Cablegate: Tokyo Media Reaction - Afghanistan

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P 110046Z SEP 09
FM AMEMBASSY TOKYO
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UNCLAS TOKYO 002105

SIPDIS

STATE FOR I/RF, PA/PR/FPC/W, IIP/G/EA, EAP/PD, R/MR,
EAP/J, EAP/P, PM;
USTR FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE;
TREASURY FOR OASIA/IMI;
SECDEF FOR OASD/PA;
CP BUTLER OKINAWA FOR AREA FIELD OFFICE;
PACOM HONOLULU FOR PUBLIC DIPLOMACY ADVISOR

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OIIP KMDR KPAO JA
SUBJECT: TOKYO MEDIA REACTION - AFGHANISTAN

1. LEAD STORIES: Most Friday morning papers front-paged ongoing
coordination within the DPJ to select ministers for the Hatoyama
cabinet.

2. "Do Not Allow Afghanistan to Harbor Terrorists Again" The
top-circulation, moderate Yomiuri editorialized (9/11): "In order to
prevent the reemergence of international terrorism, Afghanistan must
not be allowed to once again become a 'failed state' that houses
terrorist organizations.... What is worrying is that public opinion
in countries committing troops to Afghanistan is becoming negative
[about continued force deployment].... The international community
must not be allowed to give up on the war on terrorism no matter how
long and difficult it is going to be. It is necessary to unite,
cooperate, and reconstruct the antiterrorism campaign."

3. "Beyond 'War on Terrorism'" The liberal Asahi insisted in an
editorial: "President Obama is committing more troops to Afghanistan
based on the judgment that it is a necessary war. However, the
situation there appears to be deteriorating.... Afghan
reconstruction is one of the most difficult challenges confronting
the international community. However, one thing is clear. A path
toward victory over Islamic extremists will not emerge without
deeper dialogue with the Muslim community."

4. "Enhance Dialogue to Create a Safe World" An editorial in the
liberal Mainichi argued: "Afghan insurgents who fought against
Soviet troops following the 1979 invasion were praised at the time
by the U.S. and others as 'heroic Islamic warriors.' Is it correct
to lump these armed insurgents, who may be fighting against the U.S.
'occupation,' together with terrorists? It is necessary to conduct
extensive dialogue and gather more friends in order to discern real
enemies. It goes without saying that the response to the Afghan
situation will have an impact on global security."

ROOS

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