News – Ballsy Italians

Iraq

Italy’s government and opposition leaders are united in refusing kidnapper demands that Italian’s protest against their country’s military presence in Iraq. The relatives, however, are asking for Italians to participate in rallies on Wednesday and Thursday that call for the release of the three workers still held, not to denounce the government. The deadline for these demands sits at five days.

Spanish troops are leaving Najaf in what seems to first part of the Spanish troop pullout. A Defense Ministry source confirms all 200 troops in the city have been pulled back to Diwaniya.

With US policy shifts in Iraq, is it yet silently proven that mistakes have been made, despite official denials?

US forces clash with insurgents in Najaf, killing over 40 of the insurgents. The US is moving forces into the base left by the Spanish troops, to make sure it doesn’t fall into enemy hands. Not that it maters, the US has the artillery to level the base easily. It would be a disadvantage for the insurgents to focus their forces into a static base.

The UK will likely send more troops to Iraq if asked to, but on condition that there is a shift in how the US does business on the ground in the country.

Saddam may be out of the picture, but his methods are living on just fine in the new Iraq. An interesting look at Sadr’s cadre from the inside.

Boat attacks on oil platforms could mark yet another sport of vulnerability that can be prodded by insurgents.

A stern warning is issued over the action in Falluja, that action in the city, which has left to many civilian casualties, is violating the Geneva convention.

Afghanistan

A small Afghan National Army has made it’s debut. Their numbers are in the range of 10,000, well shy of the 70,000 goal set by the US. But they are pretty in their new uniforms. Will they be able to do the job better than the Iraqi army has so far? Add to that list a band of new female police. I’m sure that’ll make waves. Nice to see, but one might wonder at the effect such a cadre would have culturally.

Israel/Palestine

Israeli Forces kill two militants in the West Bank. Security is up during their Independence Day holiday. Some are surmising that a big attack right around now would seriously harm Sharon’s attempts to get his plan passed.

A rather twisted game show called the Mission is broadcast all over the Arab world from Beirut on al Manar, the satellite TV station of Hizbullah. Just another little way that such groups keep hatred alive.

Is Sharon’s pullout plan little more than a version of apartheid? He seems to think that the approval given to Sharon’s plan is historic for a reason not so positive as some opine.

Korea

The UN is seeking a supply of 1,000 tons of food to help feed the survivors of the big train explosion in North Korea. Russia and South Korea are already sending aid.

Japan

Two former Japanese hostages are upset at the government and domestic media for blaming them and their families for putting Japan’s military mission in Iraq at risk Yeah, I’m sure they wanted to be captured and threatened with death just to piss off their own government. Lets hear another tall tale.

UK

52 former ambassadors to several Middle East nations have sent a rebuking joint letter to Blair. They condemn US strategy and the UK government for going along with it.

US

Understanding Arab Anti-Americanism. Only through understanding the past can we build a better future.

How can a 1 million+ force be stretched thin by the deployment of 130,000? Read on and ye shall know. Logistics are the weak point of the army, it seems.

Did you know the US has 15 intelligence agencies? Explainer lists them off.

Musing the Freudian slips of politicians. Do they have meaning or not. Most notably, Condi’s recent reported slip.

Colin Powell says he never considered resigning over the Iraq War. NO real reason he should. Everyone involved in this administration is immune to firing unless they break step with the party line.

The Bush and Kerry campaigns trade fire on security. This one between Cheney, challenging Kerry’s record on defense, while prominent democrats blast back on Cheney’s own votes against Pentagon weapon systems and lack of military service. Interesting when one’s arguments are turned back on them. Added is a recent flare up in the contention over just what Kerry did with his medals and/or ribbons.

Meanwhile Kerry pledges an aggressive US trade stance. We’ll see, perhaps. Blowing the Cuban vote in Florida could hamper his ascension and hence his plans for the future.

Jim Turner of Texas, the leading Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee, and Jane Harman of California, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee are proposing a new plan for the war on terror. It calls for 100 billion in military, diplomatic and economic proposals on a fixed timeline of 10 years. Which, over time, would set it as cheap compared to the cost of occupying Iraq and it focuses as much on the war against ideas as physically killing terrorists.

US officials hold a press conference to calm the illegal immigrant community of Texas, assuring them there are no massive raids to find and deport them. Does anyone else get a strange feeling when reading something like that? Kind of amusing from some points of view.

The Supreme Court lets stand a ruling that reading a mealtime prayer for Virginia Military Institute cadets violates the separation of Church and State.

The US government gives up the fight for abortion records at a Manhattan hospital. This done so a much watched trial challenging the 2003 federal ban of ‘partial birth’ abortions could be concluded.

Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is criticized for forbidding out of state couples to come to Massachusetts to get hitched if their state of origin doesn’t allow gay marriages. Personally, I can see where he’s coming from. It would cause a lot of havoc as states decide how to deal with their citizens getting married in Mass, then returning to their homes where the law in regards to gay marriage are either starkly against or ambiguous.

At least Bush is good for something. No taxes on broadband.

What do our modern fairy tales tell of society’s changes? We look at two remakes on the classic Cinderella story that have cropped up in theaters recently. Personally, I haven’t seen either.

Questions remain over the big push of this administration when it comes to nuclear arms. This article has a lot of somewhat obscure info to fill your brainpan.

General

Could some eco-friendly diapers not provide noticeable environmental or health benefits? Apparently some use super-absorbent gelling materials. Which are linked to an increase in childhood asthma and a decrease in sperm count among boys. And they take decidedly more resources to generate than other single use diapers.

Who was the father of the iPod? An independent contractor? Seems like that is the case. Considering Apple’s pride in it’s own engineering talent, I can see why they might want to keep the story quiet.

The secrets of a spider’s climbing and clinging ability are reveled. It’s pretty impressive but that’s usually how insects and their marvelous feats are. Most notably, ants and their relative strength.

Today’s Papers has note of 900 wounded in Iraq this month, the energy department light on terror preparations and musing the situation in Iraq.

Amusements

Artist unveils 107-minute video of David Beckham sleeping. Marginally more interesting than watching David Beckham play soccer

FCC fines radio station for prank calling Castro

Woman leaves 70% of her estate to the IRS on purpose

Drunken German decides to take bulldozer out for a joyride. Police beatdown ensues

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Theme: Just like the real thing, only smaller.

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Theme: That’s not a hat.

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Theme: Reasons to keep your tin foil hat securely on your head

PS: Kiplakistan?