Morning Brief, Monday, June 12
Bush's war council at Camp David early this week was meant to review progress in Iraq and give everyone at the table a moment for a little self-congratulating over Zarqawi's death. But then Guantanamo reared its ugly head. After a disjointed response over the weekend, the military is now looking into procedural changes that could ...
Bush's war council at Camp David early this week was meant to review progress in Iraq and give everyone at the table a moment for a little self-congratulating over Zarqawi's death. But then Guantanamo reared its ugly head. After a disjointed response over the weekend, the military is now looking into procedural changes that could prevent future suicides. The BBC is reporting that one of the three detainees who committed suicide on Saturday was due to be freed soon, though other reports indicate that Mani Shaman Turki al-Habardi al-Utaybi, a Saudi Arabian, was due to be transferred into detention in another country.
Bush's war council at Camp David early this week was meant to review progress in Iraq and give everyone at the table a moment for a little self-congratulating over Zarqawi's death. But then Guantanamo reared its ugly head. After a disjointed response over the weekend, the military is now looking into procedural changes that could prevent future suicides. The BBC is reporting that one of the three detainees who committed suicide on Saturday was due to be freed soon, though other reports indicate that Mani Shaman Turki al-Habardi al-Utaybi, a Saudi Arabian, was due to be transferred into detention in another country.
Zarqawi lived for nearly an hour after the bombs hit his safe house north of Baghdad. The myth-making begins.
Iran gives the first indication that some of the diplomatic incentives aren't to its liking:
Iran has not responded to the offer, and it underlined Sunday that it would not be rushed. Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi insisted that Iran was not stalling over the package and would take "as long as is necessary" to study it.
He said at a news conference that the package includes "points which are acceptable. There are points which are ambiguous. There are points that should be strengthened, and points that we believe should not exist."
Not to be outdone or ignored, North Korea may be preparing to test an intercontinental ballistic missle that could hit the US.
The EU agrees to start Turkey talks despite an objection from Cyprus, though Turkish enthusiasm for accession may be waning. Israeli PM Olmert is in London to discuss withdrawal from the West Bank.
Hmmm. Karzai announces plans to arm tribesmen in order to fight the recent Taliban resurgence. Do we really want to rearm/recreate militias that may be loyal to warlords?
Amnesty International accuses China of fueling conflicts by selling arms to questionable regimes. Beijing fires the Olympic chief in charge of construction over charges of massive corruption.
Mallaby thinks Bolton's bluster at the UN has backfired. An interview with Darfur's janjaweed chief.
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