News – Quasi-Peace and Winds of Change (2/2)

My large news distillation continues. Enjoy. And I did remember the pic at the end. :p

The International Papers focus on the strife in the Iraq region, including the Syria situation and beginning of political and force wrangling by clerics in Iraq. Today’s Papers reiterates the Syria situation, some papers tentatively suggesting the Bush Administration doesn’t have the proof. And they likely don’t. And more little bombshells abound, such as a hint that the dramatic rescue of Lynch wasn’t so dramatic or heroic as it sounded. But I’ll let you decide on that one. Read on.

Worried about Franklin Graham being in Iraq? Slate’s Fray(online response to articles) was heavy on this with some interesting comments all around.

A Truthout contributor points out that the Anti-War folk are right about Iraq and Saddam being no threat. Considering the rout and massacre. Another article, from the Associated Press, suggests anti-American feeling rising in Baghdad as the joy wears off. Personally, I think some will continue to love America. Others never loved us even now. And others will polarize into either camp as the moment wears thin and harsh reality settles back in.

Explainer received an interesting question. Does Pfc. Jessica Lynch Own the Movie Rights to Her Life? I’d assume she does. NBC is planning to make one, even without her permission. And they can, so long as they stick to the facts. More details in article.

In the wake of general battle victory, support for the war has risen. To be expected. Ahmed Shames is an Iraqi exile in the UK, who was forced out in 1996. He’s been asked how he feels and here is his response. As well, add 30 interviews with everyone from former Iraqis to academics to former Gulf War vets and anti-war folk to your collective consciousness.

The Bush Administration is now threatening Syria with sanctions on charges that they’re harboring Iraqi leaders and holding the feared WMD. Ari Fleischer even called them a rogue state. And get this: Jack Straw says its up to Syria to prove it isn’t rogue, after the Bush Administration started flinging that term around. Again. We’ve heard this before. With Iraq. Will it be 12 years before a starved and emaciated Syria is invaded and taken with overwhelming force and excessive use of bombardment?

Meanwhile more people die in the conflict between Israel and Palestine. No peace there either. And now Arafat is doing his share of the hive shaking by rejecting the cabinet formed by his new prime minister. Between him and Sharon, how can we expect peace? We need those two out of office and in the steel cage for their much desired grudge match.

Nine more die of SARS in Hong Kong, but Japan has remained free of it thanks to a little luck and common sense hand washing. It has had 45 suspected cases, all save one currently investigated and ruled out. But fear not. In a show of true human spirit and collaboration, two sets of scientists(US and Canadian) broke the gene sequence of SARS. An important(but not final) step in seeking a treatment. Their copies are almost identical, lending confidence that they’re on the right track. Through understanding and knowledge, we’ll get it yet, as a German company is distributing a test for SARS now.

Now, let us end the day with the latest Bushism. Thanks to Slate for it and the audio clip. 😉

If only Bush was so easy to fool.

Some have said they can’t see the image. Here’s a direct link.