News – Resistance Numbers?

Lets hope a solid estimate weighs in lower than this one.

Iraq

One military intelligence analyst things there might be 50,000 rebels in Iraq. Note, the numbers are speculation, but that such a figure is on the table for consideration is a bit disheartening.

The number of dead from the Nasiriya base bombing now sits at 26. 18 were Italian.

Italy reels from its Iraq losses. Interesting to note that Italy’s defense minister visited the wounded troops. As was noted by someone else, I don’t think any of Bush’s administration has done the wounded troops visit yet. Another note: Japan has deferred sending non-combat personnel to Iraq in the wake of the Nassiriya bombing.

The US is shifting focus to creating a new governing body in Iraq, which will eventually replace or absorb the Iraqi Council. And other steps that are, apparently, aimed at stepping back a little to assuage the anger that the administration is suddenly more aware of.

Two suspects have been detained in relation to the Black Hawk Helicopter attack. Has anyone noticed the glut of suspects that seem to be found, yet we never hear anything about convictions. Are these people eventually found innocent or simply held in the nebulous limbo of enemy combatant status until they rot? I’ve been growing more and more concerned by this.

Some respect for Seymour Hersh at getting the WMD bit right after so many misses.

Israel/Palestine

A fragment of progress. The Palestinian cabinet has been sworn in, so with the formation of this new government, more talks are ready to begin. Now we will see what comes of it.

Sharon thinks criticism against Israel’s use of excessive force(he actually said excessive) is a new form of anti-Semitism. Personally, I think Sharon is a little insane in the ole membrane. Personally, I don’t have anything against Israel existing. It would have been nice if the genesis of that existence was a little less strife ridden and that the current leadership wasn’t as chock full of reckless zealots. I won’t, however, apologize for thinking that excessive force is worse than appropriate force when it comes to defense.

More on the damage that Israel’s wall building is having on Palestinians. This wouldn’t be so bad if the wall didn’t s lice deep into Palestinian territory all over the place.

Syria

The country’s state media brushes off the threat of US sanctions. I suppose we’ll see how much such sanctions will effect the country.

Iran

Despite the disagreement over Iran’s possible nuclear programs, the US is looking for compromise on what to do with Iran. Though the IAEA isn’t quite done with Iran yet, even though it says there isn’t the evidence to prove a full nuclear program yet.

UK

Many in the UK are talking about what the butler said, though the details remain a taboo subject by law. I just find the whole thing amusing.

US

The thirty hours of wasted time over a few of Bush’s judicial nominees has begun, set to end at midnight tonight. Time better spend elsewhere, as the parties posture and generally make asses of themselves in my opinion.

Roy Moore, who put his job on the line for a hunk of rock, is now fighting for that job. This goes to show, crime doesn’t pay and it’s ultimately best to fight for your ideals within the confines of the law at first, not flagrantly deny compliance with such laws.

The US Conference of Catholic Bishops denounce same-sex marriage. And Ren thinks the world really shouldn’t care.

The Supreme Court deliberates if it is the airline’s fault for a death from second hand smoke. The stewards wouldn’t accommodate the multiple requests for the passenger to move, going so far as to lie about the plane being full.

Seems like Deans candidacy has a striking similarity to the war in Iraq. And now he’s in the ‘post-war’ period of his campaign. Having generally beaten all comers. Will Dean be as good on the defense as he was on the attack?

Slate’s Fray bursts out with firey debate on the Phelps monument and what rights Casper has in relation to it. As always, the Fray is an interesting source of varied commentary.

General

With the rise of virtual words, it becomes necessary to ask when real world alws apply to actions in an online world.

Today’s Papers has the Bush administration continuing to pussyfoot around classified presidential briefings with the 9/11 commission, Italian’s not pulling out of Iraq, greater US aggression in the region and more.

Amusements

The Hot Air Cometh

Bush Smash!

War Lotto

Presidential Personal Unresponsibility