News and Analysis (12/22/06)

But Gates won’t talk as to what it is:

·        Iraq Strikes Deal With US On War Strategy (AFP)

No death sentence is possible:

·        4 Marines Charged In Haditha Killings: Deaths of Iraqi Civilians Also Lead to Dereliction Counts Against 4 Officers (Washington Post)

“With US prestige crippled by the war, regional actors are bypassing the West to forge partnerships and find solutions on their own”:

·        Mideast Leaders Seek Their Own Solutions for Region (Christian Science Monitor)

Refugees insist that Chad is more dangerous than Sudan:

·        Darfur Refugees Reject UN Bid to Relocate (Christian Science Monitor)

The constitutionally authorized caretaker is facing unspecified “criminal charges” and the late dictator’s alleged “illegitimate son” plans to replace him:

·        Death Of Turkmenistan’s Leader Creates Power Vacuum (Christian Science Monitor)

As Bush puts his chips on al-Hakim to counter al-Sadr, Sistani, staying out of any political office, remains the main influence in Iraq:

·        Shiite Clerics’ Rivalry Deepens In Fragile Iraq (Washington Post)

What really happened at Beit Hanoun? Israel makes sure we won’t know:

·        Israel Blocks Another UN Fact-Finding Mission (Jerusalem Fund)

Ritter and Hersh explore the next move of the architects of the conflict between civilizations:

·        Target Iran: Former UN Weapons Inspector Scott Ritter and Investigative Journalist Seymour Hersh on White House Plans for Regime Change (Democracy NOW!)

Regime change in Syria anyone?

·        US Confirms Backing Assad Opposition (Jerusalem Post)

 

ImadadDean