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UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 002389 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OIIP OPRC PGOV PREL PK
SUBJECT:  PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: OCTOBER 05, 2009 
 
Summary:  Reports of the "killing of eight U.S. troops in Taliban 
attack in Afghanistan" dominated headlines in several major 
newspapers on Monday.  U.S. National Security Advisor Jones' 
statement praising that "Pakistan army and the government have done 
much better against militancy since March" received prominent 
display.  Newspapers also highlighted reports that "Pakistan has 
offered the U.S. to launch a joint action against Taliban Shura in 
Quetta if the Shura is present in the Balochistan's capital." 
Pegged to this story, some dailies reported Foreign Minister Qureshi 
as saying that "Quetta Shura has lost its existence, as a number of 
its activists have already died or are active in Afghanistan." 
Several major newspapers quoted Punjab Chief Minister Sharif as 
terming the Kerry-Lugar Bill as "negation of country's sovereignty" 
and highlighted his comments that "any amount of foreign assistance 
at the cost of freedom and prestige of the country was not 
acceptable."  Reports that "Pakistan Army is all set to launch a 
decisive operation against the Taliban in South Waziristan" received 
extensive media coverage.  All major dailies ran a report that the 
"tribal chiefs and elders in North Waziristan warned of offensive if 
drone attacks continued." 
 
Most newspapers ran editorials on different local themes including 
the extended power outage and the possible fallout.  However some 
dailies editorialized the overall security situation of the country. 
 Commenting on the impending military operation in Waziristan 
Agency, the second largest nationalist Urdu daily "Nawa-i-Waqt," 
observed that "despite paying a heavy price for friendship with the 
U.S., our rulers are bent upon starting an operation in Waziristan, 
creating more problems for the nation and endangering the country's 
security."  The Lahore-based liberal English language newspaper, 
"Daily Times," noted that "there is no gainsaying the fact that the 
Taliban are not finished, but it would be unrealistic not to take 
account of the fact that their leadership has been literally 
decapitated."  End Summary. 
 
----------------- 
News Stories 
----------------- 
 
"Militants Driven From Swat Involved: Afghanistan; Eight U.S. Troops 
Die In Taliban Attack" "Dawn" (10/05) 
 
"Hundreds of militants armed with automatic rifles and 
rocket-propelled grenades stormed a pair of remote outposts near the 
Pakistan border, killing eight U.S. soldiers and capturing more than 
20 Afghan troops in the deadliest assault against U.S. forces in 
more than a year, military officials said on Sunday." 
 
"Pakistan Doing Much Better Since March: U.S." "Daily Times," "The 
News" (10/05) 
 
"The Pakistan army and the country's government have done much 
better since March when they announced their strategy against the 
 
Taliban on their side of the border, U.S. National Security Adviser 
James Jones said on Sunday.  Appearing in CBS's Face the Nation 
Program, he praised Islamabad's recent gains against the Taliban." 
 
"Pak-U.S. Joint Action In Quetta" "The Post" (10/05) 
 
"Pakistan has offered the U.S. to launch a joint action against 
Taliban Shura in Quetta if the Shura is present in the Balochistan's 
capital....  The officials said the Pakistani army leadership has 
offered the U.S. leadership to send their personnel to Balochistan 
to confirm that Qaeda and Taliban leadership is not in Quetta.... 
However, officials said that the U.S. envoys have no right to hurl 
baseless claims about presence of Taliban Shura in Quetta." 
 
"Quetta Shura Has Lost Its Existence: Qureshi" "Dawn," "The News" 
(10/05) 
 
"During an Interview with the Los Angles Times, Foreign Minister 
Shah Mehmood Qureshi has elucidated that the 'Quetta Shura' has lost 
its existence, as a number of its activists have already been killed 
or are active in Afghanistan." 
 
"Qureshi Urges U.S. To Build Partnership Of Trust" "Dawn" (10/05) 
 
"Asserting political and military leadership's commitment to wipe 
out terrorism and a strong public mood against militants, Foreign 
Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has urged the United States to build a 
more trusting partnership with Pakistan." 
 
"Shahbaz Opposes Aid under Kerry-Lugar Bill" "The Nation" (10/05) 
 
"Punjab chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Sunday termed Kerry-Lugar 
Bill as negation of country's sovereignty, saying any amount of 
foreign assistance at the cost of freedom and prestige of the 
country was not acceptable to the proud people of Pakistan." 
 
"National Assembly To Discuss Sugar Crisis, Kerry-Lugar Bill Today" 
"Daily Times" (10/50) 
 
"The National Assembly is set to reconvene today (Monday) after 
almost two months with opposition parties looking to seek 
explanations from the government on issues such as the sugar crisis, 
the Kerry-Lugar bill and the operations of foreign security agencies 
in the country." 
 
"Billions in U.S. Aid Never Reached Pakistan Army" "The Nation" 
(10/05) 
 
"The United States has long suspected that much of the billions of 
dollars it has sent Pakistan to battle militants has been diverted 
to the domestic economy and other causes, such as fighting India. 
Now the scope and longevity of the misuse is becoming clear: Between 
2002 and 2008, while Al Qaeda regrouped, only $500 million of the 
$6.6 billion in American aid actually made it to the Pakistani 
military, two army generals told an American news agency, reported a 
private TV channel." 
 
"U.S. Believes Pakistan Prepared For Waziristan Assault" "Dawn," 
"The Nation" (10/05) 
 
"Pakistan has mobilized enough forces and equipment to launch a long 
awaited ground offensive against Taliban militants in their South 
Waziristan stronghold near the Afghan border, U.S. defense officials 
said on Sunday.  The officials spoke on condition of anonymity 
because of the sensitivity of discussing Pakistani military 
planning." 
 
"Pentagon Trying To Free Up Choppers For Pakistan" "Daily Times" 
(10/05) 
 
"A U.S. military official has said that an assault by Pakistani 
ground forces in South Waziristan 'can still be effective' despite 
some shortages, and the Pentagon is trying to free up helicopters 
and other equipment for Pakistan 'as soon as possible.'" 
 
"Army All Set To Launch Decisive Operation In South Waziristan" 
"Daily Times" (10/50) 
 
"The army is all set to launch a decisive operation against the 
Taliban in South Waziristan, after Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan chief 
Baitullah Mehsud's death and months of a troop build-up in the area. 
 Defence sources said the army had changed tactics, pursuing a 
cautious policy aimed at choking off the enemy by sealing entry 
points and bagging the support of groups and tribal elders opposed 
to the Taliban." 
 
"Elders Warn Of Offensive If Drone Attacks Continue" "Daily Times," 
"The News" (10/50) 
 
"Tribal chiefs and elders in North Waziristan Agency on Sunday 
warned the United States of a possible alliance with Afghan tribal 
chiefs to fight U.S.-led forces in Afghanistan if Washington did not 
stop drone attacks in the Tribal Areas.  The elders made the 
decision at a grand Jirga held in North Waziristan's headquarters 
Miranshah." 
 
"Accord With Mullah Nazir Intact, Says Military" "Dawn" (10/05) 
 
"Military authorities assured a grand Jirga of Ahmedzai Wazirs in 
Wana on Sunday that a peace accord reached with the Mullah Nazir 
group in South Waziristan in 2007 remained intact.  The assurance 
was given by Maj-Gen Sajjad Wazir and other military officers." 
 
"Fazl Offers To Mediate Between Govt. And Taliban" "Dawn," "The 
News" (10/05) 
 
"As security forces are all set to launch a major offensive in the 
tribal region of South Waziristan, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the chief 
of his own faction of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam, has offered to 'mediate' 
between the government and militants to avert another crisis, 
Maulana Fazl told a conference of Ulema and Madressah teachers in 
Peshawar on Sunday. 
 
"Militants Melting Into Settled Areas" "Dawn" (10/05) 
 
"The militants fleeing Malakand division and parts of Federally 
Administered Tribal Areas have become more of a headache for the law 
enforcement agencies as they are disappearing in the settled 
districts of NWFP, sources say." 
 
"Forces Claim Killing 9 Militants in Swat" "The News" (10/05) 
 
"The security forces claimed killing nine militants during search 
and clearance operations in different parts of Swat Valley, a press 
release of the Pakistan Army-run Swat Media Center said on Sunday." 
 
"Six Militants Killed In Malakand" "Dawn" (10/05) 
 
"Three local Taliban Commanders identified as Noorul Amin, Fazal 
Rabi and Younus, and three militants were killed in Banjeer area of 
Malakand on Sunday." 
 
"Taliban Confirm Uzbek Commander's Death In Drone Attack" "The News" 
(10/50) 
 
"A senior Afghan Taliban Commander has confirmed that dreaded Uzbek 
militant commander Qari Tahir Yuldashev was killed in the U.S. drone 
attack during the last week of August in south Waziristan." 
 
"Man Involved In NATO Terminal Attacks Arrested" "Daily Times" 
(10/05) 
 
"Police on Sunday claimed the arrest of a member of a gang involved 
in attacks on NATO terminals, and seized stolen goods from his 
possession, police sources said." 
 
"U.S. Asked To Engage Afghan Pashtuns In Dialogue" "Dawn" (10/05) 
 
"Senior U.S. security officials consulted their colleagues from 
Pakistan and Afghanistan in Washington this week on possible changes 
in America's policies for their region....  The Obama administration 
believes that it has to finalize a new strategy by the end of this 
month....  Pakistan urged the Americans to engage Afghan Pashtuns, 
including some Taliban groups, in a dialogue aimed at peacefully 
resolving the dispute." 
 
--------------------- 
Editorials/Op-eds 
--------------------- 
 
"Preparations For Waziristan Operation," an editorial in the second 
largest nationalist Urdu daily "Nawa-i-Waqt" (10/05) 
 
"Despite paying a heavy price for friendship with the U.S., our 
rulers are bent upon starting an operation in Waziristan, creating 
more problems for the nation and endangering the country's security. 
This strategy would not get any public support, while the U.S. will 
not be satisfied even at this obedience.  In fact, it [the U.S.] has 
already set another target for them - drone strikes from Quetta to 
Karachi." 
 
"Taliban Targeting Of Peshawar," an editorial in the Lahore-based 
liberal English language daily "Daily Times" (cir. 10,000) (10/05) 
 
"Peshawar has been hit recently by a car-bomb of great intensity 
arousing fears of a Taliban comeback, but any alarmist reaction must 
be framed against the recent developments and the desperation they 
have caused among the terrorists.  There is no gainsaying the fact 
that the Taliban are not finished, but it would be unrealistic not 
to take account of the fact that their leadership has been literally 
decapitated.  The one merit of the non-centralized and disorganized 
movement is that it doesn't die immediately after its centre is 
taken out." 
 
"Questions on FATA Op," an editorial in the center-right national 
English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (10/05) 
"As for the impending launch of a conventional military action in 
FATA, it is riddled with problems, not the least of which is the 
fate of the local people already being held hostage by the 
militants, especially the foreigners, on the one hand, and being 
killed in U.S. drone attacks on the other.  Also, the timing of the 
operation is strange given that winter is approaching.  So a 
legitimate question is why now, when the targeted attacks strategy 
was working?" 
 
"Don't Turn Pak Into A Refugee State," an editorial in the 
Islamabad-based rightist English daily "Pakistan Observer" (cir. 
5,000) (10/05) 
 
"While the Government is still in the midst of coping with the 
resettlement and rehabilitation of IDPs from Swat and Malakand, 
there are clear indications that a full-scale operation against 
militants in South Waziristan is on the card.  The UN has warned 
that if the FATA operation begins, there would be a great influx of 
IDPs leaving their homes and large scale arrangements to evacuate 
the people would have to be made ahead of the operation....  On the 
basis of that experience we expect that efforts would be made to 
minimize the displacement of people and operation to cleanse South 
Waziristan from the menace of terrorism would be in specific areas 
on the basis of intelligence information." 
 
"Dead Or Alive?," an editorial in the populist, often sensational 
national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (10/05) 
 
"For weeks now controversy has continued to brew over whether 
Hakeemullah Mehsud, the man who we are told replaced Baitullah 
Mehsud as Chief of the TTP, is dead or alive....  What we do know is 
that the Taliban for the moment remain a potent force, able to stage 
attacks.  There is then apparent need to act decisively against the 
militants regardless of who is leading them....  If the death of 
Hakeemullah can be confirmed, it would no doubt act to further 
weaken the Taliban." 
 
"An Anti-terror Mechanism," an op-ed by Iqbal Ahmad Khan in the 
Karachi-based center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" 
(cir. 55,000) (10/05) 
 
"There is need for creating a high-level mechanism to formulate a 
coherent and comprehensive anti-terror policy and to ensure civilian 
oversight of the war on terror....  Civilian control and direction 
of counter-terrorism measures would only be possible if the civilian 
leadership is armed with comprehensive and latest knowledge of the 
war on terror....  total elimination of terrorists and terrorism 
from Pakistan is vital for our future.  Our integrity, progress and 
prosperity are intrinsically tied to the outcome of the war on 
terror.  The early establishment of an effective counter-terrorism 
mechanism would greatly facilitate our efforts." 
 
"Implications of U.S. Aid," an op-ed by Talat Masood in the 
populist, often sensational national English daily "The News" (cir. 
55,000) (10/05) 
 
"U.S. Congress voted last Wednesday to triple aid to Pakistan to 1.5 
billion dollars every year for five years.  The long-term U.S. 
commitment that aims to build a strategic partnership with Pakistan 
has generated a serious controversy....  There is however danger of 
a backlash the way the legislation is worded.  One, if it perceived 
as a dictation it could further fuel anti-Americanism and 
anti-Zardari if not anti-government sentiment.  Secondly, even if 
the government was genuine in the faithful implementation of these 
conditions, it would not be possible to achieve these conditions in 
the time frame that U.S. expects.  A fragile civilian government 
whose leadership is uninspiring and a military that is overstretched 
fighting Taliban in the west and guarding the eastern frontier will 
find it difficult to open up new fronts with the Jihadis....  One 
hopes Obama being far more receptive and amenable to adjustment, 
unlike his predecessor Bush, would respond by pursuing a more 
balanced and nuanced approach towards Pakistan." 
 
"The Kerry-Lugar Offerings," an op-ed by Shahzad Chaudhry in the 
populist, often sensational national English daily "The News" (cir. 
55,000) (10/05) 
 
"Fine words and noble ideals have not been stated before; but it 
begs the question: is the U.S. going to ensure democracy in 
Pakistan?  When have they ever been able to do so before?  Now, if 
this is not insecurity and a grab for resources, what else is?...  I 
say take the elements of social development strategy from the bill 
(Kerry-Lugar Bill); show some steel to retain national dignity on 
the rest; and see if the $1.5 billion will still hold.  It should, 
if the U.S. is so genuinely interested in seeing Pakistan stable. 
The money is anyway a supplement and not supplant." 
 
"Capitulating Terms Of Kerry-Lugar Bill," an op-ed by Abdus Sattar 
Ghazi in the Islamabad-based rightist English daily "Pakistan 
Observer" (cir. 5,000) (10/05) 
 
"The capitulating terms for the new five year U.S. aid to Pakistan 
came at a time when the Pakistani media is buzzing with stories 
about the operation of the ill-famed Blackwater mercenary army in 
Islamabad and Peshawar, the capital of North Western Frontier 
Province....  Many people in Pakistan believe that Afghanistan, 
India, Israel and U.S. are involved in the current turmoil and 
violence in the tribal areas of Northern Pakistan and Baluchistan to 
destabilize the country." 
 
"A Timely Reality Check," an op-ed by Khalid Iqbal in the 
center-right national English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) 
(10/05) 
 
"Reality check was long overdue pertaining to the American war 
fighting strategy and capability in Afghanistan....  Afghanistan is 
a strange black hole that can smilingly suck in the entire American 
military might.  It better be left alone; at least militarily!  As 
regards resolve and commitment, America as a nation appears to be 
loosing both....  This is the time to execute an exit strategy. 
Options are foreclosing rapidly and delay in this regard would make 
it painful to end the occupation. There is a need to cobble together 
a broad based government, represented by each significant segment of 
the Afghan society....  People of the region need a healing touch 
and a hope of enduring peace.  Ending and not strengthening the 
occupation is need of the hour!" 
 
"Israel's Shelling Of Gaza Strip," an editorial note in the liberal 
Urdu daily "Express" (cir.25,000) (10/05) 
 
"The reason for Israeli excesses is that the Muslim countries, 
including the OIC and the Arab League, have never paid due attention 
to the Palestine issue.  The situation can spin out of control if 
this [Israeli aggression] continues.  Not only should Israel's 
latest aggression be curbed but efforts to resolve the 
Israel-Palestinian conflict must also be intensified." 
 
(All circulation figures are based on estimation) 
Patterson