News and Analysis (12/20-21/08)

The recent crackdown “was clearly motivated by politics and was not related to security”:

• Arrests Based on a ‘Lie,’ Iraqi Interior Chief Says (Washington Post)

Governor’s “shoot to kill” order was meant to calm violence:

• Nigeria Forces Are Implicated in the Killings of Muslims (NY Times)

Cinema approved “as long as what is shown complies with Islam”:

• Head of Saudi Morals Police Eases Tone on Cinema (Reuters)

Social stigma associated with drug addictions lead many to avoid seeking treatment:

• Abuse of Prescription Drugs Rises Among Stressed Iraqi Soldiers (NY Times)

Kirkuk remains bitterly divided between Arabs, Kurds and Turkmen:

• Ethnic Divide in Iraqi City a Test for Nation (Washington Post)

Indications of abuse surround already questionable prison system:

• Clashes Erupt in Israeli-Run Prison (Al Jazeera)

“I sincerely hope that there will not be a resumption of the violence, because that is not going to help the people of Gaza, it is not going to help the Palestinians, it is not going to help the Palestinian cause,” – Condoleezza Rice

• Hamas Formally Suspends Truce (Washington Post)

Imran

Minaret of Freedom Institute Program Assistant