Update: The NYT article has been updated. "Chris Hondros of the Getty photo agency died within a few hours of devastating brain trauma."
by Mr. Y
This Strategic Narrative is intended to frame our National policy decisions regarding investment, security, economic development, the environment, and engagement well into this century. It is built upon the premise that we must sustain our enduring national interests -- prosperity and security -- within a "strategic ecosystem," at home and abroad; that in complexity and uncertainty, there are opportunities and hope, as well as challenges, risk, and threat. The primary approach this Strategic Narrative advocates to achieve sustainable prosperity and security, is through the application of credible influence and strength, the pursuit of fair competition, acknowledgement of interdependencies and converging interests, and adaptation to complex, dynamic systems -- all bounded by our national values.
The Full Article is available at the Woodrow Wilson Center
Book Review: The Ayatollah's Democracy: An Iranian Challenge by Hooman Majd.
Published by W. W. Norton, New York. 2010, 282 pages.
Reviewed by Commander Youssef Aboul-Enein, MSC, USN
Hooman Majd offers a deep analytic look at the politics of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the varying interpretations of the 1979 Islamic Revolution in the 21st century. His previous book "The Ayatollah Begs to Differ," was well received and widely read by those watching the nuances of the Iran's Islamic polity. This book begins with an attempt at reconstructing the events of June 2009. It starts on June 12th, with a call from Speaker of the Parliament Ali Larijani to Presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi, congratulating him on his win as Iran's new President. What makes this even more of a curious phone call, was that it was published in a pro-government newspaper owned by Fatemah Rajabi, known as Fati the Saw, for her vicious attacks on opposition members who criticize her beloved President Ahmed-i-Nejad. The accusations of vote rigging by Ahmed-i-Nejad supporters and the way the election was called before the close of polls would lead to the Green Revolution. By June 19th, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei took the unprecedented step of interjecting himself in the election dispute, siding with Ahmed-i-Nejad. This broke a cardinal rule of Khomeinism (the political philosophy of Ayatollah Khomeini, leader of the 1979 Iranian Revolution) that the Supreme Leader is to guide the moral course of the state, a key construct of what constitutes an Islamic polity in Khomeinism.
Majd immerses readers in the details of the political schisms within the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Assembly of Experts, composed of 86 clerics, is constitutionally charged with monitoring the Supreme Leader's performance. It meets semi-annually and although led by Ayatollah Ali Rasfanjani, a proponent of placing the Iranian Islamic Revolution on a more constructive path, and who has used his power to challenge the current regime's absolutism, also contains hardliners like Ayatollah Mesbah Yazdi. Among the proposals to alter the current concentration of power in the hands of the president and Supreme Leader, is to replace the Supreme Leader with a council of three, and amending the constitution to allow non-clerics into the Assembly of Experts. The Expediency Council was created in 1988, and resolves disputes between the Guardian Council and Parliament, since 2005 it was given supervisory powers over the executive branch and presidency. Ahmed-i-Nejad chooses to ignore this constitutional amendment, leaving such leaders of the Expediency Council like Rasfanjani, Larinjani, and until 2010 Ahmed-i-Nejad's opponent Mir Hossein Mousavi outraged at the current president's unwillingness to work within the bounds of the constitution.
The Green Movement is very much an establishment movement and is attempting to redefine some argue redirect the Islamic Revolution on a more positive course. To understand what this means, consider Ayatollah Hussein Montazeri, who died in December 2009. As Khomeini's hand-picked successor, he would fall out with Khomeini over the issue of clerical moral oversight versus direct clerical rule. Motazeri did not believe in the absolute authority of the Supreme Leader, and is in line with Iraq's Grand Ayatollah (Marja) Ali Sistani. He also stated that the notion of Velayet e-Faqih (Supreme Jurist) is incompatible with Islamic democracy. It is these nuances that the United States must comprehend to uncover the dynamics of Iranian discontent of the current regime. Another chapter of interest focuses on Iranian encroachment in such places as Latin America. In 2008, Bolivian leader Evo Morales moved the country's sole Middle East embassy from Cairo to Tehran. On Telemundo television, threats to President George W. Bush were made from Ciudad del Este in Paraguay in 2007. Majd highlights testimony from Defense Secretary Robert Gates expressing concern about Iranian and Hizbullah encroachment in Latin America in 2009. Despite this, Iran is not without its share of challenges, such as hard economic times that have led to questioning by people as to the amount of Iranian treasure spent outside of Iran on Hamas, and Hizbullah. Of note, the book stresses that no one knows how much money Iran has spends on both organization's annually.
Majd's book is a required read for those interested in Iran specifically, and the Middle East generally. Already Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) forces have entered Bahrain to enable that country's forces to address growing unrest by its majority Shiite population, and fear of agitation by Iran's hardliners. Understanding the internal and external dynamics of Iran will be crucial in the decades to come and must go beyond just looking at all Iranians as supporting an interpretation of the Iranian Islamic Revolution.
Commander Aboul-Enein is author of "Militant Islamist Ideology: Understanding the Global Threat," (Naval Institute Press, 2010). He is Adjunct Islamic Studies Chair at the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, and is a Senior Defense Department counter-terrorism advisor.
Book Review: The Muslim Brotherhood: The Burden of Tradition by Alison Pargeter.
Published by Saqi Books, London. 300 pages, 2010.
Reviewed by Commander Youssef Aboul-Enein, MSC, USN
Alison Pargeter is a researcher on Islamist radicalism at the University of Cambridge. Her first book is a refreshingly complex and nuanced examination of the Muslim Brotherhood. The book starts with the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood, founded in 1928, by a schoolteacher Hassan al-Banna, and its evolution from social organization to a political organization based on an interpretation of Islamic ideals. It discusses the tensions inherent in this organization as Muslim Brotherhood struggle amidst several currents within Islam, Egypt, and the Arab world. For instance, the book highlights the Muslim Brotherhood's early criticism of the clergy at al-Azhar Rectory for their lack of activism. While the Muslim Brotherhood is better known for its violent splinter groups, in 1994 a group splintered based on a desire to compromise with Egypt's various political parties to gain a seat at the table. This group would be known as al-Wasat (the Moderates) and although formed a splinter group of the Muslim Brotherhood, has included members of many of Egypt's secular and marginalized political parties like leftists, Arab socialists, and Arab nationalists. A chapter also discusses the early merging of the Egyptian with the Syrian Muslim Brotherhood, during the latter's founding, and their separation as the Syrian branch became more radicalized as a reaction to Syria's violent polity.
The author discusses key questions that comprise whole chapters. These questions include examining the relationship between the Muslim Brotherhood and violence, should governments engage this organization, and the to what extent is the Muslim Brotherhood a internationalist organization? While the review will not answer all these questions, the author expresses the statements of Muslim Brotherhood Supreme Guides who desire a more global reach with the realities of Libyan, Sudanese, and Jordanian Muslim Brotherhood branches wanting to retain independence. The book highlights the tension between Sudan's Hassan al-Turabi, a Sorbonne and Oxford educated lawyer, who refused to swear fealty to the less educated Supreme Guide of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood. Some members of the Muslim Brotherhood outside of Egypt resent Egyptian hubris and desire to dominate, simply because they are the founding branch. Other tensions discuss the disagreement among leaders of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood over tactics, ideology, and the reality of operating politically in Egypt. One criticism of the book is that it did not contain a discussion of the impact of the Muslim Brotherhood Youth on the old-guard of the organization. In addition, this youth are using the technology of the 21st century Facebook™ and Twitter™ to organize, craft messages, and monitor criticism on an hourly basis from around the world. However, this is an excellent book for those wanting a more serious look at the complexities and disagreements within this organization that goes beyond the simplistic sound bites of an international conspiracy to create a caliphate.
Commander Aboul-Enein is author of "Militant Islamist Ideology: Understanding the Global Threat," (Naval Institute Press, 2010). He is Adjunct Islamic Studies Chair at the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, and is a Senior Defense Department counter-terrorism advisor.
U.S. Losing a Savvy Leader in Afghan War Efforts - Washington Post
Afghan Forces Train to Spot Rogue Soldiers, Police - Associated Press
Afghan Army Says Ministry Attacker Was Outsider - Associated Press
RC-East Troops Making Progress Against Insurgents - AFPS
Forces Kill Insurgent Commander in Afghanistan - AFPS
Pakistan
Mullen Visits Pakistan Amid Tensions Over Drones - Associated Press
Mullen Cites Pakistani Cooperation in Afghanistan - AFPS
Libya / Operation Odyssey Dawn
British Help Libyan Rebels, Aid Goes to a Divided Force - New York Times
Libya Rebels will Receive $25 Million from U.S. - Washington Times
Misurata Says it has Asked for Foreign Ground Troops - Washington Post
Misurata Rebels Show Ingenuity in Libya War - Los Angeles Times
U.K. to Send Officers to Advise Libyans - Wall Street Journal
Britain to Send Military Advisers to Aid Libyan Rebels - Washington Post
British Advisory Team Fly In to Help Rebels - Daily Telegraph
U.K. to Send Military Advisers to Libya - BBC News
Britain to Send Military Advisers to Libyan Rebels - Associated Press
E.U. Mulls Sending 1,000 Humanitarian Troops - Christian Science Monitor
Libya FM Abdul Warns U.K. Plan May Worsen War - BBC News
France Opposes Idea of Sending Troops to Libya - Reuters
U.S. Continues Support of NATO Operations in Libya - AFPS
NATO Jets Bomb Libyan Capital - Voice of America
NATO Says Air Power Has Limits in Misrata Siege - Reuters
Rebels on Front Line Frustrated by Stalemate - Los Angeles Times
WFP Delivers Food to Western Libya - Voice of America
Italy Seeks Ways to Enable Libyan Rebel Oil Sales - Reuters
Egypt
Egypt's New Govt Courts Foes of U.S. - Wall Street Journal
Report: Mubarak Complicit in Protest Deaths, Excessive Force Used - VOA
Report: Egypt Used Excessive Force to Quell Protests - Reuters
Egypt: At Least 846 Killed in Protests - Associated Press
Egypt Traffic Dispute Turns Into Sectarian Brawl - Associated Press
Time to Up the Ante on Egypt - Washington Post opinion
Tunisia
Tunisian Court Drops Case at Heart of Protests - Associated Press
Yemen
Yemeni Police Fire on Demonstrators, Kill 3 - Voice of America
Deadly Clashes in Yemen as Sides Weigh Deal - New York Times
Three Killed at Sanaa and Taiz Protests - BBC News
Yemeni Police Open Fire on Protesters, Killing 3 - Associated Press
Yemen Police Kill 3 as Protests Escalate - Reuters
U.N. Security Council Fails to Reach Agreement - BBC News
Syria
Syria Lifts Emergency Law But Warns Against More Protests - VOA
Syrian Forces Open Fire on Protesters - Los Angeles Times
Syria to Lift State of Emergency - BBC News
Syria Steps Up Its Crackdown While Promising Reform - New York Times
Violent Crackdown Continues - Los Angeles Times
Protests as Syria Scraps 48-year Emergency Rule - Daily Telegraph
Syria Lifts Hated Law, but Protesters Unimpressed - Associated Press
U.S. Skeptical About Syrian Law Changes - Voice of America
U.S. Unsure New Syria Law Will Be Improvement - Reuters
Iraq
Sadrists Present Anti-American Photo Exhibition - New York Times
Top Kurd Leader Offers to Resign Amid Demos - Agence France-Presse
Iran
Iran Sees Further Rise in Oil Prices by End 2011 - Agence France-Presse
Bahrain
Crackdown Pushing Both Sides to Extremes - Christian Science Monitor
Bahrain Arrests More Doctors, Opposition Says - Reuters
Israel / Palestinians
Israeli Intellectuals Press for Palestinian State - New York Times
Palestinians to Seek U.N. Membership if No Peace - Associated Press
Turmoil in Syria Resonates in Gaza - Associated Press
Hamas Says Two Killers of Italian Dead, One Captured - New York Times
Suspect in Italian's Death in Gaza Commits Suicide - Associated Press
Australian Arrested for Hamas Ties in Israel - Associated Press
Past Holds Clue to Goldstone's Shift on Gaza War - New York Times
Middle East / North Africa Unrest
Latest Developments in Arab World's Unrest - Associated Press
Slap That Was Heard Across Arab World 'Didn't Happen' - Reuters
Piracy
Diplomats, Businessmen Urge Tougher Piracy Fight - Associated Press
U.S. Department of Defense
Lynn Opens Countertrafficking Command Center - AFPS
DOD Preparing to Unveil Cyber Strategy - Stars and Stripes
Pent. Annex Anti-bomb Plan Mistakenly Posted Online - Reuters
Marines Split on Women Joining Combat Units - Marine Corps Times
Army Private in Wikileaks Case Leaving Quantico Brig - Washington Times
Pentagon to Transfer WikiLeaks Suspect to New Prison - Wall Street Journal
WikiLeaks Defendant to Be Moved - New York Times
'Wikileaks' Soldier Manning Moved to New Prison - BBC News
United States
Brutal Mexican Drug Gang Crosses into U.S. - Washington Times
The U.N.'s "Special Relationship" - Foreign Policy
Clemency Sought for 'Child Soldier' at Guantanamo - Associated Press
Publisher Looks into Mortenson Book Fabrication Claims - BBC News
Montana AG Opens Inquiry into 'Three Cups' Charity - Associated Press
United Kingdom
Security Teams Gear Up for U.K. Royal Wedding - Associated Press
Muslim Radicals Plan Royal Wedding Demo - Reuters
El Al Bomb Plotter Could Be Released Early - Associated Press
United Kingdom
U.N. Chief Urges 'Global Re-Think' on Nuclear Safety - Reuters
Africa
Nigeria Riots Create Grim Scene - Voice of America
Nigeria Election: Thousand Flee after Riots - BBC News
Mobs Leave Charred Corpses, Fear in North Nigeria - Associated Press
Nigerian President Calls for Calm Following Re-Election - Voice of America
Child Soldiers in Congo Live in Fear and Loathing - Washington Times
Zimbabwe Police Stop Lawyers Headed to Court - Associated Press
Ivorian Militia Chief Declares Loyalty to Ouattara - Reuters
Ivory Coast: Charity Delivers Food Amid Gunfire - Associated Press
Uganda Threatens to Block Social Media Over Protests - Reuters
Malawi Threatens to Expel British Ambassador - Reuters
Americas
Brutal Mexican Drug Gang Crosses into U.S. - Washington Times
Mexican Troops Kill 10 Gunmen in Gulf Coast State - Associated Press
Drug War: Mexico's Weak Rule of Law - Los Angeles Times editorial
Brazil Police Hunt 'Drug Lord' in Rio's Rocinha Area - BBC News
Brazil: Rio Police Fail to Catch Gang Leaders in Operation - Associated Press
Cuba Lays Foundation for a New Leader - New York Times
Cuba's New Guard Borrows From the Old Guard - Wall Street Journal
Cuban Communists Opt for Old Guard to Lead Reforms - Reuters
Fidel Castro at Cuba Congress Alongside Raul - BBC News
Asia Pacific
Water Pumping Begins at Japan Nuclear Reactor - New York Times
IAEA: Radiation Release at Fukushima Will Not Increase Much - VOA
U.S. Sanctions North Korean Bank for Iran Arms Deals - Voice of America
Treasury Sanctions N. Korean Bank over Arms - Washington Times
U.S. Senate Delegation in China Amid Crackdown - Associated Press
Trial of Defense Lawyer Opens in China - New York Times
China Rights Lawyer Resurfaces Amid Crackdown - Associated Press
Taiwan to Boost Forces in Disputed Spratly Islands - BBC News
Suicide Bomb in Indonesia Shows Target Shift - Reuters
Both Sides Claim Victory in Malaysian Election - Voice of America
Laos, Neighbors Face Off on Mekong River Dam Dispute - Voice of America
Europe
Russia Abandons $1B Western Aid to Weapons Program - Associated Press
France Signals New Openness on Muslim Groups Abroad - Reuters
E.U. Police Crack Down on Human Smuggling Network - Associated Press
Italy Shelves Nuclear Plans After Japan Quake - Associated Press
The Coming Balkan War - Washington Times opinion
South Asia
Protest Escalates at Proposed Indian Nuclear Site - Voice of America
India Nuclear Plant Protests Stepped Up - BBC News
India Court Rejects Bail Pleas in Telecoms Trial - Reuters
U.N. Report Faults Sri Lanka, Tamil Tigers - Christian Science Monitor
Why Now, Sri Lankans Ask After U.N. War Crimes Report - Reuters
In another surprising, if odd, development, Reuters is reporting that the European Union has developed a provisional plan to deploy a European military expeditionary force to Misrata, if requested by the United Nations. The mission of the expedition would be to protect aid deliveries to the city, which is currently under siege by pro-Qaddafi forces. What is odd is that according to Reuters, all 27 EU states endorsed this potential mission. Germany, which abstained during the UN vote authorizing military action in Libya and has refused to participate in the current NATO operation, might now be volunteering the Bundeswehr for a trip to the frontline in Misrata.
Each time a setback has occurred in Libya, the West has responded with military escalation. The arrival of Western journalists in Misrata is undoubtedly creating pressure on NATO's political leaders to take additional steps against Qaddafi's forces.
President Obama and his team are trying to simultaneously be good allies while also strictly limiting the U.S. military commitment. The Obama team must he stunned that NATO is struggling to achieve military effects against the rump of Libya controlled by Qaddafi. Britain and France are rumored to be running out of precision bomb guidance kits.
Libya's rebels have counted on a bailout from NATO. Europe may similarly be counting on a military bailout from the United States. Is NATO's operation in Libya too big to fail?
Talks on U.S. Presence After Pullout Unnerve Region - New York Times
More Coalition Deaths at Hands of Afghan Forces - Stars and Stripes
Attack on Afghan Defense Ministry Kills 2 - Voice of America
Suicide Bomber Attacks Afghan Defense Ministry - New York Times
Taliban Targets Afghan Defense Ministry - Washington Post
2 Afghan Soldiers Killed in Assassination Attempt - Los Angeles Times
Afghanistan Suicide Attacker Targets Defence Minister - BBC News
U.N.: Poppy Production Expanding in Afghanistan - New York Times
Iran Engineers 'Kidnapped in Farah' - BBC News
International Security Assistance Force Operations Update - AFPS
Critic of War Effort Does His Homework, Up Close - New York Times
Pakistan
Pakistan Test-Fires New Nuclear-Capable Missile - Associated Press
Boehner, House Delegation Visit Pakistan for 'Frank' Talks - The Hill
Boehner Visits Pakistan - Politico
Pakistanis Flee Troubled Areas Near Afghan Border - Associated Press
Libya / Operation Odyssey Dawn
NATO's Libya Mission 'Going in Circles' - Los Angeles Times
Libya Rebels Raise Concern About Islamic Extremism - Associated Press
Pro-Government Shelling Continues as U.N. Peace Call Ignored - VOA
Pro-Gadhafi Forces Changing Tactics - Washington Times
In Misurata, There's Nowhere to Run - Washington Post
Government Promises U.N. Access to Misurata - Washington Post
U.N. Says Libyan Regime Promises Misrata Access - Associated Press
France 'Should Send in Commandos to Libya' - BBC News
U.K. Funds to Help Trapped Workers in Misrata - BBC News
Egypt
Will Egypt's Former Ruler Mubarak Ever Face Trial? - Reuters
Egypt Islamists Defiant Over Christian Governor - Associated Press
Guards, Guns Secure Egypt's Ancient Treasures Again - Reuters
Yemen
Yemen Ruling Party Defectors Form Opposition Bloc - Voice of America
Defectors From Yemen President's Camp Set Up Party - Associated Press
Yemeni Police Open Fire on Protesters; 4 Wounded - Associated Press
Gunfire Erupts as Yemen Protesters Test Limits - Reuters
Syria
U.S. Denies Trying to Undermine Syrian Government - Voice of America
Security Forces Fire on Protesters in Restive Homs - New York Times
'Thousands Occupy Homs After Funerals' - BBC News
Syrian Forces Kill 8 Protesters in Central Town - Voice of America
Protesters Challenge Authorities with Sit-in - Associated Press
Homs City Sit-in 'Dispersed by Gunfire' - BBC News
Syrian Govt Warns Syrians Not to Protest - Associated Press
Iraq
Iraqi Soldiers Say Need U.S. Beyond 2011 for Training - Reuters
Suicide Blasts Near Baghdad's Green Zone Kill 11 - Washington Post
Iraq Suicide Car Bombs Kill Nine - BBC News
Bombers Hit Checkpoint and Convoy in Baghdad - New York Times
Ninety Wounded in Northern Iraq Protests - Reuters
Gunmen Attack Home in North Iraq, Kill 3 Women - Associated Press
Iran
Central Banker: Lift Sanctions or Spike in Oil Prices - Washington Times
President Says U.S. Causes Rift Between Iran and Arab States - VOA
Iran Does Not Confirm Report of Restored Egypt Ties - Reuters
Bahrain
Bahrain: Gulf Troops to Stay as Counter to Iran - Associated Press
Gulf Troops Staying Until Iran 'Threat' Gone - Reuters
Israel / Palestinians
Palestinians to Seek U.N. Membership if No Peace - Associated Press
U.S. Department of Defense
Gates Will Present President With Cost-cutting Options - AFPS
Pentagon Official Addresses WikiLeaks, Social Media - AFPS
Europe's Brigades Remain a Contentious Issue - Stars and Stripes
A Soldier's Experience With Contractors - New York Times
Larger Helmet Could Guard Against Brain Injury - Stars and Stripes
U.S. Gen. McChrystal Cleared Of Wrongdoing - Voice of America
Pentagon Inquiry Clears McChrystal and Aides - Stars and Stripes
Pentagon Inquiry Clears McChrystal and Aides - New York Times
United States
FAA to Extend Minimum Time Off for Controllers - Washington Post
World
Internet-based Attacks on Critical Systems Rise - BBC News
Africa
Riots Hit North Nigeria As President Declared Winner - Voice of America
Violence as Nigeria's President Wins Re-Election - New York Times
Nigeria Election Results Spark Riots - Los Angeles Times
Violence in N. Nigeria Follows Jonathan's Election - Washington Post
Nigeria Election: Thousand Flee after Riots - BBC News
Nigeria Election: Goodluck Jonathan Appeals for Calm - BBC News
Nigeria Violence No Direct Threat to Oil for Now - Reuters
Robert Mugabe Hounds Rivals in Zimbabwe - New York Times
Burkina Faso President Names New PM As Protests Spread - VOA
Burkina Faso Army Mutiny Spreads to Fourth City - BBC News
Military Mutiny Spreads in Burkina Faso - Associated Press
Burkina Faso: Soldiers Call for End to Unrest - Associated Press
Opposition Leader Besigye Arrested in Uganda Protest - New York Times
Kizza Besigye Arrest Prompts Uganda Demonstrations - BBC News
Ivory Coast: Calls for Reconciliation, Vengeance - Associated Press
Kenya: Wagalla Massacre Survivors Testify - BBC News
Americas
Drug War Killings in Mexico Grisly Beyond Words - Associated Press
Mexico Judge Orders 16 Police Detained for 40 Days - Associated Press
Guatemala: The Tormented Isthmus - The Economist
China's Espionage in Chile Raised U.S. Worry - Washington Times
Moderate Technocrats Align With Peru's Humala - Reuters
Cuba's Party Congress Agrees to Allow Private Property - BBC News
Cuban Communists Approve Landmark Econ Reforms - Reuters
Asia Pacific
Readings Inside Japanese Reactor Show 'Harsh' Environment - VOA
Robots Record High Radiation Levels at Japan Reactors - BBC News
Japan: Radiation Poses Barrier To Repairs at Plant - New York Times
Water Pumping Begins at Japan Nuclear Reactor - New York Times
Most Japan Voters Want New Prime Minister - Reuters
China Stealth Fighter 'Appears' to Have Made Second Flight - Reuters
China Says Everything 'Normal' at Restive Tibetan Temple - Reuters
Indonesia Suicide Bombing Fits New Pattern of Attacking Local Targets - VOA
Singapore: Party in Power Offers New Faces - New York Times
Europe
Officials in Russian Tax Fraud Case Stashed Millions - Washington Post
Belarus Bombing, Economic Woes Fuel Sense of Chaos - Associated Press
E.U.: France Had Right to Halt Migrant Trains from Italy - BBC News
North African Immigrants Straining Europe's Unity - Associated Press
Nationalist True Finns Make Gains in Finland Vote - BBC News
South Asia
One Killed in Clash at Planned India Nuclear Plant Site - BBC News
Protests Against India Nuclear Plant Turn Violent - Reuters
Report Finds Sri Lanka Attacked Civilians - New York Times
Hat tip to Galrahn at Information Dissemination via Twitter. Carolyn Kellogg at the Los Angeles Times (Investigation throws 'Three Cups of Tea' author Greg Mortenson's charity work into doubt) reports that:
An investigation by "60 Minutes" to be broadcast this weekend will cite multiple sources that contend some of the most inspiring stories in Greg Mortenson's books "Three Cups of Tea" and "Stones into Schools" are not true.
Much more at the LAT and "60 Minutes".
Update
Greg Mortenson's response so far, via the Central Asia Institute web page:
An Important Message from Greg Mortenson
Afghanistan and Pakistan are fascinating, inspiring countries full of wonderful people. They are also complex places torn by conflicting loyalties, and some who do not want our mission of educating girls to succeed. I stand by the information conveyed in my book, and by the value of CAl's work in empowering local communities to build and operate schools that have educated more than 60,000 students. I continue to be heartened by the many messages of support I receive from our local partners in cities and villages across Afghanistan and Pakistan, who are determined not to let unjustified attacks stop the important work being done to create a better future for their children. For further questions, concerns and inquires, please email media@ikat.org.
Update 2
Mortenson Under Fire from '60 Minutes', Bozeman Philanthropist Denies Allegations by Gail Schontzler, Bozeman Daily Chronicle. BLUF: "He denied several "60 Minutes" allegations, and defended his financial dealings, but appeared to concede that one key story in his book was not literally true."
Update 3
Board of Directors, Central Asia Institute: Responses to 60 Minutes Questions. "Following (at the link) are questions that were asked by producers of the program 60 Minutes, exactly as they were asked of us, and the answers that we are providing to 60 Minutes."
Three-cup Monte by Carl Prine at Line of Departure. BLUF: "Like the best swindles, Dr Greg keeps his rap simple: The sexy svengali who tickles, teases and touches your soul while his mitt wiggles into your purse; the Ponzi peddler paying a fortunate few to fleece the rapacious many; the book cooker who dangles dubious data and dividends to draw Dow dollars; the quack selling pharmaceutical enhancements to the same guy who never gets the chance to try them out at the clip joint."
Update 4
60 Minutes: Questions over Greg Mortenson's Stories - CBS transcript
Update 5
Does It Matter If The Military's Fave Scholar Sells Three Cups of Snake Oil? - Spencer Ackerman, Danger Room. BLUF: "... Danger Room pal Niel Smith argues that the Army has institutionalized counterinsurgency so poorly that officers can fool themselves into embracing caricatures of it. And that's how Mortenson's tea can taste a lot like snake oil."
Update 7
Via the Central Asia Institute website:
Greg Mortenson's Message to Supporters - CAI
CAI Board of Directors Statement 04/16/11 - CAI
CAI Board of Directors Response to "60 Minutes" Questions - CAI
Greg Mortenson's response to "60 Minutes" Questions - CAI
Update 8
Stranger than Fiction: What We're Really Losing with Greg Mortenson's Fall by Joshua Foust, PBS. BLUF: "Just because you can't help everyone doesn't mean you should help no one. Sadly, Mortenson's good work is going to be overshadowed - possibly destroyed - by this scandal (albeit one that looks like it was largely of his own making). And the losers, besides wide-eyed Americans who've lost an unassailable hero, will ultimately be the people his schools were helping."
Greg Mortenson Speaks interview by Alex Heard, Outside. "The embattled director of the Central Asia Institute responds to allegations of financial mismanagement and that he fabricated stories in his bestselling book Three Cups of Tea."
