News – Bold Terrorists = Security Issue

And they’ve been getting almost insultingly brazen this weekend. Take a look here.

Iraq

Multiple bomb attacks have killed approximately 40 people near the HQ of the Red Cross and near several Baghdad police stations. Added to the overnight attacks which have killed 3 US soldiers and the sophisticated rocket attack on a guarded Baghdad hotel in which Paul Wolfawitz was staying. They’re getting bolder. That’s a bad sign.

And no surprise, the attack that involves a top US official is given a full investigation! Where was this investigation a few weeks ago when it could have headed off brazen strikes like this?

There’s also talk, in the first link, of a roadside bomb, and allegations of US soldiers opening fire indiscriminately afterward. No confirmation on it yet, however.

Never a dull moment.

Kurd Sellout Watch Day 236: Looks like there is some good news. Namely, the likelihood of Turkish troops being tossed into the mix has receded further. At least one potential catastrophe has been averted.

Israel/Palestine

Sharon goes on record as saying there are no plans to kill Arafat. I don’t believe him.

2,000 Palestinians were evacuated from three apartment towers before the Israeli military demolished them. It’s claimed that they were staging points for a recent militant attack. So how long will Israel be allowed to violate International law so flagrantly?

Israel will be requiring Palestinians living near the security fence to get permits for living there. Despite that they were there before the fence. And despite the fact that they promised the UN that the security barrier would not change the legal status of those living near it. Goes to show how much you can trust the country’s leadership.

It seems strange how Israel is allowed to slowly crush Rafah with nary a finger lifted to dissuade them from that course.

Iran

Iran is playing around on their cessation of uranium enrichment. Whatever is going on, it behooves them to play straight when it comes to this.

Iran has given the UN information on a few hundre captured, then released or extradited alQueda suspects, but refuses to detail those that are still detained.

International Papers looks at the world reaction to Iran’s apparent giving in with regard to the nuke card. European papers are bullish, though some consider this more a delay in the game than a clear ending.

Korea

North Korea is ready to consider the US’ offer of security guarantees. Personally, I hope they accept them and I hope Bush doesn’t try to finagle something he can just weasel out of later.

US

Southern California is in the grips of a serious wildfire problem. Some thought to be arson. Hundreds of homes destroyed, but relatively few lives lost so far. Lets hope that number stays low.

Citing the results of an interrogation, it is believes that the Capital, not the White House, was the fourth target. At this point I would wager the precise target is more a topic of academic fascination than pertinent to current security.

A new report notes that Canadian drugs are pretty much as safe and effective as American drugs, despite the lower costs for them. Of course, the pharmaceutical companies are fighting an effort to make it easier for us to get our hands on cheaper Canadian drugs.

Rummy considered a liability rather than an asset? He’d better start checking the classifieds

The 9/11 Commission may well subpoena the White House for files that they are believed to be holding in secret. Good luck, I wouldn’t put it past Bush and company to fight tooth and nail to protect their little secrets.

General

Today’s Papers has mostly Iraq related stuff and various shenanigans at home that are destined to waste our money all the more.

Day to Day: The true cost of discounts and summary judgment on Radio, Scary Movie 3, and Beyond Borders.

Amusements

The Last Picture

Won’t someone please think of the bugs?

Uhhh..