News and Analysis (12/13/10)

Karzai again says he prefers the Taliban to the status quo of civilian vulnerability to contractor violence:

• As US Assesses Afghan War, Karzai a Question Mark (Washington Post)

New Wikileak: Iran’ s interest in nuclear weapons is deterrent and “Tehran sees a ‘grand bargain’ with the United States as its best way to ensure national security”:

• Iran Not a Rogue State: Australia (Yahoo / Reuters)

The Iranian Parliament claims that Iran’s complex structure of checks and balances is being undermined:

• Iran Replaces Foreign Minister (Washington Post)

Court rules “we are in a free country, and as a result, everything that isn’t forbidden is allowed.”:

• French Court Annuls Fine for Driver in Muslim Veil (AP/ WTOP)

A high speed train available only to Gulf State Arabs mocks the brotherhood theme of the Muslim Pilgrimage:

• The Hajj and the Apartheid Train: Where Is the Muslim Outrage? (Huffington Post)

Customs like “Honor Killings” and giving girls in marriage to settle disputes are inconsistent with Sharia (Islamic) law as well as Afghan and international law:

• UN Urges Afghanistan to Protect Women’s Rights (Washington Post)

ImadadDean