In the News: Aug-26

CIA sacked Baghdad station chief after deaths of 2 detainees - 26 Aug 2009 at 7:59am - WASHINGTON — The CIA removed its station chief in Iraq and reorganized its operations there in late 2003 following "potentially very serious leadership lapses" that included the deaths of detainees in the U.S. custody, according to a newly released document and former senior officials.

U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy dies - 26 Aug 2009 at 7:22am - The last brother of the Kennedy political dynasty, U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy, died late Tuesday night after a year-long battle with brain cancer.

Defunct military court leaves Defence in chaos - 26 Aug 2009 at 5:36am - The Federal Government is scrambling to bring in new legislation to ensure Australia's Defence Force members are covered by a military justice system now the High Court has ruled that the Australian Military Court is unconstitutional.

CIA memo details procedures for breaking detainees - 26 Aug 2009 at 2:58am - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Sleep deprivation, "insult slaps," water dousing and "walling," or slamming a detainee's head against a wall, were techniques used by CIA interrogators to break high-value detainees, according to an agency memo.

Thought for the day:
Disbelief in magic can force a poor soul into believing in government and business. -Tom Robbins (1936 - )