News and Analysis (3/8/07)

In the Arab world the Muslim sectarian divide is in the open…

· Shiites in Spat with Arabs over Talks (ABC News)

…and in Iran…

· Rebels Say Kidnap 4 Iran Troops, Issue Video: TV Reuters)

… but in America, a “silent contempt” that some Muslims would like to see healed lies beneath a polite surface:

· Local Reaction to Sunni/Shiite Violence (Washington Post)

Does this sound familiar? “National security” trotted out as excuse for illegal arrests:

· Iran Cracks Down on Women’s Rights Activists: It arrested 30 protesters Sunday, but citizens say enforcement of social regulations is usually relaxed (Christian Science Monitor)

“I don’t want to generalize about all of Hamas – I rather hope it’s a unique case, a mistake by an individual”—Sharif Kanaana:

· Book Ban Turns Intra-Palestinian Fight Cultural (Christian Science Monitor)

ImadadDean