Preparations for elections in Iraq a month from now are well underway. A US and Iraqi security plan will field 100,000 Iraqi police and National Guard in addition to the 34,000 US troops situated within the Sunni Triangle. People are excited about voting and the fact remains that the security situation is such that voteing could occur securly in 16 of the 18 provinces today. But not everyone is excited. Al Qaeda, following in the wake of an OBL statement, has declared Democracy un-Islamic. Their logic? "Democracy is a Greek word meaning the rule of the people, which means that the people do what they see fit," the groups said in a warning. "This concept is considered apostasy and defies the belief in one God -- Muslims' doctrine." Of course they generally forget the fact that people interpret the Quran as well and there are hardly two people you can find that interpret it in exactly the same way. But intellectualism isn't a strong asset of the fascist killers and thugs. Regardless, while the Arab world itself debates the sanctity (or not) of Democracy, the election will happen. Mechanisms are even in place for Iraqi expatriates to vote. And once individuals get a taste of freedom, the bet is they'll want more of it, not less. And, of course, this is a more serious threat to Islamists and Arab dictators than the US....
Naval ships from the United States, Australia,
India, and Singapore are heading to Southeast Asia. They are carrying supplies, personnel, and construction
equipment to aid in relief efforts. As the US leads a Coalition of Aid, some snipe seeing it as an effort to undermine the UN. The fact is, the UN undermines itself and doesn't need help from the US to do it. As the massive humanitarian effort ramps up, some turn their backs on the destruction nearby and live it up, returning to the beaches and Pina Coladas at the Ampanpuri Resort (among others) popular with celebrities like Sarah Ferguson, Mick Jagger, David Bowie, assorted Spice Girls and soap stars. Hey! They're on vacation! Just ignore those bodies washing up on the shore. Secretary Powell isn't on vacation. And here's the Stingy Report (via the Instapundit)
In Illinois, a battle over violent video games is brewing.
Bush resubmits to Congress 20 Federal Judge nominees.
A Justice Department memo says torture violates US and International Law.
Anna Nicole Smith gets stripped....of her fortune.
Yes, the childs name is Zhao.com
Is a "spiritually induced death" suicide? Not if it doesn't occur when forecast. If the 15,000 followers gathered to witness it try to help him out, would it be murder?
The 2004 roundup of Good News
""Spiderman, Superman and Batman were involved in a minor
altercation at 12.32 am at Wincheap on Christmas Day."
