Minaret of Freedom Weblog

Accused of partiality, but really targeted for expanding the scope of the discussion of Middle East policies,

• Chas Freeman Slams “Israel Lobby” (Huffington Post)

The release of the defendants’ statements seems to contradict Obama’s order to halt all proceedings of military commissions:

• Military Judge’s Release of Pleading by 9/11 Defendants Draws Criticism (Washington Post)

Anti government protests calling for the reinstatement of judges removed by Musharraf have been banned under the guise of maintaining “law and order”:

• Pakistan Detains Opposition Members (Al Jazeera)

Although Fatah is viewed favorably by a majority position, the popularity of Haniyeh and Hamas has increases significantly:

• Palestinian Public Opinion Poll No (31) (Press Release, PSR)

Israel continues to violate international law by allowing Israeli companies to mine the resources of the West Bank:

• Yesh Din Petition: Israel Pillages West Bank Resources (Haaretz)

Afghani officials and Western diplomats believe the peace process may have already made greater progress if it had been promoted more forcefully:

• As U.S. Weighs Taliban Negotiations, Afghans Are Already Talking (NY Times)

As Ahmadinejad battles Parliament over fuel subsidies and cash handouts…

• Iran President’s Vulnerabilities Showing (LA Times)

…the competition for presidency heats up:

• Another Key Politician to Run Against Ahmadinejad (Washington Post)