News and Analysis (2/07/07)

Human Rights hypocrisy:

• U.S. Doesn’t Sign U.N. Ban on Forced Disappearances (Associated Press)

International economic sanctions against Iran take their toll:

• Iran’s Economic Conditions Deteriorate (USA Today)

Talks to end internal fighting, form Palestinian unity government are underway in Mecca:

• Palestinian Rivals Hold Crisis Talks in Mecca (Reuters)

South Lebanon can’t farm 26 percent of its arable land because of Israel’s cluster bombs:

• Cluster Bombs: A War’s Perilous Aftermath (Christian Science Monitor)

Saudi Arabia seeks to become new leader of Sunni Arab states in order to offset Iran:

• Saudis Step Up Role in Mideast (Christian Science Monitor)

Russia and Mideast nations seek cartel of natural gas instead of free market policies:

• World: ‘Gas OPEC’ Moves Closer To Becoming Reality (RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty)

Israel switches to high-profile diplomatic tactics and invokes memory of the holocaust to rally support against Iran’s nuclear program: 

• Israel Sounds Alarm on Iran’s Nuclear Efforts (LA Times)

Alejandro

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