News and Analysis (12/25/07)

Massive graft and increased instability in tribal areas cause US aid to Pakistan to come under increased scrutiny from Congress:

• Doubts Engulf an American Aid Plan for Pakistan (New York Times)

9/11 Commission chairman Thomas Kean says the CIA obstructed the Commission’s investigation in spite of the Agency’s denials:

• 9/11 Commission Chair: ‘No Question’ CIA Knew We Wanted Tapes (Raw Story)

Although Iraqi and Palestinian Christians celebrate some of the calmest Christmases in recent years, the effects of the occupations they live under still linger over their heads:

• Iraq’s First Cardinal Says Fear Still Pervades The Country; Calls on Émigrés to Return (Associated Press/International Herald Tribune)
• Bethlehem Abuzz for Christmas Celebrations (The News)

Lebanese legislators take another step to end political impasse by taking a first crack at a constitutional amendment to elect consensus candidate General Michel Suleiman:

• Lebanon Drafts Constitutional Law (Al-Jazeera International)

Afghanistan expels two high-level EU officials after they meet with a wide variety of tribal leaders, including members of the Taliban:

• Afghanistan Expels Top Officials (BBC News)

Alejandro

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