Five years after the invasion, despite an uneven and fragile stability, Iraq still faces the threat of re-intensified sectarian warfare, rampant corruption, and the challenge of rebuilding without much of its professional middle class:
- Is Life for Iraqis Improving? (Christian Science Monitor)
The US may end its attempts at politically isolating Hamas and allow it to be a part of the peace negotiations, but the growing influence of Israel’s religious extremists and the latest Israeli bombing of Gaza are likely to complicate further talks:
- U.S. May Relent on Hamas Role in Talks (New York Times)
- Israel’s ‘Religious Right’ Gains Clout, Complicating Peace With Palestinians (Christian Science Monitor)
- At least 12 Palestinians Wounded in IAF Strike in Gaza (Haaretz)
Dialog between Muslims and various Christians denominations move ahead, with largely positive responses from all religious groups involved; however, discussions of hot topics like apostasy and proselytism will not be open to the public:
- Christians, Muslims Move Ahead On Global Talks (Christian Science Monitor)
Consumers with names similar to alleged terrorists and drug dealers get caught up in bloated and invasive terror watchlists:
- A Good Name Dragged Down (Washington Post)
Legal debates under new parliament start after Pakistan’s AG says removed judges can only be reinstated if changes to the constitution during Musharraf’s martial law are undone:
- Legal Battle Looms Over Sacked Pakistan Judges (Reuters/Wiredispatch)
Controversy over debates on whether Muslims have the right to apostasize leads to another 20 hardline Wahhabi clerics pronouncing takfir upon the Muslim writers who support of freedom of religion:
- Saudi Clerics Back Death Fatwa for Liberal Writers (Reuters/Washington Post)
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