
 
"Pakistan on Thursday declared not to share details of its nuclear 
program with any other country while rejecting the concerns at 
international level about the safety of Islamabad's strategic 
assets, said the Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit addressing his 
weekly press briefing." 
 
"Militants From Across Afghan Border Pose Threat To Pakistan: U.S." 
"The News" (05/08) 
 
"The United States has said militants operating on Pakistan's 
Western border and those coming from across the border in 
Afghanistan pose a serious security threat to Pakistan as the State 
Department acknowledged Islamabad's enhanced focus on dealing with 
the challenge.  Responding to another question, the spokesman Wood 
said: 'The Swat peace agreement has basically collapsed.  And I 
think the realization is that these militants need to be taken on 
and need to be confronted.'" 
 
"Three-Nation Talks On Anti-Terror Strategy" "Dawn" (05/08) 
 
"The U.S.-Pakistan-Afghanistan talks entered a crucial phase on 
Thursday when intelligence chiefs and military leaders from the 
three countries started working on a strategy for defeating 
terrorists in the Pak-Afghan region.  But what diplomatic observers 
in Washington are describing as the 'real talks' began on Thursday 
when CIA Chief Leon Panetta met D.G. ISI Lt-Gen Shuja Pasha and his 
Afghan counterpart.  Besides Mr. Panetta, the Americans also 
included FBI Director Robert S. Mueller and, Central Command chief 
Gen David H. Petraeus in the meetings, indicating that these 
'technical talks,' although low-profiled, were as substantial as the 
summit." 
 
"Obama Wants To Help Pakistan Quickly: Security Advisor" "The News" 
(05/08) 
 
"President Barack Obama wants to help Pakistan as quickly as 
possible with both economic and military support as part of a 
concerted effort to resist the very serious threat of violent 
extremism, U.S. National Security Adviser James Jones said on 
Thursday." 
 
"Move To Launch Effort To Bridge Pak-U.S. Gap" "The News" (05/08) 
 
"to bridge the public perception gap, efforts are under way in New 
York to launch a Pakistani-American Foundation and Foreign Minister 
Mahmood Qureshi will hold a meeting in New York on Saturday to 
discuss the idea, according to diplomatic sources." 
 
"U.S., Pakistan, Afghanistan Urged To Do More" "Dawn" (05/08) 
 
"Britian's three leading newspapers, The Guardian, The Times and The 
Telegraph, have urged the U.S., Pakistan and Afghanistan to do more 
in their respective spheres to overcome the menace of terrorism. 
According to The Guardian, President Asif Zardari would need all the 
support he can get from the U.S. in money and weapon, 'if, as 
appears likely, the army is about to mount a full-scale assault on 
Taliban positions in Swat,' There would be a large-scale refugee 
exodus from the Swat and adjoining areas.  It warned that the 
assault on Taliban by an army which relies on heavy artillery 'will 
be bloody.'" 
 
"NWFP Crisis Deepening, Says ICRC" "Dawn" (05/08) 
 
"The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) warned on 
Thursday that a humanitarian crisis was intensifying in northwest 
Pakistan, where thousands had fled fighting between militants and 
troops." 
 
"China Voices Concern Over Growing U.S. Influence" "Dawn" (05/08) 
 
"Chinese Ambassador Lou Zhaohui on Thursday said his country was 
'concerned over the increasing U.S. influence' in the region.  He 
said the number of foreign forces was 'too high' in the region, 
while talking to reporters during a visit to the Islamabad Chambers 
of Commerce and Industry, the Chinese envoy said." 
 
"Obama And Hu Discuss Pakistan, North Korea" "Dawn" (05/08) 
 
"President Barack Obama spoke on Wednesday with his Chinese 
counterpart Hu Jintao and shared his 'concerns' over security issues 
including North Korea's nuclear program and deteriorating conditions 
in Pakistan, the White House said." 
 
--------------------- 
Editorials/Op-eds 
--------------------- 
 
"U.S. Should Bring About A Change In Thinking Along With 
Methodology," an editorial in the Peshawar-based Urdu-language daily 
"Mashriq" (cir. 55,000) (05/08) 
 
"U.S. always succeeds in achieving its objectives by giving mere 
assurances to Pakistani rulers for economic assistance, concessions 
in trade, and more job opportunities, and our rulers at all times 
tell a success story to the nation when they return from Washington. 
 Pakistan must not accept the U.S. words as true, unless it (U.S.) 
takes concrete and tangible steps to fulfill these commitments." 
 
"Trilateral Negotiations And Its Repercussions," an editorial in the 
Karachi-based, pro-Taliban Jihadi Urdu daily "Islam" (cir. 15,000) 
(05/08) 
 
"It is an old tactic of Americans to lure their 'friends' by 
financial help to attain their (U.S.) targets, and then shelve the 
aid package by linking it with Congressional approval to persuade 
them (friends) to fulfill their unacceptable demands." 
 
"Washington Winds," an editorial in the centrist national English 
daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (05/08) 
 
"President Obama has completed a potentially awkward round of 
meetings with two men who both face growing difficulties at home.... 
 But is everything quite as rosy as it would appear?  Which way do 
the winds in Washington actually blow and are they preparing to whip 
up a storm at some point in the not too distant future?...  It is 
for the moment hard to say what direction events in the future will 
take.  But there can be little doubt that, whatever happens, the 
U.S. will play a key role. The conjecture of discussions between 
Washington and the Saudis on the situation in Pakistan is also 
significant in this respect.  For these reasons, the visit to 
Washington was an important one.  What impact it has had will become 
more obvious in the days ahead, when it becomes easier to see behind 
the veneer created by diplomacy and the TV images of leaders smiling 
winningly as they look into the cameras." 
 
"President Zardari's Meeting With American Leaders," an editorial in 
liberal Urdu daily "Express" (cir. 25,000) (05/08) 
 
"The U.S. President and Secretary of State are right in saying that 
terrorism is a joint problem for the U.S., Afghanistan and Pakistan. 
In fact it should be seen in an even wider perspective in that it is 
a global problem because losing the war on terror would create a 
threat for the entire world, not just these three countries.... 
Afghanistan is already a country where U.S. and NATO troops are 
present and are fighting Al Qaeda and Taliban in their own way. Why 
then are American officials insisting on a joint agreement with 
Afghanistan and Pakistan?  If such a deal aims at allowing foreign 
troops into Pakistan in hot pursuit, it cannot be accepted.  However 
if the proposed deal strives to resolve Afghan and Pakistani 
economic problems resulting from the war on terror, then it could be 
considered....  Secretary Clinton's statement that the U.S. would 
help India and Pakistan in resolving their water dispute is also 
encouraging." 
 
"Afghan Trade Corridor," an editorial in the Karachi-based 
center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) 
(05/08) 
 
"There is no dearth of statements from American officials, 
especially Richard Holbrooke, about giving India a major role in 
Afghanistan, even though the two are not neighbors.  This means that 
either the Americans are naove enough to buy the Indian line that 
New Delhi's interests in Afghanistan are altruistic, or Washington 
knows what India is up to but looks the other way.  If America is 
interested in seeing a lasting regional peace, it should be 
cognizant of Pakistan's security concerns.  It is unrealistic to 
assume that the MoU, as it stands, will automatically pass muster 
with the security establishment even if it makes no public show of 
disapproval.  If the Obama administration really wants cooperation 
to grow among SAARC members, it must first try to resolve 
Indo-Pakistan differences instead of expecting Islamabad alone to 
show goodwill." 
 
"New Obama Doctrine: 'Do Better' After 'Do More'" an editorial in 
the Lahore-based independent Urdu daily "Din" (cir. 10,000) (05/08) 
 
"During President Zardari's trip to the U.S., the U.S. 
administration offered to help resolve the 61-year-old water dispute 
between India and Pakistan.  Let it be mentioned here that the U.S. 
administration had also offered to resolve the Kashmir issue. 
However, after becoming President, [Mr. Obama] has never mentioned 
this issue....  It now remains to be seen how serious the U.S. is in 
trying to resolve the Indo-Pak water dispute." 
 
"Obama-Zardari Meeting: What Has Pakistan Gained," an editorial in 
the second-largest, center-right nationalist Urdu daily 
"Nawa-i-Waqt" (cir. 150,000) (05/08) 
 
"Addressing a press conference after meeting with Presidents Zardari 
and Karzai, U.S. President Obama said that U.S, Pakistan and 
Afghanistan's security is interlinked....  Afghanistan is the only 
country in the world which opposed Pakistan's membership to the UN, 
while America is trying to turn India into a regional cop; and 
instead of targeting Indian- and Afghan- trained terrorists in 
Balochistan through drones, the U.S. is creating more suicide 
bombers by targeting innocent Pakistanis. Hence, saying that the 
security of these three countries is interlinked is wrong.  If the 
purpose of President Zardari's visit to the U.S. was accede to U.S. 
wishes for a transit trade deal by bringing Pakistan [down] to the 
level of Afghanistan, and listening to lectures by Obama and Hillary 
then the first day of the trip was very successful.  God forbid if 
the activities of the remaining two days are similar, Mr. Zardari 
may find on his return that the rug has been pulled from under his 
feet." 
 
"Results of U.S. Visit - Take The Nation Into Confidence," an 
editorial in the leading mass circulation centrist Urdu daily "Jang" 
(cir. 300,000) (05/08) 
 
"We look forward that President Zardari will take the Parliament and 
the nation into confidence about his talks with President Obama, 
other senior U.S. officials, and on the new Transit Trade Agreement. 
 People must know President Zardari's impression regarding his U.S. 
visit, and whether there is any likelihood of change in the U.S. 
policy on Pakistan." 
 
"President Zardari's Trip To America And Its Implications," an 
editorial in the Lahore-based populist center-right Urdu daily 
"Khabrain" (cir. 50,000) (05/08) 
 
"Pakistani government has no way of putting pressure on the U.S. or 
India.  The trilateral talks have led to an agreement on giving 
India transit trade route to Afghanistan through Torkham.  We feel 
that this decision was made in great haste. Had Pakistan wanted, it 
could have tied this issue to either Kashmir or the water dispute 
with India. But this haste has led to an opportunity lost." 
 
"Washington Mission," an editorial in the center-right national 
English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (05/08) 
 
"While President Zardari is in Washington to seek Obama 
administration's political and economic support, he was told that 
U.S. stands by the democratic government in Pakistan and would help 
resolve Pak-India water dispute.  In return Washington succeeded in 
getting Pakistani sign an MoU to discuss allowing Afghanistan to use 
the land route with India for trade, a demand that both Kabul and 
New Delhi have failed to get accepted for the last four decades." 
 
"Transit Trade Facility For Indian: America's Dangerous Game," an 
editorial in the Karachi-based center-right sensationalist Urdu 
daily "Ummat" (cir. 33,000) (05/08) 
 
"Taking advantage of President Zardari and his Afghan counterpart 
Karzai's presence in Washington, U.S. Secretary of State Clinton 
made both leaders to sign a MoU to give transit trade facility to 
India, which will pave way for India to establish trade relations 
with Afghanistan.  The U.S. government is only highlighting positive 
outcomes of this transit facility, however, if one considers other 
implications such as misuse of this facility for weapon supplies, as 
this newspaper has recently disclosed that four containers of an 
American firm loaded with explosives were caught at Karachi port by 
custom authorities.  One can foresee how India, supported by U.S., 
would supply weapons to Afghanistan via Pakistan." 
 
"A Welcome New Trade Route," an editorial in the Lahore-based 
liberal English language daily "Daily Times" (cir. 10,000) (05/08) 
 
"Geopolitical importance is linked to 'allowing' trade routes; if 
you block them you lose your geopolitical importance.... The Afghan 
transit trade route was an instrument of leverage for Islamabad.... 
If you don't exploit your geopolitical importance by allowing trade 
routes, new trade routes tend to by-pass you.  The memorandum signed 
in Washington is in fact a realization that Pakistan's importance as 
a transit country for Afghanistan's trade is virtually at an end." 
 
"U.S. Commitment," an editorial in the Lahore-based liberal English 
daily "The Post" (cir. 5,000) (05/08) 
 
"Relations between Pakistan, Afghanistan, and India are marred by a 
trust deficit. And in this background of lack of trust Pakistan and 
Afghanistan have signed a memorandum of understanding to begin talks 
on a transit trade agreement that will ultimately allow India to use 
the Wagha-Khyber route for trade with the landlocked country. The 
beginning of transit trade can prove to be a major step in improving 
relations between the three countries." 
 
"President Zardari And Karzai In White House," an editorial in the 
Karachi-based right-wing pro-Jamaat-e-Islami Urdu daily "Jasarat" 
(cir. 3,000) (05/08) 
 
"It is not a surprise that President Zardari and Karzai visited the 
White House to present their performance reports to seek extension 
in their rule. President Zardari met with very junior U.S. officials 
who were lower in rank.  The visit has exposed the agenda, the 
ability, and the performance of our rulers.  In a nut shell, the 
visit has added to the severity of threats and challenges Pakistan 
is facing in the wake of U.S. occupation, and fighting in 
Afghanistan and Pakistani border areas." 
 
"Zardari-Karzai-Obama Meeting," an editorial in the center-right 
Urdu daily "Pakistan" (cir. 10,000) (05/08) 
 
"Only time will tell what the outcome of President Zardari's trip to 
the U.S. was.  However, upon return, he should address the nation 
and take the nation into confidence about discussions with President 
Obama and President Karzai." 
 
"Trilateral Talks What Results It Would Produce," an editorial in 
Hyderabad based liberal and independent Sindhi Daily "Ibrat" (05/08) 
(cir. 80,000) 
 
"The trilateral meeting in Washington seems to be a good support to 
democratic setup in Pakistan.  President Zardari rightly said during 
press conference that the former U.S. President Bush supported 
military dictatorship in Pakistan for eight years; it is now time to 
support democracy.  It seems that the Obama administration is 
supportive of democratic system, and rightly considers war against 
extremism and Al Qaeda as a shared responsibility of all the three 
countries." 
 
"Obama's Statements," an editorial in the Lahore-based independent 
Urdu daily "Din" (cir. 10,000) (05/08) 
 
"It needs to be mentioned here that President Obama avoided 
answering questions from the media.  And in his remarks, he targeted 
Al Qaeda instead of the Taliban, and he also used the term 
'extremists.'" 
 
"Drone Attacks," an editorial in the Karachi-based center-left 
independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) (05/08) 
 
"The continuing U.S. drone incursions are robbing our security 
forces of some of their moral legitimacy and are, in fact, 
undermining the war effort....  The repeated U.S. violations of the 
country's territorial integrity subvert our government's efforts to 
make this 'Pakistan's war' and lend currency to the extremists' 
claim that Pakistan is merely a pawn in what is, essentially, 
America's war....  America's actions stand in danger of being viewed 
as wanton foreign aggression against innocent populations.  And the 
drone strikes are contributing to the increasing number of refugees 
fleeing the area....  It may soon be asked whether Afghan or 
Pakistani lives are less precious than those of the Americans.  A 
serious rethink is in order.  The American military must confine 
itself to the western side of the Durand Line." 
 
"Mines In Malakand," an editorial in the centrist national English 
daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (05/08) 
 
"If indeed mines do exist, the civilian population needs to be 
warned and put on the alert.  Their presence will undoubtedly add to 
the suffering inflicted by a war that has already gone on far too 
long.  The main task before our security forces is to bring it to an 
end as rapidly as possible, so that the people of Swat can resume 
lives that have remained interrupted for far too long." 
 
"Critical Mass," an editorial in the centrist national English daily 
"The News" (cir. 55,000) (05/08) 
 
"As the IDPs are tired of their circular journeys so we are tired of 
reading about it and seeing it on our screens.  Tired we and they 
may be, but somebody has to try to pick up the pieces for them every 
time their lives are blown apart, and it is the Red Cross and 
Crescent, the U.N. and the hard-pressed government who today find 
themselves struggling to cope." 
"Release Hafiz Saeed Now," an editorial in the second-largest, 
center-right nationalist Urdu daily "Nawa-i-Waqt" (cir. 150,000) 
(05/08) 
 
"Addressing an Ulema convention organized by Jamaatud Dawa, 
Professor Sajid Mir, Dr. Israr, Liaqat Baloch, Allama Ibtisam Illahi 
and other speakers demanded that the government lift the ban on 
Jamaatud Dawa, release Hafiz Saeed, recover missing persons and  get 
Dr. Aafia released from the U.S.... Why are our rulers making the 
citizens' lives miserable just to appease an enemy country 
[reference to India]?  Services rendered by Jamaatud Dawa after the 
2005 earthquake were recognized by the U.S. and UN also.  Hence 
there is no justification to keep Hafiz Saeed detained or to 
maintain a ban on Jamaatud Dawa on the enemy [India] demand." 
 
"U.S. Strategy Worked Well With Zardari" an analysis by Azim M. Mian 
in the centrist national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) 
(05/08) 
 
"President Zardari has emerged as more confident and composed 
following the public statement of U.S. President Barack Obama after 
two bilateral Obama-Zardari and Obama-Karzai and trilateral meeting 
of Obama, Zardari and Karzai at the White House.  President Zardari 
is extremely happy with the outcome of his visit to the U.S. as 
President Obama's kind words of support to his government will lend 
him another chance to consolidate himself and his grip over his 
government and the party by posing himself as U.S. backed and 
'democratically elected' President of his country with powers under 
the 17th Amendment.  Every American knows as says that 'There is no 
free lunch' in America.  Knowledgeable U.S. sources say there are 
two aspects of Asif Zardari's visit to Washington.  One is public 
and the other is real and covert." 
 
"Amused U.S. Leaders Stop Short Of Endorsing Zardari," an analysis 
by Shaheen Sehbai in the centrist national English daily "The News" 
(cir. 55,000) (05/08) 
 
"Top U.S. leaders are amused, a little irritated, at the almost 
annoying refrain of President Asif Ali Zardari that democracy in 
Pakistan should be protected and it will deliver everything the U.S. 
wants.  In other words, said a U.S. expert who has been meeting 
officials on both sides: 'Mr. Zardari is saying to Mr. Obama 
'Protect me, I am democracy and I will deliver.'  But in all the 
statements coming from Obama downwards after the White House talks 
and the State Department meetings, no specific guarantees have been 
given to protect Zardari, but all assurances have been given for 
continuing with democracy in Pakistan and to provide billions of 
dollars to build social and economic infrastructure so that the 
root-causes of discontent are addressed." 
 
"Pakistan Being Short-Changed Again," an op-ed by Ayaz Amir in the 
centrist national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (05/08) 
 
"The American aim all along has been for the army to forswear the 
habits of a lifetime and forget India, and throw all it has against 
the growing threat from the Taliban....  The American have us where 
they want us.  They had to build the Iraq army from scratch.  They 
are trying to create, with so far unsatisfactory results, a new 
Afghan army.  Just look at the billions they have had to pour into 
Iraq and Afghanistan and the relative pittance being envisaged for 
Pakistan in the Kerry-Lugar bill and it becomes pretty clear that 
this is the cheapest free lunch the Americans are about to have at 
Pakistan's expense....  Al Qaida and the Taliban sure have to be 
fought but Gen. Ashfaq Pervez Kayani should be calling the shots, 
and determining the pace of events, not His Highness Gen David 
Petraeus." 
 
"Taliban Will Be Defeated This Time," an op-ed by Hamid Mir in the 
centrist national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (05/08) 
 
"The Majority of the people in Pakistan never cared about the U.S. 
disliking the agreement, but they were annoyed when the Taliban 
violated the agreement.  This time local people are not supporting 
the Taliban.  Having said that, the Pakistanis want to defeat the 
Taliban but at the same time they want to get out of America's 
influence as well.  They would like to defeat the Taliban with a 
Pakistani strategy, not with a 'U.S. plan.'  They dislike 
Talibanization and they also dislike the Americanization of the 
world....  The time has come for Pakistan to come up with a strategy 
to defeat the Taliban with the help of friends in the east.  And the 
ironic thing is that Pakistan's friends in the west will be the 
ultimate beneficiaries of this success." 
 
"Taliban, Pakistan And The Occupiers," an op-ed by Dr. Muzaffar 
Iqbal in the centrist national English daily "The News" (cir. 
55,000) (05/08) 
 
"There is really no logical necessity for the state of Pakistan to 
side with the occupation forces in Afghanistan now, when there is a 
so-called elected government, which can easily re-examine its role 
by taking the case to parliament and have the elected 
representatives say 'no' in a loud and clear voice and then 
forcefully appeal to the world to listen to its voice.  This option 
is available, however, only if the government of Pakistan is willing 
or able to stand on its own feet, on the strength of its own 
people." 
 
"Fighting the Barbarian Hordes," an op-ed by Shafqat Mahmood in the 
centrist national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (05/08) 
 
"The hapless people fleeing their homes in the war zone owe their 
misery to the extremists not to the military.  It is they who have 
instigated this fight by invading these areas.  The state had no 
option but to respond....  There is no ambiguity any longer about 
what these people (Taliban) really want.  They have been so exposed 
that even the media Taliban are finding it difficult to defend 
them." 
Feierstein