from SLATE's daily news summary (5/17/06):
The NYT off-lead announces, "C.I.A. MAKING RAPID STRIDES FOR
REGROWTH." The story is full of positive stats that have "not been previously disclosed": The agency, said unnamed agency officials, is on its way to tripling the number training officers in five years. The CIA has also opened "more than 20" stations abroad.<
the spooks are back!
A front-page piece in the Post says the U.S. is "secretly supporting
secular warlords" in Somalia who have been fighting Islamist groups in Mogadishu. About 150 people were killed in fighting over the weekend spearheaded by the warlords. "We would prefer that the U.S. work with the transitional government and not with criminals," said Somalia's transitional prime minister, though some consider him a warlord too. One analyst offered a larger perspective: "If the real problem is Somalia, then what have we done to change the situation inside Somalia? Are we funding schools, health care or helping establish an effective government?"...< the forgotten war! and local news: >USAT reports on government-made flashcards to help potential citizens learn about the U.S. Question 80 asks, "Name one right or freedom guaranteed by the First Amendment." Freedom of speech, religion, assembly and the right to petition the government all make the list.< do you know which freedom is missing? -- Jim Devine / "the world still seems stuck in greed-lock, ruled by fossilized fools fueled by fossil fuels." -- Swami Beyondananda
