News and Analysis (3/14/10)

Gallup poll indicates the Taliban are quickly losing popularity among the Pakistani and Afghani people:

• Taliban Increasingly Unpopular in Pakistan (Gallup)

As Israel continues its closure of the West Bank and restrictions in Jerusalem, a 13-year old, denied a lawyer, is forced to sign a confession in a language he doesn’t understand and faces up to 20-years in prison:

• Jail Ordeal of Hundreds of Palestinian Children Arrested for Throwing Stones (Guardian)

Does Israel’s strongest ally have any influence on Israeli action?

• Clinton Call to Netanyahu: Israel Settlement Move a ‘Deeply Negative Signal’ (Christan Science Monitor)

Accusations of blatant corruption and theft of millions in Iraqi reconstruction money involving mail, wire transfer, and tens of thousands of dollars stuffed in suitcases:

• New Fraud Cases Point to Lapses in Iraq Projects (NY Times)

AP reports that “Irish police said Saturday that four people arrested in connection with the Swedish plot, including an American woman, have been freed without charge, but three others remain in custody”:

• Colorado Woman Linked to Swedish Murder Plot, ‘JihadJane’ (Washington Post)

Iraqis are wary of perpetuating the 2006 compromise which awarded the prime minister’s office to a Shiite Arab, the presidency to a Kurd, and the Parliament speaker to a Sunni Arab:

• Issue of Presidency Endangers Iraq’s Tenuous Balance (NY Times)

“The prophet Muhammad was neither a Sunni nor a Shiite…. He was just a Muslim,” says the physician-musician. In Islam, “all you need to believe in is one God”:

• Salman Ahmad, Lead Singer of Pakistani Band Junoon, Talks Sufism, Jihad and Peace (Washington Post)

Imran

Minaret of Freedom Institute Program Assistant