Month: August 2009

Friday: 61 Iraqis Killed, 338 Wounded

Updated at 11:45 p.m. EDT, Aug. 8, 2009 Over three million Shi’ite pilgrims peacefully visited Karbala to observe the birthday of the 12th Imam, a ninth century religious leader. An increase in security there may have spared those pilgrims in Karbala, but attacks targeting Shi’ites killed dozens across central and northern Iraq. Overall, at least 61 Iraqis were killed and 338 more were wounded throughout the country. Also, an Iranian passport was discovered next to a burnt corpse.

Rights Groups Appeal For UN Investigation of Rendition

Charging that the U.S. government was complicit in the forced disappearance of an influential Muslim scholar four years ago, human rights groups in the U.S., the U.K., and Switzerland have asked the U.N. to investigate. In a letter to the U.N., the organizations say Mustafa Setmariam Nassar, a Spanish citizen, was arrested by Pakistani officials … Continue reading “Rights Groups Appeal For UN Investigation of Rendition”

New Israeli Plan to Warn Civilians of Impending Attacks

The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) is taking new measures to warn Palestinian civilians about impending aerial attacks. This comes in response to questions raised over whether Israel had complied with international laws during its 2006 war in Lebanon and the Gaza offensive earlier this year. Human rights groups have expressed concern that pamphlets dropped by … Continue reading “New Israeli Plan to Warn Civilians of Impending Attacks”

Chance of a Breakthrough With the Kurds?

A recent meeting between Iraq’s Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and Kurdish President Massoud Barzani appears to be a crucial step in lowering tensions in the country, but it has also prompted questions as to whether the two leaders can put an end to their differences. The meeting came as the fever of presidential and parliamentary … Continue reading “Chance of a Breakthrough With the Kurds?”

Peace in Balance as Fatah Fights for Survival

BETHLEHEM — Fatah, the largest faction of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), is fighting for its very survival as the movement faces implosion, and attacks from all sides. The issues have come to the fore at the sixth revolutionary council of the party that began in Bethlehem Tuesday. In turn the survival of the Fatah-affiliated … Continue reading “Peace in Balance as Fatah Fights for Survival”