Ship of Fools 2

The expression “Ship of Fools” was used by a Swiss theologian 515 years ago as the title of a book harshly criticizing the Catholic church of his day. Its licentiousness, he foresaw, would lead to disaster. And indeed, shortly afterward a monk named Martin Luther...

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WikiLeaks on Cuba:
US Undermines Dissidents

Editor's note: Justin Raimondo is taking the holiday off but will be back Monday, Dec. 27. The WikiLeaks revelations continue to pour in, the latest including revealing material on the intimate and always troubled relationship between Cuban dissidents and the US...

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Sunday: 15 Iraqis Killed, 8 Wounded

At least four Iraqis were killed and eight more were wounded in the latest attacks, while 11 badly decomposed bodies were discovered in a mass grave. It is expected that Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki will unveil his new cabinet tomorrow. Iraqiya leader Ayad Allawi will be watching carefully, making sure Maliki sticks to his promise to fairly distribute the streets.
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Saturday: 8 Iraqis Wounded

Reports of violence are still scant following the Ashura observances, but at least eight Iraqis were wounded in at least three explosions in Baghdad. Meanwhile, the Electricity Ministry has opened bidding to foreign companies on four new power stations that could boost production. Last summer, the lack of electricity lead to riots in southern Iraq.
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Friday: 8 Iraqis Wounded

At least eight Iraqis were wounded during the latest attacks. Although Ashuraa observances have ended, pilgrims on their way home are targets for new violence. Meanwhile, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that authorizes $160 billion towards wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Also, the U.N.’s High Commission for Refugees criticized Sweden for repatriating five Iraqi Christians who failed to win asylum.
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US Readies New Sanctions on Iran Ahead of Talks

The Barack Obama administration is preparing a new batch of sanctions against Iran to be announced next week in advance of nuclear talks in Turkey. Two Iran experts in Washington who are usually well briefed about U.S. Iran policy said more Iranian officials would be...

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