Winter Solstice occurred at 7:04 AM on 21- The planet is hot. This is hideous. 3 miles up at Vostok, Antarctica it is ONLY -9 Fahrenheit. Hideous !

Is Santa drowning? After all, deliveries this year seem a little slow.

Arctic Ice Melting at Alarming Pace as Temperatures Rise (click here)
New studies show that the region is warming even faster than many scientists had feared
By Thomas Omestad
Posted December 16, 2008
New studies being released this week indicate that climate change is exerting massive and worrying change on the Arctic region—reducing the volume of ice, releasing methane gas into the atmosphere, and dramatically raising air temperatures in some parts of the Arctic....

...NASA scientists will reveal that more than 2 trillion tons of land ice on Greenland and Alaska, along with in Antarctica, have melted since 2003. Satellite measurements suggest half of the loss has come from Greenland. Melting of land ice slowly raises sea levels.
The World Meteorological Organization, a United Nations agency, is also reporting that ice volume in the Arctic this year fell to its lowest recorded level to date.
Experts from the National Snow and Ice Data Center in Colorado will further reveal that temperatures this fall in some Arctic areas north of Alaska were 9 or 10 degrees Fahrenheit above average. The long-predicted phenomenon is known as "Arctic amplification." As global air temperatures increase, the Arctic tends to show greater changes because the ice pack that once reflected solar heat is reduced in scope. More heat is therefore absorbed. The study is being discussed at a meeting of the American Geophysical Union in San Francisco....

Federal/State Personnel really have to check these gauges. It is how people's lives are saved from surprise flooding at their front or back doors. It may be a frozen gauge, but, then again in some areas of the country it could be a warning of worsening conditions that when thawing sets in will cause a threat to folks.

What has occurred in the recent past in federal employment are layoffs and firings and all that mess, probably depriving people of rightful retirement benefits as well.

See, in this instance people in the extreme Right Wing views spending on PERSONNEL frivilous. They rather average folks, whether employed or not, purchase flood insurance regardless of the danger. The argument can be made that with Climate Change people should purchase flood insurance. It is unpredictable. But, if one is to follow that logic then there is even MORE REASON to employee people to monitor the gauges and report regularly any and all anticpated dangers based on history and 'New Climate Data.'

There is basically NO REASON for these gauges to be unattended and reported on regularly. We could be saving lives, regardless of flood insurance.

Cold front sweeps across Dallas-Fort Worth area on first day of winter (click here)
07:11 PM CST on Sunday, December 21, 2008
WFAA-TV
Today is the first day of winter, and a cold front sweeping across North Texas caused temperatures to fall into the upper 20s and high teens by daybreak, with wind chills dipping into the single digits at some reporting stations.
At 8 a.m., the National Weather Service reported it was 18 degrees in Denton and Decatur; 19 degrees at McKinney, Sherman/Denison and Fort Worth Meacham Airport.
In spite of a lot of sunshine on Sunday, forecast high temperatures will struggle to reach the lower 40s with a brisk north wind. But this is also the winter solstice, day the sun sets soonest (at 5:25 p.m. in Dallas)....


Winter storm idles athletes (click here)
By Tribune Staff
December 14, 2008
A wicked winter storm that hit north central Montana early Saturday morning played havoc with many scheduled prep sporting events....

People need to be checking these river gauges. They could simply be frozen as most of the NOW seven gauges registering 'severe flooding' are in areas of cold percipitation, except in Texas. I need to look at that one. But, at rate, there can be ice jams that might be artifically increasing the reading. Regardless, that is a concern that local and state authorities need to know. The federal government has a lot of people to put back to work and soon. As a matter of fact there might be significant taxes outstanding that need to be collected as well. Hello?


Looks like Amtrack needs to hire a few folks. Huh?

Update: Amtrak train delayed 18 hours; overtime causes crew to wait 3 hours before traveling last 25 miles (click here)
by Ken Kolker The Grand Rapids Press
Monday December 22, 2008, 9:05 AM

Grand Rapids, Michigan gauge shows flood stage over 12 feet (click here) and the gauge is registering well over that.

December 22, 2008
1330z
UNISYS Water Vapor GOES West Satellite (click title to entry - thank you)

The vortex southwest of the Baja Peninsula has proven to stabilize an air mass that is now dumping huge amounts of moisture into the central part of the USA. There has been and will continue to be significant snow and some flooding in at least six gauges.

There is no frigid air over Antartica and a huge heat transfer system is noted from South America arriving over WAIS.

Vostok, Antarctica (click here)
Local Time: 6:38 PM VOST (GMT +06)
Lat/Lon: 78.4° S 106.9° E Current Conditions Vostok, Antarctica (Airport)
Updated: 36 min 40 sec ago
Temperature :: -9 °F
Conditions :: Clear
Humidity: 42%
Dew Point: -20 °F
Wind: 14 mph from the SSW
Wind Gust: -
Pressure: in (Rising)
Visibility: 12.0 miles
Elevation: 11220 ft

The warmest place the day after the Winter Solstice 2008 is Davis, Antarctica (webcam click here)

Davis, Antarctica

Long/Lat - 68.58S 77.97E
Local Time: 7:45 PM DAVT (GMT +07)
Lat/Lon: 68.6° S 78.0° E
Temperature :: 38 °F
Conditions :: Partly Cloudy
Humidity: 38%
Dew Point: 22 °F
Wind: 13 mph from the North Wind Gust: -
Pressure: 29.31 in (Rising) Visibility: 16.0 miles
Elevation: 59 ft

30 Days until Inauguration - All of Obama's Cabinet Choices, (as my mom would say) shows he is 'an ambitious guy.'

Rep. Hilda Solis, D-Calif., the daughter of a union family who has a strongly pro-labor voting record

They are also very much based in Democratic Leadership with strong indications the Right Wing of the Nation has only been attended to in their war indulgences.

Also noteworthy is the fact, "The DEFENSE Secretary" is seeking to return to the REAL WAR to cease terrorist networks in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kashmir and India. I sincerely believe there will be significant changes in the USA and its focus both domestic and the international venues. President-Elect Obama is NOT a conservative in any of his choices, nor is he a centrist as everyone believes. He is a solid Democrat with an agenda of stabilizing this nation, its focus and propagating healthy relationships with other countries.

The country sees President-Elect Obama as a centrist because he seems to be somewhat conservative in his choices, but, the fact is the country was tilted to far to the right that even stabilizing it will demand a great deal of patience with a guiding vision of the change he promised. The examples of the direction the country is being set on is clearly demonstrated in the cooperation of the Bush White House in sending additional troops to Afghanistan, noting there is going to be established a timeline to withdraw from Iraq and the bolstering of the auto industry. All those were of focus during the Obama Campaign and reasons for his election. It is more than noteworthy that he has been able to garner the support of the current President to assist in his transition as circumstances are critical. Admirable leadership already.

Choosing a House Representative with strong support of unions is NOT a centrist choice. President-Elect Obama has sculpted an interesting array of people to assist him in stabilizing the USA and invoking radical changes in the infrastructure of the USA. To even speculate as his ability to deliver the promises he made is silly. He knows this country enough and the strength of its people.

For over five decades the USA has neglected its environmental responsibilities to a global citizenry that depends on perfection in decision making for their stability as well. It is why he was well received in Europe when he chose to find in roads with leaders there so early in his campaign. It is why he was the people's choice. He has exhibited diligence in his dedication and APPRECIATION of his election. He knew his election was historic in many ways, the least being his fund raising and record contributions from average people that sacrificed out of their household budgets to see him succeed. His appreciation of that is obvious and for that he is dearly loved.

To say the changes coming to the USA are 'centrist' is a profound lack of insight. Five decades of neglect is a long time. President-Elect Obama has built his demands for economic growth on infrastructure change and rebuilding. While maintaining as many jobs that are left in the USA is important to him, also noted is his demands for a change in direction, including the auto industry, that offers generations of Americas a cutting edge futures and clear consicence.

There is an article in The New York Times today that is best characterized by Bush's own words,“How,” he wondered aloud, “did we get here?” (click here). The Rove Republican rhetoric that elected Bush for a second term, that bolstered his flailing and hubris filled economic strategy beginning with Don Evans, which allowed corrupt values to reign is being replaced. It is being replaced by the values that are true and necessary. That is NOT centrist. They are not laced with corrupt values and 'right wing dreams' of domination.

The country, under Obama, has a clear, honest and worthy direction based in sound science, sound economic principles and a return to sanity. The economy will lead the way into a reality of hope, including cures to medical malidies through genetic research, environmental stewardship, reclaiming our natural world and taking leadership in venues of peace, human rights and civil rights. That is radical change that can be delivered through a Democratic majority. It is a path we HAVE to engage and a road we desperately need to travel.

I want Madoff investigated. I want the investigation to go back to his professional life and realize how he set himself up BEFORE he left Wall Street

There is a lot "W"rong here. Not just a little bit wrong, a lot wrong. Madoff was given 'a pass' on these crimes because of the impact that exposure would have regarding the financial networks AND the reputation those financial networks have in the world including international relations in foreign policy.

Sometimes, issues can 'seem so huge' they aren't breached as they MUST be and SHOULD be to insure the nation has LEGITIMACY in its dealings. This is not only a crime, but, a CULTURE issue. Everyone from the beginning of time has a lot to answer for and the investigation needs to begin at the beginning and not the end.

SAN FRANCISCO — Bernard Madoff, who founded Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities, was arrested by Federal Bureau of Investigation agents on alleged fraud, The Wall Street Journal reported late Thursday on its Web site. Charges against Madoff allege that he told senior employees on Wednesday that the firm was “a giant Ponzi scheme” after trying to distribute the “couple of hundred million dollars” he had left before turning himself in, according to the Journal, citing a person familiar with the matter. The alleged scheme involved tens of billions of dollars, the newspaper reported.

December 20, 2008 4:00 PM
Bernard Madoff (click here)
Posted by Letters editor
Truly brilliant
Your recent stories covering the activities of Bernard Madoff, the brilliant financier of all times, make a compelling case that he be considered for the Nobel Prize in economics next year ["Securities experts, investors don't buy Madoff was solo act (click here)," Dec. 19; "Madoff's financial empire audited by tiny firm: one guy (click here)," Dec. 18; "Madoff's clients all over the world," Dec. 16; "A trusted man, $50B, a "giant Ponzi scheme," Dec. 13].
His absolute great talent was to make people feel comfortable with turning their money over to him for great returns.
He outmaneuvered investment bankers, lawyers, economists, accountants, commercial real-estate investors and developers -- not to mention the folks at Securities and Exchange Commission.
Just imagine some of the comments by individuals who invested in his empire: "They thought Bernie Madoff was genius and anybody, who didn't give them their money, was a fool," and "He was considered a wizard."
Obviously, he is a genius to build an impressive portfolio, at least on paper, that would accumulate approximately $50 billion in a few years. What an amazing accomplishment.
-- Aslam Khan, Bellevue

31 Days until Inauguration - Climate Change has a Czar

What is confusing, however, is why hasn't Goldman Sachs been more a mover and shaker in the Bush White House considering the economic opportunities in advancing infrastructure? I guess it takes Democrats to envision the future.

Former President Bill Clinton holds the letter of commitment struck between The Goldman Sachs Center for Environmental Management (representative, left) and Woods Hole Research Center Director John P. Holdren (right). Select image for larger version. (click here)

The Ukraine and Russia have escalating tensions over monetary rates and gas purchases. They need to come to an agreement on PAYMENT.

The Ukraine, no different than many other countries of smaller populous have been struggling to maintain the value of their national currency. Consequently, their deliveries of gas through the pipeline that connects Russian supply with Europe has fallen behind in their payments. At the same time, the Ukrainian grivna has experienced a rough ride in today's economy.

In all honesty, now that the Ukraine has worked out fiscal supports with the world bank they need to work out a payment for gas delivery with Russia.

Russia has a right to their income based in 'past performance' of the Ukraine grivna as if the payments were timely. Tensions between Russia and the Ukraine is the last thing the EU needs. If Russia receives payment on a revalued grivna due to poor payment by the Ukraine it will sustain a loss all because they were generous to the countries west of its gas pipeline during difficult times.

Understandably, Russia should also seek good relations with the Ukraine and the EU, so while they have many rights of protest to receiving deflated prices on their gas deliveries they should also remember how to BEST get along with neighbors.

I wish everyone a lot of luck. We don't need to stir WWIII. I guarantee you that the USA would be busy in its own hemisphere if anyone experiencing hubris in Europe decides they can 'take on' the Russian Bear.

NEGOTIATIONS, Mr. Putin. Definately, heroic negotiations are in order.

Ukrainian PM Tymoshenko says President Yushchenko must resign (click title to entry - thank you)
KIEV, December 20 (RIA Novosti) - Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko said that President Viktor Yushchenko must resign on Saturday as he is weakening the country's economy on purpose.
"I believe that the country's president who works in the manner 'the worse, the better' and make money on mischief must resign on Saturday together with the head of the National Bank," Tymoshenko said in an interview with the Ukraina television channel.
The prime minister said that she demands the resignation of President Viktor Yushchenko as he and the administration of the National Bank and a number of other commercial banks have been weakening exchange rate of the national currency, hryvna, on purpose.
Ukraine was swept in October by a financial crisis caused by the ongoing global credit crunch. The country's key exporters - the steel and chemical sectors - were hit hardest.
The International Monetary Fund has agreed to lend Ukraine $16.43 billion to stabilize domestic economy. Ukraine has so far received the first $4.5 billion of the loan.
The parliament has passed anti-crisis legislation to help it deal with the situation....

Ukraine’s Hryvnia Jumps 11% as Central Bank Raises Rate to 22% (click here)
By Laura Cochrane

Dec. 19 (Bloomberg) -- Ukraine’s currency jumped as much as 11 percent against the dollar after the second interest-rate increase in two days aimed at halting a plunge the government says would cause defaults on most foreign-currency loans.
The hryvnia climbed the most in seven weeks to as high as 8.0925 per dollar, and was at 8.2750 as of 7:06 p.m. in Kiev, from 9.1 yesterday. The increase came after a 14 percent slide in the previous two days. The central bank raised its benchmark refinancing rate to 22 percent from 18 percent, after increasing it one percentage point yesterday....

As all these 'silly' alliance agreements are signed, the question arises as to their VIABILITY at time of conflict and what exactly defines 'conflict' considering the justificiation Russia had in South Ossetia.

One aspect of the Cheney dialogues with Europe through the Bush State Department was the UNREALISTIC nature of any treaty agreements with nations in Europe. With a war on terrorist networks in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kashmir and India; there is little reality less obvious than the military expansionism and 'hardware' build-up of Russia while they sat on the sidelines carrying out 'diplomatic' relationships normally pursued by the USA.

Realizing that sovereign nations SHOULD be fighting in unison to end the terrorist networks globally, there is little room for brinkmanship in any hemisphere. If conflict between major powers ever broke out, it would allow chaos and escalation of terrorist elements globally with potential for global anarchy never experienced before in history.

All one has to has to realize is the extremely fast communication that occurs with these networks and their ability to escalate attacks based in religious fervor. It is a dangerous time for the world. Russia rightfully sought global expansionism of its military as the Neocon USA military set its path on aggression rather than alliances and mutual infrastructure to defeat the world's greatest enemy, that of al Qaeda and its offspring.

US, Ukraine, Sign Partnership Charter (click here)
By David Gollust The State Department

19 December 2008

The United States and Ukraine Friday signed what was termed a Charter of Strategic Partnership calling for cooperation in defense, energy, trade and other areas. The United State will set up a diplomatic mission in Ukraine's Crimean region. State Department officials said the terms of the partnership accord are not unlike those of agreements the United States has with many other countries. But the signing comes at a politically-sensitive time, in the aftermath of the Georgia crisis, and officials said it is a signal to Moscow of U.S.-Ukraine solidarity....

It will be upto the Obama State Department to renegotiate any and all international agreements based on peace and not aggression. Russia is NOT the enemy, but, more reactionary to 'threats' of war of any nature to protect its interests, people and borders. It his high time the USA, Russia and China have a 'Friendship Pact' with mutual interest in peace and economic prosperity.

A very hopeful sign for 'building' global peace and alliance is a meeting recently between Germany and Russia. I congratulate Chancellor Merkel for her insight. The former Soviet States are still in flux and their leadership has to be scrutinized for issues that might result in sustained damage to long standing desires for peace between major nations. The ambitions of the Georgian President were not beneficial to the outcome of his own people and demonstrates clearly 'immature' ability in leadership. The 'idea' the USA would 'take advantage' of such leadership for some 'idea' of assaulting Russia for its natural resources or potential defense of nations of Europe as if Russia would contribute to that instability is hideous.

Posted on Dec. 19, 2008

By George Friedman
Germany Opposes NATO Membership for Ukraine and Georgia (click here)
From Stratfor
German Chancellor Angela Merkel went to St. Petersburg last week for meetings with Russian President Dmitri Medvedev. The central question on the table was Germany’s position on NATO expansion, particularly with regard to Ukraine and Georgia. Merkel made it clear at a joint press conference that Germany would oppose NATO membership for both of these countries, and that it would even oppose placing the countries on the path to membership. Since NATO operates on the basis of consensus, any member nation can effectively block any candidate from NATO membership....

I suggest there be more Summits with allies and old friends by the new administration topping the agenda of defeating terrorist networks and reversing global warming. It is a well known fact the stresses of a warming planet severely complicates any nation's security. I am confident as those environmental stresses progress every terrorist network will seek to exploit that reality in lack of infrastructure by any nation. Al Qaeda is a vicious network of well educated people looking to defeat freedom. No one should underestimate the abilities of these international criminals including the protective militias of Iraq that seek security for their own people as well.

Lots to do. No time to waste.

CQ TODAY ONLINE NEWS

FOREIGN POLICY

Dec. 19, 2008 – 3:36 p.m.
Obama to Revive Stalled Nuclear Reduction Talks With Russia (click here)
By Josh Rogin, CQ Staff
President-elect Barack Obama intends to revive stalled talks with Russia on reducing nuclear weapons when he takes office next year, Rep. Ellen O. Tauscher said Friday.
Tauscher, D-Calif., recently returned from leading a congressional delegation to Russia and Eastern Europe. In meetings with the delegation, Russian officials laid out their key negotiating points for a new strategic arms reduction treaty and U.S. lawmakers pledged to work on an agreement before the current treaty expires in December 2009.
“We need to get about the business of negotiating a new treaty; it’s a fundamental priority of both the Congress and the new administration,” said Tauscher, chairwoman of the House Armed Services Strategic Forces subcommittee.
The 1991 START I treaty limited the number of nuclear warheads and delivery systems for the United States and the former Soviet Union and represented a drastic reduction of nuclear weapons on both sides when finally implemented in 2001.
A decade-long effort to implement the follow-on START II treaty failed in 2002, when Russia backed out in response to President Bush’s unilateral decision to scuttle the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty in May of that year.
The negotiations will be arduous, Tauscher said, due to the lack of trust between the two countries and each side’s desire to alter the basic framework of the treaty towards their new perspectives on the 21st century strategic environment.
“After the Russian aggression in Georgia, it’s difficult to get back to business-as-usual, while it’s clear that we have business to do,” she said, adding, “Their position effectively is ‘we don’t believe you and we don’t trust you’.”...

As unemployment reaches historic highs, a dangerous trend in falling State income and Prisoner releases.

The departing of the North Carolina Governor Easley, has a trail of awards for Pre-School education, but, also severe criticism for concerns surrounding mental health facilities in the state as well as potentially failing probation programs due to tight budgets and early prisoner release.

As the nation is gripped with higher unemployment rates, stressed state budgets, falling contributions from federal supports and difficult choices in making spending cuts, the reality is that there are dynamics at work that dictate a burgeoning economic depression that will require the full commitment of the Obama Economic Team.

Trends will need to be tracked for success, widening tax bases and possible corruption that will thwart the forthcoming economic depression. Rebuilding the nation's infrastructure will serve as a place for returning war veterans and released prisoners to find jobs that will prevent issues with recidivism and personal depression.

A closed door (click title to entry - thank you)
Gov.-elect Beverly Perdue must open more records across state government. Secrecy is suspicious
Published: Sat, Dec. 20, 2008 12:30AM
Modified Sat, Dec. 20, 2008 01:20AM
In the past year, nearly 600 reports on various cases at the hospitals were released with only the patients' names left out. The reports were cross-referenced by The N&O with other state records where the names of the dead are public, such as autopsy reports and death certificates. In March of this year, the newspaper reported the stories of 82 patients who had died in state mental hospitals and homes for the developmentally disabled, including those stories where people were beaten to death or had suffocated because staff members had erred in restraining them....

N.C. jobless rate rockets to 7.9% (click here)
Manufacturing, professional and transportation sectors are hit hard as recession grips state
Jonathan B. Cox - Staff Writer
Published: Sat, Dec. 20, 2008 04:31AM
Modified Sat, Dec. 20, 2008 04:30AM
North Carolina lost jobs at a record pace last month, pushing unemployment to a 25-year high as the outlook for the state darkened amid a deepening recession.
Employers slashed 46,000 jobs in November, more than in any state except Florida, according to data released Friday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Factor in startup companies and the self-employed, and total employment in North Carolina dipped by 58,621 -- the biggest monthly decline in records dating to January 1976..
Those job cuts pushed the unemployment rate to 7.9 percent from 7.1 percent in October, according to figures from the N.C. Employment Security Commission. The jobless rate is now the highest since October 1983....

Released prisoners face a daunting future (click here)
Former inmates have little help staying on track and avoiding offending again
Mandy Locke - Staff Writer
Published: Sat, Dec. 20, 2008 12:30AM
Modified Sat, Dec. 20, 2008 06:05AM
RALEIGH -- Steve Berryman stepped into freedom Tuesday, a foggy, misty, bone-chilling return to a world he left 10 years ago.
Berryman, 48, smiled, awkward in a donated gray suit as he passed beneath a prison's barbed-wired gate.
He'd been here before: a fresh start that often proves a false start. This is the ninth time he's tried to begin again. Since age 18, he had been locked up more years of his adult life than he'd been free, racking up convictions for theft and drug use....

The extremes of heat transfer, besides the dangerous storm over the USA...

December 19, 2008; 2100z; Naval Research Lab, global day/night view.
Yep, the circulation system crosses the equator as a consistent 'entity' defying Coriolis. Wow.

The center of the Atlantic vortex is just north of The Tropic of Cancer at 30 degrees latitude just west of Africa. What a mess. There are strong winds adding to the circulation off the North American continent into the Atlantic. Noted are strong winds heading directly north over Greenland into the Arctic Circle.

There are actually four distinct circulation centers. The other two besides the two noted off Africa in the northern hemisphere and off Brazil at the Equator, there is one at the 'usual' place in the Gulf of Mexico northwest of the Yucatan and in the Pacific at about 27 degrees north latitude just south of Mexico.

There is a fifth one east of Brazilia at 15 degrees south latitude. Wow, what a mess. This is where a hurricane manifested earlier in the year, I believe.



Sea heights at the outer periphery of the circular air movement is higher, especially in the Southern Oceans. The winds of the central vortex in Mid-Atlantic near SA is pushing surface waters into the Southern Hemisphere before the northern winds have a lesser effect in the Northern Oceans.

The heat from the equatorial waters are being forced south toward Antarctica. The same dynamics in less proportions are occuring in the northern waters of the Equator. There is some artificial upwelling under the vortex west of Brazil. It appears there is higher dynamics in the northern ocean, but, my estimation is that the ocean heights north of the Equator is a result of 'less surface area' and 'less water' than the southern seas.


There is a very unusal upper tropopsheric vortex over the Atlantic between Africa and South America. That is a result of a global circulation that connects the southern hemisphere with the northern hemisphere as a result of the 'collection of water vapor' over the South American continent as well as that of Wouthern Africa.

No Joke. The Sole of Your Shoe can now speak louder than words. Amazing.

The world has an new way of expressing common ground.

Investigation of Police Brutality and Torture. Scary combination. Yikes !!!

Shoe-tossing journalist was abused, Iraqi judge says (click here)
Thousands of protesters are calling for the release of journalist Mundtadhar al-Zeidi.
By Sarah More McCann
from the December 19, 2008 edition

An Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at President George W. Bush at a press conference in Iraq last Sunday was beaten afterward, an Iraqi judge said Friday. The latest revelation in the incident that has garnered worldwide attention comes amid an Iranian cleric's call for a "shoe intifada" against the US and praise for the journalist from a Malaysian leader, suggesting that US President-elect Barack Obama will face challenges to overcoming anti-US sentiments.
According to the Associated Press (AP), Iraqi journalist Muntadhar al-Zeidi had "bruises on his face and around his eyes" shortly after throwing his shoes at President Bush during a press conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki Dec. 14.
Judge Dhia al-Kinani, the magistrate investigating the incident, said the court has opened an investigation into the alleged beating of journalist Muntadhar al-Zeidi....

Warren needs to step down. His politics DON'T represent America.

The USA has a policy prohibiting assassination. The problem with Warren is his self-righteous standards he demands of political leaders of the USA. He is one of the poorest examples of someone capable of establishing peace in the world.

Warren is a religous figure in this country and YET he feels completely justified in CLEARLY CROSSING the line of church and state to dictate Political Policy to his following. That reeks of demands for him to have his Tax-Exempt status pulled. His verbose positions regarding foreign governments is completely offensive to the policies of Barak Obama. There is NO WAY he should be participating in any Inauguration of this President-Elect.

No Way ! Ain't gonna change my mind ! Never ! Hate mongering is NOT allowed.


...Seems to me that Rick Warren, one of the most popular Christian evangelical pastors in the nation, has some splainin’ to do to the Muslim bruthas when he Council national convention in two weeks. You see, Brother Rick engaged in a surreal interview with Brother Sean on FOX News last week in which he called for the murder of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Iran’s president. Somehow, I don’t think that’s going to go over too well with the Convention guests. I’d really like to see the video of this session especially the Q&A! Somebody who attends, please send it to me....

Double Speak - ..."Instead of protecting voter rights, it allows the campaigns to become the gatekeepers of the election."

People vote for candidates. Therefore, the people are represented by the candidates when a court challenged is engaged. If a candidate sincerely believes in the votes received then it is the candidates obligation to insist on an accounting of all ballots cast.

There is no displacement of authority to a 'gatekeeper' system. It is the right and obligation of the candidate to insist the voters are represented honestly. These are legitimate challenges to cease disenfranchisement of voters in Minnesota.

"...What’s more, the Coleman campaign returned to the Minnesota Supreme Court this morning over the issue of potentially double-counted ballots. The Republican’s camp has argued that in some cases (roughly 150 total) both original and duplicate ballots have been mistakenly included in the tally and wants the court to enjoin the canvassing board from certifying the election results until the issue is resolved. At least one local election official, Cindy Reichert of Minneapolis, seems to agree that double-counting may have occurred. The Franken campaign maintains it’s not an issue. The canvassing board voted unanimously this morning not to get involved in the matter, prompting the Coleman campaign to seek redress in the courts...."

32 Days until Inauguration - Why "W"rong priorities establish dangerous currents.

Hezbollah supporters attending a protest in Dahiyeh, Lebanon, on Friday against the Gaza blockade carry Palestinian flags. (AP)
Is Hezbollah its own political nation state, too? (click here) It displays a Palestinian flag. When will the Palestinians 'unit' under one political authority?


The Russian system, called the S-300, is one of the most advanced multi-target anti-aircraft-missile systems in the world today and has a reported ability to track up to 100 targets simultaneously while engaging up to 12 at the same time. It has a range of about 200 kilometers and can hit targets at altitudes of 27,000 meters.

Israel is always in a crisis simply because of the lack of mutual peace in the region. The latest is the expiration of a treaty with Hamas. That in and of itself isn't the reason for this entry. That in and of itself is not a crisis with the PALESTINIANS. It is, however, re-establishing hostilities for aggression by both Israel and Hamas. There are elements in Israel that would like a change in tone toward Hamas in Gaza. It also accompanies the difference in politics. It is an interesting 'pause' in aggressions.

In actuality, Hamas is NOT a sovereign authority. The 'truce' should exist between the ELECTED authorities of Palestine and rebel elements such as Hamas. Israel recognizing Hamas as a diplomatic priority is actually recognizing divided Palestinian authority established due to violence/law breaking.

If Hamas in Gaza wants to act as 'separatists' then they need to seek relief through changes in the Palestinian Constitution which could delinate between Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank and other settlements. I may be that perpetual conflict can result if Hamas is not allowed a sovereign authority. The question that arises, however, is that establishing Hamas as a sovereign entity dilutes any established 'ethnicity' and rewards 'political states' different from 'ethnic states.' Hm?

Tensions Rise as Hamas Ends Truce With Israel (click here)
By Robert Berger Jerusalem
19 December 2008
Tensions are high on the border of Israel and the Gaza Strip after a cease-fire comes to an end. Palestinian militants in Gaza fired rockets into southern Israel, formally ending a six-month old cease-fire. The truce expired on Friday, and the Islamic militant group Hamas, which rules Gaza, said it would not be renewed. A masked member of the Hamas military wing, Abu Obeida, said all Palestinian factions agreed that Israel has not abided by the cease-fire and therefore they would return to armed resistance....


Last update - 07:08 19/12/2008
ANALYSIS / Barak's restraint in Gaza is a huge elections gamble (click here)
By Aluf Benn, Haaretz Correspondent
The debate in Israel over a large-scale operation in the Gaza Strip is a debate between two opposing security doctrines: preemption versus postponement. Proponents of an invasion argue that it is better to fight Hamas before it grows even stronger, as that will reduce casualties on both sides. Defense Minister Ehud Barak, who heads the opposing camp, holds that it is better to wait: Perhaps something will change in the Palestinian arena or in the Arab world, thereby preventing a bloody war, and if not, waiting until Hamas escalates the conflict will make it easier to mobilize both domestic and international support for an operation....





The reason for this entry is the overwhelming focus by Israel's citizens on the armaments from Russia to Iran. There are sales of 'anti-aircraft' missiles to Iran.

(From the article at the title to entry) ..."The deliveries of dangerous armaments to our enemies won't serve the interests of peace and, for instance, can help Iran wipe Israel off the face of earth," the Interfax news agency quoted envoy Amos Gilad was quoted as saying....

Let me first note that anything Russia is selling Iran can be duplicated by the USA as noted in the film loop above. There is also technology being developed by Israel to counter any form of war machines Iran owns. In realizing that is established the fact that Iran is nullified of aggressions using these weapons and sales of these armaments by Russia speaks to concerns by Iran of USA aggression from Iraq. This IS NOT about Russian aggression, so much, as stabilizing the region from more warfare. Balance of power.

Israel warns Russia: If you sell your air-defense system to Iran, we'll neutralize it.
Barak in new threat: If Israel is provoked, the IDF is ready to 'attack Iran and succeed uncompromisingly' (click here)
Jerusalem Post - Jerusalem
Author :: YAAKOV KATZ
Date :: Aug 8, 2008
"Russia will have to think real hard before delivering this system to Iran, which is possibly on the brink of conflict with either Israel or the US, since if the system is delivered, an EW [electronic warfare] system will likely be developed to neutralize it, and if that happens it would be catastrophic not only for Iran but also for Russia," the defense official said....

Also noteworthy is that Israel has well established diplomatic relations with Russia under Sharon that should be accessed by its leadership.

That established, it is more interesting to realize 'the reason' for the arms sought by Iran's Ahmadinejad. Same 'ole, same 'ole. No different than seeking ? peaceful ? use of nuclear technology, the more 'powerful' the Shia Nation of Iran appears the more political clout the Iranian President BELIEVES he establishes. The reasons for the arms to Iran by the demands of their leadership, is to establish a sovereign 'protectorate' nation of the Shia. No other reason. Anti-aircraft missiles are a part of that. The USA has been in Iraq now for well over five years and there is no reason to believe the issue of POTENTIAL American Aggression toward neighboring nations will change without troop withdrawal. Hence, Iran for reasons that are its own, shadowed in legitimacy, will continue to escalate tensions in the region by arming itself.

So, I'll say it again, at least for one last time:

We don't belong in Iraq.

We never did !

So what then is on the minds of the average Iranian citizen? What is on your mind?

M-O-N-E-Y

Why?

Because Iran is in debt to Russia and they want to perhaps purchase anti-aircraft missiles in a paranoid reaction of the occupation of Iraq.

Iran mulls financial bailout as stock market falls (click here)
Atta Kenare / AFP/Getty Images
UNDER PRESSURE: President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who faces elections in June, is under pressure to act after the stock market hit a five-year low.
A key index has fallen more than 2,000 points as businesses are hit by flagging oil and commodities prices. An ailing economy could hamper President Ahmadinejad's prospects in June elections.
By Borzou Daragahi and Ramin Mostaghim December 19, 2008
Reporting from Tehran and Beirut -- Iran is considering a $300-million financial bailout plan for companies listed on its weakened stock market, a newspaper reported this week, as share prices falter for businesses hurt by sagging oil and commodity prices....

It is a stop gap. No more bailout monies for Wall Street.

The President did the right thing and within his definition of 'good terms.' It will provide enough breathing room until the President Elect takes office on January 20th.

THAT is a precedent that marks a clear path of a cooperative 'spirit' that should be emulated by the Senate Republicans as the next term opens to new leadership, with new ideas and a clear agenda to solve the problems of this country while also revitalizing the Middle Class of the country. I believe this interest by the President should be welcomed in the spirit it was intended.



Realizing this 'Presidential Precedent' is an act of compassion to the agenda of the incoming leadership due to take responsibility on January 20th, the same standards should apply to any more monies demanded by the Treasury Department.

Currently, there is LITTLE to no turbulence in the global markets. With the discovered Ponsi Scam rocking 'selective' banking districts there has been a set back of sorts.

BUT.

8500. 8500. 8500. 8500.

The markets are maintaining a steady course. They will turn around when consumers to the products of the markets again have monies to spend, reestablishing a housing demand and potentially a housing shortage IF there proves to be enough buyers/renters for EVERY house already built. Commercial properties as well are in abundence and until there is a SINCERE demand for any new construction, the country needs to address its infrastructure, making bridges safe, improving and constructing effective and efficient mass transit, responsiblity building alternative energy sources while rebuilding its tax base.

The USA needs to retool its Conservation focus. We need scientists and their assistants on the ground' doing species inventories to establish losses and plan for restoration of our nation to its 'natural' heritage that preserves every inch of magesty this country deserves. We, the people of the United States of America, need to set an example for Global Conservation to match those of award winning African Conservationists and possibly exceed them. African Conservationists won't have the opportunity to save Arctic species as we will.

The proudest fact of saving the USA auto industry, is that we contribute to our bright future in establishing 'world class' personal transportation while still supporting people of other countries that work with USA companies currently. As these elements of economy change and the USA work force is reestablished to secure the needs and priorities of the American people, the places where outsourcing misdirected the 'healthy infrastructure' of the USA can be addressed in ways that will support disaffected economies as we reclaim ours.

Working within a global framework that prevents isolation, will protect the economies of allies and take away issues of 'poverty' that encourage terrorist networks. When people value life above sacrificial status through death, we know it stops the growth of terrorist elements.

There was a time when diplomacy with the USA also included standards regarding child labor and environmental protections. When diplomacy ADDS those components to their doctrines it establishes 'jobs' connected with those provisions in other lands.

Jobs such as teachers, environmental policy makers and those that enforce them. A return of sound American standards to international relations elevates other governments and challenges them to meet higher standards that remove the dangers of poverty.

Compromising standards of Environmental Stewardship, including those of energy and transportation, lowers the esteem of citizens and causes depersonalizaton of values that elevate conscience. When species less than ourselves are valued for their contribution to global environmental stability, including primary producers, it creates a lifestyle that values life and not death.

I'll get off my soap box here, but, in all honesty I thought it was darn decent of the President to seek a stabilizing effect with the incoming administration. Didn't expect it. I think a thank you is in order. We are looking forward to our new President Elect's leadership, the joy of his family in the White House and the challenges that await us all in the bold, brave frontier we have sculpted for our nation and its future generations with the historic election of 2008.

Still in office and VICTOR in Round One of Hostile Political Climate. Congratulations, Rod and Patti.

It is clearly demonstrated that the Illiniois Attorney General is creating a hostile work environment due to her political ambitions. The decision regarding the 'funding' for Rod's legal defense needs to be appealled to a higher court for reconsideration in the face of the favorable outcome to the Governor's 'competency' findings.

In establishing the fact there is NOTHING "W"rong with Rod's leadership as a freely elected Governor, Patti and he need to consider establishing a fund for his defense.

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich says goodbye to his wife Patti and daughter Annie at their home in Chicago, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008. Blagojevich said Wednesday he is ready to tell his side of the scandal to the people of Illinois and that he would do so no later than Thursday. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)

Ill. high court rejects attempt to remove governor (click on title to entry - thank you)
By CHRISTOPHER WILLS – 1 day ago
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The Illinois Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to hear a claim that Gov. Rod Blagojevich is unfit to serve, erasing what could have been the quickest path to forcing him out of office as he faces federal charges....



The Illinois Attorney General is abusing the power of her office. She misdirected the statue of 'incompetency' directed at the Governor. That is hostile politics and with such a person in the lead of the Judicial Department of Illinois she needs to be replaced.

I mean honestly now !

What did she think she was going to do prove that he can't remember where he lives or how to get to work. Noted in the video loop above, he not only knew where he worked by considered the quality of life and good will among all involved more important than tarnishing everyone's holiday season with, THE TRUTH.

Blagojevich attorney: Wiretaps were illegal (click here)
23 hours ago
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The lawyer for Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich says federal investigators illegally monitored his client's conversations.
Attorney Ed Genson told the House impeachment committee Thursday that the federal wiretaps were illegal.
The recordings are crucial to the criminal charges filed against Blagojevich last week. Prosecutors say they caught the Democratic governor discussing efforts to auction off a U.S. Senate seat and pressure a hospital executive for campaign donations.
Genson told the impeachment committee that it shouldn't consider any material from the wiretaps, saying the evidence was "illegally obtained."
The comments suggest Blagojevich's legal defense may include challenging whether the recordings can be introduced in court.

It is called THE ASSAULT on Conservation, when so called Green Energy causes Environmental Damage.

Green Energy is NOT green when it compromises long standing standards of Conservation, Biodiversity and Preservation. Species preservation on a warming Earth is vital to every positive outcome to return Earth's capacity back to 'norms' rather than 'shifting baselines.'

(click title to entry - thank you) ...“We particularly value the administration’s recognition that renewable energy technologies, if not properly planned and sited, could have a disastrous impact on California’s exceedingly fragile deserts, and we look forward to working with the governor’s staff during this process,” Shaw said. “We have to do this quickly, but we have to do this right.”...

Chlorophyll and the ecotones and ecosystems that primary producers support are JUST as valuable if not more so as the alternative energies that seek to destroy them. Destroying conservation and its values along the way to alternative energy sources will make the CO2 content over the USA higher, not lower !

If protections of California's deserts can be appreciated, so can the other sensitive areas of the state.


Mill Creek drainage, San Bernardino National Forest

Apr 09,2007
Environmentalists fight 'green' plan (click here)
by UPI
LOS ANGELES - A push to bring "green energy" to Los Angeles would destroy wildlife preserves and mar scenic vistas, say California environmental activists.
The proposed 85-mile "Green Path" corridor would put power lines and transmission towers through the San Bernardino National Forest and the Big Morongo Wildlife Preserve north of Palm Springs.
The plan to import nonpolluting power is supported by Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, but opposed by more than a dozen preservation and community groups, the Los Angeles Times said.
"Not only is such energy consumption not 'green,' it is unacceptable under any name," said Justin Augustine of the Center for Biological Diversity.
Los Angeles faces strict new state laws to replace polluting coal-fired power with renewable energy.
The Green Path project reflects the complications many communities nationwide face in determining how to bring wind, sun and steam power from remote rural areas to cities, the Times reported.




20 months ago: MORONGO VALLEY, CA - APRIL 11: The San Jacinto Mountains are seen in the distance behind new green growth at a honey mesquite grove as recovery from a 2005 wildfire continues at Big Morongo Wildlife Preserve on April 11, 2007 in Morongo Valley, California. The preserve, faces the prospect of being affected by a proposed plan to build power lines and transmission towers to deliver "green" energy to Los Angeles from geothermal, solar, and nuclear sources in southeastern California near the Salton Sea, and Arizona. The 85-mile-long "Green Path" energy corridor being pushed by Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to bring nonpolluting power to Los Angeles would cut through two desert wildlife preserves, a national forest, and Pioneertown, a set used in the filming of countless westerns. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP) and the mayor have been condemned by more than a dozen preservation and community groups for the project that threatens to destroy wildlife corridors, natural areas, and vistas. Big Morongo Canyon, west of Joshua Tree National Park, is designated by the Bureau of Land Management as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern and is one of the 10 largest cottonwood and willow riparian, or stream, habitats in California. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)

Rick Warren is a DIVIDER, not a uniter. Don't throw 'Mind Speak' at people to well attuned to POLITICS.

The NEOCON Empire Magnets will play the 'touchy, feely, gee ain't we all great routine' until there are no more women's rights including reproductive rights and no more gay/lesbian rights and marriage.

"SLICK."

Warren hosted an AIDS conference because it was a political agenda of the Bush White House. Those seeking 'attention' from the Evangelicals attended. It was controversial for Democrats to be involved with this movement then and it remains so today. It underminds all the 'civil rights' movements today, including gay and women's rights.

Not many women preach there either ! I will never change my mind regarding this issue. Never. Warren is a political icon and he likes it that way. It made him millions if not billions. There are countless others that can perform the invocation without the political razzle-dazzle that Warren demands. It is tasteless power playing and excludes realistic options of those that SHOULD perform the invocation !


The Saddleback Empire (click here) started in 1980 taking on international recognition after the NEOCON media discovered exploiting "A Purpose Driven Life" served their political purposes. Warren's 'spot light' is more than an assault against the line between church and state, it is an assault against civil rights !

Top 50 Most Influential Churches (click here)
The 2005 survey was sent to 2,000 church leaders
Number 1 - Rick Warren - Saddleback, Lake Forest, California
The 2005 survey was sent to 2,000 church leaders with the goal of ranking the nation’s fastest growing churches and churches with more than 2,000 weekend attendance. The 127 churches nominated for the 50 Most Influential Churches survey were located in 32 states and represented 27 affiliation groups and/or denominations. The term affiliation is used to include networks of unaffiliated, independent churches.

"Forty Days of Purpose" - The message of Warren's AGENDA. Video at link below. He currently has something like four or five churches now. How many MINORITY preachers attend to 'The Message' there? This is in CALIFORNIA ! Cal-if-or-knee-ah. Okay? What is the NEOCONS greatest hope? To divide and conquer California. Where was Proposition 8 passed? Yep, California. Don't talk to me about this.

At the core of it all is the fact that God has made all of us to live purpose driven lives. (click here)

33 Days until Inauguration - ...also Chairman of the FINRA Investor Education Foundation

Obama chooses 3 more to take on financial reforms (click here)

Dec. 18, 2008, 11:20AM
By NEDRA PICKLER

Associated Press Writer © 2008 The Associated Press

CHICAGO — President-elect Barack Obama on Thursday named three veteran regulators to help clean up financial debacles that he said occurred because government overseers "dropped the ball."...

'Death Map' Study: Heat Waves Kill More Than Any Other Natural Disaster

..."It's the everyday hazards, such as severe weather (click title to entry - thank you) -- both in the winter and the summer -- and heat that account for the majority of natural hazard fatalities; it's not the big wham-o event like an earthquake or a Katrina that contribute to the long-term pattern," said lead researcher Susan Cutter, director of the university's Hazards & Vulnerability Research Institute....


...Heat/drought (click here) ranked highest among the hazard categories, causing 19.6 percent of total deaths, closely followed by severe summer weather (18.8 percent) and winter weather (18.1 percent). Geophysical events such as earthquakes, wildfires and hurricanes were responsible for less than 5 percent of total hazard deaths combined....


12.18.2008
8:18 AM
2007 U.S. Weather Extremes
Drought, Flood, Wildfires, Hurricanes... (click here)
...The contiguous United States is on pace to reach its 8th hottest year on record in 2007. Here are some of the weather extremes and their impacts recorded this year:
-$1 billion in crop damage was sustained when exceptional late March warmth led to early maturation of plants that were killed when a record April cold snap hit a large portion of the country, from the central Plains to the Southeast.
-More than 2,500 new daily record high temperature records were set in August across the central and southeastern United States.
-Severe to exceptional drought affected most of the Southeast that has continued from midsummer to date, affecting crops, leading to water sharing tension and ongoing water use restrictions. Drought also affected the West, parts of the upper Midwest and parts of the Northeast. Five southeastern states, two Western states and three mid-Atlantic and New England states declared states of emergency due to drought....

This was a mistake? It is definately a political move. "No cone of uncertainty about it."

Warren is NOT the person for the job. He is alienating too many citizens as a return to EVANGELICAL roots. The "PURPOSE DRIVEN MINISTER" is to survive Bush's decline.

I don't appreciate it. He manipulated a question and answer session between Obama and McCain. It isn't right. There needs to be a broader representation of faiths at the Inauguration. I find this choice offensive.

This choice makes little sense if one is to believe Barak Obama believes in Civil Rights for all !

The Warren invocation (click title to entry - thank you)
Evangelical pastor Rick Warren will deliver the invocation at Obama's inauguration. Postpartisanship, or capitulation?

...Warren campaigned for Prop 8 in California and said: "There are about 2% of Americans are homosexual, gay, lesbian people. We should not let 2% of the population...change a definition of marriage that has been supported by every single culture and every single religion for 5,000 years." He doubts evolution and suggests that man and dinosaur cohabited the planet.
He has said that evangelicals could not support a candidate who was a "Holocaust denier" -- by which he meant, pro-choice.
Warren occupies a unique place in American society. He's probably sold more than 20 million books ("The Purpose-Driven Life" is his big hit). He doesn't look like those frothing lunatic preachers who have been so ubiquitous on American television for 40 years. He looks like the guy who works at the bank, or the guy who lives next door. He doesn't have a southern accent.
And he has said – and this is what has turned him into a "moderate" in lazy journalistic shorthand – that evangelicals should care about more things than abortion and gay people. Yippee. For all these reasons, he goes down easier than your average Dixie tub-thumper....

A Faith Bigot through and through. Under-educated in any of the sciences, bigoted because of it and willing to fight for any cause that 'in innuendo' will sell his prophecy enhancing his personal wealth is the ONLY purpose Rick Warren has. He is a 'popularist' choice and demeans the definition of democracy and civil rights.

Warren (click here), a creationist, believes that homosexuality disproves evolution; he told CNN's Larry King in 2005, "If Darwin was right, which is survival of the fittest then homosexuality would be a recessive gene because it doesn't reproduce and you would think that over thousands of years that homosexuality would work itself out of the gene pool."

Sadddleback Church is the fourth largest in the country with weekly attendance of over 23,000. Just imagine where his membership will go now !

The Middle East has a members of every political and religious organization throughout the region.

Is this another Return of the Taliban? Sunny Insurgency? Or election fervor corruption?


23 months ago: A young man signs the condolences book at the Jordanian Baath Party offices in Amman where party officials were receiving condolences following the execution of Iraq's ousted leader Saddam Hussien (portrait) 30 December 2006. Saddam's execution today drew mixed reactions across the Middle East, with some saying he got what he deserved and others hailing him as a martyr. AFP PHOTO/KHALIL MAZRAAWI (Photo credit should read KHALIL MAZRAAWI/AFP/Getty Images)

Iraq Passes Bill on Baathists (click title to entry - thank you)
Plan Would Ease Limits on Former Hussein Followers
By Joshua Partlow and Michael Abramowitz

Washington Post Foreign Service

Sunday, January 13, 2008; Page A01

...The legislation seeks to redress the first order issued by the Coalition Provisional Authority in 2003, the controversial decision that drove thousands of Baath Party members from their jobs and alienated them from Iraq's political process. That decision, along with a move to disband the Iraqi army, is widely believed to have fueled the Sunni insurgency that proved so deadly in the following years....

Now what is the deal? Either the Baathists can organize and participate in politics or they can't and where it the PROOF of a coup besides 'one faciliated by elections?'

Iraqi politicians accused of 'coup' (click here)
More than twenty members of the Iraqi interior ministry, including at least one general, were arrested yesterday allegedly in connection with a plot to revive Saddam Hussein's banned Ba'ath party.

By Tim Butcher, Middle East Correspondent

Last Updated: 2:01PM GMT 18 Dec 2008

The arrests raised fears of a possible coup attempt against Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, the leader whose election was only made possible by the US-led ousting of Saddam's regime five years ago.
News of the arrests added to the already febrile atmosphere in Iraq in the run-up to next month's provincial elections.
One senior parliamentarian sought to defuse public concern over the arrests by describing suggestions of a coup as an "exaggeration''.
Nevertheless the arrests raised questions about the durability of Mr Maliki's government after Robert Gates, US defence secretary, confirmed the US-led occupation of Iraq had entered its "endgame''....

Conspiracy? (click here)
35 Iraqi officials arrested, some for links to Al Awda
18.December 2008, 08:48
35 officials were arrested for allegedly working secretly to restore Suddam Hussein's outlawed Baath Party in Iraq. Anonymous inside sources told the New York Times the arrests were politically motivated and ordered by Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki in the lead up to provincial elections. The Times reported four of the arrested officials were generals....