News and Analysis (5/28/20)

“The appointment is just the latest in a series of Trump administration moves that are raising concerns it is undermining USAID’s ability to fulfill its mission”:

• New USAID Religious-freedom Adviser Has History of Anti-Islam Comments (Washington Post)

Raffia Arashad, who was appointed a Deputy District Judge on the Midlands Circuit last week cites the “Imposter Syndrome,” wondering if one is good enough, as “one of the things that holds women”:

• Muslim Woman Becomes First Hijab-Wearing Judge in UK (Metro.co.uk)

A British-Bangladesh Muslim entrepreneur was invited to perform prayer call at the heart of London’s financial district to “show appreciation of Muslim community and engage with it”:

• British-Muslim Entrepreneur ‘Felt So Privileged’ After Performing Call to Prayer in London’s Canary Wharf (Arab News)

When the Muslim social worker donated blood to a Hindu woman undergoing a Cesarean operation, he conveyed the message of Islam’s love and compassion for all humanity:

• The India We Love: Muslim Man Breaks Fast to Save a Hindu Woman and Her Child (Hindustan Times)

What others call Covid precautions (“washing hands regularly, covering one’s face and keeping a respectful distance from others,”) one Muslim comic call “Sharia law”:

• Muslim Comics Gather over Zoom to Celebrate Eid with Jokes and Joy (NPR)

Gulf states showed admirable transparency in dealing with Covid-19; but are they willing to “embrace transparency when it comes to policies designed to spark economic recovery and govern structural reform”?

• Will Gulf States Learn from Their Success in Handling the Pandemic? (Inside Arabia)

America’s Iran policies have unintended consequences:

• Iran Rejects US Cancellation of Nuclear Sanctions Waivers (VoA)
• Iran Changes Tack in Iraqi Politics After Mastermind’s Assassination (Reuters)
• Iran Guards Warn US After Receiving over 100 New Combat Vessels (NDTV)
• It’s US Foreign Policy that Gives Life to Iran-Venezuela Solidarity (TRT World)

India’s persecution of Muslims continues to grow:

• India’s Anti-Muslim Fake News Factories Are Following the Anti-Semitic Playbook (The Print)
• India Extends Jammu-Kashmir Internet Ban Until June 17 (Andalou Agency)
• Kashmir: Court Upholds Top Lawyer’s Detention (Andalou Agency)
• Impact of Divisive Politics on Kashmir (Jurist)

“The PA is competing with better-resourced communities worldwide that are less constrained in their access to funds”:

• Aussies Send Life Support to Palestinians (Courier-Sun)