Fight over Supreme Court begins

WASHINGTON, August 12 – The television ad that aired this week associating U.S. Supreme Court nominee with violent anti-abortion protesters has been pulled off the air. The group behind the ad, NARAL Pro-choice America, confirmed this Thursday night after it was heavily criticized by various parties, especially the conservatives.

The president of NARAL, Nancy Keenan, explained that the advertisement was put out of context by the viewers, overlooking the matter that should be discussed. The ad was aimed at Roberts and linked him to violent anti-abortion protesters simply because of his work on anti-abortion briefs as a government lawyer In 1991. The ad campaign was planned to run for two full weeks on a budget of $500,000 airing on CNN, CBS, NBC and ABC.

How true or untrue it may be, one has to wonder why there are television advertisements for such a purpose. The process of appointing a Supreme Court nominee is done by the Senate and not by the American public. Clearly it would be ridiculous to assume that any Senator would be swayed to change his opinion based on a television commercial.

Contradictory to earlier speeches?

CRAWFORD, Texas, August 12 – President Bush spoke about the war in Iraq yesterday, addressing recent concerns over the increasing amount of U.S. casualties. His speech was more personal this time, a move probably made because of the circumstances since the mother of a killed U.S. soldier has been camping outside of Bush’s ranch demanding to speak to him. Although Bush spoke with determination and strong words his appearance did not sooth the concerns. Support for the war in Iraq is declining and will continue to do so since there is no sign of progress.

While Bush noted in March that the U.S. troops in Iraq could be reduced from over 130,000 to 30,000 by next spring he now claimed there is no way to tell yet. He said progress is coming but not yet evident and he’s worried the Iraqi troops cannot handle the security issues themselves. He even spoke about a possible increase of U.S. troops in Iraq to safeguard the elections which will be held soon.

Needless to say this news was not received well among the antiwar protesters surrounding Bush’s ranch. Many believe he is giving in to the conservatives who have been worried that pulling out too soon might damage the Iraqi democracy. Bush urged that pulling out the troops right now would send the wrong signal to the enemy.

U.S. victims rate keeps increasing

BAGHDAD, August 10 – Today the American Military released a statement disclosing that yesterday four U.S. soldiers were killed and another six wounded in an insurgent attack. The soldiers were a part of a New York-based Army National Guard division, the attack occurred when they were on patrol in a town in northern Iraq, Baji.

The soldiers were struck by a roadside bomb, similar to the attack last week when 14 soldiers were killed. The American patrol was underway to investigate an explosion in Baji. When they attended to the casualties they were taken under attack again, this time by small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades. There was also a contractor among the casualties, wounded in the attack after attending to the other casualties.

The American command also announced that another soldier was killed by small-arms fire in a 1,000-soldier sweep of the Euphrates River corridor, a breeding spot for insurgents. This sad news raises more doubts as U.S. victims increased extremely over the last few weeks. Attacks like these roadside bombs are very hard, if not impossible, to prevent as the insurgents keep innovating and the army is always one step behind. George W. Bush has not yet responded to this recent news of new casualties.

Not at a good time at all

NEW YORK CITY, August 9 – Coming at a very bad time for the U.N. several high-ranking officials have now been exposed as being on the take. The most prominent being Benon Sevan, the former head of the U.N. oil-for-food program in Iraq. While Iraq had been sanctioned with several economical and political restrictions they were allowed to trade oil for food and medicine for the people. Somehow Hussein managed to negotiate the option to choose which buyers and sellers would be included, giving him the power to use his oil as a way to buy friends and influence. Among those allegedly bribed are several high-ranking European politicians. Quite the achievement I would say.

Sevan has been suspected of corruption for a while now but until now there had been no direct evidence indicting him to this crime. Only after a commission was assembled, led by former head of the American Federal Reserve Paul Volcker, real progress towards solid claims were made. In February he already delivered a report which indicated that Sevan often met with president of the oil company AMEP, a beneficiary of Hussein’s oil vouchers. It also exposed around $160,000 in suspicious bank deposits, which Sevan claimed to be from an aunt. I wonder if he still believes in the tooth fairy too.

This week’s report gives details about many of these meetings, it also exposes the fact that a certain Fred Nadler, close friend to Sevan, is actually a director of the oil company AMEP. Nadler controlled a Swiss bank account in the name of a shell company which received pennies off of each barrel of oil that was sold. Everytime Sevan or Nadler were in Geneva money was withdrawn out of the account and then deposited into one of Sevan’s accounts a few days later. Vockler has insisted that this is sufficient evidence that Sevan indeed benefited from corruption. Secretary-General Annan has been requested to remove Sevan from diplomatic immunity so he will be liable for prosecution. Annan has agreed to do this, and took the claims of corruption very hard.

Sanctions ahead?

TEHRAN, August 8 – Today Iran resumed nuclear work despite the warning of EU officials that this would lead to sanctions. Iran stopped processing uranium last November when an agreement was reached with the EU on a long-term nuclear programme. Progress however was too slow and Tehran started complaining about this and even rejected a proposal by the EU to stop nuclear processing for good in return for economic and political benefits.

The uranium conversion facility in Isfahan started their normal work today. They are still under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Two workers at the Isfahan plant started everything symbolical by pouring the first barrel of uranium yellow cake into the processing line.
This was closely followed by co-workers through a closed circuit television system.

Iran stated that its intends are totally peaceful and that they will only use the nuclear plants to generate electricity, not to produce bombs.

Unilateral move demands first victim

JERUSALEM, August 7 – Minister of Finance Benjamin Netanyahu has resigned today as the cabinet of Israel approved the first plans to pullout of the Gaza Strip. Netanyahu has stated that his letter of resignation counted as a vote against the plans, obviously. Netanyahu is mainly considered as Sharon’s direct rival in the right-wing Likud party, his resignation will certainly affect the Israeli market as he was widely favoured because of tax cuts and social benefits. Also this dispute shows how large the division in even the cabinet itself is over this touchy subject.

Obviously his resignation will not stand in the way of the plans to pullout of the Gaza Strip as this matter has been approved by the cabinet with 17 votes in favour and only 5 votes against. The first phase will include removal of the settlements of Kfar Darom, Netzarim and Morag, very isolated settlements which are expected to deliver the strongest resistance.

Netanyahu later explained that he understands the ambition to pull out of the Gaza Strip but urges he cannot be a part of something he doesn’t support. He believes this move will further divide the people and harm the Israel security as well as intensify Palestinian terror attacks.