Month: July 2009

Iran is quickly crossing the fine line between an Islamic democracy and an authoritative theocracy: Violence Breaks Out In Streets of Tehran (Washington Post) Col. Timothy R. Reese believes the Iraqi military’s shortcomings, which  include problems of “corruption, poor management and the inability to resist Shiite political pressure” will not be solved by extending the […]

“They’re waiting for Mladic to die before they have to choose between him and the European Union,” -  Petrovic, a former chief of Serbia’s civilian intelligence service: Serbian Officials Say Mladic Is ‘Within Reach’ (Washington Post) “This is a case about annulling the article that addresses women’s dress code, under the title of indecent acts. […]

As Khamenei announces the closure of a detention center and criticizes the treatment of prisoners held there … Why Iran’s Conservatives Are Airing Their Dirty Laundry (Christian Science Monitor) … Emerging political divisions complicate any prediction of the future in Iranian politics: Iran Hard-Liners Warn Ahmadinejad he Could be Deposed (LA Times) Accusations of brutality […]

With Ahmadinejad slated to be sworn in on August 5, Mousavi warns “today’s criminals should bear in mind that our people will never pardon them”: Iran Opposition Leader Calls for More Street Protests (LA Times) Although both sides are in agreement over the danger of a nuclear Iran, Israeli officials push for a military option […]

As Iran inches closer towards a military dictatorship, the best policy is not direct intervention, but “deterrence and containment” … Wisely Doing Nothing (Washington Post) … Meanwhile, signs of a destabilized, divided government are abundant: Iran President Clashes with Conservatives; 2 Protesters Said to Die in Custody (LA Times) Taliban strategy attempts to consolidate power […]

“[M]ass radicalisation of the EU’s 20-odd million Muslims has not taken place” : Fears of an Islamic Revolt in Europe Begin to Fade (Guardian) Obama remains undeterred despite gaining little ground in the peace process … US Steps Up Middle East Diplomacy (Al Jazeera) … However, signs of more inclusive negotiations are present: MPs Urge […]

The new policy could be a huge stride in obtaining recognition and legitimacy from the West: Hamas Shifts From Rockets to Public Relations (NY Times) Does the shift in policy manifest concerns for the Afghani civilian population or further obscure transparency in US military operations? U.S. Stops Giving Militant Death Tolls in Afghanistan (LA Times) […]

“Power is always inclined to become absolute, and only people’s movements can put a hold on this inclination” –Mousavi: Iran Opposition Leader Plans Large-Scale Social Movement (LA Times) The physically ill have always been exempt from the pilgrimage obligation: H1N1 Prompts Hajj Restrictions (Al Jazeera) Pakistanis object to a US policy that would crush militancy […]

Pakistan continues its obsessive focus on India as a security threat, preferring dialog with the Taliban over moving troops from the Indian border to Baluchistan: Pakistan Objects to U.S. Plan for Afghan War (NY Times) Challenging his strongest and most important supporter in Iran: Ahmadinejad Defies Ayatollah on Vice President (LA Times) Is Clinton threatening […]