News and Analysis (1/30/07)

Reenacting the martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Husayn:

• Bombs Kill Dozens of Ashura Pilgrims (Washington Post)

It’s back to 1979:

• With Iran Ascendant, U.S. Is Seen at Fault (Washington Post)

EU rejects US efforts to impose further economic and diplomatic isolation on Iran:

• Europe Resists U.S. Push to Curb Iran Ties (New York Times)

Saudi Arabia’s Shi’as: Tone down the sectarian talk or else there will be trouble

• Saudi Shi’ites Troubled by Sunni Rhetoric (Associated Press)

All sects in Lebanon appeal for calm:

• Lebanese Parties Try to Find Way to Avoid Civil War (Christian Science Monitor)

While Egypt is cracking down on its press freedom…

• Egypt Steps on the Press as it Backtracks on Democratic Reform (Christian Science Monitor)

…Syrians are finding greater access to information through the internet:

• After the Damascus Spring: Syrians Search for Freedom Online (Reason Magazine)

Private law firms step up their support for habeas corpus and legal representation of Gitmo detainees after Pentagon remarks:

• Potshot at Guantanamo Lawyers Backfires (Boston Globe)

Alejandro

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