In the News: Sep-12

Petraeus will never declare victory in Iraq - 11 Sep 2008 at 3:01pm - The general in charge of American soldiers in Iraq has given a mixed assessment of progress in Iraq. General David Petraeus says that, while the country is in better shape than it was at the start of last year it still faces serious problems. General Petraeus has overseen the so called "surge" of American combat troops into Iraq and he is about to leave to take on a more senior role. He says the fabric of Iraqi society was being torn apart by "horrific" violence. The outgoing commander says he will never declare victory there.

2 U.S. soldiers to face court-martial in Iraq deaths - 12 Sep 2008 at 2:53pm - Two American soldiers will face a court-martial in Germany for the alleged slaying of four prisoners in Iraq, the Army announced ...

RCMP relied too much on Taser manufacturer info: report - 12 Sep 2008 at 1:55pm - RCMP officials relied too heavily on information provided by manufacturers when they were developing their own stun gun policies and training programs, an independent review concludes.

Spain to plant 45 million trees before 2012 - 12 Sep 2008 at 11:46am - Spain says it will plant 45 million trees between 2009-2012 in a bid to halt the country's increasing desertification.

U.S. surpasses admissions goal for Iraqi refugees - 12 Sep 2008 at 12:04pm - The Bush administration says it has surpassed its goal of allowing 12,000 Iraqi refugees into the United States during the current budget year after streamlining the admissions process. Officials said Friday that with half a month to go before hitting the Sept. 30 deadline, 12,118 Iraqi refugees had arrived in the country since last October and more are on the way. The administration has been criticized for not doing enough to help Iraqis who have fled their country, and last year pledged to improve its record.

Thought for the day:
Between two evils, I always pick the one I never tried before. -Mae West (1892 - 1980), Klondike Annie