News and Analysis (10/01/08)

“The killing of innocents is forbidden in Islam. Both the Taliban and the Americans are guilty of wrongdoing”:

• Terrorist Attacks in Pakistan Stir Anger at U.S. (Christian Science Monitor)

High-profile insurgents use Pakistani tribal areas as base for Taliban initiative:

• Trio of Warlords Blamed for Surge in Afghanistan Violence (LA Times)

Although violence has decreased considerably…

• Iraq Civilian, U.S. Troop Deaths Fall in September (Reuters)
• ‘We Should Go Outside and Live’ (Washington Post)

…US reports the “fundamental character of the conflict in Iraq remains unchanged”:

• Iraq Remains ‘Locked in Conflict’ (BBC News)

The destabilization of Somalia by foreigners has vigilante fishermen into mercenary pirates defying international military might:

• Somali Pirates Tell All: They’re in It for the Money (NY Times International Feed/Gainesville Sun)

Interior minister under investigation after forgery discovered in his credentials:

• In Iran, 3 Degrees of Separation From Truth (NY Times)

Imran

Minaret of Freedom Institute Program Assistant