News and Analysis (10/20/08)

General Powell becomes first Republican notable to give the correct response to the “charge” that Obama is a Muslim (beginning at 4:26 in the clip):

• Colin Powell Endorses Obama (Meet the Press / msnbc.com)

Question remain as to whether  American troops will leave by 2011 and who decides when they are subject to Iraqi courts:

• Shiite Bloc’s Demands Stall U.S.-Iraq Pact (Washington Post)

Iran-Pakistan-India pipeline might improve diplomatic relations as well as energy supplies:

• Pakistan Eyes ‘Peace Pipeline’ for Region (Christian Science Monitor)

Why the guitar store changed its name:

• The Missing Ingredient for an Iraq Recovery: Trust (LA Times)

Acts of espionage discovered around Iran’s uranium enrichment plant:

• Iran Busts ‘Spy Pigeons’ Near Nuclear Site (Yahoo News)

Decreasing oil prices threaten the economy of Iran…

• Iran Scrambles to Stem Oil Price Plunge (LA Times)

… but, paradoxically, have spurred hope for resolution of the stalled Iraqi oil agreement:

• For Iraq, Falling Oil Prices Could Have Silver Lining (LA Times)

Imran

Minaret of Freedom Institute Program Assistant