UN Report: Spike In Afghans Civilian Casualties
Today, the UN mission in Afghanistan released its mid-year report on civilian casualties. In the first 6 months of 2009, the United Nations Assistance Mission to Afghanistan ( UNAMA) recorded 1,013 civilian deaths compared with 818 for the same period (1St of January to 30TH of June) in 2008. This represent a 24 percent increase […]
Iran: The Reformists Keep The ‘Green Revolution’ Alive
Today, in Tehran, hundreds of Mousavi’s supporters gathered outside Behesh Aahra, the biggest cemetery of Tehran. They came to pay tribute and mourn their fellow protesters killed in the aftermath of the contested election. The gathering comes 40 days after the brutal killing of Neda Agha-Soltan, the young Iranian woman that has become the symbol […]
Afghanistan: Taliban Orders Boycott Of Elections
Today, the Taliban called for a boycott of the August elections, and pledged to keep fighting their ” Holy war to free the country from foreign invaders.” In a statement released to the media today, the Taliban also said that its fighters would block roads on the eve of the elections in order to prevent […]
Obama’s Complex Puzzle For A Middle-East Peace Push
Yesterday, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates was in Israel & Jordan. His trip to Israel wasn’t really focused on the peace process, but more on a complex dual message to the Netanyahu administration & Iran. Gates reiterated that the Obama administration shares Israel’s concerns about Iran acquiring nuclear weapons. The Secretary of Defense mentioned that […]
Nigeria: Clashes Between Islamic Militants & Police Kill 150
Today, a gun battle went on for hours in the town of Potiskum in Northern Nigeria between the police and the members of a Muslim group. A dozen people were killed in the gun battle. In the last two days, various international news organization ( BBC, AFP) report that around 150 people were killed.
