From the fine folks at McClatchy in DC we learn that State orders flak jackets in Baghdad’s Green Zone

BAGHDAD – The dress code at the Blue Star restaurant inside Baghdad’s Green Zone now calls for vest and hat.

Flak vest and Kevlar helmet, to be precise. And it’s a good thing.

At least four mortar rounds hit inside the Green Zone about 1:30 p.m. Saturday, killing two Iraqi civilians, according to a U.S. soldier who could not speak for attribution because he’s not authorized to talk to reporters.

Meanwhile, a State Department official, after initially denying that State had ordered its 1,000 Baghdad personnel to wear protective gear, said that a copy of the order obtained by McClatchy was an undiscussable security breach.

[Read more →]

In the interest of comity, Mr Chertoff, I have found that 7 grams of NaHCO₃ in 100 milliliters of H₂O [or a teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water, if you are doing this at home] works wonders for “gut feelings.” Oh, cover your mouth when you belch.

These people have absolutely no shame. As Juan Cole writes: Al-Qaeda regaining strength

Al-Qaeda is the strongest it has been since 2001, we are told, and firming up its base in the tribal areas of northern Pakistan.

Could there be a more trenchant critique of George W. Bush’s supposed ‘war on terror?’ Do a calculation of what he has spent on fighting an unnecessary and counter-productive Iraq War, and what he has spent actually trying to bring Bin Laden and the ever more garrulous Ayman al-Zawahiri to justice.

Obviously not enough because CNN reports that Newly released bin Laden video calls for martyrdom.

[Read more →]

While this topic is normally covered by Ellroon of Rants from the Rookery I have noticed a pattern emerging from recent reports of British actions in Basra and along the Iran-Iraq border.

While movie goers are accustomed to hearing the head of the British secret service referred as “M,” I think it is becoming clear that his real identity is Mr. Toad.

La Fête Nationale

Bastille Day

Thank you for the help with the Revolution.

Happy Birthday Александра.

Some background.