BAGHDAD, January 5 - In the deadliest attacks since the December 15 elections over 100 people died, leaving chaos all around. The biggest attack occurred in Ramadi where insurgents targeted a site where prospective police men could apply for a job. The suicide bomber took at least 70 others with him into certain death and left over 50 casualties. At the time of the attack at least 1,000 potential law officers were awaiting applications for this high-risk job in Iraq.

In Karbala at least 44 people were killed when a Shiite shrine was attacked by a suicide bomber. Hundreds of people were visiting the shrine when the insurgents struck and wreaked havoc. So far reports have indicated that the bombers approached the crowds in explosive vests and detonated when they were among the people.

In Baghdad during routine patrols at least five U.S. soldiers died when their vehicle hit a roadside bomb. They were a part of the Task Force Baghdad.

WASHINGTON, January 4 - So far the casualties of the Abramoff scandal are limited, only a few politicians have been named in this bribery scandal so far. The question however is how many will come up during the investigation? About one dozen FBI agents are already in the field investigating on the extensive tips of Jack Abramoff, as a result of his plea bargain.

Republican Bob Ney is one of the main victims of Abramoff’s tips so far, he has admitted that he accepted golf trips to Scotland, tickets to the Superbowl, free meals at expensive restaurants and of course campaign contributions. In fact all of this on its own is no criminal behaviour, though an agreement to do something in return makes it a bribe, and that is a criminal act. Ney already admitted that he helped Abramoff on a casino deal in Florida, and probably much more deals were made in return for these contributions and trips.

Fromer House majority leader Tom Delay accompanied Ney on his trip to Scotland, also paid by Abramoff of course. DeLay is already indicted and a lot more politicians will follow shortly. The outcome of this scandal could change the political landscape, we all know indictments are the end of any career, whether they are found true or false.

Federal tax credits implemented to encourage solar energy development and use

After years of failed attempts, the U.S. Congress passed comprehensive energy legislation last summer. Spurred by record prices for oil, natural gas and coal, lawmakers developed a tax package of $14.5 billion, the bulk of the incentives targeting mature, traditional energy industries. Yet the solar industry was able to win the strongest federal provisions for solar in two decades: a 30 percent federal investment tax credit for residential and commercial installations. These new incentives have been implemented from the 1st of January 2006.

The existing 10 percent tax credit for commercial solar installations rises from 10 percent to 30 percent for two years, with no cap on the credit. The incentive applies to all property placed in service after Dec. 31, 2005, and before Jan. 1, 2008. It switches back to the permanent 10 percent credit thereafter.

The policy includes a 30 percent tax credit for residential solar installations for two years, capped at $2,000. It applies to all property placed in service after Dec. 31, 2005, and before Jan. 1, 2008

For more information on solar energy and solar panels visit Siemens Solar