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UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 001521 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OIIP OPRC PGOV PREL PK
SUBJECT:  PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: JULY 07, 2009 
Summary:  National political developments dominated headlines in all 
newspapers on Tuesday.  Several major dailies, however, highlighted 
U.S.-Russia agreement "allowing U.S. military to use Russian soil 
 
for Afghan transit" and a promise to "reduce nukes."  Also front 
paged were reports that the "Pak Army claimed to have killed 14 
militants in attacks on suspected hideouts in Swat."  Pegged to it 
were reports that chief of the defunct Tehrik Nifaz Shariat 
Muhammadi (TNSM), Sufi Mohammad, "surfaced in Peshawar" after his 
"two months of mysterious disappearance."  All dailies also gave 
prominent coverage to Pakistani scientist, Dr. Aafia Siddiqui's 
statement before a U.S. District Court in New York "rejecting U.S. 
government's allegations of shooting American soldiers and FBI 
agents in Afghanistan."   All Pakistani newspapers gave wide display 
to the killing of "162 people in ethnic riots in Xinjiang region of 
China." 
Most major dailies ran editorials on the roadmap for justice that 
has been spelled out by Chief Justice Chaudhary in the 
recently-concluded conference on the implementation of the National 
Judicial Policy.  However some papers editorialized others pressing 
issues including the impending threat of assault on Iran and the 
ongoing military offensive etc.  Commenting on the Vice President 
Biden's remarks, the center-right national English daily "The 
Nation," observed that "by any reckoning, any sort of adventurism 
against Iran, especially armed action, would result in a 
catastrophe."  The Lahore-based liberal English daily, "Daily 
Times," commented that "the Biden statement has been taken as a 
green signal.  One thought the U.S. would restrain Israel knowing 
that a strike against Iran would destroy the world's most 
strategically important region."  The center-right Urdu daily 
"Pakistan," observed that the Vice President's statement "shows that 
America is interested in widening the scope of war against the 
Muslim world, but cannot do that due to certain reasons.  It 
(America) has now signaled its policeman in the Middle East to do 
the needful."  End Summary. 
----------------- 
News Stories 
----------------- 
 
"Russia Allows U.S. Military To Use Its Soil For Afghan Transit" 
"Dawn" (07/07) 
 
"Russia agreed on Monday to let the United States fly troops and 
weapons across its territory to Afghanistan, a move hailed by 
Washington as a valuable contribution towards helping U.S. forces 
fighting the Taliban. A joint declaration also announced agreements 
on nuclear arms cuts and on replacing a key disarmament treaty, 
including figures for reduction in nuclear warheads to between 1,500 
and 1,675 within seven years." 
 
"Fourteen Killed In Attack On Swat Hideouts" "Dawn" (07/07) 
 
"The army claimed to have killed 14 militants during the operation 
in Swat on Sunday and Monday.  Four soldiers suffered injuries. 
According to the ISPR, security forces captured several terrorists 
and seized 50 mules loaded with arms and ammunition, medicines and 
foodstuff in Banjut area." 
 
"Maulana Sufi Re-Emerges In Peshawar" "Dawn" (07/07) 
 
"Maulana Sufi Muhammad, the chief of the defunct Tehrik 
Nifaz-i-Shariat-i-Muhammadi's (TNSM) surfaced on Monday - two months 
after he mysteriously went missing in Amandarra, the headquarters 
(TNSM), in Malakand region.  An immediate relative, who introduced 
himself as Bakht Wahid, told 'Dawn' by phone that Sufi along with 
his family including women and children reached Peshawar in the 
afternoon." 
 
"Dr. Aafia Denies Shooting U.S. soldiers In Afghanistan" "Daily 
Times" (07/07) 
 
"Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani neuroscientist currently detained 
in the U.S., on Monday rejected the U.S. government's allegations 
that she tried to kill American soldiers and FBI agents in 
Afghanistan.  'I did not shoot anybody, and I did not fire at 
anybody,' Aafia, 37, told a U.S. District Court, which was holding a 
hearing to determine whether she was competent to stand trial." 
 
"162 Killed In China Ethnic Riots" "Daily Times" (07/07) 
 
"At least 162 people have been killed in rioting in China's 
northwestern region of Xinjiang, with the government blaming exiled 
 
Summary:  National political developments dominated headlines in all 
newspapers on Tuesday.  Several major dailies, however, highlighted 
U.S.-Russia agreement "allowing U.S. military to use Russian soil 
for Afghan transit" and a promise to "reduce nukes."  Also front 
paged were reports that the "Pak Army claimed to have killed 14 
militants in attacks on suspected hideouts in Swat."  Pegged to it 
were reports that chief of the defunct Tehrik Nifaz Shariat 
Muhammadi (TNSM), Sufi Mohammad, "surfaced in Peshawar" after his 
"two months of mysterious disappearance."  All dailies also gave 
prominent coverage to Pakistani scientist, Dr. Aafia Siddiqui's 
statement before a U.S. District Court in New York "rejecting U.S. 
government's allegations of shooting American soldiers and FBI 
agents in Afghanistan."   All Pakistani newspapers gave wide display 
to the killing of "162 people in ethnic riots in Xinjiang region of 
China." 
Most major dailies ran editorials on the roadmap for justice that 
has been spelled out by Chief Justice Chaudhary in the 
recently-concluded conference on the implementation of the National 
Judicial Policy.  However some papers editorialized others pressing 
issues including the impending threat of assault on Iran and the 
ongoing military offensive etc.  Commenting on the Vice President 
Biden's remarks, the center-right national English daily "The 
Nation," observed that "by any reckoning, any sort of adventurism 
against Iran, especially armed action, would result in a 
catastrophe."  The Lahore-based liberal English daily, "Daily 
Times," commented that "the Biden statement has been taken as a 
green signal.  One thought the U.S. would restrain Israel knowing 
that a strike against Iran would destroy the world's most 
strategically important region."  The center-right Urdu daily 
"Pakistan," observed that the Vice President's statement "shows that 
America is interested in widening the scope of war against the 
Muslim world, but cannot do that due to certain reasons.  It 
(America) has now signaled its policeman in the Middle East to do 
the needful."  End Summary. 
----------------- 
News Stories 
----------------- 
 
separatists for the Muslim area's worst case of unrest in years. 
Hundreds of rioters have been arrested, the official Xinhua news 
agency reported." 
 
"Military To Go After Former Proxy Forces: Zardari" "The News" 
(07/07) 
 
"President Asif Ali Zardari has broken with decades of strategic 
policy of Pakistan by declaring that military will turn its guns on 
extremist groups it formerly supported as proxy forces in its 
battles with India, reports a London-based English daily.  Zardari 
said in an interview with 'The Daily Telegraph' that operations 
would in the future target the figures who were the military's 
'strategic assets.'  'I don't think anybody in the establishment 
supports them anymore,' he said." 
 
"India Boosts Military Spending To $29.3 Billion" "Dawn" (07/07) 
 
"Indian Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee unveiled a populist budget 
on Monday but kept intact a 34 per cent hike for defence he had 
announced in the interim pre-poll allocation in February.  While 
India's defence spending would grow to $29.39 billion, Mukherjee 
said the country would spend $562 million exclusively for boosting 
border security and modernizing its police force." 
 
"Pak Army Still Consider India A Threat: Mullen" "The Post" (07/07) 
 
"Despite President Asif Ali Zardari's assertion that a Taliban 
insurgency, not India, was the biggest threat to Islamabad, the 
Pakistani army still considers India a 'threat,' United States' top 
army official indicated, reported Outlook India Monday.  In an 
interview to CBS 'Face the Nation,' Chairman of America's Joint 
Chief of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen said the Pakistan Army Chief 
Ashfaq Parvez Kayani is focused on both -- the threat from India and 
that from internal insurgency." 
 
"U.S. Drone Violate Pak Areas In North Waziristan Agency" "Pakistan 
Observer" (07/07) 
 
"The U.S. drones once again violating Pakistan's sovereignty hovered 
over different areas of North Waziristan on Monday creating panic 
among local people." 
 
Summary:  National political developments dominated headlines in all 
newspapers on Tuesday.  Several major dailies, however, highlighted 
U.S.-Russia agreement "allowing U.S. military to use Russian soil 
for Afghan transit" and a promise to "reduce nukes."  Also front 
paged were reports that the "Pak Army claimed to have killed 14 
militants in attacks on suspected hideouts in Swat."  Pegged to it 
were reports that chief of the defunct Tehrik Nifaz Shariat 
Muhammadi (TNSM), Sufi Mohammad, "surfaced in Peshawar" after his 
"two months of mysterious disappearance."  All dailies also gave 
prominent coverage to Pakistani scientist, Dr. Aafia Siddiqui's 
statement before a U.S. District Court in New York "rejecting U.S. 
government's allegations of shooting American soldiers and FBI 
agents in Afghanistan."   All Pakistani newspapers gave wide display 
to the killing of "162 people in ethnic riots in Xinjiang region of 
China." 
Most major dailies ran editorials on the roadmap for justice that 
has been spelled out by Chief Justice Chaudhary in the 
recently-concluded conference on the implementation of the National 
Judicial Policy.  However some papers editorialized others pressing 
issues including the impending threat of assault on Iran and the 
ongoing military offensive etc.  Commenting on the Vice President 
Biden's remarks, the center-right national English daily "The 
Nation," observed that "by any reckoning, any sort of adventurism 
against Iran, especially armed action, would result in a 
catastrophe."  The Lahore-based liberal English daily, "Daily 
Times," commented that "the Biden statement has been taken as a 
green signal.  One thought the U.S. would restrain Israel knowing 
that a strike against Iran would destroy the world's most 
strategically important region."  The center-right Urdu daily 
"Pakistan," observed that the Vice President's statement "shows that 
America is interested in widening the scope of war against the 
Muslim world, but cannot do that due to certain reasons.  It 
(America) has now signaled its policeman in the Middle East to do 
the needful."  End Summary. 
----------------- 
News Stories 
----------------- 
 
"North Waziristan Militant Dens Shelled: Seven Dead" "Dawn" (07/07) 
 
"Seven militants were killed and several others injured when jets 
shelled militant hideouts in North Waziristan on Monday." 
 
"Four Militants Killed In Bajaur" "The News" (07/07) 
 
"At least four militants were killed and six others sustained 
injuries as the security forces intensified operation against the 
Taliban insurgents in Charmang Valley of Nawagai tehsil in the 
restive Bajaur Agency on Monday." 
 
"25 suspects held In Dera Ismail Khan" "The News" (07/07) 
 
"The security forces launched a search and clean-up operation and 
arrested 25 suspected persons from different parts of Kulachi tehsil 
near Dera Ismail Khan on Monday." 
 
"Militant's House Blown Up" "The News" (07/07) 
 
"Security forces blew up the house of a militant commander Sahib 
Muhammad with explosives and arrested his son in Ouch area of Dir 
Lower on Monday." 
 
"Some Seminaries Patronizing Terror, Says Sunni Council" "Dawn" 
(07/07) 
 
"Terrorists are becoming active in some seminaries in Punjab, using 
them for storing arms and ammunition, according to leaders of the 
Sunni Ittehad Council, an association of some groups of the Barelvi 
school of thought.  After a meeting of the Council in Lahore on 
Monday, Pir Afzal Qadri said: 'Some seminaries are patronizing 
terrorists who are stockpiling lethal arms there.'" 
 
--------------------- 
Editorials/Op-eds 
--------------------- 
 
"Up For Trouble," an editorial in the center-right national English 
daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (07/07) 
 
"Unfortunately, Vice-President Biden's statement virtually amounts 
to giving Israel a green signal to attack Iran.  Contrary to that, 
 
Summary:  National political developments dominated headlines in all 
newspapers on Tuesday.  Several major dailies, however, highlighted 
U.S.-Russia agreement "allowing U.S. military to use Russian soil 
for Afghan transit" and a promise to "reduce nukes."  Also front 
paged were reports that the "Pak Army claimed to have killed 14 
militants in attacks on suspected hideouts in Swat."  Pegged to it 
were reports that chief of the defunct Tehrik Nifaz Shariat 
Muhammadi (TNSM), Sufi Mohammad, "surfaced in Peshawar" after his 
"two months of mysterious disappearance."  All dailies also gave 
prominent coverage to Pakistani scientist, Dr. Aafia Siddiqui's 
statement before a U.S. District Court in New York "rejecting U.S. 
government's allegations of shooting American soldiers and FBI 
agents in Afghanistan."   All Pakistani newspapers gave wide display 
to the killing of "162 people in ethnic riots in Xinjiang region of 
China." 
Most major dailies ran editorials on the roadmap for justice that 
has been spelled out by Chief Justice Chaudhary in the 
recently-concluded conference on the implementation of the National 
Judicial Policy.  However some papers editorialized others pressing 
issues including the impending threat of assault on Iran and the 
ongoing military offensive etc.  Commenting on the Vice President 
Biden's remarks, the center-right national English daily "The 
Nation," observed that "by any reckoning, any sort of adventurism 
against Iran, especially armed action, would result in a 
catastrophe."  The Lahore-based liberal English daily, "Daily 
Times," commented that "the Biden statement has been taken as a 
green signal.  One thought the U.S. would restrain Israel knowing 
that a strike against Iran would destroy the world's most 
strategically important region."  The center-right Urdu daily 
"Pakistan," observed that the Vice President's statement "shows that 
America is interested in widening the scope of war against the 
Muslim world, but cannot do that due to certain reasons.  It 
(America) has now signaled its policeman in the Middle East to do 
the needful."  End Summary. 
----------------- 
News Stories 
----------------- 
 
the observation made by Admiral Mullen, that an attack would be 
disastrous, is closer to reality.  It is pragmatic and ought to be 
heeded by other U.S. centers of power as well.  By any reckoning, 
any sort of adventurism against Iran, especially armed action, would 
result in a catastrophe.  The global financial crisis is still not 
over and Iran, which is one of the biggest producers of oil, is 
central to world stability.  Besides, it could retaliate, or worse 
still create trouble for the U.S. forces in Iraq.  Given the gulf 
that keeps on widening between Muslims and the Western world, the 
U.S. Administration must adopt a course that is in line with 
President Obama's address at the Cairo University, in which he 
highlighted the need to resolve differences with Iran on a 
conference table." 
 
"Threat That Iran Could Have Avoided," an editorial in the 
Lahore-based liberal English language daily "Daily Times" (cir. 
10,000) (07/07) 
 
"The Biden statement has been taken as a green signal to Israel to 
attack.  One thought the US would restrain Israel knowing that a 
strike against Iran would destroy the world's most strategically 
important region....  The regional dominance of Iran was enhanced 
further by the futile American invasion of Iraq and Israel's unwise 
intervention in Lebanon....  But Tehran has been too aggressive in 
its pursuit of a policy of challenge to care for the muted Arab 
response on the other side of the Gulf.  President Ahmadinejad and 
Ayatollah Khamenai could have avoided the bitterness of rhetoric of 
threats to keep the Arabs allayed." 
 
"The U.S. And Threat Of Israeli Attack On Iran," an editorial in the 
center-right Urdu daily "Pakistan" (cir. 10,000) (07/07) 
 
"The U.S. Vice President, Joseph Biden, has said that America would 
not stop Israel if it took a military action against Iran in order 
to deal with Iranian nuclear threat....  AP analyst has described 
the Vice President's statement as a green signal for Israel to 
attack Iran.  We agree with the AP.  American Vice President's 
statement shows that American rulers are longing to see Israeli 
planes bombing the alleged Iranian nuclear installations....  Joseph 
Biden's statement also shows that America is interested in widening 
the scope of war against the Muslim world, but cannot do that due to 
certain reasons.  America has now signaled its policeman in the 
Middle East to do the needful." 
 
Summary:  National political developments dominated headlines in all 
newspapers on Tuesday.  Several major dailies, however, highlighted 
U.S.-Russia agreement "allowing U.S. military to use Russian soil 
for Afghan transit" and a promise to "reduce nukes."  Also front 
paged were reports that the "Pak Army claimed to have killed 14 
militants in attacks on suspected hideouts in Swat."  Pegged to it 
were reports that chief of the defunct Tehrik Nifaz Shariat 
Muhammadi (TNSM), Sufi Mohammad, "surfaced in Peshawar" after his 
"two months of mysterious disappearance."  All dailies also gave 
prominent coverage to Pakistani scientist, Dr. Aafia Siddiqui's 
statement before a U.S. District Court in New York "rejecting U.S. 
government's allegations of shooting American soldiers and FBI 
agents in Afghanistan."   All Pakistani newspapers gave wide display 
to the killing of "162 people in ethnic riots in Xinjiang region of 
China." 
Most major dailies ran editorials on the roadmap for justice that 
has been spelled out by Chief Justice Chaudhary in the 
recently-concluded conference on the implementation of the National 
Judicial Policy.  However some papers editorialized others pressing 
issues including the impending threat of assault on Iran and the 
ongoing military offensive etc.  Commenting on the Vice President 
Biden's remarks, the center-right national English daily "The 
Nation," observed that "by any reckoning, any sort of adventurism 
against Iran, especially armed action, would result in a 
catastrophe."  The Lahore-based liberal English daily, "Daily 
Times," commented that "the Biden statement has been taken as a 
green signal.  One thought the U.S. would restrain Israel knowing 
that a strike against Iran would destroy the world's most 
strategically important region."  The center-right Urdu daily 
"Pakistan," observed that the Vice President's statement "shows that 
America is interested in widening the scope of war against the 
Muslim world, but cannot do that due to certain reasons.  It 
(America) has now signaled its policeman in the Middle East to do 
the needful."  End Summary. 
----------------- 
News Stories 
----------------- 
 
 
"Will U.S. Do This Nonsense (Allowing Israel To Attack Iran)," an 
editorial in the Karachi-based center-right sensationalist Urdu 
daily "Ummat" (cir. 33,000) (07/07) 
 
"This is surely a worrisome news report for the Muslims across the 
world that Israel has finally taken a decision to attack Iran. 
Israel after getting support and a 'go ahead' from the U.S. has 
started preparations for an attack.  The attack on Iran would stir 
up the bitter memories of U.S. attacks on Afghanistan and Iraq. Has 
the U.S. really decided to take a foolish decision to support Israel 
at the cost of jeopardizing world peace and stability?" 
 
"U.S. Go-Ahead For Israeli Attack On Iran," an editorial in the 
Karachi-based right-wing pro-Jamaat-e-Islami Urdu daily "Jasarat" 
(cir. 3,000) (07/07) 
 
"Biden's statement is a license to kill for Israel, though Israel 
does not need this license as the country has already been acting 
unilaterally against all its neighbors including Palestinians. 
Israel had the support of the U.S. while striking at Iraq's nuclear 
facilities in the past, and when the issue was raised in the UN, it 
was the United States that blocked the move.  The present statement 
is the continuity of the old practice that establishes that the U.S. 
has only one friend that is Israel." 
 
"Israel's Blatant threat To Iran," an editorial in the 
Islamabad-based rightist English daily "Pakistan Observer" (cir. 
5,000) (07/07) 
 
"There are clear indications that the United States is encouraging 
Israel to go for military aggression against Iran....  The statement 
of the U.S. Vice President is indicative of the fact that the 
hostile approach has not changed.  The remarks of Biden are being 
interpreted by knowledgeable circles as a go-ahead signal to Israel 
to carry out aggression against Iran....  The timing of the 
statement by the U.S. Vice President and Israeli claims is 
important....  We are sure that any action against Iran would be 
strongly resisted not only by countries of the region but the entire 
Muslim world and peace-loving people of the globe." 
 
"Heinous Conspiracies Against Iran," an editorial in the 
second-largest, center-right nationalist Urdu daily "Nawa-i-Waqt" 
 
Summary:  National political developments dominated headlines in all 
newspapers on Tuesday.  Several major dailies, however, highlighted 
U.S.-Russia agreement "allowing U.S. military to use Russian soil 
for Afghan transit" and a promise to "reduce nukes."  Also front 
paged were reports that the "Pak Army claimed to have killed 14 
militants in attacks on suspected hideouts in Swat."  Pegged to it 
were reports that chief of the defunct Tehrik Nifaz Shariat 
Muhammadi (TNSM), Sufi Mohammad, "surfaced in Peshawar" after his 
"two months of mysterious disappearance."  All dailies also gave 
prominent coverage to Pakistani scientist, Dr. Aafia Siddiqui's 
statement before a U.S. District Court in New York "rejecting U.S. 
government's allegations of shooting American soldiers and FBI 
agents in Afghanistan."   All Pakistani newspapers gave wide display 
to the killing of "162 people in ethnic riots in Xinjiang region of 
China." 
Most major dailies ran editorials on the roadmap for justice that 
has been spelled out by Chief Justice Chaudhary in the 
recently-concluded conference on the implementation of the National 
Judicial Policy.  However some papers editorialized others pressing 
issues including the impending threat of assault on Iran and the 
ongoing military offensive etc.  Commenting on the Vice President 
Biden's remarks, the center-right national English daily "The 
Nation," observed that "by any reckoning, any sort of adventurism 
against Iran, especially armed action, would result in a 
catastrophe."  The Lahore-based liberal English daily, "Daily 
Times," commented that "the Biden statement has been taken as a 
green signal.  One thought the U.S. would restrain Israel knowing 
that a strike against Iran would destroy the world's most 
strategically important region."  The center-right Urdu daily 
"Pakistan," observed that the Vice President's statement "shows that 
America is interested in widening the scope of war against the 
Muslim world, but cannot do that due to certain reasons.  It 
(America) has now signaled its policeman in the Middle East to do 
the needful."  End Summary. 
----------------- 
News Stories 
----------------- 
 
(cir. 150,000) (07/07) 
 
"American Vice President Joe Biden has said that America would not 
come in the way of Israel if it decided to attack Iran in order to 
destroy its nuclear program.  On the other hand, Sunday Times has 
claimed in an Israeli defense sources report that Saudi Arabia has 
allowed Israel to use its airspace for attacking Iran....  While the 
conspiracies to end Iran's nuclear program are on, a vile propaganda 
has been unleashed against Saudi Arabia that it has allowed use of 
its airspace for the attack.  This propaganda has been initiated by 
the west to sow the seed of dissension among the Muslim countries." 
 
"U.S. Should Stop Backing Israel," an editorial in the leading mass 
circulation populist, often sensational Urdu daily "Jang" (cir. 
300,000) (07/07) 
 
"U.S. open support and backing for Israeli aggressive designs 
against Iraq, Iran, Palestine and Lebanon have not only jeopardized 
the global peace, but also put the stability of the region in 
danger.  In this state of affairs, international organizations like 
UNO must prefer to get resolve these outstanding issues without 
delay, or else, it will meet with its end like that of the League of 
Nations.  It is also essential for the Muslim world to wake up from 
its deep slumber, and work out a concrete policy to deal with this 
unparalleled situation." 
 
"U.S. Signal To Israel For Operation Against Iran," an editorial in 
the Lahore-based independent Urdu daily "Din" (cir. 10,000) (07/07) 
 
"U.S. attempts to change the government in Iran have taken a new 
turn.  A recent statement by Vice President Joseph Biden has added 
to the concerns about the situation in the Middle East. Mr. Biden 
has said, "The U.S. does not have the authority to stop Israel if it 
attacks Iran."  This statement is a green signal, prompting Israeli 
aggression against Iran....  President Obama's efforts to improve 
ties with Iran soon after he assumed office, were praised around the 
world.  However, the manner in which Israel, U.S. and the West 
reacted to the Iranian election results demonstrated that these 
countries wish to spread unrest in Iran. And now Mr. Biden's 
statement shows that all this is being done in support of Israel." 
 
"Swat Operation Should Be Taken To Its Logical End," an editorial in 
liberal Urdu daily "Express" (cir. 25,000) (07/07) 
 
Summary:  National political developments dominated headlines in all 
newspapers on Tuesday.  Several major dailies, however, highlighted 
U.S.-Russia agreement "allowing U.S. military to use Russian soil 
for Afghan transit" and a promise to "reduce nukes."  Also front 
paged were reports that the "Pak Army claimed to have killed 14 
militants in attacks on suspected hideouts in Swat."  Pegged to it 
were reports that chief of the defunct Tehrik Nifaz Shariat 
Muhammadi (TNSM), Sufi Mohammad, "surfaced in Peshawar" after his 
"two months of mysterious disappearance."  All dailies also gave 
prominent coverage to Pakistani scientist, Dr. Aafia Siddiqui's 
statement before a U.S. District Court in New York "rejecting U.S. 
government's allegations of shooting American soldiers and FBI 
agents in Afghanistan."   All Pakistani newspapers gave wide display 
to the killing of "162 people in ethnic riots in Xinjiang region of 
China." 
Most major dailies ran editorials on the roadmap for justice that 
has been spelled out by Chief Justice Chaudhary in the 
recently-concluded conference on the implementation of the National 
Judicial Policy.  However some papers editorialized others pressing 
issues including the impending threat of assault on Iran and the 
ongoing military offensive etc.  Commenting on the Vice President 
Biden's remarks, the center-right national English daily "The 
Nation," observed that "by any reckoning, any sort of adventurism 
against Iran, especially armed action, would result in a 
catastrophe."  The Lahore-based liberal English daily, "Daily 
Times," commented that "the Biden statement has been taken as a 
green signal.  One thought the U.S. would restrain Israel knowing 
that a strike against Iran would destroy the world's most 
strategically important region."  The center-right Urdu daily 
"Pakistan," observed that the Vice President's statement "shows that 
America is interested in widening the scope of war against the 
Muslim world, but cannot do that due to certain reasons.  It 
(America) has now signaled its policeman in the Middle East to do 
the needful."  End Summary. 
----------------- 
News Stories 
----------------- 
 
 
"The war on terror is proceeding on the right track, however, the 
situation gets a little shaky when the U.S. launches missile strikes 
in certain Pakistani areas.  The U.S. needs to share information 
with the Pakistan Army instead of taking action on its own. If there 
are terrorists in an area, the U.S. should let Pakistan Army carry 
out the operation as it is the force fighting against these elements 
in these areas.  When both the countries [Pakistan and U.S.] are 
against terrorism and both have the same target, it is not befitting 
for one to bypass the other, thereby creating mistrust." 
 
"The Internal Threat," an editorial in the country's premier 
business newspaper, "Business Recorder" (cir. 25,000) (07/07) 
 
"Speaking at a Pakistan Naval Academy event in Rawalpindi, Chief of 
the Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani said, 'while external 
threats continue to exist, it is the internal threat to Pakistan 
that needs immediate attention.'  It is basically a reiteration of 
our stated position that, contrary to the counsel offered by our 
Western friends, Pakistan must remain watchful of its eastern border 
while paying immediate attention to the extremist threat." 
 
"Slow Going," an editorial in the populist, often sensational 
national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (07/07) 
 
"The battle for Swat is taking longer than expected.  A month ago we 
were told that it was all over bar the shouting, that there were 
just 'pockets of resistance' and it would 'soon' be safe for the 
IDPs to return to their homes.  Some have, but the majority have not 
and they remain marooned in the camps and schools and private homes. 
 There is still no date for their return apart from a vague 
suggestion that it will be 'this month.'  As the battle for Swat 
grinds on, the battle for Waziristan is slowly gathering pace and 
that will produce its own fresh crop of IDPs.  Resources are 
stretched dreadfully thin, the aid agencies are struggling and 
running out of food and money; and the monsoon fast approaches.... 
Even more sadly, the basic services they can avail now are unlikely 
to be available on their return home; and women remain the eternal 
losers in the battles fought by men." 
 
"Time To Listen To Saner Voices On Pakistan-Afghanistan-United 
States," an op-ed by Imran Khan in the populist, often sensational 
national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (07/07) 
 
Summary:  National political developments dominated headlines in all 
newspapers on Tuesday.  Several major dailies, however, highlighted 
U.S.-Russia agreement "allowing U.S. military to use Russian soil 
for Afghan transit" and a promise to "reduce nukes."  Also front 
paged were reports that the "Pak Army claimed to have killed 14 
militants in attacks on suspected hideouts in Swat."  Pegged to it 
were reports that chief of the defunct Tehrik Nifaz Shariat 
Muhammadi (TNSM), Sufi Mohammad, "surfaced in Peshawar" after his 
"two months of mysterious disappearance."  All dailies also gave 
prominent coverage to Pakistani scientist, Dr. Aafia Siddiqui's 
statement before a U.S. District Court in New York "rejecting U.S. 
government's allegations of shooting American soldiers and FBI 
agents in Afghanistan."   All Pakistani newspapers gave wide display 
to the killing of "162 people in ethnic riots in Xinjiang region of 
China." 
Most major dailies ran editorials on the roadmap for justice that 
has been spelled out by Chief Justice Chaudhary in the 
recently-concluded conference on the implementation of the National 
Judicial Policy.  However some papers editorialized others pressing 
issues including the impending threat of assault on Iran and the 
ongoing military offensive etc.  Commenting on the Vice President 
Biden's remarks, the center-right national English daily "The 
Nation," observed that "by any reckoning, any sort of adventurism 
against Iran, especially armed action, would result in a 
catastrophe."  The Lahore-based liberal English daily, "Daily 
Times," commented that "the Biden statement has been taken as a 
green signal.  One thought the U.S. would restrain Israel knowing 
that a strike against Iran would destroy the world's most 
strategically important region."  The center-right Urdu daily 
"Pakistan," observed that the Vice President's statement "shows that 
America is interested in widening the scope of war against the 
Muslim world, but cannot do that due to certain reasons.  It 
(America) has now signaled its policeman in the Middle East to do 
the needful."  End Summary. 
----------------- 
News Stories 
----------------- 
 
 
"Can Pakistan afford these operations for even the next five years? 
How will we deal with the continuing flow of displaced people - or 
how long will the IDPs survive living as nomads in their own 
country?  How are we planning to stop the radicalization of the 
youth in such conditions?  Where will we find the resources to 
eventually rehabilitate these displaced families, given the massive 
infrastructure damage?  What about the impact on the economy if 
these operations continue endlessly?  Already the political 
situation in the NWFP is getting worse by the day.  We have created 
perfect environment for our enemies to exploit tensions emerging 
from the current chaos- ethnic, provincial, religious (Shia/Sunni, 
Deobandi/Barelvi) and class (as in Swat).  The critical question is: 
what is the solution?...  However there are voices within the U.S. 
political and administrative structures that are becoming more 
skeptical about the U.S. policy in Afghanistan.  For instance, 
Graham Fuller, the former CIA Station Chief in Kabul wrote in the 
International Herald Tribune that there was no military solution to 
the problem in Afghanistan.  According to him, Pakistan was 
'cracking under the pressure' put on it to 'do more' by the U.S. and 
that the Pakistan security forces could control the militancy within 
its borders provided NATO leaves Afghanistan.  If sane voices in the 
U.S. can see the writing on the wall, why is our leadership still 
going down a suicidal course for their own vested interests - 
destroying the military and the nation in the process?" 
 
"War Without An End," an op-ed by Shahid Zulfikar in the 
center-right national English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) 
(07/07) 
 
"If we are seeking to overcome militancy in one go through the 
military, it would be an impossible task.  Eliminating Mehsud would 
be a military achievement but will not end the militancy which has 
permeated the entire society.  Historically the FATA tribes have 
resisted any foreign interference and they will continue to take up 
arms as long as the U.S./NATO forces remain in Afghanistan.  The 
prime objective here should be to keep them away from militancy in 
our settled areas rather than trying to subdue them....  These are 
difficult times for the country.  The American strategic interests 
in the neighborhood will keep us entangled in 'their' war on terror. 
That does not require us to be oblivious of our interests." 
 
"A Decisive Shift," an op-ed by Rasul Bakhsh Rais in the 
 
Summary:  National political developments dominated headlines in all 
newspapers on Tuesday.  Several major dailies, however, highlighted 
U.S.-Russia agreement "allowing U.S. military to use Russian soil 
for Afghan transit" and a promise to "reduce nukes."  Also front 
paged were reports that the "Pak Army claimed to have killed 14 
militants in attacks on suspected hideouts in Swat."  Pegged to it 
were reports that chief of the defunct Tehrik Nifaz Shariat 
Muhammadi (TNSM), Sufi Mohammad, "surfaced in Peshawar" after his 
"two months of mysterious disappearance."  All dailies also gave 
prominent coverage to Pakistani scientist, Dr. Aafia Siddiqui's 
statement before a U.S. District Court in New York "rejecting U.S. 
government's allegations of shooting American soldiers and FBI 
agents in Afghanistan."   All Pakistani newspapers gave wide display 
to the killing of "162 people in ethnic riots in Xinjiang region of 
China." 
Most major dailies ran editorials on the roadmap for justice that 
has been spelled out by Chief Justice Chaudhary in the 
recently-concluded conference on the implementation of the National 
Judicial Policy.  However some papers editorialized others pressing 
issues including the impending threat of assault on Iran and the 
ongoing military offensive etc.  Commenting on the Vice President 
Biden's remarks, the center-right national English daily "The 
Nation," observed that "by any reckoning, any sort of adventurism 
against Iran, especially armed action, would result in a 
catastrophe."  The Lahore-based liberal English daily, "Daily 
Times," commented that "the Biden statement has been taken as a 
green signal.  One thought the U.S. would restrain Israel knowing 
that a strike against Iran would destroy the world's most 
strategically important region."  The center-right Urdu daily 
"Pakistan," observed that the Vice President's statement "shows that 
America is interested in widening the scope of war against the 
Muslim world, but cannot do that due to certain reasons.  It 
(America) has now signaled its policeman in the Middle East to do 
the needful."  End Summary. 
----------------- 
News Stories 
----------------- 
 
Lahore-based liberal English language daily "Daily Times" (cir. 
10,000) (07/07) 
 
"The anti-American sentiment in the context of Afghanistan was 
carefully cultivated by Taliban sympathizers in Pakistan, which 
further nurtured the image of the Taliban as an 'anti-imperialist 
force' and some kind of liberators.  Some leaders, mostly from the 
religious parties, justified crossing of the Pak-Afghan border by 
the Pakistani Taliban much like the Mujahideen that fought against 
the former Soviet Union....  But finally, the people of Pakistan, 
the silent majority, have woken up to the threat that the Taliban 
and their supporters in different political formations pose to 
society and, in a broader context, to the image of Muslims and 
Islamic civilization....  The people in Swat and FATA have been held 
hostage and have suffered the cruelty and totalitarianism of the 
Taliban for too long....   Many people in Pakistan and outside the 
country believe that the Taliban are a worse enemy that any other 
internal or external adversary that we have ever faced." 
 
"America's New Reach," an op-ed by Shahid Javed Burki in the 
Karachi-based center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" 
(cir. 55,000) (07/07) 
 
"Rather than locking in a level now for military aid which might not 
be in line with rapidly changing Pakistani capabilities and 
commitment, the bill buys flexibility for the U.S. administration by 
leaving the quantum and content of military support to be determined 
on a year-by-year basis.  The final shape of U.S. assistance to 
Pakistan will be determined by the political process in which ethnic 
lobbies will play an important role." 
 
(All circulation figures are based on estimation) 
Patterson