News and Analysis (3/13/09)

As the opposition remains committed to holding peaceful rallies protesting the “dictatorial behavior” of President Asif Ali Zardar…

• Pakistani Police Intercept Protesters (Washington Post)

…many fear the army will yet again  oust the civilian government if the conflict persists:

• American Envoys Try to Defuse a Political Crisis in Pakistan (NY Times)

Hamas denies responsibility for the recent rocket fire as the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights raised the death toll to 1,434 Palestinians including 960 civilians:

• Hamas Criticises Gaza Rocket Fire (Al Jazeera)

Hindering Obama’s promise for peace and substantial change in the Middle East, US has shown no interest in negotiating with Hezbollah or Hamas:

• U.S. Disagrees with British Decision to Engage Lebanon’s Hezbollah (LA Times)

Broadcasting news, talk shows, religious programming and music, Radio Khyber offers forum providing local news and promoting local culture:

• Pakistan’s Airwaves: On Militant Turf, Radio Khyber Offers a Softer Voice (Christian Science Monitor)

Amnesty International says, “Iraq’s creaking judicial system is simply unable to guarantee fair trials in ordinary criminal cases, and even less so in capital cases”:

• Amnesty Urges Iraq Executions Halt on Legal Fears (Reuters / Washington Post)

Imran

Minaret of Freedom Institute Program Assistant