News – Are we safer or not?

US

Well, the Terror Threat Index has popped up again. Just in time for my trip. Luverly. :p You know what’s amusing? They say this might be the greatest level of threat since 9/11, yet the claim to be winning the war on terrorism. Come on, boys. You can’t have it both ways. Either we’re getting safer or we aren’t.

The “Freedom Tower” follies. Putting two architects with vastly different styles to work on the same building is bound for an ego clash.

Will “C-SPAN Baghdad be the new face of US propaganda that some think it will be? If the government is set to try and push tis sunny, no grey clouds message with taxpayer money, I think that’s a reason to get upset.

The “American Solider” is Time’s person of the year for 2003.

Wesley Clark says Dean offered him the VP slot before he began his own campaign, but Dean’s campaign manager denies that.

Al Gore’s kid gets charged for pot possession. What is it with presidential(and presidential candidate) kids and doing stupid crap?

Some EU nations are against the EU’s decision that the US has adequate enough privacy protections to be allowed European traveler’s personal data. They still think this is illegal, based on EU privacy laws.

Iraq

Many arrests since Saddam’s capture, with suspected Saddam loyalists, Baathists and Islamists being snatched up all over. 200 by one count. Not only that, but it seems that gunmen are making mafia-style hits on former Baath party members. Even those who were a part of it, but left the party years ago are being attacked. 40 such individuals have been killed since June.

Eight Iraqis tell tales of Saddam’s cruelty and what they think should happen to him. Interestingly, only one advocates outright death for the dictator.

Families who lost loved ones in the Iran-Iraq war react to Saddam’s capture.

Israel/Palestine

Now we have Israel warning Iran that if they get close to making nuclear weapons, Israel will take matters into its own hands. Umm.. isn’t the IAEA handing this? Just wondering.

Now, what about Israel and it’s WMD? Estimates place them as the fifth largest nuclear power. Congress has concluded that it has “undeclared offensive chemical warfare capabilities” and is “generally reported as having an undeclared offensive biological warfare program”. What are we going to do about this? Nothing?

International Papers has reaction to Sharon’s recent ultimatum.

Afghanistan

The south and east sectors of the country remains lawless, with potential US maneuvers planned to counter militant attacks.

Africa

Good news. Libya has decided it won’t be doing the weapons thing anymore. They’re even going for the snap inspections thing, which Iran as recently (finally) signed on to. Apparently officials have been secretly in talks for months. Libyan Prime Minister Shokri Ghanem has urged Israel to follow suit.

General

Explainer details the difference between outbreaks and epidemics.

Day to Day has faith Based: Worshiping the Same God? Also summary judgment on Return of the King, Mona Lisa Smile and Sand and Fog.

Today’s Papers has the terror threat raised, purported evidence that Pakistani scientists have been spreading around nuke secrets and more.

Amusements

Newgrounds: Frosty vs. Rudolf

Fark Photoshop Challenge: If Santa really answered kids’ letters

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Playboy magazine covers. Link – Minimal overt nudity

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop an edition of ABC’s “After School Special” you would like to see.

Begging for a lawsuit

Lego Attack

Cocaine Mix up