As Hizbullah supporters see it, the recent release of detainees proves that Israel only understands force:
- Despite Delays, Prisoner Swap Leaves Hezbollah Emboldened (Christian Science Monitor)
US Secretary of Defense cites military performance of civilian tasks and lack of attention to economic and political growth as the chief reasons for failure in Iraq and Afghanistan:
- Gates Warns of Militarization of US Foreign Policy (AP/Wiredispatch)
Iranian investment in Afghanistan creates industrial improvements, but US officials see it as a sort of proxy war maneuver:
Disputes between urban politicians and tribal leaders demonstrate different interpretations of government:
- Iraq Sunni Arab Dispute May Delay Anbar Handover (Reuters North American News Service/Wiredispatch)
Saudi oil money is directed toward the construction of brand new cities to prepare for a post-petroleum economy and to attract science and research:
- Saudis Look Beyond Oil to New Economy in Desert (Washington Post)
Increasing debt burden and inflation in Pakistan parallels growing uncertainty on the political scene:
- Protest Over Pakistan Share Slump (BBC News)
Released on bail, Anwar Ibrahim now demands a copy of the police report containing what looks to be politically conceived allegations against him:
- Anwar Lashes Out at Cops (Jakarta Post)
Egyptian man in Spanish Al Qaeda-inspired group will not be convicted twice for the same involvement in a terrorist organization:
- Four Madrid Bomb Convicts Cleared (BBC News)
