News – Arafat, the Medical Yo-Yo

Just let the man die already.

Israel/Palestine

Confusion has risen once more over the state of Arafat, with new rumors of his death mingling with those of his still clinging to life. In other news, Sharon has agreed to allow Araft, when he should pass, to be buried in Ramallah, despite objections over it being a security risk. Better, I suppose, than the initial situation of burial in Jerusalem. Of course, even with this death Sharon won’t be able to get rid of him, with his visage being painted on walls in Gaza. Amid the confusion of his status, a Muslim cleric is rushed to his side, just in case. Better to have him on hand than not at all.

Binyamin Netanyahu withdraws his threat to resign over Sharon’s pullout plan, citing Arafat’s imminent demise as the reason.

Violence continues despite Arafat’s situation, two Palestinians killed in separate incidents. One killed in Nablus when Israeli forces fired to disperse stone throwing protestors in the city and the other in the city’s casbah when one fired at Israel soldiers and the other was setting a bomb.

Iraq

The operation in Falluja continues and relatives of Allawi(first cousin, his wife and one other as of yet unnamed) are seized in Baghdad by militants. Their captors will behead them in 48 hours unless the offensive in Falluja is ended.

In the battle, it seems US forces have rolled into city center. Though it doesn’t seem the conflict is yet over, which is bad as as the refugee situation around Falluja is serious, with tens of thousands in need of aid. They need to get home. And those still at home need to get out, with their own supplies dwindling.

Guardian columnist Ghaith Abdul-Ahad brings some images from inside Falluja. Images of the militants, since few seem inclined to show anything from that side.

There have been clashes in Mosul, without any details on who was involved as of yet.

The effort to count the toll in Iraq continues, despite US military claims you can’t possibly keep track of how many civilians die in Iraq.

Afghanistan

Despite indications to the contrary, the kidnappers of three UN workers say the Afghan government has agreed to terms for their release.

A UN top official reminds that Afghanistan shouldn’t be neglected after the presidential election. A tougher to manage parliamentary election will be coming up, so they’ll still need help.

Africa

The UK could contribute to a ten thousand troops international force heading into Sudan to help stabilize matters.

Japan

Japan’s navy was mobilized after the spotting of an unidentified sub in their waters. The sub slipped away and no shots were fired.. but it’s a curious event to be sure.

US

Ashcroft is out of the White House, along with Commerce Secretary Donald Evans. Both have resigned.

College students are out teaching their peers about copyright law and how it’s abused by Hollywood studios and the recording industry.

Kerry says he’ll fight the good fight in the Senate. He’d better so be can develop a better record to fall back on. It should be obvious to him that be needs something serious to point at if he ever tries for higher office again.

Reforming immigration to let Mexicans work in the US is a high priority for Bush’s administration. Bush’s administration also appeals over Oregon’s law that allows terminally ill patients to be helped by doctors to commit suicide. After all, states rights only matter so much as they give rights that Bush thinks should be rights.

The number of foreign students pursuing advanced degrees in the US have dropped, factors such as U.S. visa policy, increased international competition and perceptions that the United States is no longer a welcoming country cited as the reason for this decline. All easily believable and likely all a factor.

ABC has reported that US intelligence officials suspect that the English speaking man in a recent alQueda threat video is a missing Californian man named Adam Gadahn.

With the reelection of Australian Prime Minister John Howard, the continued deployment of the United States’ missile shield at Australia’s Pine Gap defense facility is assured. China is not pleased by that.

Will this Christmas season be all that it’s usually cracked up to be?

Thoughtful shots at debunking the latest election machines questions.

Bootleg, eh? Putting the law on smugglers of hooch to Canada.

General

Let Halo 2 mania kick in.The game rakes in $100 million, though my green won’t be among it.. unless they decide to port it to Mac. I suppose we’ll see.

Explainer talks comas, with a little info on Arafat.

We’ve got a note that misleading marketing on low carb products can end up with you putting on the bounds regardless</A>.

Today’s Papers has Ashcroft saying his work is done in his resignation letter, a peace agreement in Darfur(lets see the government stick to it), the largest Sunni political party quitting the interim Iraq government over the Falluja offensive and more in the one page news.

Amusements

Man loses cell phone, calls it, dog’s stomach starts ringing.

Girl student banned from wearing skirt with “It’s all about the Juicy” written on it while boy students allowed to wear shirts emblazoned with “Hooter’s” and “Big Johnson”

New Haven institutes program encouraging police officers to live in public housing to reduce crime. Cop taking advantage of program shoots first guy he meets while moving in. Mission accomplished

Bank robber tries to turn himself in to police. Is told they’re too busy, come back tomorrow

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this guy fixing Big Tex

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop these speed skaters

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this lonely sailboat