News and Analysis (7/29/09)

As Khamenei announces the closure of a detention center and criticizes the treatment of prisoners held there …

• Why Iran’s Conservatives Are Airing Their Dirty Laundry (Christian Science Monitor)

… Emerging political divisions complicate any prediction of the future in Iranian politics:

• Iran Hard-Liners Warn Ahmadinejad he Could be Deposed (LA Times)

Accusations of brutality and violence as the six year long US protection of the MEK camp has apparently come to an end:

• Iraqi Forces Clash With Iranian Opposition Group After Raid (Washington Post)

Despite indications the US may remove troops faster than expected…

• Gates Says Iraq Troop Withdrawal Could Be Accelerated (NY Times)

.. the logistics of protecting Iraqi airspace with US support will require some “creative solutions”:

• Iraq Can’t Defend Its Skies by Pullout Date, U.S. Says (NY Times)

Emphasizing the difficulty in reaching concessions, Israeli “right-wing activists set up 11 new outposts in defiance of Netanyahu’s engagement with the Obama administration on the settlement issue”:

• In Israel, No Settlement Deal For US Envoy – Just More Settlers (Christian Science Monitor)

Illustrating a complete disregard for Iraq’s ancient treasures, US forces caused “major damage” and represented a “grave encroachment” during their 18 month stay at Camp Alpha:

• Babylon’s Ancient Wonder, Lying in Ruins (Washington Post)

Officially bound by the sanctions set by the Syria Accountability Act, Obama aims to grant more exemptions in order to facilitate his promise of negotiations based on “mutual interest and respect” :

• U.S. Opens Way to Ease Sanctions Against Syria (NY Times)

A small but significant step in the closure of Guantanamo:

• Ireland Accepts Two Guantánamo Inmates (Guardian)

Imran

Minaret of Freedom Institute Program Assistant