News – Iraq Gone Bad
Middle East
An internal US report notes Iraq as in serious trouble. On the one hand, it’s good that at least someone noticed that. On the other hand, it just goes to show how much they try to coddle the public with their rosy assessments. Looks like they haven’t yet learned that honesty is the best policy.
Is US propaganda with regard to Abu Musab al-Zarqawi making him out to be a bigger threat than he really is? I can’t say for sure, but I wouldn’t be surprised. Wouldnt be the first time we’ve made a boogeyman caricature out of an issue or person.
The Shia militias and their assassinating might be one o the bigger threats in Iraq now. So don’t just look down on Sunnis, the Shia are screwing up too.
The US ambassador to Iraq admits the US has been talking with insurgent groups and says it has led to less attacks in Iraq.
Israel’s government cuts formal security ties with Palestine, further showing their lack of desire for peace, in my opinion. So now we can expect further over the top strikes in Palestine, feeding the militants and further reducing the likelihood of Hamas moving in a more peaceful direction. Thus the cycle of violence continues and the two powers continue to grind each other to dust.
Israel boycotts in inquest opening today with regard to the shooting death of a British peace activist. Israel should just give it up and cooperate, because the more they clam up about the potential missteps of their own military, the more scorn is sire to heap upon them. And not without reason, in my opinion. In this case, there is evidence that the fault was with their soldiers.
Europe
France scraps the youth job contract that caused such a ruckus last week.
Italy is in the midst of a contentious vote, which could see Bush losing his ally, Silvio Berlusconi. Sounds a lot like our elections, where the two sides mostly gripe at each other and harp on every weakness rather than focusing only on the issues.
North America
Upwards of half a million Hispanics and supporters march in response to the stalled efforts at immigration reform in our legislature. Bush blames democratic blocking maneuvers, of course. I’m sure there is plenty of blame to spread around to all involved. All of them are a pack of lily livered cowards who live in fear of offending too many people so they won’t get reelected. If this were a real government, they would seek to do what is best for the welfare of the nation and it’s public image, rather than wringing their hands over the loss of Hispanic voters or the backlash of the republicans.
Bush, a leaker? I guess he’ll have to fire himself 😉 Will the White House ditch or continue to embrace Libby as he reveals more and more?
A bearded man wearing a “God Bless America” tshirt jumped the fence around the White House, then ran onto the front lawn, waving his arms and screaming “I am a victim of terrorism.” Luckily for him, Secret Service subdued him, rather than shooting him.
Be aware, the US may well be planning to hit Iran. Where they’d get the manpower to do it, I don’t know. Unless a massive pullout from Iraq is planned. Or maybe the two are just playing chicken.
Explainer puzzles over earmarks.
General
PBS will be showing a sad documentary on David Vetter, the ‘boy in the bubble’. Sad that this young boy lived only 12 years, whereas today the condition he had is 90% treatable.
The controvercial new movie, Unoted 93. Is it time for a movie based on 9/11? Personally, I think it is past time for most people to have a sore spot here. Some people always will, but the world can’t stop for them alone. It is theirs to reconcile their hurt, not ours to tiptoe aroudn them for the remainder of their lives.
The blogs look at Scooter Libby outting Bush’s leaking ways and the lated from South Park.
Today’s Papers has an LAT reporter who hung out outside a US base in Afghanistan and got offered all sorts of stolen goods(including flash drives with classified material), Nepal’s continuing political crisis, the minimalist response to Darfur and more in the one page news.
Amusements
Florida uses armed deputies to patrol swamps for berry poachers: “There’s an army of pickers out there.”
Department of Children and Families investigator may face disciplinary action for getting naked on the Howard Stern Show
You’ve heard of “man hands”, now meet the Egyptian guy who wore a head-to-toe Islamic veil to visit his girlfriend, only to be given away by his “man shoes” in the all-women train carriage
Gay rodeo makes its Florida debut. Article includes the word “cowgirling”
More than 2000 people sign full-page advertisement promising to boycott TV channel for one year, or until such time it takes to respect the authoritah of Mary, Mother of Jesus
Fat-busting laser treatment could melt away cellulite and arterial plaque, proving once again that you can do whatever the hell you want to yourself and science will bail you out
Villagers say new topless carwarsh, Bubbles ‘n’ Babes, is attracting Peeping Toms
The worst tech gadgets of 2006… so far
Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop a novelty Monopoly board
Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop the coat of arms of the Quebec Police
Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this ninja guy and his evil toady