http://jta.org/news/article/2009/03/29/1004061/iran-saudi-arabia-among-religious-freedom-violators

Joining the "Countries of Particular Concern" cited by the State Department are Burma, Eritrea, North Korea, the People's Republic of China and Uzbekistan.

The list was made just before President George W. Bush left office, but was released this week in response to an inquiry by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. The same eight countries received the designation in 2006.

The president is required to encourage improvements in the countries using a range of measures, including sanctions, although a waiver can be provided if the president believes it is in U.S. interests. Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan received waivers.