News and Analysis (4/15/09)

Several Afghanis appear to be stuck between two bullies, the US and the Taliban:

• In Recruiting an Afghan Militia, U.S. Faces a Test (NY Times)

… but across the border it is Pakistanis who won’t concede the necessity of an armed populace to the security of a free state …

• Pakistani Taliban in Swat Say Won’t Give Up Guns (Reuters / Washington Post)

…Meanwhile, a spokesman for Karzai pleads with Pakistan to reconsider the agreement and its potential effect on relations between the two countries:

• Swat Sharia Deal Worries Afghans (Al Jazeera)

The debate over a controversial law turns ugly:

• Afghan Women Protesting Marriage Law Are Pelted with Rocks (AP / LA Times)

As “walkouts, boycotts and street protests” cast a cloud over claims of success of recent provincial elections …

• Establishment of Iraq Provincial Councils Drags (LA Times)

… Iraq works towards establishing an identity in the international community:

• Iraq Tries to Prove Autonomy, and Makes Inroads (NY Times)

The Pentagon questions a transcript of alleged charges by a Chadian national that he has been abused almost everyday since Obama’s inauguration:

• Guantanamo Detainee Claims Abuse (Al Jazeera)

Imran

Minaret of Freedom Institute Program Assistant