News – Bombings and Dates

Iraq

New suicide bombings in Brasa leaves 68 dead. Three at police stations, one at a training academy. Apparently a minibus with children was near one of the blasts, ten children counted among the dead.

The Bush Administration calls June 30th a step on the road to self-rule, not a magical date. It was their mistake to keep mentioning the date like it meant something, then. I wonder what might occur of the date rolls around and little really changes on the ground.

The Dominican Republic has decided it’s time for them to slide out their 300 troops. The country join’s Spain and Honduras in that. “The fact is this is not peacekeeping, it’s still combat,” Wolfowitz said to a congressional hearing. “And until it becomes peacekeeping, a lot of countries are probably going to stay on the sidelines,”

Could it be that al-Jazeera has too good a track record for accurate reporting? If such is truth and the US military seems intent on moving them out of camera range, it would be quite telling. It’s hard to believe reports of US snipers shooting at women and children in Falluja, as was said by the station. Then corroborated by foreign observers.

A profile of John Negroponte, future US ambassador to Iraq.

Israel/Palestine

Mordechai Vanunu emerges from prison after 18 years to cheers from supporters who call him a “peace hero” and chants from counter demonstrators of “Shut up, atomic spy.” He, however, says that he has no more secrets to tell and is ready to start his life.

Israeli forces raid Beit Lahiya on the Gaza Strip to stop reprisal rocket attacks. Five were killed as a result, three marked by medics as gunmen. 25 others were injured.

A May 2nd referendum among the 200k members of the Lukid Party will decide if the Gaza pullout plan proceeds. As he needs a big win on this, Sharon will be campaigning overtime for his plan.

Turkey

A Turkish court is keeping four ex-parliamentarians, jailed in 1994 for links to Kurdish rebels, in jail despite EU and rights groups calling for their release.

France

France expels am Imam who preaches the stoning and beating of adulterous wives to his native Algeria.

US

Kerry gets questioned on his military record, so releases some documents. Meanwhile Kerry blasts Bush on the environment.

Intelligence officials think it’s a bad idea to lump all anti-terror functions into one organization.

An Oregon judge orders Multnomah County officials to stop providing gay marriage licenses. But.. he also says that laws against it are unconstitutional and that those who have already gotten hitched should be recognized by the state.

A long muse on the current case before the Supreme Court. Can the Gitmo detainees get real trials?

Musing the benefit of Bush dumping Cheney.

General

A serious flaw at the core of the internet could allow hackers to do some serious damage. Apparently, governments have been working secretly for months tying to fix it.

Prince is back? News to me. Might take a peek at his work, see if it resonates any.

Explainer details who the Planetary Protection Officer is and what he does.

Today’s Papers has the Pentagon scrubbing some comments from public transcripts of Bob Woodward interviewing Rummy, trimmed plans to restrict overtime pay, Russia backing off of objections to an investigation into the UN Food for Oil program and more.

Amusements

Man driving with “Chevrolet” dealer tag flees scene after downing “Ford” advertising blimp with shotgun

Afghanistan’s national soccer team disbands after nine of its members attempt to seek asylum in Italy during international training camp – Things are just getting better?

Woman auctions eight-year-old daughter on eBay

Mark Fiore: Interrupt II

Homestarrunner.com: Car

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Create a poster to promote a Fark rule, written or unwritten

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Theme: Swords into plowshares — photoshop weapons into non-violent uses