Hopeful

Bush says hopes to solve Iran issue diplomatically - 20 Sep 2007 at 12:47pm - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President George W. Bush said on Thursday he remained hopeful of convincing Iran through diplomatic means to give up its nuclear ambitions.

Hopeful that threats of shock-'n'-awe airstrikes will obviate the need for actual shock-'n'-awe airstrikes. Does all-stick-and-no-carrot really constitute "diplomacy"?

IRAQ: Sharp drop in number of violence-related deaths, government says - September 20, 2007 03:27:00 PM - BAGHDAD, 20 September 2007 (IRIN) - The number of victims of violence in Iraq has dropped by over 50 percent since February 2007, security officials said on 19 September. Since Operation Imposing Law was launched by US and Iraqi forces on 14 February, the number of those thought to be victims of Shia death squads has dropped dramatically in Baghdad, and there has also been a lull in attacks by Sunni insurgents.

Should law really be such an imposition that it requires a months-long military operation?

US says Iran officer seized in Iraq - 20 Sep 2007 at 12:54pm - BAGHDAD (AFP) - The US military said it seized an Iranian officer accused of smuggling bombs in northern Iraq on Thursday, as an American commander said Iraq is emerging from the most violent phase of the war.

Thought for the day:
Football is a mistake. It combines the two worst elements of American life. Violence and committee meetings. -George F. Will (1941 - )