News – World Reaction

Israel/Palestine

With Sharon returning home with US approval to annex disputed territory, one wonders how the rest of the world will react to this. Primarily, I’m wondering if the UN will put forth a statement. Looks like this might be the point at which the US and UK break ranks. Palestinians are understandably and predictably riled by this sudden shift in US policy(Article also has a few other world reactions). Arab, Israeli and US press reactions.

Iraq

The 20,000 that were to come home are officially taking an extended stay in Iraq, by up to three months at least. Total US casualties from hostile fire and accidents are risen to 680.

Skirmishes in Falluja and a standoff in Najaf continue to fuel tension and the steadily rising body count..

A ‘scorecard’ of those currently confirmed or believed kidnapped by hostile forces in Iraq. As well as who has been captured, then released.

Europe is united in one thing at least. No on the Bin Laden truce offer with regard to Iraq.

Silvio Berlusconi, PM of Italy, is under fire from the relatives of Fabrizio Quattrocchi , the Italian bodyguard kidnapped, then slain. His defiance on the tape has made him a national hero to some and his relatives accuse the Italian government of “wanting to show off its strength by risking the necks of those who are in Iraq”.

Indonesia

Abu Baker Bashir, a Muslim cleric and spiritual head of Jemaah Islamiyah, is officially suspected of connection with the Bali Bombing. He was arrested just after and held on immigration volitions.

Saudi Arabia

Another encouragement for exodus from Saudi Arabia as officials cite new signals of possible attacks on US and Western interests.

Spain

A Spanish judge freed 6 Moroccans in the probe of Spain’s train bombing. That leaves 18 others still held with regard to the investigation.

US

The EPA notes 1 in 5 US counties has unhealthy air according to new EPA rules. Rules that finally have some approval amongst environmentalists.

Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney has filed emergency legislation to freeze a court order that directs the state to issue gay marriage licenses next month.

Kerry says Bush manipulates fears about security for political gain. I can’t say I’d trust any politician to not trump such fears for political gain.

Kerry meets with Cardinal Theodore McCarrick over how to handle Catholic politicians who differ in views with church doctrine.

Perhaps Kerry’s protectionism isn’t quite as bad as portrayed. It’s the same sort of thing I’ve been thinking should happen. Sure, don’t penalize companies for going overseas, but don’t give them incentives through lower taxes at home.

The oft used experts say that Bush was more or less preaching to the choir with his press conference. Personally, I’d agree. I watched the whole thing and the questions after. For the most part, his extended, rhetoric filled diatribes bored me. That’s probably why I initially missed his reference to ‘brown skinned people’. He more or less gave no solid indication of plan. Onlt solid indication that they were still coming up with a plan.

A Geophysicist warns that a 6.4 quake will hit LA by Sept 5th. A 6.4 is nothing to sneeze at as well. Might not be a bad idea to be aware. Just in case.

Bush says he doesn’t use polls to make decisions. An advisor says he does.

The notorious Aug 6th, 2001 PDB… in PowerPoint form.

General

RealNetworks wants to hook up with Apple on digital music. If that fails, they’ll turn to MS. Seems Real has noticed they won’t be getting ahead on their own. Some think that Apple will likely scoff at such an alliance. We’ll see.

Is Google’s Gmail not so bad a thing?

Reviews of The Punisher and Kill Bill Vol 2. I think I’ll be paying my $7 to see the sequel.

Today’s Papers has musings of a director of national intelligence, skepticism of the Pentagon’s acts pre 9/11, the IGC to be replaced and more in the one page news.

Amusements

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this Klingon wedding

Fark Photoshop Challenge: The badness that ensues when one product/company replaces their slogan with that of another company/product

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Theme: The _____ of Turin

HomestarRunner.com: Strongbad is in Jail Cartoon