Author: Imran

Compared the final years of the Bush Administration, Obama’s policy favors kills over captures: Under Obama, More Targeted Killings Than Captures in Counterterrorism Efforts (Washington Post) An ambiguous Pakistani law that states the president has the right to appoint justices to the Supreme Court, but must consult with the chief justice has sparked another power…

Threats against protesters make unclear the degree to which the overwhelming pro-government presence reflects popular support of the regime: Iran Opposition Protests Fizzle in Face of Overwhelming Security (Christian Science Monitor) Ahmadinejad claims, and White House spokesman Robert Gates denies, the capability of producing medical grade uranium … Ahmadinejad Makes Nuclear Claims, Stifles Protests on…

Maliki’s use of the military in a political dispute does not bode well for the coming elections: Leader Faulted on Using Army in Iraqi Politics (NY Times) “At stake is who are the true heirs of Iran’s revolution and its first promises of ‘Independence, freedom, [and] Islamic Republic’”: Iran Braces for Demonstration Showdown: Will the…

Attorney General Holder decision to send Khadr, who was 15 when captured, to a military tribunal has gone largely unnoticed: Former Boy Soldier, Youngest Guantanamo Detainee, Heads Toward Military Tribunal (Washington Post) What can we learn from Sun Tzu about America’s techniques to win wars in Afghanistan and Iraq: Sun Tzu and America’s Way of…

“Rather than reflecting a major change in the country’s nuclear capabilities, Mr. Leyne says the announcements are most likely Mr. Ahmadinejad politicking before anti-government protests begin this Thursday on the 31st anniversary of the Islamic Republic”: Iran’s Plan for 10 New Nuclear Fuel Plants ‘Laughably Ambitious’ (Christian Science Monitor) Divisions emerge in the best strategy…

Ahmadinejad’s move to quiet domestic critics will impede negotiations with the West: Ahmadinejad Orders Nuclear Work (Al Jazeera) Afghan officials express doubts about charges of complicity against the deputy chief and security head of the national police in Kapisa, arrested in a NATO raid: Afghan Police Official Accused of Helping Insurgents Make Bombs (LA Times)…

As hundreds of women called for Siddiqui’s release and decried US involvement in Pakistani affairs, the protest organizer says, “We can no longer sit quietly; every mother and sister will fight for justice against America”: ‘Lady Al Qaeda’: Pakistan Reacts to Aafia Siddiqui Conviction in US Court (Christian Science Monitor) In a solution that only…

Under the compromise, Sunni candidates will be allowed to run for office but must deal with their appeal if they are elected… Iraqi Court Lifts Mass Ban on Candidates, Cutting Risk of Sunni Election Boycott (Washington Post) …Meanwhile, Malik’s makeover from a sectarian politician to a nationalist has cost him more allies than he has…

“This is theft pure and simple” as Palestinians are taxed for social services they do not receive: Israel Owes Over NIS 8.3 Billion to Palestinian Workers from the Occupied Palestinian Territories (Alternative Information Center) US officials remain skeptical of Ahmadinejad’s endorsement noting no officially reversal of the previous formal rejection of several months ago: Ahmadinejad…