Daily Dish

Rejecting notions of a split between "Old Europe (also known as the Axis of Weasels) and New Europe" Polish Foreign Minister Adam Rotfeld helped Secretary Rice in her mission to gather as much committment to making Iraq a successful Democratic nation in the heart of the Middle East as possible. With successful elections showing strong Iraqi support for political freedom, the Secretary has a strong card to play. Despite Senators Kerry, Boxer and others attempt to undermine her ability to be an effective representative of US Foreign Policy, she has been well recieved in England, Germany, and now Turkey. But while she is looking for allies, she is not sweeping problems under the carpet. In Poland she pointed out that the US wants to see less totalitarianism in Russia and more cooperation in Iran. And while she noted that US military action in Iran is not on the agenda at the moment, she made clear that military action is not off the table.

Confirming that Democrats are on the wrong side of the issues again, Newsweek reports that 65% of Americans think Social Security is indeed broken. Duh. And while they scream about the US debt, a new analysis of the US debt as compared to other major economies reveals that some have it better and some are much, much worse; like Japan, France and Canada. And US employement rate beats all. Meanwhile Democrats seem determined to accelerate their slide into oblivion by electing Howard Dean as their DNC chair. Maybe he'll ask Janeane Garofalo to be his deputy, she could help.

Another anti-War journalist has been kidnapped by Muslim terrorists. Giuliana  Sgrena wrote for Rome-based "Il Manifesto", a Communist  newspaper. Il Manifesto was virulently opposed to the U.S.-led  invasion of Iraq and is very critical of U.S. policies there, positions which didn't seem to protect Sgrena from the virulently anti-American Islamists. The kidnappers, the Islamic Jihad Organization, set a 72-hour deadline for  Italy to remove its troops.

Thais go to the polls to elect a new government tomorrow. Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's Thai Rak Thai party government is the first civilian government to serve a full term and polls say they will extend their run of luck. Thailand recently refused economic tsunami aid money fearing it would hurt their credit rating internationally.

Preliminary results from the election in Iraq indicate that the United Iraqi Alliance, the ticket backed by Shi'te Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani is leading in the polls. The slate led by current Prime Minister Ayad Allawi's party is coming in a very strong second.

A four day counter-terrorism conference is being held in Saudi Arabia and will be attended by experts from around the world. But no jews though Iran's invited. You know, if the Saudi's would just stop exporting Wahabbism by no longer funding Madrassas, that would help too. Probably more.

The hard and unrelenting camapign by the Marines Mad Ghosts against anti-Democratic sociopathic killers lead to elections in their section of Iraq, reversing a decision to not hold elections there. Read the amazing and heroic story over at Blackfive's place. And residents of an Iraqi village engage and kill terrorists.

The Diplomad says "So long, and Thanks for all the Fish." Damn nice job guys, hope to hear from you soon.

A teenager is sued for bringing cookies to a neighbor.

I'm a fedora man myself.

"Ninja rebels told to disarm and get a haircut.

Couple plans to renew their wedding vows in the Viking way.

al Jazeera to broadcast the Superbowl.