International News

[Sharpieman]

Iraqi PM declares state of emergency: http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/meast/...ain/index.html

European nations close to deal with Iran: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,137850,00.html

[Dutch]

I'm going to guess there is a reason you are posting these particular links? But I'll let you announce your reasoning.

[Chief Rum]

I don't see too much to comment on here other than the Iran negotiations.

Allawi's announcement is no surprise, given a major offensive is about to begin inside his country, Hidden in that announcement is the fact that Iraqi special forces captured the Fallujah hospital without firing a shot (except for an accidental discharge). That's great news for two reasons--now the medical personnel there can work without fear from insurgents, and hey, look, Iraq has special forces!

I would regard the deal with Iran with more trepidation if Britain wasn't involved in negotiations. If it was just Germany and France negotiating the deal, I would pretty much assume those guys would bend over for Iran, but I know Britain wouldn't. I reserve full judgement, though, until we see what the terms of the deal are.

CR

[Sharpieman]

I just posted because I didn't know if anyone knew these things were going on. These are pretty major things going on. In regards to the state of emergency news, it looks like the coalition forces are about to go into Falluja (sp?) with a full assualt, maybe its time that we pray for the troops who are about to put their lives on the line.

Also, I saw the second story as good news, let Germany and France bend over backwards as long as Iran isn't creating nuclear weapons. Hopefully the deal is agreed to and that situation is diffused for awhile.

[Dutch]

I think it's great that France and Germany are doing something besides complaining about how evil Bush is. Let's hope they are successful, along with the work horse English.