News – Military and Political Disadvantages

Iraq

Iraqi forces in Fallujah were stuck by a mortar attack with twelve killed. Seems to me anytime Iraqi forces, be they military or police, go up against the insurgents, their losses are much more considerable than with US forces. One must wonder if the lack of technology or the lack of hardcore training are the biggest factors in this. After cutting their teeth on US forces, I can see insurgents getting better than any Iraqi forces that are fielded within the next few years.

With the new resolution on Iraq passed unanimously, all hope that violence in the country will diminish. I do as well, but I’m uncertain if this purported official end of the occupation will do it. But not everyone is happy. Kurds are annoyed at the vote and Kurds in the Iraqi government are said to be ready to resign should their leaders give the ok. They’re upset that the new resolution doesn’t endorse Iraq’s interim constitution which recognizes Kurdish autonomy in three northern Iraq provinces. The detachment of this process from the common Iraqi people has left some unaware of the resolution and skeptical at it’s implications. If, as Bush says, this is a great boon to the Iraqi people.. maybe more effort should be made to communicate it to them?

Previously unmentioned is the rescue of three Italians and a Pole hostage in Iraq.

Israel/Palestine

Counting the cost of Sharon’s Gaza pullout plan includes his majority in parliament. But that’s what happens when you fire to get what you want.

Pakistan

The Pakistani military reports killing eight militants in their continuing foray into tribal regions of the country.

Africa

Bukavu has been retaken by Congolese government troops, the dissident soldiers who had seized it discarding their uniforms and fleeing without a fight.

Ashcroft is grilled on US torture rules, refusing to give over a memo that newspapers already have, which showed Ashcroft’s Justice Department had offered justification to use torture of al Qaeda detainees if it were done in the name of national security. His reasoning is that their part of his private advice to the prez.

Reagan, Reagan, Reagan

Looking at the oil and gas issue, it comes down to refineries. The last new one we built was in 78. Considering the vast increase in fuel usage, it’s inevitable that we’d come up against issues with shortage of capacity. Why aren’t more refineries built? Coastal land is the best place for them, but the NIMBY(Not in my backyard) sentiment keeps them from being built near ports where it is most efficient. All of the prime land is either taken or off limits. Which is why we do indeed need energy independence though alternative fuels.

Boston becomes the first state to employ random searches on public transportation. As well, protests by hundreds of police, firefighters and emergency medical technicians near the site of the DNC have stopped work to prepare for it. They’re seeking a contract. As I’m not familiar with this, I don’t really know what contract they mean. 😉

General

There are some serious forays into making honestly secure electronic voting a reality. We can only hope efforts like this bury Diebold when it comes to electronic voting.

Explainer details who can declare a holiday, just as Bush called for a federal holiday on Friday.

Didn’t see the transit of Venus? We got pics!

Amusements

Plane passenger, thinking it rude to turn off her cell phone while in the middle of a call, slaps federal air marshal when asked to do so.

$163-million bullet train takes four minutes longer than regular car to cover Cali commute

Asshat urbanites move to the country, complain that cows “ruin the ambience”

Newgrounds: Life

Newgrounds: The Dead Case

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Theme: Unlikely computer peripherals

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this “epic battle”