The Other Big Problem

Gates doubts Europeans' war commitment - 25 Oct 2007 at 2:40pm - HEIDELBERG, Germany -- Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Thursday questioned the commitment of some NATO allies to winning in Afghanistan, saying the outcome there is at "real risk" because some European nations are unwilling to provide enough troops and resources to the mission.

After running off to Iraq, is the U.S. pulling its weight in Afghanistan?

"The failure to meet commitments puts the Afghan mission - and with it, the credibility of NATO - at real risk," he added in remarks that were notably critical of European governments that have been close security, political and economic partners of the United States for more than five decades.

Is he certain he really wants to get into the "credibility" issue?

Nude sleepwalkers raise alarm for UK hotel chain - 25 Oct 2007 at 9:31am - A surge in naked sleepwalking among guests has led one of Britain's largest budget hotel groups to re-train staff to handle late-night nudity.

No, I didn't find any associated video.

US slaps sanctions against Iran military, banks - 25 Oct 2007 at 10:44am - WASHINGTON (AFP) - The United States on Thursday slapped sanctions on Iran's military and three state-owned banks, sharply ratcheting up tensions over the Islamic state's nuclear drive and alleged backing for terrorism.

Afghans years away from taking over own security: Hillier - 25 Oct 2007 at 10:40am - Afghanistan won't be able to take charge of its own security for a decade or so, Canada's top soldier said Thursday as he called for other countries to step up their support of NATO's mission.

Turkey dismisses U.S. objections on Iraq - 25 Oct 2007 at 10:34am - Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Thursday that U.S. objections would not stop Turkey from crossing into Iraq to eliminate Kurdish rebels. The Turkish military said it had killed more than 30 insurgents who were poised to launch an attack on the border.

U.S. envoy warns of growing power of Iraqi militias - 25 Oct 2007 at 1:26pm - BAGHDAD (Reuters) - The U.S. military has succeeded in delivering a crippling blow to al Qaeda in Iraq, but this has only served to highlight "the other big problem" -- the power of Shi'ite militias, Washington's envoy to Iraq said on Thursday.

Thought for the day:
The best way to predict the future is to invent it. -Alan Kay