Besides playing a critical role in the early development of Iraqi democracy, the elections will have a regional impact affecting foreign relations across the Middle East:

• Arab Neighbors Cast a Wary Eye on Iraq Election Results (Christian Science Monitor)

“With their ranks blotted by bribery, theft, extortion, drug-running and defections to the Taliban, the police stand in stark contrast to the Afghan National Army, which U.S. officials said is well-respected”…

• Program Aims to Rebuild Afghan Police Force, Repair its Image (Washington Post)

… Meanwhile, the US strategy to promote tribal leadership against the Taliban becomes proves to be more complicated than initially presented:

• Afghan Tribal Rivalries Bedevil a U.S. Plan (Al Jazeera)

Proof that Israeli law is concerned with race, not religious persuasion:

• Egg Donor and Recipient Must be of Same Religion, You-Know-Where (Mondoweiss)

Anticipating protests, Israeli policy preempts any attempt to demonstrate against their oppressive rule:

• Israel Seals Off Occupied West Bank (Al Jazeera)

Though there are less than 100 Al Qaeda operatives in Afghanistan, others are skeptical:

• Some U.S. Officials see a Growing Taliban-Al Qaeda Rift (LA Times)

“”All they’re doing is showing that racism still lives in the Old Dominion. … at the same time, there’s a new Dominion. That’s what we’re going to show people.” — Imam Johari Abdul-Malik:

• Boycott Urged for Muslim Imam’s Prayer in Virginia House (Washington Post)

“We are a national government, based on Islamic principles, and we call on women to be more involved in the parliament, municipalities, and ministries. We are proud of this for this is a woman’s right” – Prime Minister Haniyeh:

• Haniyeh to Appoint Female Minister (Ma’an News)

Amr Moussa declares that Israeli “insults” render the negotiation impossible, “The talks have already stopped’”:

• Biden Urges Speedy Peace Process (Al Jazeera)

“The Israeli government is covering this up under the umbrella of combat activity, which absolves soldiers of responsibility” — Husein Abu Husein, attorney for Rachel Corrie’s family:

• Trial Begins over Death of US Activist in Gaza (AP / Washington Post)

Foreign aid to Afghanistan has “been eroded by power shortages, wasteful contractors, security dangers and corruption”:

• In Kabul, Hopelessness Weighs on Job Hunters (LA Times)

A drastic expansion of staff numbers will not necessarily translate into progress:

• Overworked U.S. Embassy in Kabul Straining to Meet Administration’s Demands (Washington Post)

Erdogan should use “his upcoming visit to the US … to present his case and prove that Turkey is capable of handling the disputes with Armenia without US congressional intervention”:

• Reassessing the Genocide Resolution (Alonben-Meir.com)