News and Analysis (7/5/07)

A benchmark of failure: number of corpses found in Baghdad up 41% in June

• Body Count In Baghdad Up in June (Washington Post)

Majority of residents in Cologne support the construction of a mosque “in plainsight” in spite of loud Islamophobic grumblings from extreme right parties and prominent Jewish intellectual:

• Germans Split Over a Mosque and the Role of Islam (New York Times)

Hamas seeks to establish itself as a competent arbiter of the rule of law and justice in Gaza by winning the release of BBC reporter Alan Johnston:

• Hamas Acts to Show It’s in Charge (Christian Science Monitor)

“The news that members of a caring profession may be involved in these atrocities was even more appalling,” – Hamish Meldrum

• After Attacks, Foreign Doctors Face New Scrutiny in Britain (Christian Science Monitor)

Tense standoff between government forces and the infamous “red mosque” is coming to a close as a commando operation is underway:

• Full-Fledged “Silence Operation” Launched at Lal Mosque (Geo TV)

Alejandro

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