News and Analysis (5/12/09)

The Media Center director says the “illegal” raid signals “an intensification of Israel’s prohibition of Palestinian civil society in Jerusalem”:

• Israel Shuts Down Palestinian Press Center Ahead of Pope’s Jerusalem Visit (Ma’an News)

Will new leadership reflect the spoken interest in limiting civilian casualties?…

• Commander’s Ouster Is Tied to Shift in Afghan War (NY Times)

…Meanwhile, the US only accepts fault for roughly 50 of the 140 casualties:

• Afghan Villagers Get Payments for Battle That Killed Civilians (LA Times)

As Iranian officials continue to seek the release of three diplomats held without trial by U.S. forces in Iraq since 2007:

• Court in Iran Frees American Journalist (Washington Post)

Grand Ayatollah Sadeq Rouhani issued a fatwa approving of Hymenoplasty and recognized a woman’s subsequent marriage as legitimate:

• Recreating Virginity in Iran (Guardian)

A perhaps outdated March 30 survey indicates a majority of Pakistanis would approve of a deal bringing Sharia to the rest of Pakistan in exchange for peace:

• Poll: Pakistanis Worried About Taliban, Economy (Christian Science Monitor)

Emphasizing the pressures of wartime stress:

• Iraq Shooting Leaves 5 U.S. Soldiers Dead; Fellow GI Suspected (LA Times)

Imran

Minaret of Freedom Institute Program Assistant