Month: October 2012

“We want to give a message to America that the more you carry out drone attacks, the more people will hate you,” says Imran Khan, while leading thousands to a protest against drone strikes; a statement that demonstrates why anti-American sentiments sell in Middle East politics: Pakistani Military Blocks Anti-Drone Convoy from Entering Tribal Region (The…

The breakthrough agreement to end a 40-year war by creating a new autonomous region is threatened by a dissenting breakaway rebel faction and by powerful regional clans that “may fear a loss of political influence”: Philippines, Muslim Rebels Agree Landmark Peace Deal (Reuters) “Reps. Jason Chaffetz and Darrell Issa claim the Benghazi consulate sought more security before the deadly…

The Turkish parliament endorses military action but, as Syria apologizes, denies that a state of war exists: Is Turkey at War with Syria? (Christian Science Monitor) PM Says Turkey Does Not Want War, but Syria Should Not Test Resolve to Protect Borders (AP / abc News) Turkey Tamps Down Talk of Going to War with…

Researchers argue “that the roots of Muslims’ lagging performance may be attributed to institutional differences that go back to the British colonial period. In doing so, they discount conventional explanations including the supposed ‘conservatism and insularity” of Islam”: Economics Journal: A Theory Why India’s Muslims Lag (Wall St. Journal) “The force is supposed to police…

“Information released by the US spy agency, the CIA, has revealed that because of its many undesirable side effects, scopolamine had been disqualified as a truth drug. It listed its most disabling side effects as hallucinations, disturbed perception, headaches, rapid heartbeat, and blurred vision”: US Use of Truth Drug Revealed (Sydney Morning Herald) “Bahrain’s highest court…