News and Analysis (2/09/10)

“Rather than reflecting a major change in the country’s nuclear capabilities, Mr. Leyne says the announcements are most likely Mr. Ahmadinejad politicking before anti-government protests begin this Thursday on the 31^st anniversary of the Islamic Republic”:

• Iran’s Plan for 10 New Nuclear Fuel Plants ‘Laughably Ambitious’ (Christian Science Monitor)

Divisions emerge in the best strategy for Afghanistan, whether US troops should improve governance and populated areas or pursue Taliban fighters into the country side …

• In Southern Afghanistan, Even the Small Gains get Noticed (Washington Post)

… Meanwhile, Gates lobbies for more foreign troops bringing the total troop surge numbers in at 50,000:

• Gates Quietly Draws More Allied Troops for Afghanistan Effort (LA Times)

Examining the crucial election issues, “basic services, economic development, security — all seem to stem from identity as much as politics. ‘First ethnicity, second political party’”:

• In Northern Iraq, a Vote Seems Likely to Split (NY Times)

For those who believe Afghanistan can only be won through improving national security forces, there is, shockingly, only one institution doing the training:

• Legion Academy Gives Afghans a Crash Course in Fighting War (Washington Post)

The opening occurred in spite of a serious economic crisis, but now unexpectedly,

• World’s Tallest Tower in UAE Closes (Al Jazeera)

Imran

Minaret of Freedom Institute Program Assistant