News and Analysis (7/22/09)

Pakistan continues its obsessive focus on India as a security threat, preferring dialog with the Taliban over moving troops from the Indian border to Baluchistan:

• Pakistan Objects to U.S. Plan for Afghan War (NY Times)

Challenging his strongest and most important supporter in Iran:

• Ahmadinejad Defies Ayatollah on Vice President (LA Times)

Is Clinton threatening a blockade, and might that lead to global conflict?

• US Will Take ‘Crippling Action’ if Iran Becomes Nuclear, Says Clinton (Guardian)

The Saudi take on Guantanamo-style prosecution:

• Saudi Counter-Terrorism Effort Masks Abuse: Amnesty (Reuters / Washington Post)

A major step in consolidating peace as both sides accept the fairness of the compromise:

• Arbitration Panel Gives Oil Field to Sudanese Government (AP / NY Times)

At only 60% complete, the wall only serves as a propaganda tool and a symbolic barrier to peace:

• Israel’s Barrier to Progress (Guardian)

Imran

Minaret of Freedom Institute Program Assistant