News and Analysis (12/28/09)

As Israelis terrorize the locals to the tune of about $40,000 in fire damage along with 50 uprooted trees in protest of delayed settlement growth…

• Settlers Torch Palestinian Property, Uproot Trees (Ma’an News)

… the government pursues its claim to all of Jerusalem:

• Israel to Build 700 Apartments in East Jerusalem (AP / Washington Post)

“By using lethal force on a day meant to honor one of Shia Islam’s holiest figures, Imam Hossein–seen as a martyr in the fight against oppression–the regime may have undermined its claim to uphold Iran’s religious traditions”:

• Opposition Leader’s Nephew Among Nine Dead Amid Rioting and Bloodshed in Iran (Guardian)

This is assimilation? No muadhdhin’s voice form the minaret, just a “nightclubby” flash of a purple beam of light:

• French Mosque’s Symbolism Varies With Beholder (NY Times)

Pleading inadequate resources, Pakistani officials believe the Haqqani network poses little threat to the government:

• U.S. Wants Pakistan to Pursue Taliban-Allied Group (LA Times)

Is al-Qaeda’s center of activity returning to its place  of origin? Yemen may quickly become a priority of the US government:

• Al-Qaeda Group in Yemen Gaining Prominence (Washington Post)

The Financial meltdown has eroded foreign interest in education:

• University Branches in Dubai Are Struggling (NY Times)

Imran

Minaret of Freedom Institute Program Assistant