VZCZCXRO2985
PP RUEHBI RUEHCI RUEHNEH
DE RUEHNE #1185/01 1591206
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 081206Z JUN 09
FM AMEMBASSY NEW DELHI
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 6916
INFO RUCPDOC/USDOC WASHDC
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC
RHHJJPI/PACOM IDHS HONOLULU HI
RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHDC
RUEHLM/AMEMBASSY COLOMBO 1809
RUEHCG/AMCONSUL CHENNAI 4773
RUEHCI/AMCONSUL KOLKATA 3984
RUEHNEH/AMCONSUL HYDERABAD 0637
RUEHKA/AMEMBASSY DHAKA 2205
RUEHIL/AMEMBASSY ISLAMABAD 6126
RUEHKT/AMEMBASSY KATHMANDU 2654
RUEHKP/AMCONSUL KARACHI 9534
RUEHBI/AMCONSUL MUMBAI 3815
RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON 6490
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 8140
RHOVVKG/COMSEVENTHFLT
RHMCSUU/HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 05 NEW DELHI 001185 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR NP, AC, PM 
 
STATE FOR INR/MR 
 
STATE FOR SCA/INS, PM/CBM, PM/PRO 
 
STATE FOR SCA/PPD, PA/RRU 
 
STATE FOR AID/APRE-A 
 
USDOC FOR 4530/IEP/ANESA/OSA FOR BILL MURPHY 
 
E.O. 12958:N/A 
TAGS: KMDR KPAO PGOV PREL IN
SUBJECT: OBAMA SPEECH IN CAIRO: INDIA MEDIA REPORT II 
 
SUMMARY:  President Obama's address to the Muslim World 
generated extensive commentary in the Indian media over 
the weekend.  Opinions ranged from wild praise to 
warnings to fellow Muslims not to be deceived by the 
speech.  The common refrain was that the speech marked 
a potential significant shift in U.S. policy, welcomed 
by most, however, with a degree of skepticism.  While 
acknowledging President Obama's sincerity and his 
understanding of the current issues facing Muslims, 
newspapers generally opined that "ultimate credibility 
lies in positive action." 
 
Notable reactions published in the English press follow 
in Section A below; reactions in the Urdu press in 
Section B; and all other vernacular press in Section C. 
END SUMMARY. 
 
--------- 
SECTION A 
--------- 
 
¶1. "OBAMA'S CANDOUR IN TIMELESS CAIRO," opinion piece 
in June 6 centrist English daily, THE INDIAN EXPRESS: 
"Barack Obama's speech is quite simply one of the most 
important articulations by any world leader on the 
relationship between Islam and the West-indeed, between 
Islam and the rest of the world. It is heartening to 
see the president of the United States approach many 
global issues from the standpoint of truth and 
justice." 
 
¶2. "OBAMA'S CAIRO SERMON," editorial in June 6 
centrist, nationally circulating leading business 
daily, THE ECONOMIC TIMES: "The speech does seem to 
mark a decisive end to the confrontational and brazen 
ways of the US in the recent past. Not less important 
was the acknowledgement of the need to challenge 
stereotypes of Islam and Muslims, while yet gently 
reminding people of the existence of extremist thought, 
lack of human rights, or gender discrimination." 
 
¶3. "POLITICS AND PROSE," editorial in June 6 
independent, centrist, nationally circulating English 
daily, THE INDIAN EXPRESS: "Obama's success lay in a 
fine touch; in a speech utterly realistic, but with an 
idealistic sweep. In seeking the common ground of 
"mutual interest and mutual trust" between America and 
the Muslim world, in urging to break mutual 
stereotypes, Obama's speech itself was "a new 
beginning" in that this "dialogue" was long-needed and 
long-awaited, given the intractable differences 
steadily entrenched over the last eight years." 
 
¶4. "STATEMENT OF PURPOSE," editorial in June 6 
nationally circulating English daily, THE TIMES OF 
INDIA: "It also packed much substance and, in some 
ways, marks a paradigm shift in US foreign policy. 
Expect no miracles overnight, but if even some of the 
tensions between parts of the Muslim world and America 
were lessened during Obama's tenure, it would have 
benefited the entire world." 
 
 
NEW DELHI 00001185  002 OF 005 
 
 
¶5. "GOING BEYOND THE OBAMA SPEECH," editorial in June 6 
left-influenced nationally circulating English daily, 
THE HINDU: "It is already clear that President Barack 
Hussein Obama's address to the Muslim world has gone 
some way towards correcting the widespread perception 
that the United States government is 'anti-Muslim.'" 
 
¶6. "THE PROMISE OF OBAMA'S ADDRESS," op-ed in June 6 
THE HINDU: "West Asia's history of violence, hatred and 
divisions notwithstanding, Mr. Obama's eloquence might 
have generated a powerful impulse which could help lay 
the foundations for a relatively less confrontationist 
political discourse in the region." 
 
¶7. "OBAMA NEEDS SOME MORE LESSONS IN ISLAM," opinion 
piece in June 6 independent, centrist, nationally 
circulating English Daily, THE INDIAN EXPRESS: "It is 
not just President Obama who should be required to do 
all the 'outreaching'; the Muslim world has its share 
to do as well. President Obama seems not to know that 
there are more Muslims in the Indian sub-continent than 
anywhere and that we lived in relative harmony till 
Saudi money started to fund Wahabi Islam." 
 
¶8. "SALAAM FROM BARACK OBAMA," editorial in June 7 
centrist, nationally circulating English Daily, THE 
HINDUSTAN TIMES: "His speech struck the right 
rhetorical notes: scriptural quotations, the humble 
superpower and even a bit of Israel bashing. The real 
test will be about converting sentiment into 
substance." 
 
¶9. "VOICE OF THE FUTURE," editorial in June 6 centrist 
THE TELEGRAPH: "The speech made by Obama is significant 
because it presages a change in U.S. attitudes and 
policies towards a very volatile part of the world. 
Mr. Obama has used the rhetoric of healing, the tone 
from that of superiority to that of partnership." 
 
¶10. "NEW HORIZON," editorial in June 7 English 
independent THE ASSAM TRIBUNE: "Obama's desire for a 
complete change in relationship has struck a chord with 
the Islamic mind across the world and has been 
universally welcomed, though occasionally with a degree 
of scepticism. However, words and intentions are by 
themselves not enough, for ultimate credibility lies in 
positive action." 
 
¶11. "THE OBAMA OUTREACH," in June 8 independent 
English daily, DNA: "For the first time, a US President 
with a Muslim ancestry and a Muslim middle name is 
attempting to appeal to the Muslim world. It is a new 
experience for the Muslim leaders and clergy." 
 
--------- 
SECTION B 
--------- 
 
¶12. "NEW BEGINNING," editorial in June 6 right-of- 
center Urdu daily, RASHTRIYA SAHARA: "By giving an 
outstanding speech in Cairo, without a doubt Obama has 
scored successfully with the Islamic world. If the U.S. 
 
NEW DELHI 00001185  003 OF 005 
 
 
can honestly translate these ideas into actions, he 
will go down in history. But the million-dollar 
question is whether Obama will succeed in changing 
America's age-old anti-Islamic policy, and will his 
country's anti-Islamic lobby will allow him to do so?" 
 
¶13. "OBAMA HAS EXTENDED HIS HAND," front page editorial 
in the June 6 right-of-center Urdu daily MILAP: "A mere 
speech can't solve the problem, the US should take 
concrete steps. Obama has extended his hand of 
friendship and Muslim leaders should also reply with a 
positive approach." 
 
¶14. "THANK YOU FOR THE NILDUS SPEECH, MR. PRESIDENT," 
op-ed in the June 7 RASHTRIYA SAHARA: "It was extremely 
important that a president of the United States quoted 
the Quran's unequivocal condemnation of terrorism. 
Barack Obama has offered the key, but it is up to 
Muslims to open the door." 
 
¶15. Some notable reactions published in prominent Urdu 
newspapers dated June 6: 
 
"Obama's speech is trying to make fools of Muslims. 
Obama noted that 3,000 innocent people had died on 
9/11, but we regret that he did not mention the 
martyrdom of countless Palestinians. Obama shows no 
sadness about the countless innocent deaths in Iraq, 
Afghanistan, and Palestine because he is the president 
of America." 
Syed Ahmad Bukhari, Imam of Shahi Jama Masjid, Delhi 
(AKHBAR E MASHRIQ) 
 
"We welcome the President's speech and we hope that 
action will soon follow. Confidence will not be 
restored simply by a speech. In revenge for the death 
of a few hundred [referring to 9/11], America does not 
regret killing thousands of citizens. This kind of 
injustice is hard to forget. This wound cannot be 
healed by a speech alone." 
Dr. Mufti Mohammed Mokarram Ahmad, Imam of Shahi Masjid 
Fatahpuri (RASHTRYA SAHARA, AKHBAR E MASHRIQ) 
 
"This is the first American president who has confessed 
with an open heart the mistakes made against Muslims, 
thus giving a message of a new beginning. If the 
president with good intentions desires peace and makes 
positive steps toward resolving the Palestinian 
problem, and calls the soldiers home from Afghanistan 
and Iraq, then the Muslims must support him." 
Prof. Akhtarul Wassey, Head Dept. of Islamic Studies 
(RASHTRYA SAHARA) 
 
"The President has taken the first solid step toward 
protecting the world. There is no reason to doubt 
Obama's intentions, because Obama has accepted the 
mistakes of the past and their gravity, and has 
promised the beginning of a new peaceful epoch." 
Dr. Zafar Mahmood, President, Zakat Foundation of India 
(RASHTRYA SAHARA) 
 
"The President must make clear his own position on what 
 
NEW DELHI 00001185  004 OF 005 
 
 
has happened in Afghanistan and Iraq until today -- 
whether these policies have been correct or wrong. On 
this declaration, we will decide whether we will trust 
or not what the President has said" 
Maulana Mohammad Salim Quasmi, Vice President, Muslim 
Personal Law Board (HAMARA SAMAJ) 
 
"We welcome the President's ideas and perspectives, but 
it is imperative that action must immediately follow." 
Maulana Khizar Shah, President Tanzeem Ulama e Hind 
(HAMARA SAMAJ) 
 
"The destruction occurring in Iraq and Afghanistan is 
the murder of humanity. America must stop its double 
standards and seriously try." 
Maulana Sufian Quasmi, Member Muslim Personal Law Board 
(HAMARA SAMAJ) 
 
--------- 
SECTION C 
--------- 
 
¶16. "OBAMA'S MESSAGE," editorial in June 6 nationalist 
Hindi daily, RASHTRIYA SAHARA: "Barack Obama will go 
down in history as someone who tried in earnest to 
bridge the chasm between America and the Muslim world. 
Obama is clearly not into rhetoric; the man genuinely 
understands the Muslim psyche." 
 
¶17. "NEW VISION," editorial in June 6 right-of-center, 
mass circulating Hindi daily, DAINIK JAGRAN: "It is a 
good sign that President Obama has declared his intent 
to improve America's relations with the Muslim world. 
It remains to be seen how effective his strategies will 
be." 
 
¶18. "SALAM OBAMA," editorial in June 7 independent 
Telugu daily, SAKSHI: "President Obama's speech is sure 
to open a new chapter of reconciliation between the 
largely aggrieved Muslim world and the West. The final 
question that remains is - how far his words will 
translate in to action?" 
 
¶19. "EFFORT OF BRIDGING," editorial in June 6 
independent Kolkata Bengali daily, ANANDABAZAR PATRIKA: 
"This is the first time that any U.S. President had 
uttered so many respectful words about the Islamic 
world. However, its real value will depend on how the 
Islamic world accepts his remarks. Obama's speech will 
gain even more significance if it charts out the next 
step of action." 
 
¶20. "PROPOSAL FOR A NEW BEGINNING BETWEEN AMERICA AND 
MUSLIM NATIONS," editorial in June 6 Gujarati daily, 
DIVYA BHASKAR:  "Obama's sincere approach reflects his 
personal integrity filled with a sense of optimism.  It 
remains to be seen how Muslim nations respond to this 
genuine offer for camaraderie" 
 
¶21. "OBAMA'S ASSALAMAALEKUM," editorial in June 6 
centrist Marathi daily, NAVSHAKTI: "President Obama 
spoke from his heart, and he extended friendship to the 
 
NEW DELHI 00001185  005 OF 005 
 
 
Islamic world. The speech is a definite good beginning, 
but Obama needs to make many more genuine efforts and 
take tough decisions with regard to some of the 
notorious Islamic nations." 
 
¶22. "WHOSE BURDEN IS OBAMA CARRYING?" op-ed in June 6 
centrist Marathi daily, LOKSATTA: "Just as one is happy 
to see President Obama making a strong and firm case 
for friendship with the Islamic countries, one is also 
worried about the consequences. Obama is trying to 
rewrite world history. Unfortunately, the U.S. history 
has many mistakes which underline America's negative 
role in world affairs." 
 
¶23. "WHO'S CHRISTIAN? WHO'S MUSLIM?" op-ed in June 7 
centrist Marathi daily, PRAHAAR: "President Obama has 
spoken about love and friendship in Cairo. World 
affairs do not change overnight, neither do violent 
minds calm down after peace talks. But Obama wishes to 
keep peace uppermost on the agenda, and that is a 
success in itself." 
BURLEIGH