News and Analysis (3/18/09)

Olmert refused to allow the prisoners to return home, demanding they either remain in Gaza or be illegally deported:

• Olmert Rejects Hamas Demands for Soldier (NY Times)

Reconciliation meetings stall and negotiations are now in the hands of the Higher Committee:

• Issues Unresolved as Delegates Leave Cairo Unity Summit (Ma’an News)

How long will Pakistan remain an ally if the US keeps expanding the conflict zone:

• U.S. Weighs Taliban Strike Into Pakistan (NY Times)

With violence at its highest levels since the 2001 invasion,

• NATO Says 4,000 Extra Troops Needed for Afghan Poll (Reuters)

Justice Department prosecutors are seeking to further detain Ali Saleh Kahlah al-Marri while he awaits trial on charges of conspiracy and material support of terrorism:

• Suspected Al-Qaeda Agent Gets Hearing (Washington Post)

Zardari could not count on the military to suppress the demonstrators or unqualified support from the US:

• Why Pakistan’s President Gave In (Christian Science Monitor / McClatchy)

Lieberman, “who out-Sharons even Ariel Sharon”, would be appointed foreign minister if Netanyahu succeeds in forming a coalition government:

• Robert Fisk: Why Avigdor Lieberman is the worst thing that could happen to the Middle East (The Independent)

Imran

Minaret of Freedom Institute Program Assistant