January 2005

There were 85 posts published in January 2005 (this is page 6 of 15).

Signs of Desperation

Boom:

A series of suicide car bomb attacks rocked Baghdad yesterday killing up to 26 people.
At least four separate bombs went off within 90 minutes of each other in a coordinated strike. The US military said 26 people were killed, although Iraqi officials put the toll lower at around 12 dead.

Four car bombs in one morning: what does that suggest regarding the supply of cars, bombs, and suicide bombers in the region? They’ve apparently got an assembly line in operation there.
We’re continually told that these bombings are an effort to thwart the upcoming elections. I’m not up on the insurgent play book, but if I was planning toward that end, I’d be storing up the big fireworks for the week of the election. Which makes you wonder: if we’re seeing this level of violence now, how much worse might it get by election day?

“World Fears New Bush Era”

Great headline:

A poll of 21 countries published yesterday – reflecting opinion in Africa, Latin America, North America, Asia and Europe – showed that a clear majority have grave fears about the next four years.
Fifty-eight per cent of the 22,000 who took part in the poll, commissioned by the BBC World Service, said they expected Mr Bush to have a negative impact on peace and security, compared with only 26% who considered him a positive force.

Count me in with the 58%.

Hinting A “New Tone”

WaPo strives to entertain readers with an A1 “analysis” piece on the reflective, more accommodating George W. Bush:

President Bush is a politician with large ambitions and few doubts, someone not easily given to mea culpas. But in the run-up to today’s inauguration, he has at least hinted at some of the lessons learned in office. From his relations with Democrats in Congress to his approach to the rest of the world, Bush has suggested he will try to strike a different tone — without abandoning principles or policies.

Let’s see, if the White House isn’t changing any “principles” or policies, what’s left to change? Some cosmetic packaging? No more “bring ’em on”? A few policy of honesty?
I’m not buying this spin, and I hope Democratic leaders aren’t either. Thus far, we’ve seen just the opposite of accommodation, such as when Bush renominated the federal judges the Democrats had held up last term. So Democrats, don’t fall for this Rovian spin, until you start seeing substantive changes. And don’t start wetting your pants over being labeled “obstructionist” if you don’t play along with Rove’s game. Someday soon it might be politically advantageous not to be affiliated with team Bush.

A Celebration of Special Interests

Positive thought for the day:

America has survived bad presidents before.

Today’s forecast for the coronation on The Hill: mostly cloudy, cold.
Four-year forecast for 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue: mostly incompetent, 50% chance of disaster.
Viewing tip: Don’t watch the festivities on a full stomach.

Closing Borders

One day closer to freedom in Iraq.
Maybe I’m missing something here, but if we haven’t been able to stop people from coming across the border before, what makes the election commission think they can shut down the border over the election period?