News – Thoughts on a New Direction?

Americas

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen Peter Pace says that US military leaders are going to suggest some changes when it comes to America’s strategy in Iraq. One wonders, however, if any of the suggestions will be followed and if anything will change.

Bush does the Veteran’s Day thing. If I recall, one of the more notable things is the lack of heavy words on the current Iraq situation, where as before he’d take any opportunity to defend his policy there. Considering the recent departure of Rummy, it’s yet another tantalizing tidbit to consider.

Speaking of Rummy, could he be at the center of a flurry of attempts at legal action over charges of abuse in Gitmo and Iraq? I say it is likely so.

Where should fingers be pointed for republican losses in the midterms? Most say that they shouldn’t be pointed at Rove.

The press goes sweet on Nancy Pelosi before she even becomes the new Speaker of the House.

Middle East

Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas leader and current PM of Palestine, said he’d step down if it convinced the world to lift the smothering sanctions from Palestine.

A sixth minister has resigned from Lebanon’s government, the prior five the only Shia there. This could be a very bad thing if it sparks a sectarian dispute.

Seems now we’re open to talking with Iran and Syria about Iraq’s future. Something that we should have done initially, rather than taking the combative stance we started out with and maintained these last few years.

Palestinians in Beit Hanoun ponder what to do after the Israeli raid on their home. Meanwhile, an hour after the US vetoes a UN Security Council resolution condemning the attack, Arab foreign ministers decide to break the freeze on aid to the Hamas led Palestinian government.

Mohammed Ali Hosseini, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman, says that Iran won’t hesitate to respond if Israel attacks its nuclear sites. One wonders if they will and to what level. Such an action could further degrade regional stability in the short and long term. Might Olmert, still smarting from the Lebanon fiasco and looking to shore up support, decide to try and use an assault on Iran for that purpose?

Seems Israel has reduced the ‘safety’ margins that separate artillery targets from the built-up civilian areas of Gaza earlier this year. Which increases the likelihood of civilian casualties.

Various Iraqi opinions on the first Saddam verdict.

Despite all odds, the Taliban lingers and continues to act.

Africa

The ‘Union of Islamic Courts’, a militia that has been slowly taking over territory in Somalia, makes another move against the current transitional government.

Kenya bans all flights to Somalia. They cite security fears as the reason why.

Asia/Pacific

South Korea won’t join in a US-led plan to stop and search suspicious North Korean ships. However, it was noted their position on this could change, depending on the direction of the six-nation talks.

Europe

The EU renews sanctions set on Uzbekistan, which were initially set in place after the killing of civilians by security forces in 2005.

General

The Christian Medical Fellowship says that holding back treatment to allow ill newborns to dine, when such treatment would be ‘a burden’ is not euthanasia. Which would make it ‘right’ under some circumstances.

Fear of public toilets? Seems that it exists.

The Blogs look at the election of the first Muslim to Congress, the troops’ reaction to Rumsfeld’s resignation and the death of Ed Bradley.

Amusements

Mark Fiore: Midterm Comedy Troupe

Best music video ever. Rap video manual

Judge gets in trouble for bringing loaded gun into courtroom and starting his session with “Locked and loaded”

City’s street landscaping project results in lovely magnolias planted along white, rich end of avenue; scraggly shrubs planted on black, poor end. Planners wonder why anyone would complain

If you try to rob jewelry store, make sure the owner doesn’t have power to lock you inside

Prisoners set to win cash settlements from government after being unable to use heroin in jail, arguing cold turkey withdrawal was tantamount to assault

If you’re gonna run a $20 bill thru a copier and then try to spend it, remember to set the copier for double-sided copying

Anonymous bidder in Hong Kong buys 1.5 kg white truffle for $209,000, to be cooked and served at a charity dinner

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop these shoppers

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Phoshop these mirrored legs

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this sleep cycle