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
ROME, December 23 – Today an Italian Prosecutor announced that arrest warrants for 22 CIA operatives have been issued on the 20th of December. The CIA agents are wanted for their part in an alleged kidnapping case in February 2003.
An Italian judge issued the warrants on Tuesday which allow all the nations of the European Union to arrest these CIA agents legally. The case revolves around the muslim cleric Osama Nasr Mostafa Hassan also known as Abu Omar. This man was under investigation by the Italian authorities in 2003 for alleged links with terrorist operations when a team of CIA agents abducted the man in the streets of Milan and transported him to Egypt where he was allegedly tortured.
Earlier this year Italian Prime Minister Berlusconi demanded an explanation from the U.S. ambassador on this case, no information about that meeting was publicized. Italian prosecutors are now asking the Justice Minister Roberto Castelli to demand the extradition of the CIA agents by the U.S.
Sources within the CIA meanwhile claims that the Italian military secret service approved the operation and that the Italian counterpart of the CIA was informed about this operation. The Italian government is denying any such claims and insist that this abduction was illegal.
GENEVA, December 22 – In a very alarming development recent research shows that the dreaded H5N1 virus is developing into a Tamiflu-resistant form. This could mean that the stockpile most nations are accumulating might be useless in the battle against the avian influenza.
The incident happened in Vietnam where four out of eight hospitalized patients died after receiving Tamiflu treatment. Further research established that two of the victims were treated to late but the other two were treated correctly and the treatment did not work. Research shows that the specific strain was resistant to the Tamiflu drug normally used to cure victims.
Health experts agree that more research has to be done to establish the most efficient dosage and treatment period. Using too small dosage or to short of a treatment might even benefit the resistance of the H5N1 virus against Tamiflu. The WHO meanwhile warned that nobody should be alarmed by this development, yet there is no reason not too. Of course we need more research but the fact that a resistance has been developed against our best defense for the bird flu is a very worrying message.
WASHINGTON, December 21 – The new chapter in this drama of covert spying missions approved by the President takes a dramatic turn. In light of the recent report by the New York Times and Bush’s confirmation of the report Judge James Robertson felt compelled to resign from his position as judge on a special court to regulate government surveillance.
The aide to Judge Robertson would not comment on the situation and the White House of course refused comments as well but the informed spectators all agree that this is a resignation out of protest. Bush made it clear that he has no intention to stop the secret intelligence gathering that started in the 9/11 aftermath and obviously Judge Robertson had questions towards the legal justification of his program.
It is rather interesting to see how this develops, if Bush stumbles onto more resistance he might be forced to temporarily stop the program. Seeing as the Senate refused to renew the Patriot Act many people object to Bush’s sense of dictatorship, this on top of the criticism on the war in Iraq might form a huge problem for Bush, who saw his popularity fall and fall and fall.
