News and Analysis (9/15/08)

Despite a failure to secure any convictions in the previous trial, prosecutors begin another trial against the Holy Land Foundation, accused of distributing charity to Palestinian relief groups run by Hamas:

• High-Stakes Trial Is Set Against Alleged Hamas Arm (NY Sun)

Tribesmen “representing half a million people vowed to switch sides … if Washington does not stop cross-border attacks:”

• Pakistani Tribal Chiefs Threaten to Join Taliban (Guardian)

Highly popular, Barbie dolls are described as “destructive culturally and a social danger” by Iranian prosecutor:

• In Iran, Barbie Seen as Cultural Invader (Christian Science Monitor)

Donor fears that government officials will pocket donations lead to tragedy as Muslims distribute Zakat (obligatory charity) during Ramadan:

• At least 23 Indonesians Crushed to Death Waiting for Cash Handout (LA Times)

Proposed security aid package strongly indicates Israeli intention to attack Iran:

• Israel Asks U.S. for Arms, Air Corridor to Attack Iran (Haaretz / Freedom Phoenix)

Lieutenant-General Ray Odierno assumes control of Iraqi operations on Tuesday, hoping to further improve the security and reduce the number of US forces:

• Pentagon Chief in Iraq to Transfer War Command (Washington Post)

Imran

Minaret of Freedom Institute Program Assistant