Cablegate: Tokyo Media Reaction - Cross-Border Assault In

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PP RUEHFK RUEHKSO RUEHNAG RUEHNH
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P 280749Z OCT 08
FM AMEMBASSY TOKYO
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UNCLAS TOKYO 003007

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 - CROSS-BORDER ASSAULT IN
SYRIA

1. LEAD STORIES: Most Tuesday morning papers gave front-
page coverage to Monday's fall in Tokyo stock prices to
the lowest level in 26 years, as well as an informal
decision by Prime Minister Aso to postpone a snap
election until next year so that he can concentrate on
dealing with the economic turmoil.

2. "Cross-Border Attack Meant to Apply Pressure on
Syria?" The top-circulation, moderate Yomiuri wrote
from Cairo (10/28): "The possibility is high that the
cross-border attack in eastern Syria from Iraq was a
special operation carried out by the U.S. military
aimed at preempting terrorists from entering Iraq....
The fact that the attack was launched during daylight
hours reflects the U.S. intention to play up the
operation at home and abroad. One view holds that the
outgoing Bush administration displayed U.S. military
power in order to press Syrian President Assad not to
provide shelter to terrorists. However, Syria is moving
out from international isolation, as it has established
diplomatic relations with Lebanon, which Damascus had
long considered a protectorate. The U.S. attack in
Syria has actually enhanced Syria's diplomatic
standing, with President Assad probably looking to ask
the next U.S. administration to review U.S. policy
toward his country."

SCHIEFFER

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