The Weeks of Living Dangerously
The armed might of the state (and its auxiliary forces) remains in the hands of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and its "reelected" President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who has, according to Neil MacFarquhar of the New York Times, solidified control over the Interior...
Sunday: 5 Iraqis Killed, 21 Wounded
Updated at 6:30 p.m. EDT, June 28, 2009
Widespread sand storms blanketed much of central and northern Iraq, curtailing attacks, or at least the reports of violence. The storms also delayed the awarding of oil contracts. Iraq forces are using the break, however, to bolster their defenses ahead of the U.S. withdrawal from the cities. Iraq has cancelled leave for all policemen. Gen. Ray Odierno believes the Iraqis are ready for Tuesday’s handover. He also said that a recent surge in attacks would likely hurt extremists more than it does their victims. Still, at least five Iraqis were killed and 21 more were wounded across the country.
read moreSaturday: 1 Iraqi Killed, 7 Wounded
Only one Iraqi was reported killed in unusually light violence. Seven more were wounded. No Coalition deaths were reported, but one recently returned soldier may have committed suicide in Virginia. Also, two British hostages recently handed over to British authorities may have been dead as long as 18 months.
read moreIs Barack Obama’s Realism Better than George W. Bush’s Idealism?
Iran Crisis Ripples Outward
As the political crisis that erupted after Iran's Jun. 12 elections enters its third week, it is becoming evident that this crisis will have repercussions in many parts of the Middle East -- and far beyond. The crisis may have its biggest effects inside neighboring...
Pakistani and North Korean Stockpiles
UN Asked to Probe CIA Rendition
Human rights groups are asking United Nations officials to investigate the case of an Italian citizen and victim of the "extraordinary rendition" program of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency who is currently being held in a Moroccan prison based on a...
Freeh Became ‘Defense Lawyer’ for Saudis on Khobar Attack
In early November 1998, Louis Freeh sent an FBI team off to observe Saudi secret police officials interviewing eight Shi'a detainees from behind a one-way mirror at the Riyadh detention center. He planned to use the Shi'a testimony to show that Iran was behind the...
Bagram Detainees Treated ‘Worse Than Animals’
An investigation by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has revealed that former detainees at the U.S. Bagram airbase in Afghanistan were beaten, deprived of sleep and threatened with dogs. The BBC's conclusions are based on interviews with 27 former detainees...
