News – The Kurd Advantage

Iraq

The Kurds have been reassured that their semi-autonomous status in the north will be allowed to continue after Iraqi self rule is handed over. Anyone who knows the political situation with that won’t be surprised at the grumbles coming from neighboring states and some Iraqis. I’m sure Turkey will be livid. But it seems like the plan from the US perspective is hands off on the subject entirely, meaning no rule in their favor either.

As a good will gesture, 500 Iraqi prisoners will be released from the custody of US forces. These people are, as noted, considered low-level security threats. My question is, if these people aren’t a threat, why were they being held for so long?

Now a waiver separate from the Army’s audit of Halliburton has given the job of fuel shipping back to them. The audit is ongoing, but I wonder what led to this sudden reversal.

Stuart Cohen, vice chairman of the National Intelligence Council Stuart Cohen, vice chairman of the National Intelligence Council, stands by the intelligence on Iraq having WMD and isn’t surprised that nothing has been found. After all, Saddam had 15 years to hide all of this stuff.

I’m sure if enough time is spent kicking around in the sand, someone will stumble onto that super secret weapons stockpile that everyone speculates about. But how long is too long?

Israel/Palestine

Three more deaths between Israel and Palestine. It is said that a unit arresting a group of men shot one who was threatening them with a pistol and another who was hiding in bushes and wouldn’t come out. He was later revealed to have been unarmed. Palestinian officials say that the two were shot at close range, one after he had been grabbed by an attack dog. The last was another aggressor with a gun.

Israel has signed a deal with Turkey to import water, while Turkey buys up Israeli military hardware. Turkey is hoping to use it’s water reserves to good effect in a region that is naturally dry.

Sharon is heckled by his own party as he defends his position on a semi-retreat on settlements. It’s obvious this will be a dividing point for his party.

Refuseniks who made their protest of service in the IDF public are being given stiffer punishments. It is a heartening thing to see people looking past the surface of the issue to see the deeper underpinnings of why some things happen. And not recanting, even under threat of punishment.

US

The Mad Cow cow was Canadian born. As you’ll recall, there was an incident of the disease in Alberta last year. Both cows, however, had different home farms and different feed sources, so there is no link as of yet.

Bush is putting out a proposal to give illegal immigrants temporary legal status if they have jobs. Some have forecast a flood of illegals could be prompted by this legislation.

The images from Spirit get better and better.

A memorial has been chosen for the WTC site involving two reflecting pools. But critics think the design is too bleak and minimalist.

Three companies have been selected to work on anti-missile options for commercial airplanes. An expected response to the sidden focus on air travel with regard to terror alerts.

The DC council has passed legislation to ban cell phone use by the driver of a car. Unless a hands free device is used.

US regulators have warned Campbell Soup Co on the manner in which their clam chowder is prepared. The product in question is produced under the StockPot name.

General

Apple to release smaller, cheaper iPod and release Garage Band software. The Mini iPods will hold 1,000 songs and go for $250. These minis are meant to go after the bulkier flash card MP3 players that run around $200 and only hold around 60 songs and have a ‘really bad’ interface as Steve Job believes. Looks competitive to me in contrast of pricing and features. And I’ll admit, I’m quite curious of them.

Explainer details the many uses of Civet Cat. Mmm-Mmm good. 😉

Today’s Papers note a plan for a softer approach in US raids in Iraq, two bombings in Kandahar, more questions on the real extent of Iraqi weapons programs and more.

Amusements

And just how fresh is that milk?

Mark Fiore: Mad Cap Disease

EbolaWorld: 2003 in Review

EbolaWorld: Jako Interview

EbolaWorld: Happy Political Holidays