News and Analysis (6/19/09)

Khamenei rejects the allegations of election fraud, “the Islamic republic never betrays the votes of people”…

• Iran’s Supreme Leader Demands End to Election Protests (Washington Post)

… As a result, protests may grow increasingly violent:

• Shadowy Iranian Vigilantes Vow Bolder Action (NY Times)

Anti-terrorism laws allow for the detention of journalists despite claims Afghan laws protects freedom of the press:

• Reporters in Afghanistan Face Restrictions (LA Times)

With more than 80 percent of working-age males surviving as small-scale farmers, the Obama administration hopes agricultural growth will promote stability in Afghanistan:

• U.S. Pursues a New Way To Rebuild in Afghanistan (Washington Post)

When will Obama’s pro-Palestinian rhetoric be reflected in his advisers and staff?

• In a Staff Shuffle, Signs of Obama’s Direction on Mideast (NY Times)

To Taliban claims that democracy is un-Islamic, Maulana Nanotawi replies it’s “un-Islamic to blow up the barber shops, education organizations and tombs”:

• Taliban Govt Was Not Islamic, Says Deoband Scholar (GEO TV)

VOA and BBC look offer advice to Iranians wishing to engage in “cyber warfare”:

• Persian News Network Finds New Life in Contested Iranian Election (Washington Post)

Imran

Minaret of Freedom Institute Program Assistant