News and Analysis (5/4/09)

As experts wrestle with ambiguities as to when ethnic violence should be categorized as genocide …

• Is the Darfur Bloodshed Genocide? Opinions Differ (LA Times)

…The origins of the conflict in colonialism and foreign intervention remain crystal clear:

• Explaining Darfur (Newsweek)

A detailed look into the character of FBI provocateurs:

• The FBI, the Islamic Center of Irvine and Craig Monteilh: Who Was Conning Whom? (OC Weekly)

A budget of $100 million must cover a reconstruction plan estimated at $11.3 billion:

• In Iraq’s Anbar Province, the Awakening Grapples With a New Role (LA Times)

Would a Taliban victory resemble that of Hamas in Gaza?

• Afghanistan UN Chief Urges Taliban to Contest Presidential Poll (Guardian)

If confirmed, the accusations would severely undermine the US objectives in Afghanistan:

• Probe Call in Afghan ‘Convert’ Row (Al Jazeera)

Falling short of our call for an annulment under Islamic law outlined in MFI’s blog on “Marriage of Minors in Saudi Arabia: Is Betrothal Obsolete?“:

• 8-Year-Old Saudi Girl Divorces 50-Year-Old Husband (Khaleej Times)

Saberi temporarily refuses water in response to Iranian denial of her hunger strike:

• Journalist Group: US Reporter Hospitalized in Iran (AP / Washington Post)

Imran

Minaret of Freedom Institute Program Assistant