In the News - 2007-Oct-30

Iraq To Lift Contractors' Immunity - 30 Oct 2007 at 10:24am - The Iraqi government is poised to pass new legislation that will lift immunity for foreign private security contractors working in the country. The move comes after public outrage over the Blackwater USA shooting in September.

US spent $43.5 billion on intel in 2007 - 30 Oct 2007 at 9:56am - WASHINGTON -- The U.S. government spent $43.5 billion on intelligence in 2007, according to the first official disclosure under a new law implementing recommendations of the Sept. 11 commission.

U.S. says monthly Iraq death toll moving lower - 30 Oct 2007 at 10:40am - The monthly toll of U.S. service members who have died in Iraq is on track to being the lowest in nearly two years, with at least 34 troop deaths recorded as of Tuesday, but the military cautioned it's too early to declare a long-term trend.

Bush to nominate new Veterans secretary - 30 Oct 2007 at 10:46am - WASHINGTON -- President Bush will nominate Dr. James Peake on Tuesday to direct the Department of Veterans Affairs, which is strained by the influx of wounded troops returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan.

US may delay troop reductions in Germany - 30 Oct 2007 at 2:16pm - WASHINGTON -- The United States may delay a plan to reduce the number of its troops based in Germany, a military spokesman said Tuesday.

Thought for the day:
Acceptance without proof is the fundamental characteristic of Western religion, rejection without proof is the fundamental characteristic of Western science. -Gary Zukav, "The Dancing Wu Li Masters"