News and Analysis (3/9/07)

IG says Patriot Act abuse was not deliberate, and FBI director dismisses suggestions he resign:

• Lawmakers Vow Hearings on FBI Errors (Washington Post)

Kurdish pizza parlor operator continues to profess innocence:

• 2 Mosque Leaders Get 15-Year Terms (LA Times)

Echoing Sami al-Arian’s hunger strike in a U.S. prison, three protesters remaining in confinement engage in hunger strike in Iran:

• Iran Frees Most Women Held After Protest (NY Times)

Militants exploit “anti-American sentiment” and “anger at the central Pakistani government” to implement a “Taliban-style system” over the objection of locals:

• Pakistanis suffer under militants (LA Times)

For the crowds at Karbala religion is keeping the faith in the face of chaos:

• Millions of Shiites Defy Bombs to Mark Iraq Festival (AFP)

Regional attendees fear a civil war could spill over Iraq’s borders:

• Iran, U.S., Syria Set to Meet at Baghdad Conference (Reuters)

ImadadDean