News and Analysis (8/29-30/09)

Critics dismiss the charges as “blood libel” and “anti-Semitic”; Alison Weir examines the evidence and testimony for  such charges:

• Israeli Organ Harvesting (Counterpunch)

Larijani moves to depoliticize the issue:

• Prosecutor in Iranian Opposition Trials Is Fired (Washington Post)

Other Middle Eastern nations could benefit from emulating the school program designed to promote tolerance and unity in Lebanon:

• In Fractured Lebanon, Starting Reconciliation at a Young Age (Christian Science Monitor)

Prisoner acquiescence is not a indication of the effectiveness of torture:

• How a Detainee Became An Asset (Washington Post)

Any rift in US-Pakistani relations would be a major setback for US interest in fighting Al Qaeda in Afghanistan and Northern Pakistan:

• U.S. Says Pakistan Made Changes to Missiles Sold for Defense (NY Times)

With US public support waning, Obama attempts to fulfill his promise of “clear benchmarks” indicating progress in Afghanistan:

• U.S. Sets Metrics to Assess War Success (Washington Post)

Accusations of electoral fraud could come to ahead if Karzai manages to meet the 50.1% of the vote required to prevent a run-off:

• Tally in Afghanistan Shows Karzai Lead Widening (NY Times)

Imran

Minaret of Freedom Institute Program Assistant