News and Analysis (5/8/09)

U.S. forces chief alleges “evidence to support the theory that Taliban insurgents threw grenades into compounds sheltering villagers”:

• Afghans Protest Civilian Deaths as U.S. Officials Raise Doubts (LA Times)

Pope’s visit through the Middle East will conveniently avoid morning rush at the controversial and oppressive checkpoints…

• What the Pope Won’t See… (The Independent)

…Meanwhile, a new report finds the illegal settlement expansion limits Palestinians to 13% of the city’s land:

• Report on Bethlehem Faults Israel (Al Jazeera)

A civil war has officially begun in Pakistan:

• Pakistan Announces Army Offensive Against Taliban (Washington Post)

Admitting to having little hope of winning, the defense asked the jury to consider the “context” of the war in justifying the abhorrent actions:

• Former US Soldier Found Guilty of Raping and Shooting Iraqi Girl (Guardian)

Despite a 27% increase in personnel since 2007, Iraqi security forces still rely heavy on US forces for “intelligence, aviation, medical care and logistics”:

• Concerns Mount on Preparedness of Iraq’s Forces (NY Times)

Imran

Minaret of Freedom Institute Program Assistant