News and Analysis (6/16/20)

As the July 1st, a date set for annexation, approaches, Netanyahu is facing growing resistance from Israeli lawmakers, activists, and religious groups concerned about Palestinians’ right and global approval and alliance …

• Besides Palestinians, Israelis Have Qualms About West Bank Annexation Plans (NPR)

… meanwhile, Israeli violation of the International law leaves Palestinians with few nonviolent options to save the two-states solution:

• As Israel Vows Annexation, Palestinian Leaders Embark On Risky Form Of Protest (NPR)

“Iran has denied us access to two locations and that, for almost a year, it has not engaged in substantive discussions to clarify our questions related to possible undeclared nuclear material and nuclear-related activities” …

• UN Atomic Watchdog Head Calls for More Access in Iran (abc News)

… but as the UN prepares a report on Iran missiles intending to support extending the arms embargo, some European countries, Russia, and China want to keep 2015 nuclear deal alive:

• The US Wants to Maintain the UN’s Iran Arms Embargo – Will It Succeed? (The National)
• Russia Hosts Zarif, Promises to Stand by Iran on Nuclear Deal (Al-Jazeera)

Manila Philippine Congressman warns government of unrestricted police power after illegal use of power against Muslims traders:

• Mindanao Solon Seeks Probe on Alleged Police Abuse on Muslim Traders in Manila (Manila Bulletin)

Formichi argues “for Asia’s central role in the development of global Islam as a religious, social and political reality – challenging the assumed dominant role of the Middle East in that development”:

• New Book Explores Intertwined Histories of Islam and Asia (Cornell Chronicle)

Iran admitted within days “that its forces accidentally shot down the Kiev-bound jetliner” but says that that the Covid pandemic has delayed the handover of the black boxes:

• Iran to Send France Black Boxes of Ukraine Airline Mistakenly Shot Down ‘Soon’: Trudeau (Hindustan Times)

Contra Ted Cruz, “the law does not provide the authority to ‘regulate or prohibit, directly or indirectly’ ‘any postal, telegraphic, telephonic, or other personal communication,’ so long as there is no exchange of value”:

• How Iran Became the New Battle Line Between Conservatives and Twitter (Politico)

Deletion of the “‘other religions’ … from national identity card application [prevents Baha’is] from … obtaining official identification, as they cannot claim affiliation to one of the three legally recognised minority religions”:

• In the Middle of a Pandemic, Iran Dials Up Persecution of Its Baha’i Citizens (The Wire)

After flawed data caused Aligarh Muslim University ranking to slip from 18 to 31, the university requests a quick error since ranking impacts students career:

• “Serious Discrepancy”: Aligarh Muslim University Urges Review Of Its Ranking (NDTV)