News and Analysis (7/6/09)

Both sides blame the outbreak of violence on each other in a protest leaving 800 injured and hundreds arrested:

• 140 Slain as Chinese Riot Police, Muslims Clash in Northwestern City (LA Times)

As Israel obtains permission to use Saudi airspace to attack Iran, Biden refuses to condemn a hypothetical attack…

• Closer to an Israeli Strike on Iran’s Nukes? (Christian Science Monitor)

…Meanwhile, the Obama administration lays out its expectations for engaging Iran:

• Despite Crisis, Policy on Iran Is Engagement (NY Times)

“There is very little public enthusiasm for this election… No matter who wins the presidency the government will be dysfunctional with little hope of reform”:

• Stakes High in Afghanistan Ahead of August Elections (Washington Post)

Iraqis fear sectarian division may still destabilize Iraq and believe Obama has taken a low priority to their concerns:

• America Searches for Means of Influence in Iraq (NY Times)

Despite Mousavi’s attempts to reorganize and work within the system …

• Mousavi Reportedly Will Launch Political Party in Iran (LA Times)

… His supporters continued to be hindered without the basic freedom to express themselves:

• Iran Official Urges Media Crackdown (Al Jazeera)

Imran

Minaret of Freedom Institute Program Assistant