Several interesting stories being filed today.
AP: A U.S. contractor was found mysteriously dead, sickness his laptop stolen, and Ahmed Chalabi mentioned among others in the article. Dale Stoffel apparently complained — a big no-no.
AFP: U.S. General John Abizaid states that forces have been cut by up to 20 percent in teh past couple months.
AP: The four members of the Christian Peacemaker Team, who have been kidnapped in IRaq for for over two months, appeared once again on Al-Jazeera, pleaing for their release. The group said it was their “last chance” for freedom from their captors, from the previously unknown Swords of Righteousness Brigade.
Reuters: A Sunni academic who condemned the presence of U.S. troops in Iraq and was often a commentator on both Al Jazeera and Al Arabiya television was killed today.
Serious action is finally being taken today to push for a filibuster blocking the nomination of Samuel Alito. A filibuster would require 41 votes from senate and there are 44 democrats. Grab a hold of the activism protruding from the left blogosphere here, here, here, and here.
Thanks,very interesting and useful post
Aditionally, AFP reports on the IRaq hostage crisis and also mentions that 419 detainees in U.S. and IRaqi custody who were being held without trial were released on Thursday.