fairly effective Iraq/us war of independence parallel.

Iran + US ambassadors been in Baghdad: "Before leaving the room, al-Maliki told both sides that Iraqis wanted a stable country free of foreign forces and regional interference."

On the eschatology of Shi'ism

This author just claimed (on NPR) that the Army & CIA monitor the price of an AK-47 in potential hot spots to predict when violence might break out (price jumps -> people are arming up). Anyone have more support for this?

Extending the 'partition Iraq' argument ad absurdum. Redraw the nation-states of the Middle East, adding 'Islamic Holy State' and 'Free Baluchistan,' etc. West Bank status unresolved, just to let us know that the map doesn't have internal logic. (via rc3

see prev del.icio.us post

Photo of random intersection in Turkey claimed to be in Baghdad by GOP candidate, blogs identify exact spot. The story wierded me out today, and then I get a post about it in my RSS. wheels in wheels

Coulter referred to Tillman as "virtuous, pure, masculine like only an American male can be."

george bush text adventure

opinion piece by Anatol Leiven originally in the FT.

Giuliana Sgrena è libera. Assassinato il suo liberatore