In the News: Dec-19

US probe confirms 2 friendly-fire deaths - 19 Dec 2007 at 11:21am - WASHINGTON -- Two U.S. soldiers who died in Iraq in February were killed by friendly fire, according to a military investigation that said improper training and mission preparation were to blame.

Will defenders of the war-to-take-nonexistent-weapons-away-from-a-dead-man still insist that it's not impacting troop readiness?

US Senate approves 70 billion dollars in war funds - 19 Dec 2007 at 7:42am - WASHINGTON (AFP) - The US House of Representatives was expected to vote Wednesday on a Senate-approved budget bill for 2008 that includes 70 billion dollars for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

U.S. frees Iranian prisoner held in Iraq - 19 Dec 2007 at 7:28am - BAGHDAD (Reuters) - The United States has released one of about 10 Iranian prisoners it is holding in Iraq, U.S. forces and the Iranian embassy said on Wednesday.

Bush Lawyers Discussed Fate of C.I.A.Tapes - 19 Dec 2007 at 9:04am - At least four top White House lawyers took part in discussions with the C.I.A. about whether to destroy videotapes showing the secret interrogations of two Qaeda operatives.

Analysis: Dems lose key policy debates - 19 Dec 2007 at 11:14am - WASHINGTON -- Even though public opinion is overwhelmingly on their side, Democrats are winding up the year with little accomplished on the military and foreign policy issues that helped propel them to power in the last election.

White House defends response on CIA tapes - 19 Dec 2007 at 1:32pm - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House on Wednesday defended its response to disclosures about the CIA's destruction of videotapes that showed harsh interrogations of two terrorism suspects.

Thought for the day:
I'm astounded by people who want to 'know' the universe when it's hard enough to find your way around Chinatown. -Woody Allen (1935 - )