News and Analysis (5/14/09)

In the belief the photos would only “further inflame anti-American opinion and… put our troops in greater danger”, Obama opts against transparency in government:

• Obama Moves to Bar Release of Detainee Abuse Photos (NY Times)

A detailed breakdown of how the Pakistani government is losing support to “private groups with alternate agendas” risking a “perilous political backlash”…

• Pakistan’s Displacement Camps: A Study in Contrasts (LA Times)

… Meanwhile, countering Taliban propaganda could prove to be the most effective tactic utilized by US forces in Afghanistan:

• US Fights Taliban on Another Front: Public Relations (Christian Science Monitor)

Will international pressure amount to substantive change when Obama meets with Netanyahu later this month?

• Israel PM Meets Jordanian King (AL Jazeera)
• Pope Criticizes Israel On Palestinian Policy (Washington Post)

Hass was the first Israeli reporter to enter Gaza in nearly two years:

• Haaretz Reporter Amira Hass Arrested Upon Leaving Gaza (Haaretz)

Imran

Minaret of Freedom Institute Program Assistant