News and Analysis (12/19/06)

Prison-break: with the help of security agent, former Iraqi minister charged with corruption ‘freed’ from Green Zone jail:

• Jailed Ex-Minister in Baghdad Escapes; Iraqi American Faces Corruption Charges (Washington Post)

Cleric fighting for religious equality dies in Bahrain

• Bahrain’s Leading Shiite Cleric Dies (AP/Washington Post)

Surprise! US blames Sadr Army as “the gravest danger to the security and stability of Iraq:”

• Sadr Army is Called Top Threat in Iraq (LA Times)

Muslim couple suffered “the price when government attempts to hide behind a veil of secrecy:”

• Couple Fired Over Security Wins Lawsuit (NY Times)

Turkish biographer charged with insulting Ataturk acquitted

• Turkish Writer Cleared of Insult (BBC News)

Muslim woman finds courage in the US military and peace in Islam:

• From Head Scarf to Army Cap, Making a New Life (NY Times)
  

Sarah