In the News: Oct-09

U.S. Army says it has disrupted Iraq weapons network - 9 Oct 2008 at 2:56pm - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S.-led forces in southeastern Iraq have disrupted an arms-smuggling network blamed for distributing deadly Iranian-made roadside bombs and rockets in Iraq, a U.S. military officer said on Thursday.

U.S. missile attack kills at least 4 in Pakistan - 9 Oct 2008 at 1:21pm - MIRANSHAH, Pakistan (Reuters) - A suspected missile attack by a pilotless drone killed at least four people on Thursday in a Pakistani tribal region regarded as a safe haven for al Qaeda and Taliban militants, an intelligence official said.

Bush signs order to ease switch to next president - 9 Oct 2008 at 10:47am - WASHINGTON -- President Bush has signed an executive order to facilitate the transition to a new administration that will take office on Inauguration Day, Jan. 20.

An executive order -- is this usual? Is this necessary?

U.S. fears Iran-backed killings ahead of Iraq polls - 9 Oct 2008 at 10:50am - BAGHDAD (Reuters) - U.S. forces in Iraq fear a wave of assassinations ahead of provincial elections, some carried out by militant cells trained in Iran, the U.S. general in command of the southern half of the country said on Thursday.

Canada's mission in Afghanistan could cost up to $18.1B - 9 Oct 2008 at 11:12am - Canada's mission in Afghanistan could reach a total cost of $18.1 billion or $1,500 per Canadian household by 2011, a government report estimates.

China says it won't torture Gitmo detainees - 9 Oct 2008 at 11:00am - China on Thursday rejected concerns that it would torture Chinese Muslims held by the U.S. military at Guantanamo Bay if they are returned to China, saying they will be dealt with according to the law. China has called on the U.S. to repatriate 17 Chinese Muslim detainees who were to have been released this week, saying they are terrorists and should be brought to justice, Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang told a news conference.

States' Actions to Block Voters Appear Illegal - 9 Oct 2008 at 7:56am - Tens of thousands of voters in at least six swing states have been removed from rolls or blocked from registering.

Thought for the day:
In all affairs it's a healthy thing now and then to hang a question mark on the things you have long taken for granted. -Bertrand Russell (1872 - 1970)