News and Analysis (8/20/09)

Ahmadinejad’s proposed cabinet filled with “loyalists and little-known figures” faces a hard sell in the parliament:

• Critics Purged as Ahmadinejad Nominates New Iran Cabinet (AP / Guardian)
• Iran Parliament to Reject Ahmadinejad Ministers:  Lawmakers (Reuters)

An assassination scheme approved in 2004 was only brought to the attention of Congress this June:

• C.I.A. Sought Blackwater’s Help in Plan to Kill Jihadists (NY Times)

Amid intimidation of voters in the south, Obama observers express confidence about transparency of voting, but not about the vote counting:

• Turnout Seen as Uneven in Afghanistan as Polls Close (NY Times)
• Vote Count Starts in Afghan Poll (BBC)

With 631 casualties, the blasts challenge Maliki’s ability to maintain security:

• Iraq Bombings Kill 95 (LA Times)

Denied her request for a public punishment that she hoped would convince other Muslims  not to drink,

• Model to Be Caned for Drinking Beer in Malaysian Bar (Guardian)

Taliban deputy’s claim to power “may fuel rifts” the leadership:

• Pakistani Taliban Deputy Chief Says Takes Command (Reuters)

After the Taliban “bombed or set fire to 230 of Swat’s 1,600 public and private school buildings” (sparing the religious schools), students return to study in unventilated tents:

• School is H-O-T in Pakistan’s Swat Valley (LA Times)

ImadadDean