Evening Notes
Despite the valiant efforts of Arthur Chrenkoff, and others, good news from Iraq is not given extensive coverage in the mainstream. In less than two weeks, the people of Iraq WILL VOTE. This is good news, even if there is violence and cries of illegitimacy. This weeks Homespun Symposium takes up the question of the elections in Iraq. While my answer will have to wait... others issues will not.
Candidates Killed
Three candidates for office in Iraq have been killed. It is my sincere hope that the Iraqi people recognize these men as patriots for free Iraq. It is unclear what their political views may or may not have been, other than party affiliation or being of the Sunni (2) and Shi’a faith, but these men have chosen to participate despite the obvious threats and intimidation, and have given their lives for Iraq. For that, they should be remembered.
Additionally, a homicide bomber blew up his vehicle at a security gate outside the SCIRI offices in Baghdad. SCIRI is a Shi'a party, seen by many as close to Iran, and a party likely to have some success in the upcoming elections. Two guards were reportedly killed.
D.C. Standoff
A man in a red van has threatened to blow it up. Some reports claim that this a domestic issue, he wants his daughter back, and the authorities are apparently still in talks with him.
China and the Big Blue
A must read article from Bill Gertz at the Washington Times. The Chinese are strengthening and lengthening their sea power. We'll discuss this more later tonight, hopefully with the aid of the blogosphere's better analysts.
