13. november 2003

France and Germany to unite? What was unthinkable just a few years ago is actually now proposed in full seriousness: A real, close union of former arch-foes Germany and France. There are talks about a common Franco-German parliament, a common defence and foreign policy (the topics the EU does try to harmonise, yet), and even France sharing its permanent seat on the UN Security Council with Germany. Before the conflict with the US over Iraq, the populations of the two countries would be absolutely disgusted with the mere idea. Now they are reportedly warming to it, seeing the US as the common enemy. They are also trying to sway the UK to join the wimpy side in the conflict with Washington, but I would not expect too much success there. The ironic thing is that they can thank George Bush for their current good relationship. 10:50:44 PM    comment []  trackback []

More power to Iraqi council now, constitution work delayed Amid a crackdown on militants, Bush is adjusting US policy towards the transfer of power. The administration seems to have agreed to transfer more power to the interrim governing council before any elections. Condoleezza Rice insists that "nothing has changed" and then explains what has: ''We're trying to be flexible and respond to the fact that the governing council and other Iraqis believe that that timeline is probably longer for a permanent constitution than they believe accords with their ability to take on certain responsibilities and functions,'' Rice said. ''So it's the timeline on (completion of) the permanent constitution that's really extended.'' I have to say I am a bit uneasy about some of those people in the governing council. They are not used to democracy, they may have personal agendas, and they don't answer to the Iraqi people. It may be in their interest to work very slow and ineffectively on the constitution-creating process. It's imperative that those who do the job have an incentive to work effectively, but this council has an incentive for the opposite if the members want to cling to whatever power they got. 9:04:42 PM    comment []  trackback []

Filibuster Republicans are angered by having four of President Bush's judicial nominees blocked by filibusters from the Democrat minority, and are now staging a massive non-stop speakathlon in the Senate to demonstrate. A dozen TV cameras recorded the drama Wednesday of Republican cots rolling into the Strom Thurmond Room outside the Senate chamber. I wonder if they see the irony in this, considering the late Senator Thurmond's (in hindsight) embarrassing and famous use of the filibuster tactic earlier: The record for the longest individual speech goes to South Carolina's J. Strom Thurmond who filibustered for 24 hours and 18 minutes against the Civil Rights Act of 1957. What comes around, goes around. 8:47:24 AM    comment []  trackback []

Oh Horror! Mom finds blog! A hilarious article in classic Onion style: Mom Lillian finds Kevin Widmar's blog through google. In an e-mail sent to Widmar Monday, Lillian reported in large purple letters that she was "VERY EXCITED :)!!!" to find his "computer diary," but was perplexed that he hadn't mentioned it to her. Upon receipt of the e-mail, Widmar mentally raced through the contents of his blog. He immediately thought of several dozen posts in which he mentioned drinking, drug use, casual sex, and other behavior likely to alarm his mother. "I don't have one of those sites that's a big tell-all about one-night stands and wild parties," Widmar said. "I mostly write about the animation I like or little things that happen to me and my friends. But there are definitely things in there that I wouldn't, well, write home to Mom about." So, does your mom know abow about your blog? 4:55:06 AM    comment []  trackback []

HIV vaccine test fails Extensive testing in Thailand of the proposed HIV/AIDS vaccine AIDSVAX leads to the unfortunate conclusion it does not have any effect whatsoever. Earlier testing showed some faint promise for it working on Asians, but these hopes are now shattered. 3:06:48 AM    comment []  trackback []

Koreans want loud beep on mobile cameras Koreans have been alarmed by the use of mobile cameras to take embarrassing pictures of unsuspecting people, and have now ordered manufacturers to install a loud (65db) beep to warn surroundings when a mobile phone's camera function is used. MobileAsses are in danger if this regulation spreads. 12:51:20 AM    comment []  trackback []

Malaysian Islamic party wants Sharia laws Malaysias largest opposition party, the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), has promised to implement strict sharia laws if it wins power in the upcoming election. However, it says these laws, which include stoning and amputations as punishment for a range of offenses, will not apply to non-Muslims. Observers consider it very unlikely the party will win power in the elections. 12:37:39 AM    comment []  trackback []

© Copyright 2003 Jan Haugland. Last update: 01.12.2003; 12:12:14.