News and Analysis (4/8/09)

Israel’s attempt to create a militarized atmosphere hinders the reconciliation effort between the Iran and the US:

• Netanyahu and Threat of Bombing Iran – the Bluff That Never Stops Giving? (Huffington Post)

Chief justice Chaudhry defends the rule of law, demanding the victimized woman appear in court to testify:

• Pakistan’s Chief Justice Assails Attorney General Over Taliban Flogging (NY Times)

In his surprise trip to Baghdad, Obama emphasizes the need for differences to be resolved through “political accommodations” and “constitutional means and legal means”:

• Obama Cautions Iraqis on Future (Washington Post)

Goldstone promises to uphold the integrity of the investigation by looking at “all violations of international humanitarian law before, during and after the Israeli assault”:

• Judge Named to Lead Gaza Inquiry is Known for Fairness (LA Times)

Eight Palestinians injured when armed Israeli settlers initiated violence in the West Bank:

• Settlers Attack West Bank Village (Al Jazeera)

With much of the economic improvements tied to international aid, promoting entrepreneurship must be a top priority in stabilizing Afghanistan:

• For Afghan Craftsmen, a Welcome Upswing After Years of Struggle (Washington Post)

Al-Zeidi’s lawyers praise the decision as sign of the “independence and the integrity of the Iraqi judiciary system”:

• Iraqi Shoe-Thrower’s Jail Term Cut (Al Jazeera)

Imran

Minaret of Freedom Institute Program Assistant