News and Analysis (1/16/07)

Not again… Outrage from Iraqi Sunnis, global community over “undignified” execution:

• Questions Raised by Iraq Hangings (BBC)

Morocco’s political manipulation of Islam is no laughing matter…

• Journalists in Morocco Convicted and Fined for Insulting Islam (Associated Press)

…unlike Canada whose democracy and civil liberties allow Muslims and non-Muslims to have a sense humor:

• ‘Little Mosque’ Defuses Hate with Humor (New York Times)

The Bush administration’s policies have given Middle East democracy the kiss of death – it now seeks ‘stability’ over promoting liberty and civil society:

• Rice Speaks Softly in Egypt, Avoiding Democracy Push (New York Times)

The latest escalation between the Egyptian state and the Muslim Brotherhood:

• Egypt Detains Brotherhood Backers (BBC)

Bloggers expose ongoing torture in Egypt:

• Fears for Egypt ‘Torture’ Victim (BBC)

In an op-ed, President of the National Lawyer’s Guide chides the Pentagon for its contempt of lawyers upholding the American tradition of a right to a fair trial:

• Pentagon Attacks Lawyers of Guantanamo Detainees (AlterNet)

Alejandro

Alejandro Beutel is program assistant for the Minaret of Freedom Institute with expertise in religious freedom, democratization and security issues.