On the web: http://www.justforeignpolicy.org/newsroom/index.html
Summary: Iran U.N. inspectors investigating Iran's nuclear program angrily complained to the Bush administration and to a Republican congressman yesterday about a recent report by a Congressional staffer on Iran's capabilities, calling parts of the document "outrageous and dishonest" and offering evidence to refute its central claims. Officials of the UNs' International Atomic Energy Agency said in a letter that the report contained "erroneous, misleading and unsubstantiated statements."
A senior Iranian envoy Thursday called contacts between Tehran and the EU a ''step in the right direction'' in resolving the standoff over his country's refusal to freeze uranium enrichment. Iraq Nearly 90 Iraqis were killed or found dead Tuesday and Wednesday, an Interior Ministry official said.
Many Middle East leaders say the American-led invasion of Iraq and its consequences have been catastrophic for the region, UN Secretary General Annan said Wednesday. He said many felt the Americans should "stay until the situation improves, " but others, particularly in Iran, believe that "the presence of the U.S. is a problem and that the U.S. should leave." He said the Iranians had offered to help the Americans leave.
The deteriorating conditions of Palestinians in Iraq were highlighted in a report by Human Rights Watch. The report said Palestinian refugees in Iraq are being targeted by mostly Shi'ite militant groups and are being harassed by the government.
Lebanon Amnesty International Thursday accused Hezbollah forces of war crimes and "serious violations of international humanitarian law" during the Lebanon war, including indiscriminate rocket attacks. "Katyusha rockets cannot be aimed with accuracy, especially at long distances, and are therefore indiscriminate," the report said. Amnesty is pressing for a UN inquiry into the war.
Israel Maj. Gen. Udi Adam, who commanded Israel's forces in Lebanon, resigned Wednesday after widespread criticism over how political and military leaders had handled the war. General Adam was the first Israeli official to quit over the war.
Palestine It is difficult to exaggerate the economic collapse of Gaza, the New York Times reports. The cutoff of funds has resulted in a severe economic depression and growing signs of malnutrition, especially among the poorest children.
Human Rights Watch called on the Israeli military to ensure that its troops respect the protected status of medical emergency personnel and facilities in the Gaza Strip.
Pakistan The Pakistani government has run into difficulties in its efforts to pass a law to end the worst abuses suffered by women who report rape or are accused of adultery, the Times reports.
Afghanistan A meeting of NATO countries Wednesday failed to win new troops to patrol southern Afghanistan, despite a warning from Secretary of State Rice that Afghanistan risked becoming "a failed state" if more troops were not sent.
Education More than 43 million children living in conflict-affected countries are not able to attend school, according to a report by the International Save the Children Alliance. The group stressed that, without schools, children were far more susceptible to recruitment by armies and militias or other forms of exploitation.
Colombia Wives and girlfriends of gang members in one of Colombia's most violent cities have called a sex strike in a bid to get their men to give up the gun. Dozens of women are said to be taking part in what is being called the "strike of crossed legs", a move backed by the mayor of Pereira.
In this issue: Iran 1) U.N. Inspectors Dispute Iran Report By House Panel 2) Top Iranian Envoy Praises Early EU Talks Iraq 3) On Another Grim Day, Bodies Lie Everywhere in Baghdad 4) Most Mideast Leaders Are Angry About U.S. in Iraq, Annan Says 5) Palestinian refugees targeted by militants receive no help Lebanon 6) Amnesty International Says Hezbollah Committed War Crimes Israel 7) Israeli Who Directed War Resigns Palestine 8) Cut Off, Gazan Economy Nears Collapse 9) Human Rights Watch: Don't Fire on Gaza Medics Pakistan 10) Pakistan Bid to End Abuse of Women Reporting Rape Hits Snag Afghanistan 11) After NATO Meeting, No New Troops for Afghanistan Education 12) 10 Billion Dollars Could Buy Universal Schooling Colombia 13) Colombian gangsters face sex ban
Contents: http://www.justforeignpolicy.org/newsroom/index.html -------- Robert Naiman Just Foreign Policy www.justforeignpolicy.org
Just Foreign Policy is a membership organization devoted to reforming U.S. foreign policy so that it reflects the values and interests of the majority of Americans.