News – To Lead Iraq

Middle East

Ibrahim al-Jaafari is almost certain to be Iraq’s new PM. Thus far he seems to be a good candidate, though we’ll see how he works in the field, should the last traces of doubt be taken from his ascension.

The Palestinian parliament’s vote on a new cabinet is postponed as lawmakers continue to demand more reformers and fewer members of Yasser Arafat’s old guard. The changes have to be made.

Iranian President Mohammad Khatami warns the US that interfering with their independence would turn out worse for the US than Iran.

Bush pushes for a full pullout of Syrian forces from Lebanon.

Bush calls talk of US plans to attack Iran ridiculous. Perhaps, but like many I don’t trust that it really is ridiculous. Likely the only reason they don’t do it now is because of Iraq and the lingering responsibility.

Europe

Bush continues to tour Europe. Personally, I don’t put much stock in trips like this. I’ll be more interested in Bush’s actions once the ‘charm offensive’ is done. He’ll be on his best behavior now, which isn’t a good measure of what policy will be for the next few years. Like a kid going to the relatives house, all cleaned up and badgered to show good manners.

Asia

The UN warns that the world must deal with the Bird Flu epidemic in parts of Asia before it spreads further. Obviously. If he should be fighting terrorists overseas before they get to our shores, we should be fighting disease as well before it makes it to our shores. Makes sense, yes?

The lifting of the arms ban on China is a danger to the US, says Rep. Henry Hyde, chairman of the International Relations Committee of the House of Representatives. Bush will be studying the EU plan to raise the ban and blunt the negatives.

North America

Is the US losing it’s tech advantage? I wouldn’t be surprised considering the poor state of education.

An argument for raising the retirement age to help fix Social Security.

Canada makes it duly clear they won’t buy into the US missile shield. Good on them. They’ll save billions.

John Walters, US ‘drug czar’, likens fighting drugs to fighting terrorism. I’d agree, neither will be won by the sort of full frontal assault that seems popular now.

Theresa “Terri” Schiavo’s feeding tube must remain in says Florida Circuit Judge George Greer, until 5 PM Wednesday allowing time for a hearing to address new issues in the case.

The issue’s become a political football, with lawmakers and advocacy groups arguing that the government must protect children if the game industry can’t or won’t. The debate only gets more confusing with publicity surrounding cases such as that of Devin Thompson, an Alabama teen who claims that a previous version of “Grand Theft Auto”” inspired him to kill three police officers when he was 16.(Source) – Complete and utter BS. The parents, not the government, should be protecting their children from mature games. That they’re trying to pass this responsibility off on the government shows their own irresponsibility in dealing with their children. I, should I wish to play GTA, shouldn’t be punished because of that. I’m starting to get seriously tired of this.

General

Explainer weighs in on how long you can wait to have a severed limb reattached. A key bit of information for those who work around sharp tools.

Today’s Papers has the case of Abu Ali who is an American being held in a Saudi Prison for the last two years, graphic pics from Darfur, the Supreme Court agreeing to hear an administration challenge to Oregon’s assisted suicide law and more in the one page news.

Amusements

Experts suggest the best way to break up is for women to tell men they want a baby, or men to buy women underwear a size too large

Just a normal day in Key West: Drunken state prosecutor arrested after streaking across parking lot, hopping into wrong car

Burglar caught by homeowners returns loot when asked politely

Man goes to prostitute looking for some action — too bad his truck doesn’t have any traction

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop these ballet dancers

Fark Photoshop Challenge: “Re-imagine” cartoon characters from your youth for a “fresh, cool and hip” new look. Difficulty: No ninjas or laser-beam eyes

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop Farker’s son about to be surprised by fast dolphins</A>