THE FLASHLIGHT, June 14-20, 2008
THE FLASHLIGHT
June 14-20, 2008
No Peace without Justice, no Justice without the Facts
Mary K. Matossian, Editor
World Economy
CNN 6-13. The Saudis, fearing that today’s high oil prices may reduce economic growth, may decide to increase oil production. In the US and other developing countries, high oil prices are reducing demand for oil, which may make alternatives fuels more viable.
In the US, oil prices in 2008 alone have risen 40%. The world oil price could reach $200 a barrel.
Iraq
The Economist 6-14. While the US was focused on the Democratic primaries, the Iraqi government of Nuri al-Maliki grew rich on rising oil profits. Moqtada as-Sadr decided not to resist the government’s occupation of Basra and Sadr City in Baghdad.
Sectarian violence has abated somewhat, simply because ethnic cleansing has been completed in many areas. But political leaders are still fractious and corrupt. There is a lack of jobs, clean water, and electricity. Compared with May of last year, both US military casualties and Iraqi civilian casualties are down. Al-Qaeda is weaker, but still strong in Mosul and Diyala.
NY Times 6-14. The US is negotiating with the Maliki government on the reauthorization for its troops to operate there. The US wants to maintain over 50 permanent military bases, immunity from Iraqi law for its private contractors (such as Blackwater). The Shia government calls these demands an infringement of Iraqi sovereignty.
Israel/Palestine
NYTimes. Ethan Bronner. 6-15. After a year in power, Hamas is firmly in control of the 1.4 million Palestinians in Gaza. There is no cursing, kissing, or drinking in public. More women are covered, more men have beards. Non-Hamas public meetings are barred. The Internet is filtered. Taxes and fees are collected. Streets and hospitals are cleaner. Using tunnels under the Gulf of Aqaba, the Gazans import computers, cigarettes, gasoline, and clothing from Egypt.
The Hamas leaders are now saying that if Isael returns to its 1967 borders, grants a Palestinian state, and deals with the rights of refugees, then Hamas will declare a long-term truce.
NYTimes 6-18. Israel and Hamas, mediated by Egypt, agree to a cease fire. 6-19 BBC. The cease-fire begins.
US Politics
CNN 6-16. Al Gore endorses Obama.
Obama will go both to Iraq and Afghanistan before the election.
He says if elected he will invest billions in energy production and send more students to college.
There is a morale gap between Democrats and Republicans. 87% of Democrats are fired up for the campaign, and only 34% of Republicans are.
NYTimes 6-16. In a large black church, Obama calls for black fathers to take more responsibility for their children. More than half of all black children are raised in a single parent home.
PBS 6-16. Congress prepares to curb international oil speculators.
Science
CBS 6-15. Scientists are exploring the many important functions of sleep. Sleep enhances memory: it’s best to get a good night’s sleep before an examination instead of cramming late.
Sleep-deprived people are more likely to suffer from mood swings and intense emotional responses, uncontrollable by reason.
They are also more prone to feelings of hunger, and hence get obese.
Humor
NYTimes 6-16. Do you remember the children’s book, “Goodnight Moon”? There is now a parody of it. Instead of a bedroom, the scene is the situation room. In bed, instead of a bunny is George W. Bush in a Mission Accomplished flight suit. The three little bears sitting on chairs are three war profiteers giving three cheers. The little old lady whispering “Hush” is Dick Cheney, sitting in a rocking chair promoting war in a rush, with a shotgun on his lap and bunny slippers on his feet.
June 14-20, 2008
No Peace without Justice, no Justice without the Facts
Mary K. Matossian, Editor
World Economy
CNN 6-13. The Saudis, fearing that today’s high oil prices may reduce economic growth, may decide to increase oil production. In the US and other developing countries, high oil prices are reducing demand for oil, which may make alternatives fuels more viable.
In the US, oil prices in 2008 alone have risen 40%. The world oil price could reach $200 a barrel.
Iraq
The Economist 6-14. While the US was focused on the Democratic primaries, the Iraqi government of Nuri al-Maliki grew rich on rising oil profits. Moqtada as-Sadr decided not to resist the government’s occupation of Basra and Sadr City in Baghdad.
Sectarian violence has abated somewhat, simply because ethnic cleansing has been completed in many areas. But political leaders are still fractious and corrupt. There is a lack of jobs, clean water, and electricity. Compared with May of last year, both US military casualties and Iraqi civilian casualties are down. Al-Qaeda is weaker, but still strong in Mosul and Diyala.
NY Times 6-14. The US is negotiating with the Maliki government on the reauthorization for its troops to operate there. The US wants to maintain over 50 permanent military bases, immunity from Iraqi law for its private contractors (such as Blackwater). The Shia government calls these demands an infringement of Iraqi sovereignty.
Israel/Palestine
NYTimes. Ethan Bronner. 6-15. After a year in power, Hamas is firmly in control of the 1.4 million Palestinians in Gaza. There is no cursing, kissing, or drinking in public. More women are covered, more men have beards. Non-Hamas public meetings are barred. The Internet is filtered. Taxes and fees are collected. Streets and hospitals are cleaner. Using tunnels under the Gulf of Aqaba, the Gazans import computers, cigarettes, gasoline, and clothing from Egypt.
The Hamas leaders are now saying that if Isael returns to its 1967 borders, grants a Palestinian state, and deals with the rights of refugees, then Hamas will declare a long-term truce.
NYTimes 6-18. Israel and Hamas, mediated by Egypt, agree to a cease fire. 6-19 BBC. The cease-fire begins.
US Politics
CNN 6-16. Al Gore endorses Obama.
Obama will go both to Iraq and Afghanistan before the election.
He says if elected he will invest billions in energy production and send more students to college.
There is a morale gap between Democrats and Republicans. 87% of Democrats are fired up for the campaign, and only 34% of Republicans are.
NYTimes 6-16. In a large black church, Obama calls for black fathers to take more responsibility for their children. More than half of all black children are raised in a single parent home.
PBS 6-16. Congress prepares to curb international oil speculators.
Science
CBS 6-15. Scientists are exploring the many important functions of sleep. Sleep enhances memory: it’s best to get a good night’s sleep before an examination instead of cramming late.
Sleep-deprived people are more likely to suffer from mood swings and intense emotional responses, uncontrollable by reason.
They are also more prone to feelings of hunger, and hence get obese.
Humor
NYTimes 6-16. Do you remember the children’s book, “Goodnight Moon”? There is now a parody of it. Instead of a bedroom, the scene is the situation room. In bed, instead of a bunny is George W. Bush in a Mission Accomplished flight suit. The three little bears sitting on chairs are three war profiteers giving three cheers. The little old lady whispering “Hush” is Dick Cheney, sitting in a rocking chair promoting war in a rush, with a shotgun on his lap and bunny slippers on his feet.
posted by THE FLASHLIGHT at 5:32 AM
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