News and Analysis (2/28/09 – 3/1/09)

Protesters oppose the destruction of 88 Palestinian homes in Silwan:

• Strike Paralyses West Bank (Al Jazeera)

Analysts believe the goals of the US government are “contradictory” and “virtually impossible to achieve”:

• Tough Options For Clinton on Trip to Mideast (Washington Post)

It seems no matter when the elections are held and how low Karzai’s popularity rating goes, he probably remains ahead of his opponent at the polls:

• Afghan President Moves Up August Elections (NY Times)

Believing the accusations to be politically motivated rather than based on merit:

• Judiciary Official Defends Iran’s Human Rights Record (LA Times)

A two week deadline has been established by Sufi Muhammad who claims he has yet to see “practical steps” to establish the Islamic courts:

• Swat Cleric Sets Sharia Deadline (Al Jazeera)

Ishmael Muhammad hopes to increasingly incorporate other ethnic groups:

• Nation of Islam Minister Sees `Universal’ Approach (Washington Post)

Although insulated from the global economic crisis, delpenedency on oil exports leaves Algeria vulnerable:

• Algeria Leader Erases $520 million in Farm Debt (LA Times)

Imran

Minaret of Freedom Institute Program Assistant