IPS correspondents bring you independent perspectives on what is happening in Iran, Iraq and across the Middle East.

LEBANON: In an Uneasy Togetherness with Syria
Mona Alami
BEIRUT – Small countries right next to one another, Syria and Lebanon seem light years apart. The two countries have shared a rocky relationship for decades, characterised mainly by Syrian dominance. Once again this relationship appears to be put to test as reports of Syrian deployment on Lebanon’s borders abound.
ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=44173

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RIGHTS: Torture ‘Routine’ in Jordanian Prisons
Zainab Mineeia
WASHINGTON – A new report released Wednesday by Human Rights Watch (HRW) accuses the Jordanian authorities of routine and widespread torture of prisoners throughout the country, and calls for an end to the abuses.
ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=44172

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TURKEY: Messenger Comes Under Attack
Hilmi Toros
ISTANBUL – Many sections of Turkish media critical of the government say Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is bent on silencing them through intimidation — or controlling them through purchase.
ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=44153

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MIDEAST: Where Water Leaves a Bitter Taste
Ramesh Jaura
BARCELONA – Palestinian villagers drink unsafe agricultural water rather than trusting water provided by an Israeli company, says Buthaina Mizyed, who has worked in Arraneh village near the conflict-laden West Bank city of Jenin.
ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=44146

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IRAQ: U.S. Urged to Share More of Refugee Burden
Zainab Mineeia
WASHINGTON – Despite a marked increase in the number of Iraqi refugees admitted into the United States, experts on Iraq and human rights and refugee organisations are calling on Washington to open the door wider amid fears that returning home remains dangerous for many displaced Iraqis.
ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=44138

Check out IPS coverage of terrorism –
www.ipsnews.net/new_focus/terrorism/index.asp

For more IPS reporting on the Middle East – www.ipsnews.net/middle.asp

Iraq: Beyond the Green Zone – www.ipsnews.net/new_focus/iraq/index.asp

Iran: The Parthian Shot – www.ipsnews.net/new_focus/iran/index.asp

Holy Land/Unholy War – www.ipsnews.net/new_focus/israel_palestina/index.asp

Afghan Divide – www.ipsnews.net/afghanistan/index.asp

View From the U.S.: Bush at War – www.ipsnews.net/new_focus/warII/index.asp

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