Month: February 2007

Hamas agrees to abide by agreements between PLO and Israel but stops short of recognizing the legitimacy of its creation by the United Nations: · Hamas Wants West to End Blockade, Israel Frosty (Reuters) Protests that Israeli construction threatens the foundations of the Muslim holy site were met by a cordon of 2500 police: ·…

Editorial on the acquittal of two Muslim men on charges of terrorism:  “it is a victory for anyone who cares about the freedoms of an open society” Terrorism in our Courts (Chicago Tribune) Saudi men, arrested for allegedly fundraising for terrorism, insist the arrests are “an attempt to abort the civic rights work they were…

Human Rights hypocrisy: U.S. Doesn’t Sign U.N. Ban on Forced Disappearances (Associated Press) International economic sanctions against Iran take their toll: Iran’s Economic Conditions Deteriorate (USA Today) Talks to end internal fighting, form Palestinian unity government are underway in Mecca: Palestinian Rivals Hold Crisis Talks in Mecca (Reuters) South Lebanon can’t farm 26 percent of…

Skeptics of the ‘surge’ include American soldiers patrolling the streets of Baghdad: U.S. Unit Walks ‘A Fine Line’ In Iraqi Capital (Washington Post) Pakistani and Iranian leaders meet to discuss ways of resolving local and regional conflicts: Iran: Pakistani President Seeks Support To Curb Mideast Conflict (RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty) War crimes take their toll on Kashmiris: Indian…

Terrorism charges used to muzzle political reformers in Saudi Arabia: Saudis Silent on ‘Terror’ Arrests (BBC News) Saudi academic’s dramatically different version of the Kingdom’s history draws both support and ire: Saudi Writer Recasts Kingdom’s History (Washington Post) Foreigners sentenced to corporal punishment and prison time for attending party with alcohol, dancing and gender mixing:…

Germans insist CIA respect the rule of law: ·       In Europe, Pushback Against US ‘War On Terror’ (Christian Science Monitor) “Internecine strife” threatens to get lethal in West Bank: ·        Palestinian Factional Fighting May Spread: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas And Hamas Leader Khaled Meshal Meet For An Emergency Summit In Mecca Tuesday (Christian Science Monitor) Appointees…

DoJ in D.C. declines to comment, but defense attorney says, “This rejects the idea we can criminalize someone for resisting an illegal occupation in another country:” ·        Two Men Acquitted of Conspiracy to Fund Hamas Activities in Israel (Washington Post) Iran offers surveillance to assure it centrigues are aimed at electric power, not military power…

Caution this time around… U.S. Delays Report on Iranian Role in Iraq (LA Times) Bush admits “Well, if it wasn’t right in Iraq, how do you know it’s right in Iran.” Senators Warn Against War With Iran (AP/Chicago Tribune) Kirkurk: groups preparing for war and a referendum Northern Iraq Seen as Next Front in War…