News and Analysis (3/19/07)

“The Americans now prefer stability over democracy… I will never trust them again.” – George Ishaq, Egyptian democracy activist 

• Egypt Shuts Door on Dissent As U.S. Officials Back Away (Washington Post) 

President Bush urges Americans to be patient and asks Congress throw more money at Iraq ‘without strings and without delay’… 

• Bush Pleads for Patience in Iraq (New York Times) 

…but his pleas of patience seem to be met by Iraqis with growing frustration and worry from the perils of constant violence… 

• Iraqis Have America-Fatigue, Poll Shows (Los Angeles Times) 

• For Many Iraqis, Hunt for Missing Is Never-Ending (New York Times) 

…and his pleas for more money are met by members of Congress with accounting audits and measures to prevent further war-profiteering: 

• Congress eyes lost billions sent to Iraq (Christian Science Monitor) 

Meanwhile at home, members of Congress continue to probe further into possible politically motivated firings of Federal Attorneys, alleging one attorney was fired in order to prevent investigation of possible corruption by CIA official: 

• Prosecutor’s Firing Was Urged During Probe (Washington Post) 

Pakistani opposition parties rise up with popular support, threatening Musharraf’s regime, after sacking of nation’s Chief Justice: 

• Islamabad Street Protests Threaten Musharraf’s Power (Christian Science Monitor)

Alejandro

Alejandro Beutel is program assistant for the Minaret of Freedom Institute with expertise in religious freedom, democratization and security issues.