CNN reports that terrorists have attacked the Iraq's Ministry of Municipalities building where many important Iraqis were gathered for a celebration. The bombing killed 12 and wounded - at least - 42 individuals among whom Iraq's Vice President Adel Abdul Mahdi of the powerful Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq. The Shiite group / the Iraqi government … [Read more...] about Breaking: Iraqi Vice President Adel Abdul Mahdi Wounded after Terrorist Attack
Of Lawrence, Saudi Arabia, Arabs & the West
To read the story on 'arranged marriages' in a Saudi paper please click here. We had interesting comments that followed two TMV posts - The Lessons of ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ by Shaun Mullen, and my post on Myth of Muslim Support for Terror A few comments came from Laura. In one of those Laura says: "We ought to be prejudice towards our own civilization because it is … [Read more...] about Of Lawrence, Saudi Arabia, Arabs & the West
Is Hagel the New McCain?
Every election needs its maverick. Some random speculation at Central Sanity ... … [Read more...] about Is Hagel the New McCain?
Lieberman in WSJ: The Choice on Iraq
Senator Joe Lieberman wrote an OP-ED for the Wall Street Journal called "The Choice on Iraq". In it he defends the surge and calls on the Democrats to change their approach towards the war / surge. What is remarkable about this state of affairs in Washington is just how removed it is from what is actually happening in Iraq. There, the battle of Baghdad is now under way. A new … [Read more...] about Lieberman in WSJ: The Choice on Iraq
Justice: The American Beacon Dims
Long after George Bush retires to his Texas ranch to search among the scrub brush for his lost legacy and long after Dick Cheney has his final myocardial infarction, Americans will be trying to pick up the pieces of a justice system that they sought to destroy. If you are of a certain age, you may remember a time when the United States was a beacon of justice in a world … [Read more...] about Justice: The American Beacon Dims
Iran-Contra Revisited
The New Yorker published a long article (five pages) by Seymour Hersh yesterday. Although it might take you all an incredible 20-30 minutes to read, I'd encourage everyone to read it nonetheless: it's very informative, very interesting, and very shocking. Hersh explains how the Bush administration is involved in something quite similar to Iran-Contra. America's (and … [Read more...] about Iran-Contra Revisited
Why Does America Treat Its Soldiers & Vets So Badly?
Finding myself in an inquisitively philosophical mood, I asked the other day why America has draconian laws that lead to the imprisonment of casual marijuana users despite all the studies that show that marijuana is fairly innocuous, is not a gateway drug and can provide relief from the side effects of crippling medical treatments. A vigorous discussion largely free of … [Read more...] about Why Does America Treat Its Soldiers & Vets So Badly?
Cell Phone Lover
From moderate cartoonist Tom Briscoe: … [Read more...] about Cell Phone Lover
Oscars: “Hooray For Hollywood”
If you missed the Oscars last night (as I did) here is some GREAT LIVE BLOGGING that will fill you in. … [Read more...] about Oscars: “Hooray For Hollywood”
Cheney Chest Thumping
The Empire Strikes Back
Kos responds to the TNR buyout. TNR's apology for its support of the Iraq war continues to yield Needa-esque results. … [Read more...] about The Empire Strikes Back
Sacrificing Freedom for Safety
Many people rightfully criticize the Bush administration for sacrificing freedoms for (a feeling of) safety but European governments do the exact same thing. In Germany, a proposal from the Ministry of Justice would essentially prohibit using false information to create an e-mail account, making the standard Internet practice of creating accounts with pseudonyms illegal. A … [Read more...] about Sacrificing Freedom for Safety
Obama on Iraq in 2002
H/t Andrew Sullivan who comments: "He was right. I was wrong. This clip is impressive." … [Read more...] about Obama on Iraq in 2002
GM Chrysler
Center of Attention
Some extra attention for a few centrist, moderate, and independent bloggers ... Orlando Machete wonders if U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, a Texas Democrat, has jumped off the deep end with her apparent, newfound love for the Land of Hugo Chavez. At The Reaction, Libby Spencer examines questions about the utility of killing al-Qaeda leaders, including the Grand Poobah (bin … [Read more...] about Center of Attention
Should News Entertain Or Inform — Or Both?
INDIO, California -- It is the buzz up here at the Riverside County Fair, where I have been performing three shows a day in my other incarnation since Feb. 16. It's the subject of conversation among entertainers, some of the people who have booths in the main vendors' buildling and others. What's going to happen to Anna Nicole Smith's baby? Who was the real father? And why … [Read more...] about Should News Entertain Or Inform — Or Both?
Who’s The “Real” Secretary Of State?
U.S. Generals Threatening to Resign and … Israel Preparing to Attack Iran?
The Times of London reports that several U.S. generals and admirals are threatening to resign if George Bush gives the order to attack Iran. “There are four or five generals and admirals we know of who would resign if Bush ordered an attack on Iran,â€? a source with close ties to British intelligence said. “There is simply no stomach for it in the Pentagon, and a lot of … [Read more...] about U.S. Generals Threatening to Resign and … Israel Preparing to Attack Iran?
The Lessons of ‘Lawrence of Arabia’
Arab tribal leaders Sherif Ali (Omar Sharif) and Auda abu Tayi (Anthony Quinn) When the word tribal comes up in connection with Iraq and the Middle East, most Americans turn off. The concept of tribes is a dialogue killer. Because no matter how Americans may view George Bush's war, most see the Iraqi people as shiftless, intellectually vapid, morally suspect and content … [Read more...] about The Lessons of ‘Lawrence of Arabia’
Economic Surge Needed
An interesting column by Fareed Zakaria over at Newsweek. Fareed argues that the military surge in Iraq "tackles the conflict that defined Iraq from 2003 to 2005—the insurgency—rather than the civil war now raging across the country." Even "worse, in trying to solve yesterday's problem we are exacerbating today's." He goes on to write that: In Baghdad, Shiite militias … [Read more...] about Economic Surge Needed