News and Analysis (6/5/07)

Latest public opinion poll finds almost 60% don’t think the surge will “help restore civil order” and 53% don’t believe the war has “contributed to the long-term security of the United States”:

• Discontent Over Iraq Increasing, Poll Finds (Washington Post)

Military judges drop charges against two Guantanamo detainees ruling that parallel legal system fails to follow its own procedures properly, and prompts speculation that Congress may “revisit” the idea suspending habeas corpus rights to detainees:

• Military Judges Dismiss Charges for 2 Detainees (New York Times)
• Tribunal System, Newly Righted, Stumbles Again (New York Times)

Clashes with militants in Palestinian camps having analysts worrying that the country will remain mired in constant instability:

• As Crises Build, Lebanese Fearful of a Failed State (Washington Post)

While a military trial-shielded from public scrutiny-for Muslim Brotherhood members resumes, the government arrests 52 other Brothers because “they were caught hanging up posters with Islamic messages, which is unconstitutional”:

• Egypt Resumes Military Trial of Top Muslim Brotherhood Members (Associated Press/Daily Star Egypt)
• Egypt Arrests 52 Muslim Brotherhood Members (AFP/Daily Star Egypt)

Alejandro

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