Retired army general Barry McCaffrey "released a dire assessment of the situation in Iraq, based on a recent round of meetings there with Gen. David H. Petraeus and 16 other senior U.S. commanders." He wrote, among other things, that "the population is in despair" and that "life in many of the urban areas is now desperate." That being said, McCaffrey sees reason for hope. … [Read more...] about Retired Army General Barry McCaffrey on Iraq
‘The Australian’ on Hicks’ Gitmo
David Hicks at his Adelaide home prior to his incarceration at Gitmo The Australian provides an interesting glimpse into Guantanamo Bay Naval Base prison where Adelaide-resident David Hicks, 31, has been detained for more than six years on charges of alleged terrorist activities. It says: "Detainees are glimpsed pacing manically in their cells. Others look calm - as much … [Read more...] about ‘The Australian’ on Hicks’ Gitmo
This Type of Thinking Will Do Us In
"If my critique of the Bush administration could be expressed in a single sentence, it would be this -- they ignore and attack restraints on their power." … [Read more...] about This Type of Thinking Will Do Us In
Iran Softens Stand on British Sailors
Captured British Navy personnel Faye (Topsy) Turney who may be released soon Some sense seems to have dawned on Iranian leadership. The latest news is that Iran now admits that 15 British Navy personnel may have entered Iranian waters by 'mistake'. Forbes says that "Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki discounted the possibility of an escalation in the crisis, … [Read more...] about Iran Softens Stand on British Sailors
Playing the Iranian Game
Iran's seizure of 15 British naval personnel has analysts and pundits spinning in circles. Were they trying to influence the U.N. Security Council? Are they trying to "reassert their political and military relevance" in the Persian Gulf area? Perhaps they're trying to leverage public opinion -- in this case, against Tony Blair -- by taking hostages to underscore that those … [Read more...] about Playing the Iranian Game
Anna Nicole Smith Autopsy
“Iraq’s Tal Afar: Symbol of US Failure”
James Hider, The Times correspondent in Baghdad, says "Tal Afar is quickly becoming a symbol of the failure of US policy in Iraq." (To read my earlier story on the horrific revenge killings in Iraq please click here...) "The Americans have been in there twice before as part of two huge operations. They pacified the situation, but each time they handed it over to the Iraqi … [Read more...] about “Iraq’s Tal Afar: Symbol of US Failure”
McCain Almost Left GOP
Ai, if this is true (or / and perhaps even when it’s not), it could hurt Senator John McCain: Democratic lawmakers say that John McCain was ready to leave the GOP in 2001 “weeks before then-Sen. Jim Jeffords (Vt.) famously announced his decision to become an Independentâ€?. Former Sen. Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) and ex-Rep. Tom Downey (D-N.Y.) told The Hill that they were … [Read more...] about McCain Almost Left GOP
Tony Snow And Elizabeth Edwards: The Cancer Is Focusing On The Party
This has been a wrenching -- and revealing -- week for many Americans of both parties and no party. First, Elizabeth Edwards' cancer returns and she and her husband Democratic presidential hopeful John Edwards decide that given the fact we all are not guaranteed more than the present and our yesterdays, they will continue his campaign for President. Now, White House … [Read more...] about Tony Snow And Elizabeth Edwards: The Cancer Is Focusing On The Party
Zero Tolerance
If there is one thing Tony Blair cannot do, it is to give in to Iran. Iran kidnapped 15 British who were, at the moment of their 'capture' in Iraqi waters. To give in to Iran now, will give the Mullahs the impression that the West will eventually cave in regarding their nuclear program and sponsoring of terrorism, as well. Today, Pajamas Media published a good article by … [Read more...] about Zero Tolerance
Iraq & The Looming Constitutional Crisis
There have been two constitutional crises in my lifetime – a Vietnam era debate over whether the president can unilaterally declare war and the Watergate scandal. The table is now being set for a third over President Bush’s refusal to bow to the American people and a Congressional majority on his Iraq war policy. The republic survived the first two crises. In the … [Read more...] about Iraq & The Looming Constitutional Crisis
US ‘Surges’ & Iraq’s Violence ‘Upsurges’
More horror stories are pouring in unabated from Iraq. Gunmen have executed up to 50 Sunnis in an ethnically divided Iraqi town, in what appeared to be a horrific revenge attack for the slaughtering of 75 mainly Shia Muslims in a double-truck bombing only hours before, reports The Times. "In signs that the sectarian conflict in the north-western Iraqi community of Tal … [Read more...] about US ‘Surges’ & Iraq’s Violence ‘Upsurges’
Poll: Public Overwhelmingly Supports Congressional Prosecutors Firing Probe
Yet another poll has come out that indicates the Bush administration is taking a hard-line stance that is at odds with the majority of the American people -- this time on the ongoing furor over the firing of Republican prosecutors who some believe were axed because they didn't go after Democratic politicians fast enough and even went after some Republicans: Americans … [Read more...] about Poll: Public Overwhelmingly Supports Congressional Prosecutors Firing Probe
Irish Pax
David Hicks Pleas Guilty
After two of his three lawyers were dismissed from the case. One for refusing to agree to rules that hadn't been written yet. Wow. Wow. … [Read more...] about David Hicks Pleas Guilty
The Problem with Alternative Energy “Sources”
Cross-posted to Random Fate. --- I've always been a big advocate of efficiency in resource use and minimal generation of pollution because it's not simply poor form to crap in your own bed, in the long term it is deadly, regardless of what those who would like to think otherwise say. On the face of it, increased use of ethanol seems very promising in reducing at least … [Read more...] about The Problem with Alternative Energy “Sources”
Senate Narrowly Approves Iraq Withdrawal Timeline (UPDATED)
It was only a victory of two votes -- but the two votes were enough to change the political equation in Washington:Defying a veto threat, the Democratic-controlled Senate narrowly signaled support Tuesday for the withdrawal of U.S. combat troops from Iraq by next March. Republican attempts to scuttle the non-binding timeline failed on a vote of 50-48, largely along party … [Read more...] about Senate Narrowly Approves Iraq Withdrawal Timeline (UPDATED)
Find Out What Bloggers In Iraq And Afghanistan Have To Say
Visit the Carnival of the Liberated. … [Read more...] about Find Out What Bloggers In Iraq And Afghanistan Have To Say
The Soviet Union of Venezuela
Rule by decree. One-party rule. Seizure of private property. Since winning re-election in last December's election -- or, rather, "election," total sham that it was -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has worked hard to ensure that there is neither liberalism nor democracy in his country. He calls it his "Bolivarean" revolution, but tyranny is a better name for it. On his … [Read more...] about The Soviet Union of Venezuela
Soldiers Being Tricked Out Of Military Benefits?
Sounds ridiculous, but it's reportedly happening to our brave men and women with preexisting "personality disorders."Eventually the rocket shrapnel was removed from Town’s neck and his ears stopped leaking blood. But his hearing never really recovered, and in many ways, neither has his life. A soldier honored twelve times during his seven years in uniform, Town has spent the … [Read more...] about Soldiers Being Tricked Out Of Military Benefits?