News – Pakistan Becomes a Liability?

Pakistan

Looks like Pakistan is learning something from Israel’s government. Despite Bush’s big push for nonproliferation, they’re looking to help Nigeria become a nuclear power. US officials are puzzled by Nigeria’s actions as well, the country not in any danger form its neighbors by all accounts. Why would they want the bomb?

One wonders how many gaffes by Pakistan with regard to US policy will be allowed before Pakistan becomes more a liability than a laudable ally.

Iraq

A mortar attack on an Iraqi police station ended with two wounded officers and two wounded civilians. The attackers then escaped by car, as the report goes.

There are some promising signs of hope for more solidarity between Sunnis and Shias. I’m sure there are others that are less positive, but such is the way of things. Hopefully the light will outweigh he dark ultimately.

Israel/Palestine

Staffan Thorsell takes a ride on Jerusalem’s bus no 167, whose pistol-toting driver, Eli, is determined not to let fear force him from his job. The introductory blurb at the top of the article says it all. Have to admire Eli’s courage. A good trait.

Settlers in nine West Bank outposts have been told to leave or be evicted by the Israeli government. The settlers have stated they’ll appeal the decision, and even if the appeal doesn’t go through they won’t leave. Some see this as a calculated move by Sharon before his next US visit.

Haiti

Looks like the rebels will be laying down their arms and retreating from the city. A good thing to avoid further violence. I’ve been listening to some things on Cspan about the situation and I think I might look more into Haiti and its history. Many are questioning why the US didn’t act sooner. And some are wondering if they didn’t improperly make Aristide resign before they would take him out of the country. Some of the arguments and claims seem, to me, to be a but much. But some, such as requiring a resignation before he could leave, are questionable.

US

With the preliminaries behind now the two candidates have let loose with their opening salvo. Let the attacks and flag waving begin. Without a doubt Bush will have to rely on 9/11 and related topics. His success in this race depends on people not forgetting that day and the resonance in the years after. Kind of sad when tragedy is one’s biggest selling point.

One good thing about all this: Lots of comedic cannon fodder.

Oregon joins the growing list of states that has a city giving out marriage licenses to gay couples. Commissioners in Multnomah County, which includes the state’s capital of Portland, declared the practice legal. Opponents plan to counter the declaration. Meanwhile New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer said yesterday that the state’s laws don’t allow it, despite the actions of a small town mayor in the state.

The detained folk at Guantanimo Bay won’t be getting lawyers, according to the Pentagon. They will get a military officer to help them prepare their materials and perhaps speak for them or an interpreter if one is needed, but that’s all when they have hearings.

Musing why stocks always seem to go up during presidential election years.

Explainer details about democrats picking republican running mates. One rumor is that Kerry might pick McCain.

Looking at Kerry’s past flip flops on issues. It doesn’t include perspective on why he might have shifted, but they rarely do.

Musing Sharpton’s poor showing in New York. It might be a bad s how for him, but it could just be the times. People are focused on specific goals and I think that has been taking away form symbolic candidates like Sharpton and Nader. Their usual support is gravitating toward larger things.

General

Toyota shows off a concept car that responds to the drovers record. For example, if you’re a new driver or a chronic speeder, it gives less power. Kind of creepy, but an interesting concept that has some merit despite the obvious inconvenience. I doubt many would buy such cars.

Eisner has had a blow struck against him, his chairman powers stripped. Though he does remain Disney’s CEO for the time being.

Could microbial fuel cells make water treatment a self sustaining industry energy wise?

Today’s Papers has Shiite militials showing some force. US officials still say they have to disarm. Lack of Arabic speakers seems to be hampering US intelligence agencies in Iraq and more tidbits in the one page news.

Amusements

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop what your campaign poster would look like if you were running for president

Man charged with cocaine possession after trooper notices “a large load” in baby’s diaper

John Debney, composer for Passion fo the Christ, says he did battle with Satan. Second item on the page. Yet another reason I’m not real keen on seeing this flick.