Month: March 2007

Investigation of whether a Saudi man was rendered disabled by an attempted hanging or by a beating by guards reopens accusations of Qur’an abuse:  ·        Episode at Guantanamo Leaves Family at a Loss (Washington Post)  Iraq’s two most powerful allies have to decide is “my friend’s friend is my friend:”  ·        In Shift, U.S., Iran…

IG says Patriot Act abuse was not deliberate, and FBI director dismisses suggestions he resign: Lawmakers Vow Hearings on FBI Errors (Washington Post) Kurdish pizza parlor operator continues to profess innocence: 2 Mosque Leaders Get 15-Year Terms (LA Times) Echoing Sami al-Arian’s hunger strike in a U.S. prison, three protesters remaining in confinement engage in…

In the Arab world the Muslim sectarian divide is in the open… · Shiites in Spat with Arabs over Talks (ABC News) …and in Iran… · Rebels Say Kidnap 4 Iran Troops, Issue Video: TV Reuters) … but in America, a “silent contempt” that some Muslims would like to see healed lies beneath a polite…

“It is a mix of tradition and modernity, Western-style democracy meets Somali-style politics….” The Other Somalia: An Island of Stability in a Sea of Armed Chaos (New York Times) Newly established ‘special’ court system for Gitmo detainees operates with little transparency and deprives the defendants of a lawyer: Hearings for 14 Guantanamo Detainees to Be…

The latest public opinion poll shows a new low in US public support for the occupation of Iraq…  Only 28% Think U.S. Will Win in Iraq (USA Today)   …amid fresh sectarian-based violence…  Tuesday: 10 GIs, 152 Iraqis Killed; 4 GIs, 383 Iraqis Wounded (Antiwar.com)  …while Congress still continues to appear doing nothing substantive to…

Pakistan’s political and military challenges come at a cost when helping the US take on the Taliban and Al-Qaeda:   Pakistan Walks Fine Line with Capture of High-Level Taliban Leader (Christian Science Monitor) Saudis and Iranians promise warmer relations, but avoid promising an end to violent sectarianism:   Saudi-Iran Meeting Yields Little Substance (New York…

“What good is our [Islamic world’s] common cause if we waste our energies and resources on self-destruction rather than self-preservation?”—Saudi Gazette editorial. ·       Saudi Arabia, Iran Target Mideast’s Sectarian Discord (Christian Science Monitor) “They brought Al Jazeera to the world; they’re bringing the world to their traditional Gulf nation.” ·        Backstory: The Royal Couple That Put…

Alliance of militant groups claims responsibility as vengeance for alleged sectarian rape: ·       Fears for Missing Iraqi Policemen (BBC) Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper claims authorities’ first capture of a senior leader since Taliban’s deposition from power: ·        Pakistan Arrests One of Top Three Taliban: Sources (Reuters) End of next week promised as new deadline: ·        Palestinian Factions…

In the chaos of Iraq, uncovering the truth is difficult, while believing the worst is easy: No Bombing of Ramadi Soccer Field, U.S. Says (LA Times) Israeli police prevent interfaith news conference criticizing Jerusalem excavations: Israel Blocks Jerusalem Protest (BBC) “Instead of stonewalling investigations into its and other governments’ illegal renditions activities, the United States…