News and Analysis (7/23/08)

Sectarian disputes over the oil-rich Kirkuk province paralyze the Iraqi electoral process…

• Talabani Denounces Election Law (BBC News)

… meanwhile the US ignores the underlying political and socio-economic problems, using military gains as a standard for success in the country:

• U.S. Military Says Iraq Troop “Surge” Has Ended (Reuters)

Faced with the real-world situation in Afghanistan, Canadians focus on building infrastructure and shifting security responsibilities to locals:

• Canada’s Once-Lofty Afghan Goals Downgraded, Defence Files Show (Globe and Mail)

Concern over increased civilian casualties causes American forces to take extra care in unplanned attacks and practice patience in capturing Taliban:

• Civilian Risks Curbing Strikes in Afghan War (New York Times)

Former national security advisers fear keeping force as an ultimatum in Iranian nuclear discussions might legitimize an Israeli attack or commit the US to unaffordable action:

• Ex-Advisers Warn Against Threatening to Attack Iran (Washington Post)

A departure of Palestinian security as a response to persistent Israeli attacks during peace talks would unleash armed political groups:

• Abbas Threatens to Pull Security Forces from Nablus if Israeli Attacks Continue (Daily Star)

Moderate who attended peace talks and agreed to ceasefire with Ethiopia is pushed to the side in an Somali extremist’s power grab:

• Hardline Somali Leader ‘Elected’ (BBC News)

As risk-takers start to rebuild accommodations, Iraq’s tourism minister looks first to attract determined religious pilgrims:

• Pack Your Bags for Baghdad? Iraq Looks to Tourism (AP News)

Kasia