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P 142359Z OCT 09
FM AMEMBASSY DHAKA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 9551
INFO RUEHNE/AMEMBASSY NEW DELHI 1037
RUEHKT/AMEMBASSY KATHMANDU 0038
RUEHLM/AMEMBASSY COLOMBO 8798
RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON 2168
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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 04 DHAKA 000974 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR SCA/INSB 
STATE FOR SCA/PPD, PA/RRU 
STATE FOR INR/OPN/MR 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KMDR KPAO PGOV PREL KISL BG
SUBJECT: BANGLADESH MEDIA CONGRATULATE PRESIDENT OBAMA FOR WINNING 
THE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE 
 
REFTEL: DHAKA 848 
 
¶1.  Summary and comment: President Obama's selection for this year's 
Nobel Peace Prize received extensive and positive coverage in the 
local media.  Newspaper editorials across the political spectrum 
generally applauded the President's selection.  Most mainstream 
commentary agreed with the Nobel committee that the President's 
efforts to use diplomacy and dialogue to solve global conflicts 
warranted the prize.  As with commentary from across the world, 
editorials emphasized the added burden the President now has to turn 
his words in action.  President Obama continues to be rock-star 
popular in this moderate, Muslim-majority nation of 150 million 
people favorably disposed to the United States.  (reftel)  We will 
continue to leverage the President's popularity in Bangladesh to 
advance key bilateral and multilateral goals.   End summary and 
comment. 
 
Media Reaction 
-------------------- 
 
¶2. A selection of media reaction follows: 
 
¶A. "PRESIDENT OBAMA AND THE NOBEL PRIZE; THE AWARD IS A CHALLENGE TO 
AMERICA'S LEADER," editorial on October 10 in the generally neutral 
English newspaper THE DAILY STAR: 
 
"... It is quite proper to think that President Obama has richly 
deserved the Nobel. His efforts to build a new construct of 
diplomacy with Russia; his attempts to prod Palestinians and 
Israelis into new negotiations for peace; his forceful oratory 
outlining the programs he has of engaging with the Muslim world 
(note his address in Cairo), et cetera, have in these past nine 
months gone a long way towards creating a new image abroad for his 
country.... The Nobel is thus a proper celebration of new leadership 
and new idealism in America.  And yet the prize will be seen as a 
challenge for President Obama.  That is because so far he has not 
made much headway, in practical terms, with his vision of a newer 
and better world. The Middle East remains intractable.  Iraq still 
cannot do without America's military presence and Afghanistan shows 
no sign of being able to stand up for itself. North Korea has defied 
Obama while Iran remains adamant about the nuclear program it means 
to pursue.  Guantanamo and, with that, terrorism remain big question 
marks for the President.  It is on how Mr. Obama deals with these 
issues that the justifiability of the Nobel Peace Prize will be 
measured.  For now, though, the man who has promised change deserves 
our congratulations.  We give them to him freely." 
 
¶B. "NOBEL FOR OBAMA," editorial on October 11 in the pro-U.S. 
English newspaper THE INDEPENDENT: 
 
"President of the United States Barack Obama's Nobel Peace Prize win 
comes as a pleasant surprise not only to the president himself but 
also to all who dream of a better world in future.... His emphasis 
on partnership rather than confrontation in such matters as 
universal nuclear disarmament has been well appreciated.  In that 
task the U.S. President has sought to strengthen the international 
institutions instead of establishing the monopoly rights of the 
powerful.... By awarding Obama the prize, the Nobel peace committee 
has rewarded vision, hopes and aspiration of millions of people 
across the globe that shares with the first black U.S. President the 
common values, moral dignity and respect for human quality. Few 
world leaders have been able to inspire common people to the extent 
as Obama has done to hope for a better future. This is true despite 
the fact that the U.S. remains at war in Iraq and Afghanistan, the 
U.S. Congress is yet to make a law reducing carbon emissions and no 
significant reduction in global nuclear stockpiles has been achieved 
since his taking over the presidency nine months ago.  Clearly, it 
is his message, his unassuming humility and intent that make his 
position count." 
 
¶C. "PRESIDENT OBAMA WINS NOBEL PEACE PRIZE," an editorial on October 
11 in the generally anti-West Bangla vernacular daily INQILAB: 
 
"U.S. President Barack Obama was crowned with this year's Nobel 
Peace Prize for his efforts for imbuing the present conflict and 
violence stricken world with hope of peace and building a better 
future for humanity, shunning mistrust and hostility.  Despite 
opposition to Obama at home, the Nobel Committee has rightly chosen 
the U.S. President for the award for his endeavors to ensure world 
peace and a change for development. Obama has been given the award 
in recognition of the achievements he accomplished in the last year, 
 
DHAKA 00000974  002 OF 004 
 
 
not considering what he would do in future.  We also think Obama's 
welfare-oriented policy has brought the hawkish United States back 
to the negotiation table and the Nobel Committee did not commit 
anything wrong in recognizing that.  Peace-loving people of the 
world believe that those who oppose President Obama on certain 
issues in the United States now would extend their hands to help 
implement his international agenda." 
 
¶D. "CONGRATULATIONS, BARACK OBAMA," an editorial on October 11 in 
the pro-U.S. vernacular daily ITTEFAQ: 
 
"It is undeniable that Barack Obama has not gone astray from his 
determination for change, the slogan with which he had evoked a new 
hope in the minds of the U.S. people before the presidential 
elections.  He is working continuously to pave a way for peace and 
conformity.... He is also very keen on developing relations with the 
Muslim world.  The Muslim world was motivated by his Cairo speech. 
Though, it has not been possible to undertake any effective 
initiatives to solve the Middle-East problems, many believe that his 
two-nation theory has opened a new doorway to reach a solution." 
 
¶E. "OBAMA RIGHTLY DESERVED THE AWARD FOR INSPIRING HOPE FOR A 
PEACEFUL WORLD," editorial on October 11 in the BNP-leaning English 
daily NEW NATION: 
 
"U.S. President Barack Hossain Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize for 
2009 for giving the world 'hope for a better future....'  It is the 
leadership, vision and earnest efforts that is what makes one 
deserve the Nobel Award for Peace....  Obama has proved that he has 
the vision and courage to take risks for a peaceful world through 
mutual respect among all nations.  He moved ahead seeking peace and 
security without nuclear weapons.  He visualized a better and 
peaceful world resolving longstanding conflicts.  Obama helped the 
adoption of a Security Council resolution calling on nuclear weapon 
states to scrap their arsenals.  He is working for a breakthrough on 
the stalled Middle East peace process.  Obama has enthused greater 
aspiration for a better and peaceful future world.  He has still a 
long way to go. Ending the Afghanistan war, bringing peace in Middle 
East and climate change mitigation are on the agenda.  The 
recognition of his bold leadership and tenacious efforts at building 
a peaceful world together with others will be greatly helped by 
awarding the Nobel Prize." 
 
¶F. "BARACK OBAMA'S NOBEL: INVESTMENT OF HOPE IN A SURPRISE WIN," an 
editorial on October11 in the generally neutral and pro-U.S. 
highest-circulated vernacular daily PROTHOM ALO: 
 
"There is no doubt about the suitability of the person who has been 
awarded with the Nobel Peace Prize 2009.  But it has been questioned 
in the world media that whether this recognition is appropriate his 
presidency is only nine months old.  Obama is a person who is 
respected by his enemies as well.  Therefore, imparting this award 
has been hailed, even if it was unprecedented.... The first black 
president of the U.S. has made history as a prince of peace.  This 
is an achievement of his humbleness, tolerance and respect for 
others.  These virtues are very scarce in the present world." 
 
¶G. "NOBEL LAUREATE OBAMA: INCREASED RESPONSIBILITY TO FULFILL 
COMMITMENT," an editorial on October 11 in the Jamaat-and 
BNP-leaning vernacular daily NAYA DIGANTA: 
 
"This is the third time that a sitting U.S. President has won this 
prize ....  It may be that Obama's endeavors for a peaceful world 
may not be enough; but he did not abolish the light of hope.  Thus, 
he should be praised more than criticized for his winning the prize. 
 The Nobel Committee has added to his responsibilities.  It is his 
responsibility to fulfill these commitments.  We hope that Obama 
will completely dedicate himself to fulfill the expectations of the 
Nobel Committee." 
 
¶H. "OBAMA WINS NOBEL PRIZE: CHALLENGES VERSUS RESPONSIBILITIES," an 
editorial on October 11 in the Awami League-leaning and pro-West 
vernacular daily SAMAKAL: 
 
"Immediate after winning the presidential election, Obama became 
active to end the conflict and distrust that germinated after 9/11 
between the Muslim world and the U.S.  Furthermore, he unequivocally 
expressed his interest to reach out to the Muslim world.  Obama, who 
had come to power by creating immense world expectations with the 
slogan of 'Change,' in his nine months in power, has come to know 
that there are vast differences between reality and expectations. 
 
DHAKA 00000974  003 OF 004 
 
 
Moreover, removing these differences is very difficult.  He has kept 
his word by withdrawing troops from Iraq; however, peace is still 
elusive there.  The U.S. is at war in Afghanistan and the U.S. 
policy makers themselves think that the result of this war will be 
similar to Vietnam...  If he can be successful in performing these 
great responsibilities, only then the he would be able to fulfill 
the high expectations of the world to establish peace." 
 
¶I. "OBAMA'S NOBEL ACHIEVEMENT," an editorial on October 11 in the 
Awami League-leaning and generally pro-West vernacular daily 
JANAKANTHA: 
 
"Obama's predecessor President George Bush declared war on the 
entire world in the name of war against terrorism.  Immediately 
after the elections, Obama became active to develop relations with 
the Muslim world.... The U.S. directed the world towards war in the 
name of war against terrorism.  Obama has brought the world back 
from that path.  Obama is also determined to establish democracy and 
good governance.  No one can deny Obama's significance in inducing 
mutual respect and co-existence among the world's many different 
races and peoples.  Peace loving people have seen a new light of 
hope under the leadership of Obama.  Obama's perspective to solve 
the Iraq and Afghanistan issues is appreciated worldwide.  However, 
there is no doubt about the matter that by bestowing the Nobel Peace 
Prize to Obama, extra responsibilities have been put on his 
shoulders.  Now, there is no way for him to revert from his path of 
establishing world peace." 
 
¶J. " OBAMA WINS THE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE: IMPLEMENTATION OF COMMITMENT 
EXPECTED," an editorial on October 11 in the BNP-leaning vernacular 
daily AMAR DESH: 
 
"Claiming that Obama, in his nine months of power, has done a lot in 
order to establish world peace is not realistic.  Bloodshed has not 
stopped in Afghanistan, Iraq or Pakistan.  The dreaded Guantanamo 
Bay prison has not been shut down.  However, as the U.S. President, 
his message for a positive change bears a great significance.  The 
U.S. is the only super power of the world.  As a result, new 
endeavors towards humanity in that country make the world more 
enthusiastic about establishing world peace.  Barack Obama has been 
able to establish himself as an undaunted fighter for world peace 
even before he won the election....  Obama's speech in Cairo, 
admitting that to some extent the U.S. was responsible for the cold 
relationship between the U.S. and the Muslim world is the most heard 
and discussed speech of recent times.  However, it is true that 
Obama Administration's policies are not in complete accord with his 
Cairo speech.  Nevertheless, it must be acknowledged that the U.S. 
activities under the Obama Administration have taken a different 
path from the severe and strict activities under the Bush 
Administration." 
 
¶K. " OBAMA WINNING THE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE: RESPONSIBILITIES INCREASED 
TO ESTABLISH WORLD PEACE," an editorial on October 11 in the 
government-leaning vernacular daily JAI JAI DIN: 
 
"At present, South Asia is the most unstable region in the world. 
The Taliban are conducting suicide attacks in Afghanistan every 
other day.  Pakistan has to fight within its own borders to stop the 
Taliban.  India and Pakistan, two nuclear powers, have a distrustful 
relation with each other.  There are possibilities that this 
disappointing relationship may, at any moment, turn into conflict. 
Thus, Obama has to take realistic steps in order to establish peace 
in South Asia." 
 
¶L. "HOPE, OBAMA WILL EARN THE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE," an editorial on 
October 11 in the anti-U.S. English daily NEW AGE: 
 
"The Nobel committee's selection of Barack Hossain Obama as the 
recipient of this year's peace prize took many by surprise... There 
is no doubt, however, that Barack Obama has made positive advances 
concerning many issues.  There are still high hopes across the world 
that this man will bring about some change in the manner that his 
country deals with the rest of the world.  He must be appreciated 
for declaring his intentions for undertaking noble initiatives. 
However, they are still overtures, and far from beginning any such 
initiative, let alone success.  But such overtures or aspirations 
should hardly pose as sufficient qualifications for the Nobel 
committee to award him the peace prize....  Clearly, Obama has not 
yet achieved anything substantive towards peace.... If he - the 
President of the United States of America - the state responsible 
for conflicts in many parts of the planet sincerely continues the 
 
DHAKA 00000974  004 OF 004 
 
 
efforts braving the financial objectives of the country's war 
industry, the world may witness peace in many of its conflict ridden 
regions.  We hope, as did the famous American filmmaker Michael 
Moore, Obama will eventually earn the Nobel peace prize which has 
been given to him prematurely." 
 
DEAN