In what may become a landmark decision, a federal appeals court ruled Monday that the "state secrets privilege" – routinely used by the government to block lawsuits against its officials – can only be used to contest specific evidence, but not to dismiss an entire suit. The ruling, which was hailed by human rights advocates, …
Continue reading “Court Reins in ‘State Secrets’ Privilege”
Mohammed al-Sheikh Yousef could save his eyesight if only he could cross the border out of Gaza. He was denied a permit by Israel; he got one from Egypt, but not for someone to accompany him. And he can’t go on his own, because he cannot see very well. "If Mohammed does not get out …
Continue reading “Gazans Desperate for Medical Care Denied”
As the White House prepares the ground for direct diplomacy with Iran on a handful of issues, a group of Iran hawks gathered in Washington to discuss their views on how to handle what they describe as a "series of provocative actions" by Tehran beyond its ongoing nuclear development. Some of their comments revealed a …
Continue reading “Hawks Look for New Ways to Package Iran Views”
Only one Iraqi death was reported on an otherwise busy news day. In Baghdad, officials are demanding an apology from U.S. forces over a botched raid in Kut. Meanwhile, the only confirmation of Abu Omar al-Baghdadi appears to be his picture. Also, a number of people celebrated what would have been Saddam Hussein’s 72nd birthday. There is also a possible loss of life in a bomb blast involving U.S. troops near Baquba.
Heed Machiavelli and Eisenhower, says Jeff Huber
They may be worse than Abu Ghraib, says William Fisher
David R. Henderson on who’s against torture trials, and why
Updated at 6:19 p.m. EDT, April, 26, 2009
Some Iraqi politicians are demanding that U.S. soldiers involved in a deadly raid yesterday be tried in Iraqi courts. Otherwise, the day remained rather quiet in Iraq. Only four Iraqis were reported killed and 10 more were wounded. Meanwhile, the Iraqi archbishop condemned yesterday’s attacks on Christians in Mosul as religious terrorism. Also, the Commission on Wartime Contracting uncovered alarming security problems involving Ugandan and other African troops at U.S. bases in Iraq.
Philip Giraldi delves into the Jane Harman case
Scott Horton interviews Rep. Ron Paul
