News – Israeli Leadership Losing Credibility (1/2

It seems it happens at least once a day, though has been slowing some as of late. Israel does something and the leaders of the country lose more marks in reference to their credibility in my book.

Israel/Palestine

The Israeli military is forced to confess it lied. Under threat of having it revealed anyway, the air force chief admitted that Hellfire missiles(which have a relatively concentrated blast radius) were not used in an attack on a Hamas activist who was driving through Nuseirat refugee camp. He refused to say what was used, citing “operational security”. What is suspected is that an American-made Flechette that is illegal under international law because it fires thousands of tiny darts over hundreds of meters. Israel has used weapons like this before in Gaza. Another source admitted it wasn’t fired from an Apache helicopter either, which leads one to wonder just what manner of craft was used.

Furthermore evidence suggests that a second missile exploded in the air, not on the ground, suggesting an intent to generate casualties. Palestinians claim there were 14 casualties in that attack and the Israeli military said none. This instance of lying, however, is most significant in damaging the integrity of the IDF. How much are they lying about? How much can we trust them to tell the truth?

Amid dissent at his hardline policies, Sharon’s preparing some conciliatory steps toward Palestinians. With Bush pushing on the fence again and the possibility of diminishing loan guarantees, the pressure is on him.

Iraq

Militants fired rockets from a donkey cart today, hitting the Oil Ministry compound and two hotels used by foreign contractors and journalists. A third and fourth cart were found near the Italian and Turkish embassies, ready for action. Few injuries, no note of anyone captured. But I think these attacks are all about repeated slaps in the face to the US occupation more than body count. Second source.

The attack in Kirkuk is, of course, blamed on alQueda and Saddam loyalists. May well be, but who knows for 100% sure? The most annoying part is that the violence is being spread around. If they start dispersing through the country, rather than being confined to the ‘Sunni Triangle’, then this could get very rough.

Iran

The US ambassador to the IAEA has stated he sees no reason to believe Iran will cease being tricky. And he’s criticized the IAEA for saying there isn’t any evidence of secret nuke programs. But there isn’t. There is evidence that Iran dabbled, but that’s hardly a full fledged program.

European countries are working to find a compromise point with the hardline US position in the condemning resolution that will eventually make its way before the security council.

Afghanistan

Four suspected militants are being held by US forces after rockets were fired at several US bases.

Turkey

Jack Straw says we face a global threat from terrorism. Most likely we do, because the hornets nest of the Middle East has been shaken for the last few decades. And once they get out, that’s it.

Among the 27 killed in Istanbul yesterday’s bombing were consul general, Roger Short, and one of his staff, Lisa Hallworth. Britons are now targets, but I would wager the status is the same for just about all foreigners now. The only distinguishing factor might be who was participating in any way with the US’ Iraq war.

UK

The Bush effigy is pulled down, ala Saddam statue, to grand cheers. I wonder if Bush’s trip to the UK will be worth all of that. Hmm.

Further recounting of the big protest. Looks like it was a well-ordered and peaceful protest, which is good for everyone.

US

Slate’s Fray opines over the issue of gay marriage. I plan to do some more of my own as well some time today. Keep an eye. 😉

Jurisprudence muses on the real source of marital decay. The true decay comes not from allowing gays to marry, but from a myriad of other factors. Look at the divorce rates. Why aren’t we so hot on figuring why those rates are so high, rather than denying a class of people the same stability afforded heterosexuals?

Michael Jackson has turned himself in, been photoed and printed, posted bail, made his denial of the charges and all. People continue to speculate and Ren waits to see what develops.

It’s expected that the causes of the great blackout would have been preventable. Once more companies don’t follow reliability standards and we get screwed by their stupidity. Standards are made for a reason. Companies that don’t’ adhere to them need to get a nice, firm kick in the ass daily until they do.

Cincinnati’s Roman Catholic Archdiocese reached a plea agreement for $10k that will be paid because of failure to report allegations of child abuse. It just never dies, this issue. The archbishop notes that a $3 million fund is being made for abuse victims, but partaking in it will preclude one from suing the church.

The Syria sanctions bill has been sent to Bush. He’ll sign it and we’ll see if the sanctions really matter.

The US now has some new requirements when it comes to shipping cargo in and out of the country. With advance noted required either way, both before shipping and just before reaching the border from any means, land, sea or air. It looks like a good means to keep better track of what’s coming in and out.

A little Clark hypocrisy. Everyone has some in them.

The Victoria’s Secret spectacle on CBS. I was too busy playing video games to watch it. 😉