Pakistan's 9/11 - The Bangkok Post (Thailand)

Saturday’s terrorist attack on the Marriott Hotel in the Pakistani capital Islamabad has dominated many of Sunday’s papers. The Bangkok Post has a poignant picture taken before the bombing with the caption “on the wings of hope”. It shows a peace activist freeing doves in front of parliament in Islamabad to celebrate newly elected President Asif Ali Zardari's parliamentary speech, just hours before the blast.


Islamabad bombing is the latest in a long list of recent attacks - The Independent (UK)

British newspaper The Independent on Sunday pointed out that Saturday’s bombing is the latest of recent attacks. The article goes on to list a dismal string of attacks, including the assassination of Benazir Bhutto in December 2007.


Pakistan on the brink - The Daily Times (Pakistan)

Liberal English-language Pakistani newspaper The Daily Times says that it’s vital for Zardari to get a grip on the war against terrorism. Journalist and author Ahmed Rashid says Pakistan is "at the centre of a gathering firestorm engulfing south and central Asia in the most volatile confrontation since 9/11". The article says that Pakistan's military has been caught off guard by the dramatic growth of the Taliban in the country. The Taliban, Rashid argues, are now a regional problem. He says a new UN Security Council mandate is needed for a major regional diplomatic initiative. Rashid adds that the Western coalition also needs to embark on a massive public information campaign which demonstrates that it is trying to solve regional problems rather than warmongering.


French soldiers unprepared for Taliban ambush - The Globe and Mail (Canada)

Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail has investigated the deaths of a group of French troops killed in August during an ambush by the Taliban. The newspaper says it has obtained a secret NATO report which states that French soldiers didn’t have enough bullets, radios and other crucial equipment. The insurgents, on the other hand, were dangerously well prepared. Ten soldiers were killed. It was one of the deadliest ambushes against international forces since 2001. Journalist Graeme Smith says it’s the latest troubling sign that insurgents are mastering the art of guerilla war.


Yemen calls for help in fight against terrorism - The National News (United Arab Emirates)

UAE daily The National News reports that Yemen has issued a plea for help from the international community. It comes after last week’s bomb blast at the US Embassy that killed 17 people. Yemen’s foreign minister has said the country can not battle militants without more help from the United States. Washington currently gives Yemen about 45 million US dollars a year. Recent violence has slowed down development, crippled tourism and damaged the state’s reputation.