News and Analysis (12/8/09)

Re-enforcing US fears of homegrown terrorists:

• U.S. Citizen Charged with Conspiring to Aid Terrorists in 2008 Mumbai Attack (Washington Post)

US ultimatum threatens to “use considerably more force on the Pakistani side of the border to shut down Taliban attacks”

• Pakistan Told to Ratchet Up Fight Against the Taliban (NY Times)

Turkey has an opportunity to serve as a diplomatic bridge between the West and the Muslim world:

• In Obama Meeting, Turkey Touts Diplomacy for Iran Nuclear Program (CS Monitor)

Gates objects that Afghani corruption is painted “with too broad a brush” because there ministers and governors who are “capable, competent and honest’”:

• US ‘Watching’ Karzai Appointments (Al Jazeera)

Every protest brings a stronger push for compromise between Ahmadinejad and opposition forces:

• Iranians Rally Against Leaders (Washington Post)

Will the attack on Pakistan’s most cosmopolitan city change Pakistani perceptions of the Taliban War?

• Pakistan Terror Attack Dent Lahore’s Safest City Image (CS Monitor)

Imran

Minaret of Freedom Institute Program Assistant