Some news articles on the web:
- Human Rights Watch has a new report that explores the connections between the interests of western oil companies and violence in souther Sudan. Western companies have been aware that the revenues that they handed over to the government were used to perpetuate war against the south, consequently opening up new oil fields.
- New York Times reports that Hezbollah is operating in southern Iraq with the assistance of Iran. The noted terrorist organization is not conducting actions against occupational forces; it is created political organization among the Shia in support of Iranian interests. The writer speculates that Iran is using Hezbollah to warn US: the Bush administration and the Pentagon have not committed to dismantling a terrorist organization (People's Mujahadeen) that Hussein had created to attack Iranian interests.
- New York Times has an amusing piece on Tash Ma Tash, a television comedy from Saudi Arabia. The show mocks conservative social customs, especially as they limit the actions of women.
- UK Foreign Minister Jack Straw has recommended a rapid transfer of sovereignty in Iraq.
- UK will veto the EU constitution because, "on the matters of tax, social security and the EU budget, we oppose any move away from unanimity," according to Tony Blair. For all the people who complain that EU cannot work because agreement is impossible, they should point their fingers squarely at Blair, the chief obstructionist.
