News and Analysis (1/10/07)

Former State Department official argues “Nuclear-Free Zone” can bring stability and security to entire Middle East, including Israel and Iran

• A Middle East Free of Nuclear Weapons (Christian Science Monitor)

Members of Israeli and Palestinian civil society produce a documentary on reconciliation that will reach wide Arab and Jewish audiences:

• Israeli Documentary Captures Citizen Reconciliation – and Encourages More (Christian Science Monitor)

American officials say the identities of the victims are still unknown:

• Airstrike Rekindles Somalis’ Anger at the U.S. (New York Times)

A lack of an objective, unifying historical narrative harms civil society and peace in Lebanon:

• A Nation With a Long Memory, but a Truncated History (New York Times)

Lacking confidence in the state’s ability to revitalize the economy after the war with Israel, people protest against proposed tax increases:

• Beirut Protest Opposes Tax Reform (Al-Jazeera)

After being sexually assaulted by Egyptian police, victim is arrested:

• ‘Torture’ Victim Jailed in Egypt (BBC)

Alejandro

Alejandro Beutel is program assistant for the Minaret of Freedom Institute with expertise in religious freedom, democratization and security issues.