So, I read in the paper that the unemployment figures are improving – and I raced to the Bureau of Labor Statistics to see for myself. Well, it didn’t look so hot to me – 9.4% – increasing at about 0.5%/month [just like it has been][just like it did through the early 1930’s]. Then I […]
Former CIA station chief challenges claims that torture thwarted terror attacks Raw Story By Larisa Alexandrovna June 2, 2009 Milton Bearden, a former Central Intelligence Agency Pakistan station chief who served at the agency for three decades, says claims that the Bush administration’s so-called enhanced interrogation techniques saved American lives are likely false. The retired […]
Great expectations met By Gideon Levy Neither Tel Aviv nor Ramallah held their breaths Thursday as the American president gave a speech in Cairo; the traffic in both crowded cities continued normally. Tel Aviv was indifferent, Ramallah sunk in desperation: Both cities have already had their fill of nice, historic speeches. Nonetheless, no one can […]
Guest Post by Amjad Atallah: First Thoughts on Obama’s Speech Washington Note Jun 04 2009 Amjad Atallah co-directs the New America Foundation/Middle East Task Force. President Obama today delivered an exemplary speech that has the potential to significantly advance America’s national security interests in the Middle East. He spoke, as he has here at home, […]
Tiller suspect calls AP, says he’s not ‘a criminal’ In a brief phone interview with The Associated Press, Scott Roeder complained he is "being treated as a criminal" even though he hasn’t been convicted of killing abortion provider Dr. George Tiller. The 51-year-old Roeder called AP today from the Sedgwick County Jail and spoke for […]
Why Did CIA Hide Dick Cheney’s Role in Briefing? By emptywheel on Porter Goss 06/03/2009 Thanks to the WaPo for confirming something I guessed last month. Back then, I wrote, I’m going to make a wildarsed guess and suggest that when the CIA lists "not available " in a series of 2005 torture briefings to […]
All of us share this world for but a brief moment in time. The question is whether we spend that time focused on what pushes us apart, or whether we commit ourselves to an effort – a sustained effort – to find common ground, to focus on the future we seek for our children, and […]
I read with amazement some of the comments about Obama’s speech – comments that he didn’t offer enough "concrete plans" or that he wasn’t "strong enough" on some point or another. Those comments miss the mark. We’ve heard "concrete plans" and "strength without equal" for years, and nothing changed. He spoke to the human and […]
Affidavit says Scott Roeder had $10 before slaying WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Scott Roeder had $10 to his name. A financial affidavit for the Kansas City, Mo., man charged in the killing of abortion provider Dr. George Tiller shows a man with little money and checkered employment. The 51-year-old Roeder was charged Tuesday with first-degree […]
I know that President Obama is headed to Egypt to try to begin a long overdue dialog with the Moslem World. But that will be everywhere – Television, Youtube, the Internet. Who needs another blogger commenting on his bravery in walking into the eye of the storm. I’m still back with the last Administration, thinking […]