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UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 001249 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OIIP OPRC PGOV PREL PK
SUBJECT:  PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: JUNE 08, 2009 
 
Summary:  Reports of armed villagers siege of Taliban forces in the 
Upper Dir district which lead to the death of 11 militants dominated 
headlines in all newspapers on Monday.  Newspapers highlighted 
reports that "at least 10 political activists were killed in Karachi 
as a spree of targeted killings" continued in different parts of the 
metropolis between the MQM (Muttahida Qaumi Movement) and its 
breakaway faction (MQM-H).  Security forces' claim "securing new 
areas in Malakand and killing four more terrorists" as the military 
offensive maintained its momentum received front-page display. 
Several major newspapers reported that "police arrested a close aide 
of TTP (Tehrik Taliban Pakistan) chief Baitullah Mehsud in Karachi." 
 Saudi King Abdullah's statement that "President Obama should impose 
a solution on Middle East, as Arabs are losing patience with the 
stalemate on this issue" received prominent coverage. 
 
Newspapers ran editorials on a host of subjects concerning the 
ongoing military operation and other national security issues. 
Commenting on the plight of IDPs, the prestigious English daily, 
"Dawn," noted that the "government may be guilty of vacillation but 
at the same time we have been let down badly by the international 
community, with the notable exception of the U.S."  The Lahore-based 
populist Urdu daily "Khabrain," observed that "although the loan 
waiver could be beneficial, a demand for access to American market 
would be even better."  Criticizing the conflicting statements by 
Pakistani officials on drone attacks, the Karachi-based, pro-Taliban 
Jihadi Urdu daily "Islam" ranted that "this confusion and visibly 
contradictory statements are ridiculous and bizarre."  End Summary. 
 
 
----------------- 
News Stories 
----------------- 
 
"Villagers Besiege Taliban In Dir; Militants Toll Reaches 12" "The 
News" (06/08) 
 
"Intensifying offensive against the Taliban militants, the armed 
villagers of Hayagay Sharqi in Dir Upper, backed by the people of 
dozens of other villages, besieged the militants from all sides. 
Sources said 11 Taliban militants, including two commanders, had 
been killed so far in the siege." 
 
"10 Die In Karachi Killing Spree" "Dawn," "The News" (06/08) 
 
"At least 10 political activists were killed on Sunday as a spree of 
targeted killings continued in different parts of the city.  The 
victims were affiliated to two political groups - the Muttahida 
Qaumi Movement (MQM) and its breakaway faction the Mohajir Qaumi 
Movement-Haqiqi (MQM-H)." 
 
"Army Claims Securing New Areas In Malakand" "Dawn" (06/08) 
 
"Troops secured more areas and killed four more terrorists on 
Saturday and Sunday as the military operation maintained its 
momentum in Malakand division.  According to ISPR, security forces 
consolidated their positions and established check-posts in Bara 
Bandai, Koza Bandai and Ningulai areas." 
 
"Mehsud Aide Arrested In Karachi" "Dawn" (06/08) 
 
"The CID wing of the city arrested on Sunday an alleged member of 
Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan and seized from him 10 suicide jackets, 
five of them packed with explosives.  Officials said that Naeemur 
Rehman was in direct contact with Hussain Mehsud, a close aide of 
TTP chief Baitullah Mehsud." 
 
"Saudi King Tells Obama To 'Impose Solution' On Mideast" "Daily 
Times" (06/08) 
 
"Arabs are losing patience with the Middle East peace stalemate and 
U.S. President Barack Obama should impose a solution to the issue, a 
leading Arab newspaper cited Saudi King Abdullah as saying on 
Sunday." 
 
Taliban Say Obama Speech 'Deceptive'" "Daily Times" (06/08) 
 
"The Taliban said on Saturday that U.S. President Barack Obama's 
speech to the Muslim world was full of 'deceptive slogans' and did 
nothing to change relations between America and Muslims, the Taliban 
leadership said in a message posted on internet forums." 
 
"Obama Admin Not To Meddle In Kashmir: Riedel" "The News" (06/08) 
 
"For those Pakistanis who were disappointed that President Barack 
Obama did not mention the unresolved issue of Kashmir in his Cairo 
speech, the President's close aide Bruce Riedel made it amply clear 
that the 'Obama Administration does not intend to meddle in 
Kashmir." 
 
"Army To Stay In Swat Indefinitely, Says ISPR" "Dawn" (06/08) 
 
"Army spokesman Maj-Gen Athar Abbas indicated on Saturday that the 
army would stay in Swat and adjoining areas for an 'indefinite 
period.'" 
 
"Four Militants, Three Soldiers Killed In Swat" "The News" (06/08) 
 
"Three security forces' personnel, including an officer, embraced 
Shahadat (martyrdom) and seven others sustained injuries, while four 
militants were also killed during the ongoing operation Rah-e-Rast, 
the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Sunday." 
 
"Shells Kill 5 Civilians In Dir Upper" "The News" (06/08) 
 
"Mortar shells hit a group of people fleeing fighting in Swat Valley 
at Gulbibagh area of neighboring Dir Upper district, killing five 
civilians, including two women and a child, locals said." 
 
"Militants Torch Seven Schools In Dir" "Dawn" (06/08) 
 
"Militants set on fire seven government schools in Gal, Mulano 
Banda, Shahi Kot (Malo), Miramai, Atto, Mulano Banda and Taran areas 
of Maidan in Lower Dir on Sunday." 
 
"All Set For Waziristan Operation" "The News" (06/08) 
 
"On the directives of the Federal Government, Pakistan Army has 
finalized all the arrangements for launching full-fledged operation 
against the militants in South and North Waziristan agencies, 
official sources told a private TV channel." 
 
"Panic In Mamond As Militants Clash" "Dawn" (06/08) 
 
"Panic gripped the Mamond area of Bajaur after clashes between two 
groups of militants on Saturday left four combatants dead. People 
are fearing that the incident might spark more fierce clashes. 
Supporters of Maulana Faqir Muhammad, of the outlawed Tehrik-Taliban 
Pakistan, and Commander Salar Masood of 
Tehriki-Nifaz-i-Shariat-i-Mohammadi are now preparing for a major 
showdown." 
 
"Holbrooke Sees Commitment Against Taliban" "Daily Times" (06/08) 
 
"Richard Holbrooke, the U.S. special envoy for Pakistan and 
Afghanistan, has said he sees resolve against the Taliban on the 
part of the Pakistani government and military as well as the 
populace.  He told the Wall Street Journal that the nation had 
turned a corner and was now serious about crushing the Taliban.  He 
said there was an urgent and growing need for the displaced people 
to return to their homes and rebuild their lives." 
 
"Qureshi Raised Drone Attacks Issue With Holbrooke" "The News" 
(06/08) 
 
 
"The issue of continuing U.S. drone attacks in tribal regions was 
raised by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi during his meeting 
with President Barack Obama's Special Representative for Pakistan 
and Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke in Islamabad on Friday, according 
to diplomatic sources.  This was also confirmed by the Foreign 
Office spokesman Abdul Basit when he was asked about it by 'The 
News' on Sunday." 
 
"PTI Seminar: Speakers Back U.S. Exit Strategy From Afghanistan" 
"The News" (06/08) 
 
"Noted politicians and top retired military officers on Sunday 
strongly advocated an early exit strategy for the U.S.-led forces in 
Afghanistan, saying this was the only way to tackle the growing wave 
of terrorism and militancy in Pakistan and in the region.  In a 
seminar on 'Beyond the Military Operation,' organized by Pakistan 
Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), some of the speakers feared if the internally 
displaced persons (IDPs) were not taken care of properly, many of 
them could join the ranks of militants." 
 
"The Taliban Will 'Never Be Defeated'; Mullah Omar's Trainer Says 
The U.S. Must Negotiate With Its Enemies" "Daily Times" (06/08) 
 
"The Pakistani intelligence agent who trained Taliban leader Mullah 
Omar to fight has warned that NATO forces will never overpower their 
enemies in Afghanistan and should talk to them rather than sacrifice 
more lives, said a Sunday Times report on Sunday.  'You can never 
win the war in Afghanistan,' said so-called 'Colonel Imam,' who ran 
a training program for the Afghan resistance to the Soviet Union's 
occupation from 1979 to 1989, then helped to form the Taliban." 
 
--------------------- 
Editorials/Op-eds 
--------------------- 
 
"Coherent Policy Needed," an editorial in the Karachi-based 
center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) 
(06/08) 
 
"The government may be guilty of vacillation but at the same time we 
have been let down badly by the international community, with the 
notable exception of the U.S.  Our Muslim brethren, in particular, 
have been nowhere near as forthcoming as they could have been. 
Pakistan and its displaced must not be abandoned in their time of 
trial." 
 
"Trade And Not AID," an editorial in the Lahore-based populist 
center-right Urdu daily "Khabrain" (cir. 50,000) (06/08) 
 
"Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani has demanded waiver of $ 16 
billion U.S. debt.  Although the loan waiver could be beneficial, a 
demand for access to American market would be even better.  In the 
event of the loan waiver, things will change on paper only with no 
solid gain coming to Pakistan." 
 
"Pointless Debate On U.S. Drone Attacks," an editorial in the 
Karachi-based, pro-Taliban Jihadi Urdu daily "Islam" (cir. 15,000) 
(06/08) 
 
"Commenting on the Ambassador Holbrooke's remarks about the drone 
attacks, Prime Minister Gilani made it clear the he did talked to 
Mr. Holbrooke on drone issue, however his cabinet minister Chaudhary 
Ahmad Mukhtar recognized the U.S. Envoy's stand, and maintained that 
drone attacks were not discussed, and only the demand for laying off 
loans was made by the Pakistani side.  This confusion and visibly 
contradictory statements are ridiculous and bizarre, and it is 
almost impossible to find out such ludicrous happenings in other 
countries." 
 
"Pakistan And Vision Of Qauid-e-Azam," an editorial in the 
Karachi-based right-wing pro-Jamaat-e-Islami Urdu daily "Jasarat" 
(cir. 3,000) (06/08) 
 
"Inaugurating Quaid-e-Azam Complex in Lahore Prime Minister Gilani 
reiterated his pledge to realize dreams of the father of the nation. 
 Very day when Prime Minister was making this statement, another 
statement from visiting American Envoy published in newspapers 
saying that Pakistani officials did not raise drone attacks issue 
with him.  This shows contradictions and inconsistency in Prime 
Minister's statement, and this also demonstrates that our rulers are 
not successors of our founding father, but they negated his 
philosophy and ideals." 
 
"Get Your Act Together," an editorial in the center-right national 
English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (06/08) 
 
"Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani could not get it more right when 
he said that drone attacks on our territory created sympathies for 
those challenging the writ of the state but he had to do a lot of 
explaining, during his interaction with the media after laying the 
foundation of Aiwan-i-Quaid-i-Azam on Saturday, to deny Richard 
Holbrooke's observation that no Pakistani official had raised this 
issue with him.  The disturbing disclosure came amidst deepening 
resentment against violations of our sovereignty." 
 
"Just Demand For Civil Nuclear Cooperation With America," an 
editorial in the second-largest, center-right nationalist Urdu daily 
"Nawa-i-Waqt" (cir. 150,000) (06/08) 
 
"Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani's demand for civil nuclear 
cooperation is an important one and by formally presenting the 
demand we would be able to know America's designs and regional 
priorities....  However, it should be ensured that this deal should 
not pose any threat to our nuclear and missile programs....  This 
agreement should be unconditional and in Pakistan's interest." 
 
"Sense Of Responsibility Thwarted Big Disaster," an editorial in the 
leading mass circulation centrist Urdu daily "Jang" (cir. 300,000) 
(06/08) 
 
"The incident of suicide attack at the police call center in 
Islamabad on Saturday shows that if police and other law enforcing 
departments are vigilant and dutiful, they can thwart the 
terrorists' plans.  And their successful efforts will not only allay 
fears among public, but also encourage them to come forward to stand 
shoulder to shoulder with the policemen and the administration.  It 
is for sure that the war against terror cannot be won without 
people's all-out support and help.  Likewise, it is also high time 
for the political parties and their workers to play their due role 
to restore peace and wipe out anti-Pakistan elements from the 
country." 
 
"Suicide Attack In Islamabad," an editorial in the popular rightist 
Urdu-language daily "Ausaf" (cir. 10,000) (06/08) 
 
"Following the latest wave of violence and terror, it is essential 
that the government should take every possible step to safeguard the 
lives and properties of the people, however public should also 
extend cooperation to the administration to thwart the subversive 
activities." 
 
"Fight Against Extremists: Caution Needed," an editorial in liberal 
Urdu daily "Express" (cir. 25,000) (06/08) 
 
"Security forces should review their strategy and should make 
stringent security arrangements for those TNSM (Tehrik 
Nifaz-e-Shariat Muhammadi) individuals who have been arrested for 
cooperating with militants.  If these detainees are to be 
transported to Peshawar or any other part of the country, then 
helicopter should be used for the purpose.  This is possible that 
extremists may try to attack and kill TNSM people in order to give 
the impression that the security forces or government is doing so." 
 
 
"Killing Of Maulana Sufi Muhammad's Close Associates," an editorial 
in the center-right Urdu daily "Pakistan" (cir. 10,000) (06/08) 
 
"The killing of TNSM top leaders is regrettable.  Although there is 
no sure way of protection against guerilla attacks, there should 
have been extraordinary measures taken for the protection of those 
killed.  It is said that the attackers were Taliban who wanted to 
continue the fight and kill those Ulema and religious personalities 
who are interested in ending violence among Muslims." 
 
"Signs Of TNSM-TTP Rift," an editorial in the center-right national 
English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (06/08) 
 
"There were indications of differences between the two sides soon 
after the Swat peace accord was signed.  One was not be surprised at 
that development since the TNSM was not known to be pursuing 
militant means to have its demand about the enforcement of Shariah 
met, while the TTP had an aggressive and much wider agenda.  It is 
expected that the authorities would make use of this difference of 
opinion to isolate the TTP from the general run of local people who 
are against violent means, thus paving the way for peaceful 
conditions to prevail." 
 
"You See How The Militants Are Entrenched," an editorial in the 
Islamabad-based rightist English daily "Pakistan Observer" (cir. 
5,000) (06/08) 
 
"No doubt, a few thousand terrorists cannot face a professional army 
and the operation Rah-e-Rast has broken their back, yet a lot more 
would be needed.  Unless and until the top tier leadership of the 
militants, be they in Swat or FATA were eliminated, lower cadre 
terrorists would continue to receive funding and material help for 
their act of terrorism.  It is time now that the intelligence 
agencies must redouble their efforts and mobilize all the resources 
to unearth the hideouts of the top level leadership of terrorists as 
well as pin point their training, communication and logistic centers 
for the final crackdown." 
 
"Safe And Sound," an editorial in the centrist national English 
daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (06/08) 
 
"As the army pushes the Taliban back on several fronts the hysteria 
that occasionally grips the western media in respect of our nuclear 
assets begins to fade....  The longer that the radical agenda remain 
embedded in our society, the better the chances of collaboration 
between it and present or future technocrats and scientists.  The 
Taliban present no threat to our nuclear assets in purely military 
terms - but their ideas do." 
 
"Possible Change In Taliban Tactics," an editorial in the 
Lahore-based liberal English language daily "Daily Times" (cir. 
10,000) (06/08) 
 
"Events are taking place at a pace faster than they are analyzed and 
interpreted.  The Tehreek-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) under Baitullah 
Mehsud has announced it is going to target the provinces to relieve 
pressure on the FATA and Malakand regions.  That is understood as 
normal retaliatory policy.  But is there something more to what the 
TTP is planning?  The latest death of Maulana Sufi Muhammad's two 
close TNSM deputies poses a conundrum that must be carefully probed 
for new signals....  Religion is no longer working for Baitullah 
Mehsud as the national consensus in Pakistan veers against his 
TTP....  There is no doubt that Baitullah Mehsud is under pressure." 
 
 
"First Defense Line Of Pakistan," an editorial in the Peshawar-based 
Urdu-language daily "Mashriq" (cir. 55,000) (06/08) 
 
"It is a well-known fact that ISI is Pakistan's first defense line, 
and in the past it frustrated numerous plans of our enemies against 
our national security.  Perhaps, that is the reason that the 
anti-Pakistan elements don't like this agency, and they frequently 
disseminate disinformation against this prime intelligence agency to 
weaken it.  But we must understand that actually it is a conspiracy 
to weaken Pakistan not just the ISI.  It is surprising that ISI 
performs same duties for Pakistan that other foreign agencies carry 
out for their countries, but why do the American and Indian 
officials criticize the activities of only this spy agency? 
Because, they face failures and frustrations in their nefarious 
designs to undermine Pakistan." 
 
"The Journey Home," an editorial in the centrist national English 
daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (06/08) 
 
"The meeting between top leaders of the NWFP government and the 
military to discuss a roadmap for the return of the IDPs to their 
homes once the military operation is over is significant....  Doubts 
have been expressed in various quarters about the ability of the 
civilian government to manage all this and to rise up to the 
expectations of people.  Even without a damage assessment, it is 
clear that many aspects of life in Swat need to be re-established 
almost from scratch....  The civilian leadership now needs to 
demonstrate its capacity to deal with the critical phase that now 
lies ahead." 
 
"The Unnecessary War," an op-ed by Roedad Khan in the centrist 
national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (06/08) 
 
"The Taliban can be deterred militarily for a time but tanks, 
gunships and jet aircraft cannot defeat deeply felt belief. 
President Zardari is playing with fire and acting like Conrad's 
puffing gunboat in Heart of Darkness, shelling indiscriminately at 
the opaque darkness.  The enemy is nebulous and the battlefield is 
everywhere." 
 
"Unraveling Taliban," an op-ed by Shahzad Chaudhry in the 
Lahore-based liberal English language daily "Daily Times" (cir. 
10,000) (06/08) 
 
"Al Qaeda will continue to bolster the TTP and other such affiliates 
to create a bigger quagmire for the Pakistani state, and that is why 
Pakistan's struggle shall not only have to be consistent but 
persistent as well." 
 
"Outcome Of Obama's ME Odyssey," an editorial in the Islamabad-based 
rightist English daily "Pakistan Observer" (cir. 5,000) (06/08) 
 
"Obama appeared sincere, acknowledged mistakes and gave a clear 
message that the only super power has decided to extend a hand of 
cooperation.  He was categorical that there is no room for terrorism 
yet ignored mentioning the causes that breed this menace.  He gave a 
message of hope to the Palestinians by saying that a Palestinian 
state is inevitable.....  If Obama is sincere in extending a hand of 
cooperation to the Islamic world, he must do it across the board 
rather than taking one and leaving others.  We hope that President 
Obama's Odyssey to the Middle East would lead to actions for 
promotion of understanding between the Muslim world and the West as 
well as addressing the root causes of terror and extremism through 
political means, not by military adventurism, for peace and 
stability across the globe." 
 
"ME: Dim Peace Prospects," an editorial in the Karachi-based 
center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) 
(06/07) 
 
"If America is not going to pressure Israel, is the latter, given 
its track record, going to have a change of heart on its own and 
give peace a chance?  At this time, it goes against all canons of 
justice, equity and international law to place Palestinians and 
Israelis in an equal light....  The peace process is virtually dead, 
and the Obama administration has yet to indicate how it intends to 
revive it.  The Likud-led coalition in power in Israel knows the 
intricacies of America's domestic politics.  If America's military 
and economic power cannot make Israel behave, what else will - UN 
resolutions, press conferences and pious hopes?" 
 
"Obama's New Approach," an op-ed by Talat Masood in the centrist 
national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (06/08) 
 
"If President Obama is really able to convince Israel to accept a 
two-state solution, withdraw to 1967 borders and stop building 
settlements then it would dramatically transform the relationship 
between U.S. and the Islamic world and weaken Al Qaeda's ability to 
capitalize on the injustices that the people of Palestine continue 
to suffer.  President Obama's acknowledgement of Hamas being 
representative of a section of Palestinian people was a major 
departure from the Bush administration policy of branding them as 
terrorist.  There were clear indications that his administration 
would be more equitable and retain a balance in its relations 
between Israel and Palestinians.  Doubts however linger in the minds 
of many if Obama would be able to implement this new policy on 
Middle East in view of the hard line attitude adopted by Israel's 
Prime Minister Netanyahu and the strong pro-Israeli lobby that 
exists in the United States." 
 
"The Years When It All Began," an op-ed by Ahmad Faruqui in the 
Karachi-based center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" 
(cir. 55,000) (06/08) 
 
"President Barack Hussein Obama's much-anticipated speech at Cairo 
University was without precedent.  His narration encompassed the 
sweep of Islamic history in a way that no sitting president of the 
United States had achieved before....  What Obama did not go into, 
perhaps given the impolitic conversations that it might engender, 
was how the U.S. and the Muslim world had arrived at the current 
impasse." 
 
"Obama's Grand Debut," an op-ed by Mustafa Malik in the 
Karachi-based center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" 
(cir. 55,000) (06/08) 
 
"It took my breath away to hear the President (Obama) declare the 
Palestinians' plight 'unacceptable,' compare it to that of America's 
black slaves and equate the Palestinians' right to a state with that 
of the Jews.  More remarkable was his pledge to 'personally pursue' 
the realization of a Palestinian state 'with all the patience that 
the task requires.'...  So far a Palestinian state remains Obama's 
personal mission.  Congress isn't too hot about the initiative, even 
though many lawmakers wouldn't oppose a popular president on it. 
Christian Zionists and neo-conservatives will oppose it to the 
bitter end." 
"Can Obama Deliver On His Vows?," an op-ed by Mohammad Jamil in the 
center-right national English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) 
(06/07) 
 
"Obama's speech has been well received by the Muslims at large who 
consider it a paradigm shift in the U.S. policy, but the litmus test 
of his sincerity is the practical demonstration by translating his 
noble sentiments into action within a reasonable period of time.... 
Anyhow, if President Obama is sincere he should not be influenced by 
the neocons, corporate capital and Israel and Indian lobbies, and 
should work according to his conscience, because to be a respectable 
world leader it is not enough to be a President of a superpower, 
President Obama should therefore display his political acumen and 
determination because he has the potential to change the course of 
history." 
 
"Obama Ignites Hope," an op-ed by Muqtedar Khan in the Lahore-based 
liberal English daily "The Post" (cir. 5,000) (06/07) 
 
"President Obama has found the language to transcend the hitherto 
zero sum conundrum of Israeli-Palestinian issue.  If he can 
translate this into policy, then perhaps we can finally witness the 
emergence of an independent Palestinian nation thriving side by side 
with a secure Israel....  President Obama through this speech may 
not have conquered Muslim hearts and minds, but he certainly has 
ignited hope of a peaceful and dignified future." 
 
"India's Tested Delaying Tactics," an editorial in the Karachi-based 
center-right sensationalist Urdu daily "Ummat" (cir. 33,000) 
(06/08) 
 
"India is now seeking detailed information on Pakistan's objections 
regarding water blockage of River Chenab, earlier Pakistan was 
considering to take up the issue with the World Bank, but whenever 
Pakistan plans to make a meaningful move, India engages Pakistan by 
asking for further explanations and reports. It is evident that 
passing time is India's old approach and our governments always 
succumb to these tactics." 
Patterson