- Sunni political groups clash over ones choice to join in a coalition with the Kurds and now a reported Shiite bloc. This will hopefully have some effect in splitting the Sunnis and isolating the insurgents but may cause more fighting in process. Also a coalition between the Sunnis and the Kurds is the best bet to keep the Shiite block well below the 180 seats it needs to form a majority government. We don't know what the numbers are exactly right now and it may be several weeks until we do. Id project that whether or not the government is formed between all three parties or just a Shiite bloc will matter little

The White House has acted unusually WRT the coup set up by AEI pretty boy and neocon darling, Ahmed Chalabi. It's hard to say if they're being genuine or not; I doubt it. To have a man who is a powerful friend to Washington, Iran, and oil in such an opportunity for big oil to move on with the invasion of Iraq.

The White House said "It is not up to the United States, it is up to the Iraqi people to make those decisions and it's up to their government that is elected by the Iraqi people to make those decisions." But no one elected Chalabi to anything, and I don't think the government has the balls to do much of anything right now. We'll see how this test-tube democracy handles this, I'm not optimistic, and I think the Iraqi public will see though any cover or distractions thrown up for, or by, Chalabi.

Also in Iraq, the US tried (and is trying) to appoint a secular Sunni (ex-batthist and veteran of the old Iraqi army) as a leader in the new Iraqi army. He was to have control (as far as military control) of sensitive regions in Baghdad including the Green Zone and the road to Baghdad International Airport. This was seen as a way to bridge the gap between Sunni and Shiite but instead my prove to the Sunnis that the powerful Shiite bloc has no intentions to share power. Primarily in the Shiite dominated security forces that are quietly waging a dirty war in the face of constant attacks by the insurgency and foreign terrorists.

Finally, 30 civilians were killed by a suicide bomber today at a funeral for a Shiite politicians family member. Other violence made today the deadliest day since the Dec. 15^th parliamentary elections.

- Although relations between India and Pakistan have warmed since all hell almost broke loose in 2001, tensions still remain today.

- Bush returned to attacking Dems over the so called USA PATRIOT ACT yesterday. He may want to recall that it is being held up by both parties with the leadership of the Dems via Russ Feingold. Instead of complaining he should learn something. L E A D E R S H I P! Mr. President.

On Bush, Larry Johnson calls him out after using inappropriate analogies to place himself on par with the brave soldiers who have risked it all for neocon ideals. The key word here is 'injury.' Johnson sets it up with

he is visiting U.S. soldiers who are missing arms, legs, and eyes. Some soldiers are horribly mutilated from wounds suffered in Iraq. Most of the soldiers Bush visited were not "injured", they were "wounded". You get wounds in combat. You get injured while playing football or cutting brush.

and now the shame of a president at Brooke Army Medical Center

" As you can possibly see, I have an injury myself -- not here at the hospital, but in combat with a Cedar. I eventually won. The Cedar gave me a little scratch. As a matter of fact, the Colonel asked if I needed first aid when she first saw me. I was able to avoid any major surgical operations here, but thanks for your compassion, Colonel."

What a shame.

- Now that the Arbamoff story is official, Republicans, and likely some Dems as well, are scurring into their holes to wait for the heavy hand of justice (or what's left of it). This is all quite similar to Saddam isn’t it, only I doubt that any Washington-ite would dare get his or her clothes dirty in a hole in the ground, and faced with a country club prison, the message is 'why not?'

The Real Abramoff Scandal: A Viewer's Guide

Some interesting spin and speculation is erupting for major blogs on the left, as are the right-wing blogs I'd imagine. Some of the better ones are listed here

Chris Matthews implicated in Abramoff scandal

Abramoff prosecutor has reported ties to DeLay defense

Religious Right Leaders Implicated in Abramoff Scandal

Bush's connections to Abramoff. In 2002 Bush Obstructed Justice For Jack, Recount Bill NEVER PAID

On the topic of political scandals, Aril Sharon may be in some hot water as well.

- Swampfoot has audio up from lasts night showdown between late night funny man David Letterman and prime time liar bill O'Reilly. Dave thinks 60% of what Bill says is crap, obviously Dave has a little conservative streak but who can blame him? Having all that money and all.

Downloads here.

Posted by Geoff