News and Analysis (7/2/07)

“This is either extraordinary self-confidence or out of touch with reality. I can’t tell you which.” – Irwin M. Stelzer, Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute

• A President Besieged and Isolated, Yet at Ease (Washington Post)

“Democracy is like a gate that is opened to let people say what they want… Having the door open wider, it was easier for us to promote Islamic values and teaching.” – Budi, a student at University of Indonesia

• Religiosity, Not Radicalism Is New Wave in Indonesia (New York Times)

Fighting them over there has led them to fight us over here:

• Britain Faces Iraqi-Style Car-Bombings (Christian Science Monitor)

New report from Iraqi government alleges civilian deaths dropped by 40%, statistics currently unable to be independently verified:

• Iraq Civilian Deaths ‘Dropping’ (BBC News)

Hypocrisy of Israeli claims to help Fatah are revealed as IDF kills Fatah commander while releasing taxes for the Palestinian Authority, collected on its behalf:

• Israel Transfers Taxes to Palestinians (Washington Post)
• Middle East: Israeli Army ‘Kills Fatah Commander in West Bank’ (Adnkronos International/Haaretz)

Alejandro

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