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UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 001402 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OIIP OPRC PGOV PREL PK
SUBJECT:  PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: JUNE 25, 2009 
 
Summary:  U.S. National Security Advisor Jones's Pakistan visit and 
his meeting with Pakistan Army Chief General Kayani received 
extensive coverage in all newspapers on Thursday.  Newspapers also 
reported that General Jones will meet President Zardari and Prime 
Minister Gilani today (Thursday).  Interior Minister Rehman Malik's 
statement that the "Taliban had fled from the Malakand division" 
received extensive coverage.  Some major dailies highlighted report 
that "Baitullah Mehsud, the TTP chief had a narrow escape in Tuesday 
drone attack."  Alongside that story, all dailies also gave 
projection to the Pakistan Foreign Office's statement expressing 
"concern" over the recent U.S. drone attacks terming them as a 
"violation of its sovereignty."  Also reported on the front page was 
news that "PAF (Pakistan Air Force) purged its ranks of militant 
sympathizers." 
 
Most major dailies ran editorials on a variety of subjects including 
the U.S. NSA Jones's visit to Pakistan, the drone strikes, ongoing 
military offensive, and the constitutional reforms and so forth. 
The center-right national English daily "The Nation" observed that 
"it is hoped that General Jones, who would be visiting New Delhi, is 
told in plain terms that any genuine normalization with India is 
contingent on the resolution of the Kashmir issue."  Commenting on 
the drone strikes, the liberal English language daily, "Daily 
Times," noted that "Pakistan has been opposed to the American drone 
attacks on its territory, but not without some evidence that the 
local population living under the heel of Baitullah Mehsud did not 
mind them."  However, the pro-Taliban Jihadi Urdu daily "Islam" 
raised a question that "if the killing of innocent people and 
targeting of official buildings, mosques and public places by the 
Taliban or those disguised as Taliban is terrorism, then the drone 
attacks by U.S. that also kill innocent people too constitute 
terrorism and must be condemned just as vociferously."  End Summary. 
 
 
----------------- 
News Stories 
----------------- 
 
"U.S. Security Adviser Meets Army Chief" "Dawn," "The Nation," 
"Daily Times," "Pakistan Observer," "The Statesman," "Jang," 
"Nawa-i-Waqt," "Khabrain," "Ausaf" (06/25) 
 
"The United States National Security Adviser, Gen. James Jones, 
arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday to discuss troop surge in 
Afghanistan and to encourage Pakistan to intensify the military 
operations against extremists, according to sources.  Gen. Jones 
began his trip to the country with a meeting with Chief of Army 
Staff Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani after arriving from Kabul.  He will 
meet President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza 
Gilani on Thursday (Today).  Although neither side exchanged any 
formal agenda, diplomats said the advisor was likely to discuss 
surge in U.S. troops in Afghanistan, the Swat operation and the 
possible military offensive in Waziristan." 
 
"Obama Aide Calls On COAS" "The News" (06/25) 
 
"Advisor to U.S. President Barack Obama on National Security James 
Jones met COAS Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani in Islamabad on Wednesday 
night.  Mutual and bilateral matters, drone attacks, war against 
terrorism, regional security came under discussion in the meeting. 
The American official lauded Pakistan Army's efforts in war against 
terrorism and expressed satisfaction in this regard.  He assured all 
possible support for Pakistan and promised continued American aid in 
war against terrorism.  He also assured U.S. assistance in defense, 
economy and finance.  Army sources said the COAS briefed the visitor 
about operation and also expressed concerns at drone attacks." 
 
"No Sanctuary For Taliban, Says Malik" "Dawn" (06/25) 
 
"The Taliban had fled from the Malakand division and they would find 
no sanctuary no matter where they went, Interior Minister Rehman 
Malik said on Wednesday.  'Terrorists have fled from Swat after 
shaving off their beards.  They are on the run.  Wherever they go, 
we will hunt them down,' he said in the National Assembly.  Outside 
the Parliament House, Mr. Malik told reporters that the military 
operation would continue until the last Taliban fighter was 
eliminated." 
 
"Baitullah's Narrow Escape In Drone Attack: Missile Kills Key 
Trainer Of Taliban Suicide Bombers" "Dawn" (06/25) 
 
"Baitullah Mehsud, the Chief of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, had a 
narrow escape on Tuesday when he left only moments before an attack 
by U.S. drones on the funeral of a militant commander in South 
Waziristan.  The strike, however, claimed a significant scalp in the 
shape of Qari Hussain, a lieutenant of Baitullah who was popularly 
known as Ustad-i-Fidayeen, or teacher of suicide bombers.  Circles 
in TTP had widely tipped him as Baitullah's successor, Taliban 
leader Noorullah told 'Dawn' in Miramshah." 
 
"Pak Concern At U.S. Drone Attacks Conveyed: FO" "The News" (06/25) 
 
"Reiterating its concern over the drone attacks, Pakistan on 
Wednesday said it was in regular contact with the U.S. and serious 
concerns on the recent strikes have been put across strongly.  In 
response to a question regarding the recent drone attacks, Foreign 
Office spokesman Abdul Basit said, 'it has been Pakistan's 
consistent position that drone attacks are a violation of Pakistan's 
sovereignty and must be stopped." 
 
"U.S. Drones Prowl Over Waziristan, Pakistan Concerned" "Daily 
Times" (06/25) 
 
"U.S. drones prowled the sky over South Waziristan on Wednesday, a 
day after one of the aircraft attacked a stronghold of Taliban 
leader Baitullah Mehsud.  Taliban fired at the drones and at least 
two turned back, said a resident." 
 
"PAF Purges Its Ranks Of Militant Sympathizers; Six PAF Men Face 
Death, 51 Jailed For Contacts With Terrorists" "The News" (06/25) 
 
"Fifty-seven men of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) ranging from chief 
technicians to officers were arrested over their alleged contacts 
with terrorists and involvement in anti-state activities. According 
to reports, the arrests were made during the last one and a half to 
two years after conducting an inquiry.  Sources disclosed that six 
officials were sentenced to death.  These arrested officials had 
allegedly established contacts with Baitullah Mehsud and other 
banned outfits of the country.  Spokesperson for the PAF Air 
Commodore Humayun Waqar said that action was taken against the PAF 
men according to law and arrests were made in Musharraf's time." 
 
"Holbrooke Vows Economic, Security Support For Pakistan" "The News" 
(06/25) 
 
"Pledging sustained economic and security assistance for Pakistan, 
U.S. presidential envoy Richard Holbrooke on Wednesday said 
Washington is working with the international community to help 
Islamabad address the urgent issue of internally displaced persons 
from the northwestern regions, where it is fighting Taliban 
militants.  Testifying before the House Government Reform Committee, 
the special representative for the region said the Obama 
Administration responded quickly to the humanitarian crisis 
involving millions of internal refugees from Swat and other areas of 
the Malakand Division." 
 
"Taliban Resurgence Due To Peace Agreements In Pakistan, Says Gates" 
"The News" (06/25) 
 
"U.S. Defence Secretary Robert Gates on Wednesday attributed the 
resurgence of Taliban in Pakistan and Afghanistan to the series of 
peace agreements, which Islamabad had with the militants in the last 
few years.  'To a considerable degree, the Taliban resurgence began 
when Pakistan made peace agreements with various insurgent and 
extremist groups on its Western border.  This allowed them more 
freedom of movement and an effective base of operations,' Gates 
said.  Referring to the recent military offensive launched by the 
Pakistani military against the Taliban, he said the approach by 
Islamabad to enter into peace agreements with the militants has now 
come to an end.  'There is now clear recognition by the Pakistanis 
on the direct threat that the extremists pose to their national 
survival,' Gates said during the course of his address to the U.S. 
Central Command's Gulf States Chiefs of Defence Conference. 'The 
recent offensive by the Pakistani military in the Swat Valley was 
most certainly an encouraging first step,' he said." 
 
"TTP Claims Zain's Murder: Taliban Groups Fight It Out In Tank: Two 
Killed" "Dawn" (06/25) 
 
"One member each from the Baitullah and Abdullah Mehsud groups - 
rival Taliban factions - were killed in a clash in Tank bazaar on 
Wednesday.  The dead militants were identified as Yusuf and Zahir 
Khan.  Baitullah Mehsud's deputy and spokesman Wali Rehman said his 
network had killed Qari Zainuddin.  He called newsmen and said that 
the TTP Chief had ordered the killing of the defecting commander. 
Qari Zainuddin, who was a vocal opponent of Baitullah's actions in 
Pakistan, was shot dead by Gulbadin, one of his guards, at his 
residence on Tuesday." 
 
"Zainuddin's Assassination Exposes Taliban Rifts" "Daily Times" 
(06/25) 
 
"The assassination of Qari Zainuddin, the leader of the renegade 
Taliban faction, by one of his own men underscores a growing rift in 
the ranks of the Taliban as they brace for an impending army 
assault.  Zainuddin's killing on Tuesday sets back government hopes 
of exploiting these internal divisions in South Waziristan, where 
the army has been pounding strongholds of Taliban leader Baitullah 
Mehsud in apparent preparation for a major offensive.  Although 
Zainuddin was never seen as a serious challenger to Mehsud, the 
government had clearly hoped his outspoken criticism of the Taliban 
leader would foster others to defect and help the army with tips on 
where to find him." 
 
"Qari Zainuddin's Successor Vows To Continue Struggle" "Daily Times" 
(06/25) 
 
"Misbahuddin Mehsud, the new Chief of the Abdullah Group and the 
successor of Qari Zainuddin, said on Wednesday that his men would 
continue fighting against Baitullah Mehsud until he was killed.  The 
23-year-old said he 'strongly supports' the ongoing military 
operation in Waziristan against?  In interview with 'Daily Times' 30 
hours after the killing of his elder brother Zainuddin, Misbah said 
the murder of his brother would not either 'demoralize' his group or 
'hurt its mission.'" 
 
"Operational Plans Against Mehsud On" "Daily Times" (06/25) 
 
"Operational plans being made against Taliban leader Baitullah 
Mehsud in Waziristan might need 'a slight readjustment' after the 
death of rival commander Qari Zainuddin, but plan to take on the 
'enemy No 1' will 'stay the course,' military authorities told 
'Daily Times.'" 
 
"No Prominent Militant Killed In Drone Attack" "The News" (06/25) 
 
"There was no prominent militant commander among the 60-plus people 
killed in missile strikes by a U.S. drone on funeral prayers in the 
violence-stricken South Waziristan on Tuesday.  People who helped in 
shifting the injured to hospital in Miramshah in North Waziristan 
told 'The News.'" 
 
"All Major Towns Of Swat Under Control: ISPR" "Dawn" (06/25) 
 
"The military said on Wednesday that almost all major towns in Swat 
were under the control of security forces.  According to the ISPR, 
the government employees who have been asked to resume their duties 
will be provided security cover by the forces in Swat. It said the 
Pakistan Army would cooperate with the local administration in 
restoration of civic facilities and in the relief and rehabilitation 
activities.  A spokesman for the ISPR said a contingency plan had 
been prepared to facilitate the displaced people of South Waziristan 
where a full-scale military operation was on the cards." 
 
"Major, Captain And 4 Soldiers Martyred; 7 Militants Killed" "The 
News" (06/25) 
 
"The security forces on Wednesday claimed to have killed seven more 
terrorists while six soldiers including two officers embraced 
martyrdom during ongoing operation against militants in Malakand 
division.  Also, the security forces arrested seven more militants, 
said an ISPR press release issued in Islamabad." 
 
"Lashkar Purges Dir Upper Of Extremists" "The News" (06/25) 
 
"The Qaumi Lashkar comprising armed combatants has successfully 
cleared majority of the areas of Dir Upper district of extremists, 
leaving 34 terrorists dead.  The Qaumi Lashkar is successfully 
making advancement in areas where the pro-Taliban militants took the 
local population hostage at gunpoint, head of the Lashkar Malik 
Moatabar Khan told APP." 
 
"Three Cops Die In Peshawar Check-Post Attack" "The News" (06/25) 
 
"Three policemen, including an officer, were killed as the 
miscreants fired rockets and mortar shells at Arbab Tapo check-post 
in the jurisdiction of Matani Police Station in the wee hours on 
Wednesday." 
 
"FC Camp Comes Under Rocket Attack In Turbat" "The News" (06/25) 
 
"Unknown miscreant fired two rockets at an FC Camp at Aab Sar area 
of Turbat on Wednesday, but no loss of life or property was 
reported, according to official sources." 
 
"Taliban Missile Attack Kills One In Khar" "Daily Times" (06/25) 
 
"The Taliban on Wednesday fired six missiles at Khar bazaar, killing 
one person and injuring four others.  Security forces retaliated 
against suspected Taliban hideouts, pounding them with heavy fire." 
 
 
"Minhajul Quran leader killed" "Daily Times" (06/25) 
 
"Unidentified gunmen on Wednesday killed the general secretary of 
the Minhajul Quran Foundation (a peaceful Brailvi school of thought 
group) in Dera Ismail Khan.  According to the details, the gunmen 
stormed into the house of Muhammad Farooq and shot him dead.  Police 
said it was too early to comment on the reasons behind the murder." 
 
 
"Jihadis' Helping Displaced People, Says Aid Group" "Dawn" (06/25) 
 
"Inadequate relief efforts were allowing militant groups to operate 
in camps and communities housing hundreds of thousands of people 
displaced by an offensive against the Taliban, an aid group said on 
Wednesday.  'Jihadi groups are present, leading an international 
agency to suspend its visits in some camps on Fridays and Saturdays 
as 'these are the days the Jihadis distribute their assistance,' the 
Washington-based group said in a report on Wednesday." 
 
"Supreme Court Dismisses Sarabjit's Appeal" "Dawn" (06/25) 
 
"The Supreme Court threw out on Wednesday an appeal by Indian spy 
Manjit Singh alias Sarabjit Singh seeking a review of his death 
sentence awarded by a court in 1991 on terrorism charges.  Sarabjit 
Singh, who is on death row, was sentenced to death for involvement 
in a series of bombings in different cities of Pakistan in 1990. 
'Apparently no ground has been made out in the case warranting a 
review,' observed a three-judge bench comprising Justice Raja Fayyaz 
Ahmed, Justice Mohammad Qaim Jan Khan and Justice Syed Zawwar 
Hussain Jaffery." 
 
"India Seeks Leniency For Sarabjit" "Dawn" (06/25) 
 
"India has urged Pakistan to take a humanitarian view of the case of 
condemned prisoner Sarabjit Singh whose review petition was rejected 
on Wednesday by Pakistan's Supreme Court, Indian Foreign Minister 
S.M. Krishna said." 
 
"Iran Won't Back Down, Declares Khamenai" "Dawn" (06/25) 
 
"Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenai declared on Wednesday 
that the election result would stand, despite street protests that 
Iranian officials say Britain and the United States have incited. 
The opposition refused to be bowed, with reformist cleric Mehdi 
Karoubi, who came last in the June 12 presidential election, calling 
the new government 'illegitimate' and around 200 protesters braving 
the security crackdown near parliament." 
 
--------------------- 
Editorials/Op-eds 
--------------------- 
 
"New Af-Pak Strategy," an editorial in the center-right national 
English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (06/25) 
 
"President Barack Obama's National Security Advisor Gen. James Jones 
is in Islamabad to discuss the implications for Pakistan of 
President Obama's new Afghanistan-Pakistan strategy....  The new 
strategy also calls for the U.S. to reach out to Afghanistan's 
neighbors, including Iran, step up military and economic aid to 
Pakistan, and ask NATO to send more troops to ensure security during 
the upcoming Presidential election in Afghanistan, scheduled for 
August.  Along with a new strategy, Gen. McChrystal, whose record 
vis-`-vis human rights is less than shining, has been appointed the 
new chief of the U.S. forces in Afghanistan.  There is a need on the 
part of Islamabad to convey its reservations about aspects of the 
strategy that have serious implications for Pakistan....  It is 
hoped that General Jones, who would be visiting New Delhi, is told 
in plain terms that any genuine normalization with India is 
contingent on the resolution of the Kashmir issue." 
 
"Endgame Closing In On Baitullah," an editorial in the Lahore-based 
liberal English language daily "Daily Times" (cir. 10,000) (06/25) 
 
"Baitullah Mehsud has had his opponent Qari Zainuddin murdered in 
Dera Ismail Khan for disclosing facts about him that he had denied. 
If this is a measure of how Baitullah will react to his diminishing 
hold over his objectors, then he is sure to kill another local rival 
Turkistan Bitani who had made public his criminal activities last 
week.  Does this mean that Baitullah is gaining the upper hand in 
the region where the Pakistan Army is now challenging him with an 
operation?  The fact to keep in mind is that Zainuddin and Bitani 
were encouraged to speak out because of the hope revived in them by 
the military operation....  Pakistan has been opposed to the 
American drone attacks on its territory, but not without some 
evidence that the local population living under the heel of 
Baitullah Mehsud did not mind them....  But the decision to go for 
South Waziristan is without a doubt more effective in lowering the 
prestige and outreach of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in the 
whole of Pakistan." 
 
"Is This Not Terrorism?," an editorial in the Karachi-based, 
pro-Taliban Jihadi Urdu daily "Islam" (cir. 15,000) (06/25) 
 
"If the killing of innocent people and targeting of official 
buildings, mosques and public places by the Taliban or those 
disguised as Taliban is terrorism, then the drone attacks by U.S. 
that also kill innocent people too constitute terrorism and must be 
condemned just as vociferously.  Similarly, just as the local 
militants' challenging of the government's writ a crime, so is the 
repeated aerial violation by U.S." 
 
"Drone Attacks On Baitullah Mehsud's Hideouts," an editorial in the 
center-right Urdu daily "Pakistan" (cir. 10,000) (06/25) 
 
"Militants got killed in a drone attack on Baitullah Mehsud's 
hideouts.  Yet another drone attack on the funeral of those killed 
earlier caused dozens of innocent deaths.  This is condemnable. 
President of Pakistan should tell America that such drone attacks 
are against Pakistan's interest and counterproductive for Pakistan's 
effort against militancy....  If America happens to have information 
on militants' assembly somewhere, it should inform Pakistan's 
military for an effective action by Pak Army." 
 
"Reports Of Important Militant Having Been Killed In Drone Attacks," 
an editorial in liberal Urdu daily "Express" (cir. 25,000) (06/25) 
 
"Drone attacks in Pakistan's tribal areas are nothing new.  It is 
also true that these attacks have inflicted heavy losses on the 
militants.  Yet it becomes difficult to support these strikes since 
they are taking place in areas under Pakistan's control.... 
Eliminating the terrorists is a test for the government, in which it 
is proceeding very cautiously.  The next test of the government will 
be when the IDPs start returning to the affected areas as the 
infrastructure, schools and the entire system will have to be 
re-established. The government needs to start planning for that 
stage now." 
 
"American Drone Attacks And Deaths," an editorial in the 
Karachi-based center-right sensationalist Urdu daily "Ummat" (cir. 
33,000) (06/25) 
 
"America understands clearly that Pakistan is fighting against 
extremism, this conflict has caused displacement of over two million 
people, terrorists are targeting pro-government and anti-Taliban 
people, but still U.S. continues to act on its own creating trouble 
for the Pakistani government and itself.  May be two or three 
suspected terrorists were killed in the drone attacks, but civilian 
causalities are much higher. For an effective and successful fight, 
the U.S. needs to stay back, and provide Pakistan Army with predator 
drones to pursue war against extremists effectively." 
 
"America: Source Of Evil: Who Will Stop It?," an editorial in the 
Karachi-based right-wing pro-Jamaat-e-Islami Urdu daily "Jasarat" 
(cir. 3,000) (06/25) 
 
"The U.S. shelling has killed over 80 people in South Waziristan; 
there cannot be worst atrocity then attacking a funeral procession 
which is largely attended by common people.  How many more Baitullah 
Mehsuds would be born in the families of 96 victims of this attack? 
Our parliament had passed a unanimous resolution against drone 
attacks, but what happened to that resolution, no one knows?  We 
will say again that as long as the U.S. stays in the region, our 
country will remain a victim of terrorism and lawlessness." 
 
"Zainuddin Mehsud's Murder," an editorial in the Lahore-based 
populist center-right Urdu daily "Khabrain" (cir. 50,000) (06/25) 
 
"It is a source of embarrassment for the Pakistan government that 
those who support the government are being targeted in this manner 
and the government is unable to provide security to them.  Before 
Zainuddin, Mufti Sarfraz Naeemi was also martyred because he had 
termed suicide attacks are haraam [forbidden]....  The government 
should have provided security to Qari Zainuddin after he had made 
such important statements against Baitullah Mehsud." 
 
"American Drone Attacks And Implication Of Ulema's Killing," an 
editorial in Lahore-based populist Urdu daily "Waqt" (cir. 10,000) 
(06/25) 
 
"The U.S. allies must understand the difficulties facing Pakistan 
Army, they must help the government in its efforts against 
terrorism. Drone attacks would hamper Pakistan Army's operations and 
it would become difficult to stop militants from carrying out their 
heinous acts." 
 
"Terrorism From Waziristan To Balochistan: The Role Of The U.S., 
India And Israel," an editorial in the popular rightist 
Urdu-language daily "Ausaf" (cir. 10,000) (06/25) 
 
"It is a fact that although the name of Taliban is being used [in 
terrorist activities], the main role in this game is being played by 
anti-Pakistan forces.  A few days ago, military authorities 
presented evidence to the government of Indian and Israeli 
involvement in terrorism in Waziristan and Balochistan...  How is it 
possible that the U.S. and NATO forces are unaware of India's 
anti-Pakistan activities in Afghanistan [through its Consulates] 
there?  And if India is engaged in these activities in U.S. and NATO 
presence, it means that it is the U.S. that is supporting such 
activities." 
 
"The Grim Reapers," an editorial in the populist, often sensational 
national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (06/25) 
 
"Death has many names.  The Grim Reaper, a cloaked skeletal figure 
holding an hour-glass and a scythe is one of the more familiar 
manifestations; and it finds a corporeal form in the name of the 
drones that regularly harvest souls in the ongoing battle against 
extremism....  Both of these strikes were clearly aimed either at 
killing Baitullah Mehsud and/or his close associates.  A Taliban 
spokesman later said that he had been 'in the area' but was not 
hurt. We will never know if the drones missed by an inch or a mile. 
There can be little doubt that the drones which carried out this 
operation were American, though whether they were flown form a base 
inside or outside Pakistan remain a mystery.  However, we may deduce 
that this operation was clearly designed to draw as many as possible 
into the target-frame and a loitering surveillance drone would have 
supplied the visuals enabling the second and more deadly strike. 
Numbers of dead and wounded are almost inevitably going to rise in 
the next twenty-four hours - as will local anger at this latest 
outing for the Grim Reapers." 
 
"Selling The War," an editorial in the populist, often sensational 
national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (06/25) 
 
"While the showing of photographs of 54 dead militants by the ISPR 
Director-General is a welcome step in that it helps remove some of 
the questions that are increasingly cropping up surrounding the 
death toll inflicted by the military operation on the militants in 
Malakand and Swat, it would be fair to say that an information and 
credibility gap has opened up on this very sensitive matter.  If the 
general public is to continue supporting this war of ours then they 
need to know a lot more about it than the currently is the case.... 
We understand that there are issues of confidentiality - secrecy 
even - that are in play.  It would be foolish in the extreme to 
reveal our strategies to the enemy, and we do not seek to stray into 
confidential territory.  The military have to understand that they 
are not only fighting this war, they are marketing it as well.  The 
politicians are in the same business but in general terms lack some 
of the competencies of communication that the military have.... 
Selling a war is never easy - but this one might be a bit easier to 
sell if local faces and voices were speaking to the people who have 
to pay its price." 
 
"The Eleven Indispensables," an op-ed by Nasim Zehra in the 
populist, often sensational national English daily "The News" (cir. 
55,000) (06/25) 
 
"If the current insurgency was to be traced back to the eighties it 
was indeed created by the state itself, it was politically and 
financially underwritten by the international community, it was 
viewed as a security asset, its militant-cum-religious ideological 
moorings were largely state-authored and internationally supported, 
multiple state players regionally and globally mobilized 
foot-soldiers for this insurgency.  Hence, what for want of a more 
appropriate label is referred to as an insurgency is actually a 
mini-war machine that the state and its internal and external allies 
put together." 
 
"Mr. President! Against Whom India Is Preparing For War?," an 
editorial in the second-largest, center-right nationalist Urdu daily 
"Nawa-i-Waqt" (cir. 150,000) (06/25) 
 
"President Asif Ali Zardari has said that he does not consider India 
a military threat while Taliban are dangerous for the entire 
international community....  If according to the President, India is 
not a military threat for Pakistan then all the Indian effort for 
nuclear technology, modern weapon and increase in the defense budget 
cannot be directed against Sikam, Bhutan and Nepal." 
 
"Is India Not A Threat," an editorial in the center-right national 
English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (06/25) 
 
"This is not the first time that President Asif Zardari has given 
vent to his feeling that India is not a military threat to 
Pakistan....  He should have known that good intentions, which in 
the case of New Delhi are an utter misconception, do not matter much 
in strategic paradigms.  It is the capability of other nations that 
is taken into account while doing military planning and preparation. 
 One would not, however, disagree with him that the Taliban were an 
international threat and a threat to our way of life, and that if 
left to flourish would prove to be an existential threat to 
Pakistan." 
 
"Between 'Capability' And 'Intent'," an editorial in the 
Lahore-based liberal English language daily "Daily Times" (cir. 
10,000) (06/25) 
 
"President Asif Ali Zardari has once again stated to a European news 
agency that India is no longer a military threat to Pakistan....  He 
was referring to a fact of military strategy in which the states 
cannot afford to make subjective judgments about the intent to 
attack.  It is accepted by all military thinkers that to assess 
threat from a state it is safer to look at the level of military 
preparedness of the said state rather than searching for intent that 
may not be clearly expressed.  This truth has been derived from the 
fact that if a state has the intent to attack, its lack of 
capability will hamper its action." 
 
"To Fan Fire In Iran," an editorial in the Islamabad-based rightist 
English daily "Pakistan Observer" (cir. 5,000) (06/25) 
 
"There is absolutely no justification for foreign meddling into its 
internal affairs.  It is, however, quite evident that the United 
States wants to fan the trouble in the country as it fits well into 
its scheme of things for a so-called regime change in Tehran, for 
which formal allocations are made in American budget every year.  We 
hope that Iranian leadership would demonstrate far-sightedness and 
will not provide any excuse to outside powers to interference with 
its purely domestic affairs." 
 
"State Of Confusion," an op-ed by Kamila Hyat in the populist, often 
sensational national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (06/25) 
 
"The statements made by both Venezuela's radical, socialist 
President Hugo Chavez and Ahmadinejad have caused Washington to 
cringe.  This response is in many ways amusing to watch, given that 
there are, sadly, few nations in the world willing to take on the 
sole global super-power.  But simply a willingness to threaten the 
U.S. cannot be a basis for backing any individual or any group. 
Indeed, Ahmadinejad, one of the men involved in the 1979 hostage 
drama when around 70 Americans were held at the U.S. Embassy in 
Teheran for 444 days, is guilty of comments that amount to the 
racist and the downright absurd.  He has for instance denied the 
Holocaust ever took place at all.  His policies have isolated Iran, 
and have been a factor in the vote by Iran's people to usher in a 
more liberal, less conservative leader." 
 
"Envious Of Iranians," an op-ed by Rami G. Ghouri in the 
Lahore-based liberal English language daily "Daily Times" (cir. 
10,000) (06/25) 
 
"Arab regimes and leaders have worked themselves into a lose-lose 
situation whereby they would be unhappy if the Iranian regime stayed 
in power, and unhappy if it were removed through popular challenge. 
The same awkwardness defines the perspectives of Arab citizens. 
Most Arabs do not want to live in an Iranian-style political system 
that blends theocracy with autocracy; but many were pleased to see 
the pro-American Shah overthrown by Quran-carrying demonstrators. 
They would also be unhappy to see the Iranian regime overthrown 
because they enjoy its defiance of the United States, Israel and the 
UN in particular, along with its development of nuclear 
capability." 
 
(All circulation figures are based on estimation) 
Patterson