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UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 001652 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OIIP OPRC PGOV PREL PK
SUBJECT:  PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: JULY 20, 2009 
 
Summary:  Major Urdu dailies on Monday ran as their lead story 
Secretary Clinton's remarks in India that "those responsible for 
9/11 are in Pakistan."  Pegged to it was Pakistan Foreign Office 
denial terming the U.S. allegations as "baseless." In a front-page 
report from Washington, the English daily, "Dawn," reported that the 
"U.S. is sending another envoy (Richard Holbrooke) to the region for 
talks aimed at reviving the India-Pakistan dialogue."  Newspapers 
also highlighted former President Pervez Musharraf's statement in 
London calling for "establishing dialogue with Taliban in 
Afghanistan."  All papers ran the LA Times report quoting Defense 
Secretary Gates as saying that "Americans won't back long Afghan 
war." 
 
Secretary Clinton's remarks made during an interview with an Indian 
network and her interaction with media during her time in India 
dominated editorial themes. The English daily, "The News," observed 
that "Ms. Clinton's guarded response to a question on Kashmir also 
seems to be a throwback to past policies of stagnant and 
non-progressive U.S. diplomacy on the India-Pakistan peace process." 
 The Urdu daily, "Nawa-i-Waqt" observed that "after the statement of 
Hillary Clinton, the government of Pakistan should press America for 
having the Kashmir issue resolved in keeping with the UN 
resolutions."  End Summary. 
 
----------------- 
News Stories 
----------------- 
 
"Perpetrators Of 9/11 In Pakistan, Says Hillary" "The News" (07/20) 
 
"U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said perpetrators of 
the 9/11 terrorist attacks are in Pakistan.  Talking to reporters in 
Gurgaon near New Dehli, she said terrorism posed a threat to the 
world.  She expressed the hope that Pakistan would bring the 
perpetrators of the Mumbai attacks to book." 
 
"U.S. Allegation Rejected" "Dawn" (07/20) 
 
"The Foreign Office has termed baseless U.S. allegations regarding 
presence in Pakistan of perpetrators of terror incidents in the 
United States and India.  Abdul Basit, the spokesman, said the 
culprits were in Afghanistan, according to a TV channel.  He was 
reacting on Sunday to a statement by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary 
Clinton alleging that the perpetrators of the 9/11 attack in the 
U.S. and the November 26 strike in India were in Pakistan." 
 
"Pakistan Has Nothing To Fear From My India Visit: Clinton" "Dawn" 
(07/20) 
 
"The meeting in Egypt between Prime Ministers Yousuf Raza Gilani and 
Manmohan Singh has ignited the hope that India and Pakistan will 
pursue a dialogue again, says U.S. Secretary of State Hillary 
Clinton who begins a five-day visit to India this week.  In an 
interview to 'Dawn' newspaper and TV, Secretary Clinton assured the 
Pakistanis that they did not need to fear the outcome of her India 
visit." 
 
"Pakistanis Recognize Terrorism A Threat to Their Country: U.S." 
"Dawn" (07/20) 
 
"Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Sunday the U.S. had seen 
an evolving commitment, not only by the Pakistan government but also 
by Pakistani people, and recognition that terrorism within a country 
was a threat to that country." 
 
"Probe Into Mumbai Attacks Over: FO" "The Nation" (07/20) 
 
"On last year's Mumbai attacks, the Foreign Office spokesman Abdul 
Basit told a private Indian channel that the investigations into 
26/11 is over and that India will receive full support from their 
side, adding that Pakistan was fully cooperating with India in the 
probe." 
 
"U.S. Sending Holbrooke To Region" "Dawn" (07/20) 
 
"As Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is completing her talks in 
New Delhi, the United States is sending another envoy to the region 
on Monday for talks aimed apparently at reviving the India-Pakistan 
dialogue.  Richard Holbrooke, although an envoy for Pakistan and 
Afghanistan, will this time also visit India." 
 
"Kashmir Part Of Indo-Pak Talks: FO" "The News" (07/20) 
 
"Welcoming U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's remarks that 
India and Pakistan should settle the Kashmir problem bilaterally, 
Pakistan on Sunday said it looked forward to resumption of the 
Composite Dialogue to discuss the issue.  'Two countries have agreed 
to discuss this issue bilaterally by agreeing toQhe composite 
dialogue framework.  And Kashmir dispute is a part of that 
framework,' Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit told a private 
Indian channel." 
 
"Mush Proposes Talks With Taliban" "The News" (07/20) 
 
"Former President Pervez Musharraf said dialogue had to be 
established with the Taliban and political progress, rather than 
military might, would achieve a solution in Afghanistan, the former 
general told Britain's Sky News television." 
 
"Americans Won't Back Long Afghan War: Gates" "Dawn" (07/20) 
 
"Defense Secretary Robert Gates said U.S.-led forces must gain 
ground against insurgents in Afghanistan by next summer to avoid a 
public perception the war is unwinnable, the Los Angeles Times 
reported on Sunday.  While noting that the Taliban militants would 
not be defeated within a year, Gates told the newspaper it was 
critical that the U.S. military and its allies show they were making 
progress in the Asian nation." 
 
"'Do More' Advice From ISAF Chief" "Dawn" (07/20) 
 
"Americans are again seeking to blame difficulties they are facing 
in their latest military campaign against Taliban in southern 
Afghanistan on 'insufficient cooperation' from Pakistan.  Gen. 
Stanley McChrystal, the commander of the International Security 
Assistance Force and U.S. Forces in Afghanistan, is believed to have 
pursued this line in his secret visit to Islamabad over the weekend 
during which he met President Asif Ali Zardari and Army Chief Gen. 
Ashfaq Parvez Kayani." 
 
"Police Launch Counterattack In Swat, First Time" "The News" 
(07/20) 
 
"For the first time in the last two years of unrelenting militancy 
in the Swat Valley, the police launched a counterattack on the 
Taliban militants in Sambat Cham area of Matta Tehsil after the 
beheading of a Matta Police Station class-1V employee, Muhammad 
Iqbal, killing one militant besides demolishing seven houses." 
 
"64 Suspects Arrested" "The News" (07/20) 
 
"The Security forces and police in a joint search operation arrested 
64 suspected militants and recovered arms in different parts of the 
district on Sunday.  Arms, including six kilogram of explosives, two 
Kalashnikovs, four rifles, six pistols and several cartridges, were 
recovered from them." 
 
"3 Terrorists Killed, One Arrested: ISPR" "Dawn" (07/20) 
 
"Three terrorists were killed in a clash with security forces in 
Mauja Kando area of Malakand.  Troops seized arms and ammunition and 
destroyed militants' hideouts, according to press release issued by 
the ISPR on Sunday." 
 
"Taliban Commanders' Arrested" "Dawn" (07/20) 
 
"Security forces arrested two key Taliban commanders and seized huge 
cache of arms and ammunitions during a search operation and targeted 
militant hideouts in different areas of Charmang tehsil in Bajaur 
tribal region on Sunday." 
 
"Militancy Caused Rupees 22 Billion Loss, Says Minister" "Dawn" 
(07/20) 
 
"NWFP Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain says the government 
has suffered a loss of Rupees 22 billion because of militancy and 
the military operation against Taliban." 
 
"IDPs' Repatriation Gains Momentum" "The News" (07/20) 
"Repatriation of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their 
respective areas further intensified on the seventh day of the drive 
as an estimated 82,005 persons returned home on Sunday." 
 
--------------------- 
Editorials/Op-eds 
--------------------- 
 
"America & Peace In South Asia," an editorial in the populist, often 
sensational national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (07/20) 
 
"U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's acknowledgement that 
Washington has not always been understanding of Pakistan's needs in 
the long run, and that relations between the two countries have been 
contingent upon U.S. interest, is on the face of it a welcome 
admission but should be followed up with concrete action to make up 
for these past mistakes....  Ms. Clinton's guarded response to a 
question on Kashmir also seems to be a throwback to past policies of 
stagnant and non-progressive U.S. diplomacy on the India-Pakistan 
peace process....  If the U.S., on its part, wishes to sincerely 
build a long term relationship with Pakistan and change its negative 
perception here, then persisting with the policies of the past 
cannot be the way to go." 
 
"Hillary Clinton's Welcome Statement," an editorial in the 
second-largest, center-right nationalist Urdu daily "Nawa-i-Waqt" 
(cir. 150,000) (07/20) 
 
"Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said that longstanding 
Kashmir issue should be seen in the backdrop of emerging situation; 
the problems could only be solved by Pakistan and India jointly.... 
She said that America supports Pak-India dialogue, but it will not 
mediate to resolve the Kashmir dispute....  After the statement of 
Hillary Clinton, the government of Pakistan should press America for 
having the Kashmir issue resolved in keeping with the UN 
resolutions.  Presently, Pakistan should go for talks only on 
Kashmir, because all the problems will be solved within no time if 
Kashmir is resolved." 
 
"Talks Should Resume Soon," an editorial in the center-right Urdu 
daily "Pakistan" (cir. 10,000) (07/20) 
 
"U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's statement is worth paying 
attention to in which she said that Pakistan has taken comprehensive 
action against terrorism which is why India should not ask for 
linking the talks with terrorism....  The politicians and scholars 
of both Pakistan and India should ensure that terrorism does not 
become a hurdle in the way of dialogue between two countQes.  This 
fact should be accepted that Kashmir is the real dispute between the 
two countries.  Both the countries could have exemplary relations if 
the Kashmir issue is resolved." 
 
"Fight Against Terror And India," an editorial in the Lahore-based 
liberal English language daily "Daily Times" (cir. 10,000) (07/20) 
 
"India doesn't give Pakistan the role the world wants to give it as 
the fighter against terrorism.  It actually thinks it is a part of 
the problem, but no one listens to it.  America thinks Pakistan is 
crucial in the fight against terrorism and is reacting positively to 
Islamabad's change of policy towards the Taliban.  But, just when 
the U.S. Congress passes laws to reward Pakistan for its new policy, 
India wants Pakistan punished instead.  This is where New Delhi, 
pushed by its domestic politics, is isolating itself." 
 
"Talks, Not Intervention, Are The Solution To Issues," an editorial 
in Lahore-based populist Urdu daily "Waqt" (cir. 10,000) (07/20) 
 
"Although India did not show much enthusiasm at the NAM Conference 
despite Pakistan's positive stance, it must be remembered that the 
Indian media is terming the Sharm El-Sheikh communiqu a victory for 
Islamabad.  India has also agreed not to link talks to terrorism. 
This expression by India can be termed an important development in 
the improvement of bilateral relations." 
 
"U.S. Overture To Taliban," an editorial in the Islamabad-based 
rightist English daily "Pakistan Observer" (cir. 5,000) (07/20) 
 
"In an important foreign policy speech she delivered at the Council 
of Foreign Relations in Washington, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary 
Clinton took the position that her country's fight is not with the 
Taliban but al Qaeda....  She further said that her side stands 
ready to welcome anyone supporting the Taliban who renounces al 
Qaeda, and is willing to participate in the political process.... 
No wonder they have now reached the conclusion that the only way to 
break the stalemate is to talk in order to end the nearly 8-year 
long conflict. That is good news for Pakistan, which has paid a 
heavy price in terms of lives lost - both civilian and military - 
the nation's economy and its social fabric.  Pakistan therefore has 
as much, if not bigger, a stake in the success of the peace 
overtures as the U.S. and its allies." 
 
"Staying On In Swat," an editorial in the Lahore-based liberal 
English language daily "Daily Times" (cir. 10,000) (07/20) 
 
"As the IDPs stream back to their homes in the division, they need 
the army in place for psychological reasons.  On ground, troops are 
needed to help a rudimentary administration reassert itself and 
impose order on an area that had become the stronghold of the 
terrorists for nearly three years.  The trauma of killings and 
beheadings is still fresh and trust in the permanence of the state 
is still shaky.  Worse, warlord Fazlullah is still alive and 
broadcasting from his FM radio, reminding us that some areas of 
Malakand are still 'infected.'" 
 
"FATA 'Development'," an editorial in the Karachi-based center-left 
independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) (07/20) 
 
"Infrastructure development, job creation and the provision of 
essential services such as education and healthcare facilities hold 
the key to a healthier future for the people of FATA.  If it is to 
prosper, the tribal belt needs to be brought into the mainstream of 
Pakistani society.  Otherwise this deprived region will remain a 
breeding ground for extremism." 
 
"Waziristan And After," an op-ed by Asad Munir in the populist, 
often sensational national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) 
(07/20) 
 
"Al Qaeda, the Jihadis, sectarian groups and the local and Afghan 
Taliban do not want to lose the safe havens of Waziristan.  Losing 
this area will have a great setback to their overall strategy and 
future designs, especially with the loss of Swat....  Once Baitullah 
realizes that the establishment is serious, he may well ask for a 
deal, but this time, it is unlikely that he will get a positive 
response....  The army needs to persist with its operation and must 
not pause." 
 
"Expanding The Operation?," an op-ed by Syed Munawar Hasan in the 
populist, often sensational national English daily "The News" (cir. 
55,000) (07/20) 
 
"U.S. President Obama is on record having said that as long as 
extremists are there in Pakistan and Afghanistan, the U.S. will have 
to stay there.  Our perception, on the other hand, is that so long 
as the Americans stay in this region, peace will elude us.  If the 
U.S. occupation in Afghanistan and its interference and the drone 
attacks in Pakistan continue, the people of these countries won't 
sit idle due to the U.S. fear.  The U.S. will have to face the music 
and Pakistan too won't be safe from the consequences.  But, 
unfortunately, the rulers are afraid of the U.S. while political 
bigwigs also feel honor in calling on the U.S. envoys." 
 
"The Taliban Exposed," an op-ed by Ahmad Faruqui in the 
Karachi-based center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" 
(cir. 55,000) (07/20) 
 
"The Taliban who portray themselves as liberators of the Pakhtun 
people are in fact the most tyrannical force the Pakhtun have seen 
in centuries.  They need to be exposed for what they really stand 
for.  So should the Pakistani Army stop the military campaign 
against the Taliban?  Most certainly not!...  But this should be 
accompanied by a civil offensive.  Talibanism needs to be 
exterminated through a grass-roots campaign in mosques, in schools 
and in colleges....  People should be asked to vote 'yes' 'or 'no' 
on Talibanism.  The Taliban now stand exposed and it is very likely 
that Talibanism will be defeated in the referendum.  Such a vote 
will attract not only national but also international attention.  It 
will simultaneously isolate the Taliban domestically and send a 
signal globally that the people of Pakistan are united in their 
opposition to terror and that the Pakistani nation, contrary to how 
E 
it is depicted in western media, does not pose a threat to world 
peace." 
Patterson