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Tom's Take:
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/11/09/art.amanpour.writer.jpg caption="Sr. Writer Tom Evans"]
With the 8th anniversary of Guantanamo Bay opening its doors to the “war on terror” detainees, AMANPOUR. today looks at the fate of the remaining 198 detainees, 90 of whom are Yemeni. Yemen is at the center of the latest scare on Al Qaeda. We examine the effectiveness of programs in Saudi Arabia and Yemen to rehabilitate these detainees. Can Jihadists be deprogrammed? What are the risks of releasing detainees? That’s not the only issue making news today. Here are some perspectives on some other stories in the headlines.
Tom Evans
Sr. Writer, AMANPOUR.
IRAN – Is the confrontation between the government and pro-democracy protesters taking an even more violent turn?
– A Tehran University physics professor described by state media as a staunch supporter of the Islamic Revolution is killed in a rare bomb attack in the capital
– Some reports though say professor was on a list of academics who declared their support for opposition leader Mir Hosein Moussavi before disputed presidential election last year
– Semi-official Fars News Agency said an opposition group calling itself “the Royal Association of Iran” has claimed responsibility. State television blames Israel and the U.S. without offering any evidence
QUESTION: Does the Iranian government have the will and the capability to stop the post-election violence from spiraling out of control?
CYBER WARS – Who is responsible for a cyber attack on China’s top search engine: a new twist in “denial of service” attacks often blamed on Chinese hackers?
– China’s search engine Baidu shut down for about 4 hours by a cyber attack by a group calling itself the “Iranian Cyber Army”. But there’s no evidence to link attack with Iran
– Group also hacked U.S. social networking site Twitter in December, and displayed an anti-American message
– Baidu has 62 percent of China’s internet search business, compared to 29 percent for Google
QUESTION: Are the hackers responsible for the attacks simply modern-day graffiti artists or criminals bent on causing real damage to computer networks and users across the globe?
BRITAIN – Will ban on extreme Muslim group do anything to help fight against terrorism?
– Government says it will proscribe Al-Muhajiroun, also known as Islam4UK, on Thursday after it began planning an antiwar march in the town of Wootton Bassett that receives British war dead from Afghanistan
– Group is already banned under two other names it uses. Move will stop it from having meetings or raising money and make attending a meeting or being a member a crime
– Leader of the group, controversial British cleric Anjem Choudary, says British government cannot shut his organization down as they will set up another platform under another label
QUESTION: Is British government overreacting to a Muslim group that could now go underground and become even more radicalized than now?
@camanpour on Twitter
To defeat Al-Qaidia, we need to rebut and disprove their beliefs. we need to deny the dualisim in the attitudes of the fostering nations. the Al-Qaidia member who blows himself in Iraq is Jihadist but inside Saudi Arabia is outcast.
Christiane, If Iran could find the will, then the capability would be there. But the will to do right is unbelievably absent. Once a government has become so steeped in self-interest, it is almost impossible to see any justice for its people.
Speaking of which, I don't know if you're aware that there is a case in Teheran right now for seven Baha'is, members of a notable religious minority there who are likely to be put to death if court rulings find them guilty of practicing their faith. Other charges have been listed but not founded. I would love it if you could do a report of any findings you see on this matter. The Baha'is have been persecuted off and on for over 160 years with torture imprisonment, and death, even though they represent a people that are most honorable in all respects.
No one could present this topic as well as you. I know the conditions on the globe are horrendous, but when you have time I hope you can explore this matter.
Thank you so much for your time.
Barb in Iowa
The credibility of the recently “elected” Iranian government is in serious question. It will be difficult for this government to function properly especially in tackling contentious issues, the situation is clearly spiralling out of proportions.
Sayan.