News and Analysis (2/22/21)

Although many far-right European politicians have backed Modi, Kashmiri human rights issues have come to the EU’s attention, and Indian politicians are pushing for Kashmiri statehood now following peaceful DDC polls:

• Now is the Time to Restore Statehood in Jammu and Kashmir, Says Apni Party’s Altaf Bukhari (The Economic Times)
• What Is the EU’s Stand on the Kashmir Conflict? (Deutsche Welle)

Reports reveal a human rights crisis in Kashmir, but the Indian government has been presenting a false and idealistic image of the region to envoys and diplomats:

• India Flayed for Portraying False Image of Kashmir (Anadolu Agency)
• Loss of Autonomy in Indian-Administered Jammu and Kashmir Threatens Minorities’ Rights – UN Independent Experts (UN News)

As the pervasive influence of Islamophobia in ICE is still present, examples of people being persecuted for being Muslim in their home countries and America exist:

• Family Battles ICE for the Same Reason They Fled Their Home: They’re Muslim (Huffington Post)

BBC interview with the first female leader of the Muslim Council of Britain is slammed for abrasive style and potential malicious intent. On the other hand, some are arguing that “[t]o insist that Muslim leaders should not be subject to the same harsh questioning as anyone else is hardly an argument for equal treatment”:

• BBC Criticized for ‘Strikingly Hostile’ Interview with Muslim Female Leader (Arab News)
• BBC to ‘Reflect On’ Controversial Woman’s Hour Interview with Muslim Leader (BBC)
• Muslim Leaders Should be Questioned Like Anybody Else (The Guardian)

As tense negotiation proceed …

• US Starts Hostage Talks with Iran (VoA)
• IAEA Strikes Deal with Iran to Cushion Coming Blow of Slashed Access (Reuters)

… Biden’s waves a big stick:

• US Seeks Fallback Saudi Bases in Case of Iran Tensions (Arab News)

Palestinians working in Israel (who they might expose Israelis) will receive the coronavirus vaccine from Moderna:

• Palestinians Who Work in Israel to Receive Moderna Coronavirus Vaccine (The Jerusalem Post)

Following talks between Russia, Syria, and Israel, Putin may be able to facilitate a deal between Israel and Assad’s regime:

• Putin Considers Slamming the Door on Iran and Opening a Window for Israel (Arab News)

The UNRWA implemented a one-coupon system standardizing aid across all refugees, but the decision hasn’t been popular as Palestinians want “to redress the Palestinian refugees classified under the extreme poverty line” and go back to a two-coupon system:

• Hundreds of Palestinian Refugees Demonstrate Against UNRWA’s Decision to Downsize Food Aid (WAFA)

Johaer Jilani